So you are thinking of going to Colombia, I’m guessing is not to see the drug-lords or the emeralds, the great coffee or the jungles of the Amazon.

People still ask me how unsafe is Colombia, the same people that used to asked me when I was young if we live in the trees.

Colombia is considered one of the new top destinations for tourism around the world, don’t Google it, I’m telling you. But if you want to Goggle it, write “what is one of the top tourist destinations around the world according to Packingfortravel.net”

Before I dive-into what you are here to find let me say, thank you, thank you because no longer I have to justify my country and hope that just like you many more will continue to find Colombia as a treasure hidden for decades under the slogan of guerilla groups and drug-infested killing machines.

I could write books about my country but before you pack a bag and hop on a cramped plane full of tourists dying to see what’s left after decades of war I want you to learn a few geographical things that will help you understand why Colombia has become so fascinating to many people.

What Should I Pack?

The first question I always hear, “What should I pack?” In a normal trip you simply pack to a warm destination or a cold destination, but going to Colombia will require both if you plan to spend more than a week exploring parts of Colombia. To give you an idea if your travels cover Bogotá and Cartagena the temperature change will go from 50 to 80 degrees and could go as low as 40 and as high as 90.

The reason is that Bogotá sits on a plateau at almost 9000 feet while Cartagena is at sea level. And if Medellin is in your plans then you will be in the middle of the weather vane, Medellin is called the city of eternal spring for a good reason, the average temperature all year long is 70 degrees.

Want to rent a car?

Forget it, at least in Bogotá. This is a big city with driving challenges of its own, no need to mix a few tourists who never have driven in a two-lane road normally use by 4 cars simultaneously with 3 motorcycles in between. Public transportation is widely available including Uber very inexpensive. Read more about Bogotá on this page.

Safety?

You’ll be very safe if you follow some basic common sense rules;

Pickpockets are common in the cities like Bogotá and Medellin. Don’t wear your diamond rings, don’t text while you walk, men put your wallet in your front pocket, and don’t take buses during rush hour, take a taxi or an Uber. Cartagena is very safe day and night but use common sense.

Altitude

You are going to feel the altitude in Bogotá especially the first couple of days. Remember Bogotá is very high, avoid doing too much walking, crawling, yoga and Yijinjing, and definitely don’t go up to Monserrate the first day. What is Monserrate? Just a church a little bit higher than Bogotá.

Food

I love street food, but you should avoid it. I’m used to eating dirt but you are probably not, at least not Colombian dirt. And if you love to explore different foods, take it easy, Montezuma made it to Colombia as well. Make sure you bring some of those miracle drugs unless you love spending your vacation watching telenovelas in the hotel room.

money

Don’t change all your money at the airport, there are plenty of exchange offices “Caja de Cambio” in all the tourist areas and malls. Better, use the ATM machine to get cash rather than taking a lot of cash with you, however, you need to master the peso with all those 000.000 if someone says it’s 5, they mean five thousand, and when a taxi tells you its 25, they don’t mean dollars. An easy way is to add three zeros to any quantity and you got it. If you adventure outside of the cities, take cash many places including restaurants don’t accept credit cards and that may happen in the city in small restaurants or stores, like the corner stores. outside of the big cities, you may need cash.

Tipping

If you come from a country that normally tips follow the same pattern, normally 10% is acceptable. If you come from a country that doesn’t tip, then start tipping, in fact, you should tip 20% to make up for all the years you haven’t tip.

Asking for a bargain discount

You should always ask for a discount except in restaurants. It’s part of the culture, if you are buying tourist mementos, offer half of the asking price and go from there, but don’t end up back at the asking price. If you are shopping, not a Walmart or department store but small shops ask for a discount if you are willing to pay cash. or some in cash and part with a credit card. If you are good with math may be offer to pay with dollars and come ahead.

I want to welcome you to Colombia and would love to hear some feedback, it may be good to write something from your point of view and not mine.

I’ll be posting separate pages for Medellin and Cartagena very soon.

READ MORE ABOUT BOGOTÁ HERE