Category: Colombia Top List Travel
Source: https://top-list.co/top-things-to-know-before-traveling-to-colombia-v11024.html
- You don’t need to be too concerned about safety, but do follow a few guidelines
- Colombia’s temperature is determined by altitude rather than the season
- Colombia has a diversity of landscapes
- Something you should bring to Colombia
- Colombia has busy weekends and holidays
- Colombia is not a cheap country
- Before you go, learn some Spanish
- You should consider how you will get around
- You can’t see everything in Colombia
- Colombians are very helpful and friendly
- Food Specialty in Colombia
- Traditional Festivals
You don’t need to be too concerned about safety, but do follow a few guidelines
When you arrive in Colombia, you will be amazed by the country’s beauty and the people’s kindness. However, according to some people, when it comes to safety, Colombia does not have the best reputation. It is not only Colombia that is affected, but also other countries on the continent. Nevertheless, you won’t have to be concerned about your safety. In fact, the safety situation has greatly improved in recent years, and if you follow the basic safety rules, you will have no problem at all.
In short, you need to be careful and follow the guidelines to have the best experience in this country. For example, you should not carry valuables such as jewelry and cash in plain sight. If you have a valuable camera, consider carrying it in a plain bag and checking your surroundings before using it. In addition, you should carry your bag on the side facing the street when walking on the side of the road. Moreover, don’t take (illegal) street taxis. To order taxis, download the Uber or Cabify apps. You should also take a taxi instead of walking around late at night. If you are still unsure, ask the staff at your hotel or your guide for safety advice, they will be the most knowledgeable.
Photo: travelinglifestyle.net
Photo: ft.com
Colombia’s temperature is determined by altitude rather than the season
One of the things to know before traveling to Colombia that Toplist would like to share with you is the temperature. Because Colombia is a tropical country with no seasons, temperatures are determined by altitude rather than the time of year. For example, Bogotá has a pleasantly cool climate during the day and chilly nights, whereas Cartagena has extremely hot and humid days and warm nights. A full wardrobe is required for any multi-city trip to Colombia in order to prepare for all of these temperatures.
Colombia is best visited between the months of December and February. The dry season is characterized by clear skies and warm temperatures. April to June and September to November are the rainy seasons. What is important to remember is that there is no such thing as bad weather; only bad clothing. In short, the thing you should keep in mind is that the higher the altitude, the lower the temperature.
Photo: iexplore.com
Photo: en.casacol.co
Colombia has a diversity of landscapes
What factors do we consider when deciding on our next vacation spot? Landscapes are common. Due to its geographical conditions, Colombia has thousands of different breathtaking landscapes that you would never expect to find there. In other words, Colombia has a diverse landscape, which is one of the reasons that people enjoy traveling in Colombia. The country is extremely diverse, with something to offer every type of traveler. The Caribbean Sea, the Pacific Ocean, beautiful sandy beaches, photogenic wildlife, diverse flora, mountain ranges, volcanoes over 5000 meters high, deserts, colonial cities, wax palms, indigenous tribes, and much more can all be found in Colombia.
In general, Colombia is a destination for everyone, and planning the perfect Colombia itinerary is difficult because seeing everything quickly is impossible. Nature and reality Colombia’s wealth of architectural and archaeological sites can only mean one thing. Every year, the country becomes more and more popular. The beauty of the landscapeis absolutely one of the things to know before traveling to Colombia!
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Photo: tristanphotos.com
Something you should bring to Colombia
When it comes to the weather, people can’t avoid saying a few words about packing. You cannot arrive in Colombia wearing only flip-flops and a straw hat for the reasons stated above. You should make a list of all the places you want to visit before you leave.
Your itinerary will most likely include a few beautiful colonial towns, coffee regions, mountains, and beach time. Therefore, you need to ensure that what you bring is suitable. The clothes you will need will obviously depend on the weather, but because the climate is relatively consistent throughout the year, you will need a few essentials regardless of when you travel. Sunscreen, as well as sunglasses and a hat, are essential in the constant sunshine. In addition, don’t forget a small umbrella and a lightweight, rainproof jacket during the rainy season. To explore the older parts of Cartagena and Guatapé, you will need good walking shoes. If you plan to travel outside of the major cities, bring Colombian pesos.
Photo: lifeisajourneyescapes.com
Photo: worldatlas.com
Colombia has busy weekends and holidays
Colombians, especially in large groups, enjoy traveling. They also enjoy celebrating. Every weekend, it appeared that locals plan a trip with their entire family and friends. It is a great habit, but it made some places extremely crowded, and lodging in the most popular destinations was sold out. Avoid long weekends, and if you must travel on Friday or Saturday, make your reservations in advance. For example, in the high season, a popular destination like Tayrona National Park can be overwhelmingly crowded but practically empty on a November weekday.
You also need to check for national holidays when planning your itinerary and make sure to reserve tours or hotels just in case. However, busy weekends have one significant advantage. Some areas and places are safer than others. Therefore, choosing when to go to Colombia with consideration of weekends and holidays is actually one of the things to know before traveling to Colombia that you should not miss!
Colombia is not a cheap country
When it comes to travel, Colombia is not cheap. Expect prices to be higher than in Southeast Asia. Although bus tickets are relatively inexpensive, and food and lodging are slightly less expensive than in Europe, traveling in Colombia costs more than you anticipated. It is probably a matter of personal preference, but as budget travelers, people can imagine more financially friendly countries.
For instance, the entrance fee to the San Agustin Archaeological Park is not cheap, and adventure activities in San Gil are also not inexpensive. Unfortunately, the quality of services does not always reflect the price, but it is comparable to other countries. Some services are excellent, while others are appalling. Colombia is not the cheapest country that people have ever visited, but it is not the most expensive either, and the trip was well worth it. Simply put, Colombia is not Brazil or Chilean Patagonia, but it is still a very affordable destination, albeit not as inexpensive as you might think.
Photo: worldstrides.com
Photo: traveloka.com
Before you go, learn some Spanish
Language is also one of the things to know before traveling to Colombia. In fact, in Colombia, English is not widely spoken. However, don’t worry too much about this! The locals will appreciate any effort you make to communicate in their language, and your travel experience will be far more authentic if you can inquire about the day of the man on the bus next to you.
If you do not speak Spanish, hotel staff usually speak some English and will be able to assist you with most of your needs. However, you are advised to learn a few words and bring a phrasebook before traveling to Colombia. In addition, you can also take a Spanish language course or buy a Spanish textbook if you have more time to prepare for your trip. Your trip to Colombia will undoubtedly be more enjoyable once you have learned some fundamentals. Besides, being able to communicate with locals on a basic level can enrich your trip both culturally and socially, bringing you closer to this interesting culture.
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Photo: tlcdenia.com
You should consider how you will get around
When you realize how big Colombia is, you realize how difficult it will be to see everything you want to see. When you consider that the Andes Mountains run right through the country, it is easy to see why planning your transportation is so important.
Whether you are traveling between destinations by taxi, bus, or plane, you will need to consider your time constraints and budget. Taking a taxi in Colombia is generally safe. It is always preferable to request a radio taxi from the hotel or restaurant rather than hail a cab on the street. Before getting in the car, you need to always agree on a price. The yellow taxis never caused any problems; they always got to your destination safely and for a reasonable price. Uber is available in larger cities. Because Uber is illegal in Colombia, it is best to sit in the front row next to the driver so it appears that he is giving a ride to a friend rather than a customer.
Photo: volvobuses.com
Photo: smartcitiesdive.com
You can’t see everything in Colombia
Colombia is a large country, and seeing it all would take years, even if you could travel indefinitely. That is to say, you cannot possibly see everything this country has to offer. In fact, Colombia is the only country in South America with both a Pacific and Caribbean coastline. High Andes mountain passes, small pueblos, modern cities, desert landscapes, rolling hills, and vast plains can all be found there. People travel to Colombia for a variety of reasons, including food, culture, nightlife, whale watching, scuba diving, jungle treks, and adventure sports. That is why a lot of people say that tourists cannot see everything in Colombia in a short time!
When planning your itinerary, focus on the highlights of your trip when possible, and if time allows, venture off the beaten path to see something unique. For example, you will have to narrow down your options whether you have six months or six days.
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Colombians are very helpful and friendly
Colombians are also known for their friendliness. Knowing a little bit of the local language can make your trip a lot more enjoyable and allow you to meet more people. Colombians speak politely even in casual everyday conversation, and instead of using simple sentences, they always say several thousand words. Although pleasant, this habit made it much more difficult for you to grasp the true meaning if your Spanish was not up to par.
In addition, Colombians are also very helpful and are usually willing to assist lost travelers who use public transportation. Rather than being annoyed or intimidated by the sudden influx of tourists, Colombians are delighted at the prospect of showing the world their country. In short, Colombians are warm, welcoming, and among the friendliest people, you will ever meet. It is no surprise that traveler after traveler falls in love with this beautiful country and its wonderful people.
Photo: theculturetrip.com
Photo: colombia.co
Food Specialty in Colombia
Colombian cuisine is colorful and full of flavor. Colombian cuisine is distinct because it is influenced by many regions, including Spain and Africa. Toplist will bring some of the most famous food specialties in Colombia to you that you should try on your next trip to Colombia.
Arepas are a dish that can be found in every corner of Colombia, as they were passed down from pre-Columbian ancestors. Because cornflour is readily available in every supermarket, many Colombians make it at home, and it can be a fun family activity. Don’t forget to try the arepa de choclo (sweet arepa), arepa de queso (savory cheese-filled arepa), arepa’e huevo (deep-fried arepa with an egg inside), and arepa boyacense (baked). A potato soup typical of Colombia’s highland regions in the center, Ajiaco, is one of the country’s most popular dishes. It is a complete and substantial meal made up of three types of potatoes: one hard and white potato thinly sliced, one soft potato that basically melts and gives the dish its thickness and texture, and a yellow and tiny potato that also adds body and flavor.
Arepas. Photo: cocinafacil.com.mx
Ajiaco. Photo: today.com
Traditional Festivals
There are many festivals in Colombia to celebrate heritage, music genres, traditional dances, and even the production of flowers and coffee, thanks to the vast diversity of traditions in each region.
Barranquilla Carnival is not only the world’s second-largest Carnival celebration, after Rio de Janeiro’s, but it is also Colombia’s most well-known public and street celebration. While Carnival is only celebrated for four days at the beginning of February, the pre-Carnival season officially begins in mid-January, and the city begins to come alive with Carnival-themed decorations, music, and more even before that. In addition, another fantastic festival in Colombia is the Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival), which takes place in Medelln, Antioquia. This 10-day festival takes place every year during the first two weeks of August. Besides, the Blacks and Whites’ Carnival is the largest and oldest carnival celebration in southern Colombia, showcasing a cultural exhibit of different races from around the world. Each year, the carnival takes place in Pasto from the 2nd to the 7th of January.
Barranquilla Carnival. Photo: baoquocte.vn
Blacks and Whites’ Carnival. Photo: colombiareports.com
