Travel to Colombia: Beyond the myths, and enchanting destination, low-cost travel, lodging, and cuisine.
Traveling to Colombia is an experience that many tourists and world travelers dream of experiencing. Do you know why? Perhaps, because it is a country full of diversity, emanating a joyful and vibrant energy that will captivate you.
Additionally, the cost of great cuisine and affordable and clean lodging is much much lower than North American or European countries! This is true of many Latin American countries, but Colombia has very modern and hotels and new Air BnB’s with safe drinking water and strong security systems compared some other Latin American countries. You are safe in Colombia.
Traveling within Colombia is also very safe and very cheap. There are bus services between major centers all over the country. The bus services range from less expensive to more expensive coach services. There is usually a bus terminal hub in every larger city. The advantage of the coach system is that you are able to view the beautiful country side, mountains, rivers, agriculture, and smaller towns between the larger centers. Travelling by bus is something that should be done at least once. Conversely, Colombia has a very large and cheap domestic flight system that allows for travel between larger urban centers for very low air fares. A typical flight from between two cities that were six (6) hours apart via coach would be 50 dollars. Many international travelers choose to utilize the cheaper domestic airline system versus the domestic bus system. There are many international and regional airlines such as: AVIANCA, LATAM, VIVA, WINGO …and they all utilize brand new 737’s just like we do in North American, but a ticket only cost 50 dollars one way. I will warn you though that the plane will be full of passengers, but there are many flights everyday on the hours, so you will always be able to make it to your destination, even if you plan poorly.
However, there are several myths that can influence the perception of foreigners about this wonderful country. Below, we will unveil some of the most common myths and the realities that make Colombia a unique and incomparable destination.
Traveling to Colombia: Three curiosities that make Colombia a unique country.
Let's start this tour with some important facts about Colombia...
- ¿Did you know that Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world?With only 0.7% of the earth's surface, it is home to 10% of the world's biodiversity. The Amazon forests and ecosystem, the Andes mountains, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean offer a variety of landscapes and ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to paradisiacal beaches, to imposing mountains. Traveling through Colombia will allow you to find everything from perpetual snow in the Andes to white sandy beaches and crystal-clear sea in the Caribbean.
- If you are a coffee lover. Colombia is for you, because this country is known for producing one of the best coffees in the world. Colombian coffee is a delicacy that you cannot miss... The combination of geographical and climatic factors, cultivation processes and the rich coffee growing tradition contribute to produce an intense and persistent coffee, with floral and fruity notes.
- Colombia gives you the opportunity to experience its culture and living traditions: From the Carnival of Barranquilla, declared an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, the Flower Festival in Medellin, to the Cali Fair and its Salsa dancers, Colombian celebrations are vibrant experiences, full of color and joy.
Colombians are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality. Their joy and passion for life are contagious and make visitors feel at home. Colombians are very hospitable and friendly.
Traveling to Colombia: Myths and Realities:
Is it safe to travel to Colombia?
It is valid and very important that you start asking yourself this question...
Colombia has undergone a remarkable transformation in terms of security in recent years.
The numbers and data back this up: homicide and other violent crime rates have dropped considerably in recent decades, thanks to peace agreements and security policies.
In addition, tourism in Colombia has greatly increased, which is a clear indicator of the perception of security that foreigners have about the country.
According to Forbes Magazine (2024) "Colombia is the second country in Latin America with the highest number of international tourist arrivals. On a global scale, Colombia ranked sixth in the list of countries with the best performance in foreign tourist arrivals”. This data not only highlights the beauty and attractiveness of the country, but also its capacity to receive tourists in a hospitable manner. Of course, the inexpensive cuisine and accommodations attracts many foreign travelers as well. In Colombia’s many centers, you will view and meet many people from North American and Europe – daily.
The World Travel Awards, known as the “Oscars of Tourism”, have awarded four Colombian destinations: Bogota, Barranquilla, Cartagena and San Andres. The 2024 awards recognized San Andres for its beautiful beaches, Bogota, the Colombian capital as the ideal destination for networking tourism, Barranquilla for its festivals and Cartagena as the perfect place for romance and honeymoonersHowever, it is important to keep in mind that there are areas in all big cities where a tourist could get have difficulties, and these places should be avoided. The recommendation is before traveling, thoroughly investigate the destinations you plan to visit and consult the security recommendations issued by the authorities. In our section “Tourism to fall in love with”, you will find information, you can also write to us for advice.
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And the drug and drug trafficking situation, does it control the country?
Although Colombia has historically been a major coca producer, the government has implemented effective policies to combat illicit cultivation and drug trafficking today. The drug trafficking does not occur in the urban areas. Marijuana is illegal, as is cocaine and other controlled drugs. Finding illegal marijuana is difficult, but there is always a way if people want something bad enough?
In the rural areas, the fight against cocaine production and exportation has been arduous and these factors no longer exert the same control over the national territory as before. The areas where coca is produced is in the south eastern portion of the country where amazon forests begin, away from urban areas. The country has diversified its economy and has made significant progress in other sectors such as tourism and agriculture.
Colombia is striving to emerge from this former stigma, and to be valued from another perspective: its history, its good people, its fine cuisine, its traditions show a resilient nation. The food and lodging in Colombia is much less expensive than in North America, which likely attracts many tourists to Latin American countries.
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Is it expensive to travel to Colombia?
Travel to Colombia from the United States or Canada is more affordable than many might think. Direct flights and competitive airfares have made this destination an affordable option for North American tourists. In addition, once in Colombia, visitors will find that living costs, such as lodging, meals and transportation, are considerably lower than in their home countries. In addition, the exchange rate from dollars to pesos is a significant advantage. Many foreigners can live in a one-bedroom secured concrete apartment in a decent sized city of 250,000 people for 1000 dollars per month.
- It is possible to find round-trip flights from cities such as Miami, New York or Toronto to Bogota, Medellin or Cartagena for less than $500 USD, depending on the season and promotions.
- Accommodation options range from luxury hotels to budget hostels, with prices ranging from $10 to $150 USD per night. Many travelers opt to stay in apartments or houses through online platforms, which can be an even more economical option.
- Enjoying Colombia's delicious cuisine doesn't have to be expensive. A typical lunch at a local restaurant can cost between $3 and $10 USD, while dinner at a mid-range restaurant can be around $15 to $50 USD, depending on the restaurant and its category, the city and the location.
- Public transportation is very affordable. A bus or subway ride costs less than $1 USD and cabs are inexpensive by North American standards.
- The recommendation when you go sightseeing is to ask beforehand for prices and check them on the internet or with acquaintances, especially when you are going to interact in the street, with offers from locals, so you avoid cost overruns.
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Does Colombia have the most beautiful women? What are its people like?
It is important to note that beauty is subjective and varies according to cultures and individuals, and in order not to add stereotypes, it does pay to understand that Colombia is a mestizo country, with a mix of indigenous, African and European ancestry. This genetic diversity has given rise to a wide range of physical features, which contributes to a varied and exotic perception of beauty of its women.
In Colombia, there is a high valuation of physical beauty and personal care. This is reflected in the beauty industry, fashion and beauty pageants, which have contributed to projecting an image of Colombian women as a symbol of beauty on a global level.
Beauty is not limited to the physical. In Colombia, as in any other part of the world, women's intelligence, personality, kindness and other attributes are valued.
In Colombia you will not only find ethnic and cultural diversity in our women, but also a population that values joy, hospitality and human warmth. This is mainly because Colombians value music as a cultural expression and enjoy its varied cuisine styles.
Colombia will make you smile with its flavors... Colombian cuisine is rich and varied, and sharing a meal with friends and family is a highly valued activity.
At etrueloves, we are passionate about bringing together cultures of beautiful and valuable countries. So, if you are thinking about your next destination, don't hesitate to explore Colombia and let yourself be amazed by all it has to offer. Allow yourself to be mesmerized by the charm of Colombia, we are sure you will fall madly in love with this country.
Don't leave without visiting the main regions of Colombia, with these videos:
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