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Colourful paradise

Round trip Colombia

Colombia is a diverse travel destination with tropical landscapes, vibrant cities, mountains, beaches and a thriving coffee culture. The country has surprised many travellers in recent years – not only because of the variety of its landscapes, but also because of the friendliness of its people and the energy in cities such as Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena. On a tour of Colombia, you’ll combine culture, nature and relaxation. You’ll travel from colonial cities to coffee plantations, from mountainous regions to tropical beaches, and from bustling markets to tranquil nature reserves.

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Discover the highlights of Colombia

Colombia has many places that can be easily combined during a tour. Bogotá is often the starting point. Here, for example, you can visit the Gold Museum, the historic La Candelaria district and Monserrate Mountain, which offers views over the city. Medellín showcases a modern side of Colombia. Nestled amongst the mountains, the city is renowned for its cable cars, green neighbourhoods, art scene and pleasant climate. From Medellín, you can take a day trip to Guatapé, a colourful village famous for the El Peñol rock. From the summit, you’ll enjoy views over the surrounding lake district. Cartagena lies on the Caribbean coast and has a completely different atmosphere. The old town, city walls, squares and colourful streets make this a lovely place to stay for a few days. From Cartagena, you can also visit the Rosario Islands for beaches and the sea. In the coffee-growing region, you’ll travel through green hills, coffee plantations and villages such as Salento. The Cocora Valley is one of the best-known spots in this region, particularly for its tall wax palms and beautiful walking trails. On the north coast lies Tayrona National Park, where jungle and beaches meet.

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Sample itineraries for Colombia

Well-organised travel through Colombia

A tour of Colombia with Avila Travel is carefully curated. You’ll stay in charming, small-scale accommodation, travel at a leisurely pace and enjoy an itinerary tailored to your wishes. There’s room for well-known highlights, but also for less crowded spots along the way. Colombia is ideal for travellers seeking variety. You can visit cities, go hiking in the mountains, explore coffee plantations, travel through national parks and finish your trip on the coast. Given the distances and changes in altitude, a well-structured itinerary is essential.

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Diverse natural landscapes in South America
Colombia is one of the most diverse countries in South America. It is home to the Amazon, the Andes, cloud forests, coffee-growing regions, colonial towns and a long Caribbean coastline. This means you can experience many different landscapes and atmospheres in a single trip. Well-known natural areas include Tayrona National Park, the Cocora Valley, the coffee region and the Amazon region around Leticia.

Northern Colombia: mountains, jungle and coast
Northern Colombia is ideal for travellers wishing to combine nature and beach holidays. Here you’ll find the Caribbean coast, national parks, mangroves, beaches and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This mountain range lies close to the sea, offering a unique combination of mountains, jungle and coastline. Tayrona National Park is one of the best-known spots in this region. You can hike through tropical forest and end up at beaches nestled amongst the rocks. Los Flamencos is also well worth a visit, especially for those keen to see birds and coastal landscapes.

Cities with their own unique atmosphere
Colombian cities differ greatly from one another. Cartagena is colourful, warm and historic. Medellín is modern, green and beautifully situated amongst the mountains. Bogotá is larger and busier, but boasts many museums, street art, markets and restaurants. It is precisely by combining these cities that you’ll gain a good insight into the country. You’ll see the colonial history, modern development and everyday life across different regions.

Travelling through Colombia
Colombia is easy to travel around using domestic flights, private transfers and, on some routes, a hire car. Due to the mountains and distances involved, domestic flights are often a convenient option. For shorter routes or exploring the region, private drivers or transfers are a pleasant option. During a tour, you can combine mountain walks, coffee farm visits, city walks, boat trips and days at the beach. This creates a varied itinerary without the programme becoming too packed.

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Avila Travel Colombia coffee region

Colombia is situated close to the equator and therefore does not have distinct seasons as in Europe. The temperature remains fairly stable in many regions, but there are drier and wetter periods. The best time to visit depends on the regions you wish to explore.

Dry season (December–March & July–August): These months are the best time to travel for many regions. The Caribbean, the coffee region and the Andes are particularly worth visiting at this time. Think of destinations such as Bogotá, Medellín, Salento, Cartagena and Tayrona National Park. The weather is often drier during these periods, making hiking, city visits and nature tours more enjoyable. Do bear in mind, however, that popular spots may be busier.

Wet season (April–June & September–November): During these months, many parts of Colombia experience heavier rainfall. That doesn’t mean travelling isn’t possible. Rain showers are often short and heavy, after which the weather can clear up. The countryside is greener during this period and it is quieter in some places. For travellers looking to avoid the crowds, months such as May and October can still be worthwhile.

The High Andes and cities: Cities such as Bogotá and Popayán are situated at higher altitudes, meaning it can be cooler there than on the coast. In Bogotá, it can be chilly in the evenings and there is a chance of showers all year round. Medellín, on the other hand, has a mild climate and is often referred to as the city of eternal spring.

Amazon region: The Amazon is warm and humid all year round. From July to November, water levels are usually lower, offering more opportunities for walks and wildlife excursions. At other times of the year, you’ll often travel through the region by boat.

Please note when travelling: As Colombia has significant variations in altitude and climate zones, the weather can vary considerably from region to region. For a tour covering several regions, December to March and July to August are often the most practical times to visit.

Avila Travel Colombia Ciudad Perdida 2
Avila Travel Colombia beach

Colombia has many attractions that fit perfectly into a varied tour, ranging from cities and coffee plantations to beaches, the jungle and archaeological sites.

Key attractions in Colombia include:

  • Cartagena: a colonial city on the Caribbean coast with city walls, squares, colourful streets and restaurants.
  • Cocora Valley: a lush valley in the coffee-growing region, known for its tall wax palms and walking trails.
  • Bogotá: a high-altitude capital featuring the Gold Museum, La Candelaria, Monserrate and plenty of street art.
  • Medellín: a modern city nestled amongst the mountains, renowned for its cable cars, museums, parks and mild climate.
  • Tayrona National Park: a coastal nature reserve featuring jungle, walking trails and beaches.
  • San Agustín: an archaeological park featuring ancient statues and tombs set in lush green surroundings.
  • Coffee Region, Zona Cafetera: a region featuring coffee plantations, fincas, hills and villages such as Salento.
  • Amazon region, Leticia: a jungle area in southern Colombia, ideal for boat trips and wildlife excursions.

Colombia is therefore ideal for travellers who wish to combine nature, cities, culture and relaxation.

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1. Do I need a visa for Colombia?
No visa is required for travellers with EU passports for stays of up to 90 days. Upon arrival, you will receive a stamp in your passport. However, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.

2. Is Colombia safe to travel in?
Travelling in Colombia is perfectly safe these days in the well-known tourist areas. However, it is important to follow local advice, avoid carrying valuables in plain sight and remain alert in crowded places.

3. Is tap water safe to drink in Colombia?
In major cities such as Bogotá and Medellín, tap water is usually safe to drink. In other regions, bottled water is recommended . If in doubt, bottled mineral water is the best choice.

4. Can Colombia be easily combined with another travel destination?
Yes, Colombia can easily be combined with destinations such as Ecuador or Panama. Thanks to regional flights and connections, you can combine several countries in northern South America.

5. Will I get by with English in Colombia?
Spanish is the main language spoken in Colombia. English is sometimes spoken in hotels and tourist areas, but this is less common outside the major cities. A basic knowledge of Spanish makes travelling through Colombia easier.

Our travel specialists are happy to assist you with any enquiries about a trip to Colombia. Together, we’ll put together an itinerary that suits your preferences, travel dates and preferred style of travel.

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Cruises

Cruises in Colombia take in breathtaking tropical coastlines, paradise islands and colourful port towns. Moreover, Colombia is an important starting point for cruises to the Caribbean.

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"The jungle trek in Colombia and the coffee villages of Salento were the perfect combination." - Lotte

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