🌍 EXPLORE THE WORLD, YOUR WAY🌍
I met a gentleman called Chris on my travels recently.
Chris was extremely well-travelled, so naturally our conversation turned to the places we’d visited, the experiences we’d enjoyed, and those special destinations that somehow stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Being a travel advisor, I couldn’t resist asking him one of my favourite questions.
“If you could live anywhere you’ve travelled, where would it be?”
There was no pause.
“Medellín.”
I was intrigued.
“Why Medellín, Chris?”
Again, he didn’t need to think about it.
“It has everything, Billy. A brilliant climate, incredible people, sublime food and so much to see and do. I absolutely love it.”
That conversation stayed with me.
Because Colombia is one of those destinations that many experienced travellers are increasingly curious about but perhaps haven’t yet seriously considered for their next holiday.
I think that deserves to change.
Colombia – a country full of surprises
For many travellers, perceptions of Colombia are still heavily influenced by its turbulent past. While it’s important to travel thoughtfully and follow current travel advice, today’s visitor can discover a remarkably different side to the country.
This is an extraordinarily diverse destination of colourful cities, dramatic landscapes, fascinating culture, wonderful food and remarkable natural beauty.
From Caribbean coastline and lush coffee-growing country to Andean scenery, rainforest and vibrant cities, Colombia offers the sort of variety that makes travelling through a country such an adventure.
Bogotá – a capital worth stopping for
For many British travellers, Bogotá will be their introduction to Colombia, and rather than simply treating it as somewhere to change planes, I’d be tempted to stay for a couple of nights and start discovering the country.
Sitting high in the Andes, Colombia’s capital has a very different character from Medellín.
Begin in La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic heart, where colourful colonial buildings, street art, cafés and cobbled streets provide a fascinating introduction to the city.
One of Bogotá’s great cultural treasures is the Museo del Oro – the Gold Museum – home to an extraordinary collection of pre-Hispanic goldwork and a wonderful place to begin understanding Colombia’s history.
Then there’s Monserrate.
Rising high above the capital, it’s one of Bogotá’s most recognisable landmarks and, on a clear day, offers tremendous views across this enormous city and the mountains beyond.
But I’d also make time for Bogotá’s food.
From traditional Colombian dishes and colourful markets to an increasingly sophisticated restaurant scene, the capital is a wonderful place to begin discovering the country’s flavours.
And that’s really why I’d include Bogotá in a Colombian journey.
After flying all the way from the UK, why rush straight through?
Spend a couple of nights finding your feet, discovering the capital and getting your first taste of Colombia before continuing to Medellín, the coffee region, Cartagena and beyond.
Suddenly, the holiday is beginning to take shape.
Medellín – the City of Eternal Spring
Set within the beautiful Aburrá Valley and surrounded by mountains, Medellín’s wonderfully pleasant climate has earned it the nickname the City of Eternal Spring.
But the weather is only the beginning.
The city has undergone an extraordinary transformation and today offers a fascinating combination of culture, creativity, food, innovation and outdoor living.
Explore the colourful street art and remarkable story of Comuna 13. Wander amongst Fernando Botero’s distinctive sculptures in Plaza Botero. Ride the Metrocable high above the city and into the surrounding hills.
Or simply find a café, order a Colombian coffee and watch everyday life unfold around you.
Medellín also has an increasingly exciting food scene, while neighbourhoods such as El Poblado showcase the city’s contemporary side with restaurants, cafés and nightlife.
Perhaps Chris was onto something.
Beyond Medellín – there’s so much more to Colombia
One of Colombia’s great attractions is the sheer variety of experiences you can combine within a single journey.
A trip from Medellín can take you to Guatapé, one of Colombia’s most colourful towns.
Nearby stands the enormous rock of El Peñol. Those willing to tackle the climb are rewarded with extraordinary panoramic views across a landscape of green islands and shimmering waterways.
Then there’s Colombia’s famous coffee region.
Beautiful green countryside, traditional fincas and, of course, the opportunity to discover how some of the world’s finest coffee travels from plant to cup make this a wonderful contrast to the energy of the cities.
And on Colombia’s Caribbean coast lies Cartagena.
Behind its historic walls you’ll discover colourful colonial architecture, flower-filled balconies, cobbled streets, music, restaurants and a distinctly Caribbean atmosphere.
Bogotá, Medellín, coffee country and Cartagena could hardly feel more different from one another.
And that’s precisely the point.
Colombia isn’t one experience. It’s many.
And what about Colombia’s wildlife?
This is an aspect of Colombia that particularly excites me.
Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, with an extraordinary variety of habitats ranging from tropical rainforest and mountains to wetlands and Caribbean coastline.
For anyone who shares my passion for wildlife and the natural world, there are tremendous opportunities to incorporate nature into a journey through Colombia.
Birdlife is particularly exceptional, but depending on where you travel, there are opportunities to experience everything from monkeys and colourful tropical species to marine life and extraordinary plant life.
For me, these natural environments aren’t simply attractions.
They’re something we have a responsibility to protect.
Which is why I increasingly believe how we travel matters just as much as where we travel.
Escorted, small group or tailor-made – which is right for you?
There’s no single right way to experience Colombia.
For some travellers, a well-designed escorted tour or small-group journey is ideal. The itinerary and logistics are taken care of, knowledgeable guides help bring the places you visit to life, and you have the opportunity to share those experiences with other travellers.
That can be particularly appealing if you’re travelling solo.
You might be single, widowed, have a partner who doesn’t share the same travel ambitions, or simply decide that you’re not going to wait for somebody else before seeing the places you’ve always dreamed about.
Joining a thoughtfully organised journey means travelling independently without necessarily travelling alone.
Escorted touring can work equally well for couples. Someone knowledgeable has already taken care of the routes, hotels, guides and logistics, leaving you free to concentrate on experiencing Colombia together.
Prefer to travel privately?
Then a tailor-made journey may be a better fit.
And this is an area of travel I particularly enjoy.
Tailor-made travel allows us to start with you, rather than somebody else’s itinerary.
How quickly do you like to travel?
Would you prefer another night in the coffee region and one less in the city?
Are wildlife and nature particularly important to you?
Do you love good food?
Would you prefer characterful boutique accommodation, something luxurious, or perhaps a mixture?
Would private guides enhance the experience?
These are the conversations that turn a holiday itinerary into your holiday.
There’s no universally ‘best’ way to experience Colombia.
There’s only the way that’s right for you.
Travel should leave something positive behind
The more of the world we’re fortunate enough to experience, the more important I believe it becomes to travel thoughtfully.
Tourism can be a tremendous force for good when it’s done properly.
Using knowledgeable local guides, supporting communities and locally owned businesses, respecting wildlife and habitats, and choosing responsible experiences can all help ensure that the places we love visiting benefit from tourism too.
Wildlife is particularly important to me.
I want future generations to experience the extraordinary animals and wild places we’re privileged to enjoy today.
That doesn’t mean we should stop travelling.
Far from it.
I believe experiencing these places can make us care about them even more.
But we should travel thoughtfully, choose carefully and remember that we’re guests in somebody else’s home.
Your time is precious
Planning a journey through somewhere as varied as Colombia can be almost as fascinating as travelling there, but it also takes time.
There are routes to consider, places to stay, guides, experiences and countless different ways of putting everything together.
That’s where working with a knowledgeable travel advisor can make a difference.
Whether you’re considering an escorted journey or something completely tailor-made, at Awesome Travel Holidays we can do the research, compare the possibilities and help you create a holiday that makes the most of both your time and your money.
You concentrate on looking forward to Colombia. We’ll take care of the detail.
Could Colombia be your next great adventure?
Which brings me back to Chris.
I’d asked a very well-travelled man a simple question.
Of everywhere he’d experienced in the world, where could he live?
He didn’t need a list.
He didn’t need to think about it.
Medellín.
Perhaps that tells us something.
If Colombia has been quietly sitting somewhere on your travel wish list – or perhaps wasn’t on it at all until now – maybe it’s time to take another look.
Whether the right journey for you turns out to be an escorted tour, a small-group adventure or something completely tailor-made, at Awesome Travel Holidays we’d be delighted to help you explore the possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holidays to Colombia
What currency should I take to Colombia, and can I use my credit card?
The official currency is the Colombian peso (COP).
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, larger shops and tourist areas, particularly in cities such as Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena.
However, it’s sensible to carry some Colombian pesos for smaller purchases, markets, tips and places where cards may not be accepted.
Before travelling, it’s also worth checking what your bank charges for overseas transactions and cash withdrawals.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Colombia?
Yes. Direct flights currently operate between London Heathrow and Bogotá, making Colombia more accessible from the UK than many travellers might imagine.
Bogotá is also an excellent gateway for onward connections to destinations including Medellín and Cartagena, making it possible to create a much wider Colombian itinerary.
Flight schedules and routes can change, so we’ll always consider the most appropriate options for your journey.
How long should I spend in Colombia?
For a first visit, we’d generally recommend allowing around two weeks if possible.
That gives you enough time to experience several contrasting parts of the country without making the holiday feel like a race.
A first journey might begin with a couple of nights in Bogotá before continuing to Medellín and nearby Guatapé, Colombia’s beautiful coffee region and Cartagena on the Caribbean coast.
If you have longer, even better.
Colombia rewards travellers who have the time to slow down and experience the places they visit rather than simply ticking them off a list.
When is the best time to visit Colombia?
Colombia is very much a year-round destination, and the best time to visit depends on where you want to go and what you’d like to experience.
Generally, December to March and July to August are among the drier periods in many parts of the country. However, Colombia’s varied geography means the climate can differ considerably between destinations.
Medellín is famous for its pleasant year-round temperatures and is known as the City of Eternal Spring, while Cartagena on the Caribbean coast is considerably hotter and more tropical.
Rather than choosing a date simply because it’s considered the traditional “best time”, we can help you match the timing of your holiday to the places, wildlife, activities and experiences that matter most to you.
Is Colombia suitable for mature travellers?
Absolutely – provided the itinerary is designed around you.
There is no reason why Colombia should be reserved for younger backpackers or particularly adventurous travellers.
Comfortable accommodation, private transfers, knowledgeable guides and thoughtfully planned itineraries can make Colombia a wonderful choice for experienced travellers looking for somewhere a little different.
The important thing is getting the pace right. We don’t believe a good holiday should leave you needing another holiday to recover from it!
That’s one of the advantages of talking to a travel advisor rather than simply choosing an itinerary online. We can consider how you like to travel and help find – or create – a journey that suits you.
Is Colombia a good destination for couples?
Very much so.
Colombia offers a wonderful mixture of experiences for couples who enjoy discovering somewhere together: fascinating cities, beautiful landscapes, wonderful food, characterful hotels, nature and wildlife.
You could be exploring Medellín one day, surrounded by coffee plantations a few days later and enjoying the Caribbean atmosphere of Cartagena by the end of your journey.
For couples looking for a memorable holiday that’s rather different from the usual choices, Colombia has a great deal to offer.
Is Colombia suitable for solo travellers?
It certainly can be, and an escorted or small-group tour can be particularly attractive if you’d like to travel independently without necessarily experiencing everything alone.
Travelling as part of a carefully organised group gives you the opportunity to meet like-minded people, benefit from experienced guides, and have much of the organisation taken care of.
Different tours attract different types of travellers; however, choosing the right one matters. We can help you compare options and find a journey style that feels comfortable for you.
Should I choose an escorted tour or a tailor-made holiday to Colombia?
There’s no single right answer – it depends entirely on how you like to travel.
An escorted or small-group tour can be ideal if you enjoy meeting other travellers, appreciate having a planned itinerary and would like knowledgeable guides to help bring the destination to life.
A tailor-made holiday gives you considerably more freedom. We can adjust the pace, choose accommodation to suit you, arrange private guides and transfers, and spend more time on the things you’re particularly interested in.
If wildlife, food, culture, photography or simply having a little more time to relax is important to you, we can build that into the journey.
Our job isn’t to tell you which type of holiday you should take.
It’s to understand what you’re looking for and help you find the one that’s right for you.
Is Colombia safe to visit?
Colombia welcomes travellers from around the world, but as with many destinations, where and how you travel matters.
Some areas of the country are subject to UK government travel advice, and conditions can change. We always recommend checking the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice before travelling.
For travellers who would prefer additional reassurance, an escorted journey or a carefully planned tailor-made itinerary using experienced local guides and transfers can be an excellent way to explore the country.
Do I need a visa to travel to Colombia from the UK?
Entry and visa requirements can change, so we always recommend checking the latest official requirements for your circumstances before travelling.
As part of planning your holiday, we’ll also point you towards the appropriate official travel information so you can make sure you have the documentation required for your journey.
Can Awesome Travel Holidays arrange a tailor-made holiday to Colombia?
Yes – tailor-made travel is one of our specialities.
Rather than starting with somebody else’s idea of the perfect holiday, we can start with yours.
Tell us what interests you, how you like to travel, the pace you prefer, the standard and style of accommodation you enjoy and the experiences you’ve always dreamed of having.
We can then work with our specialist travel partners to explore the possibilities and create something around you.
Because ultimately, the best holiday isn’t necessarily the one everybody else is taking.
It’s the one that’s right for you.
Ready to explore Colombia?
If this remarkable country has sparked your curiosity, we’d love to hear what you’d like to experience.
Whether that’s an escorted tour, a small-group adventure or a tailor-made journey, let’s start with a conversation and take it from there.
Ready to start planning your Colombian adventure?
📧 enquiries@awesometravelholidays.com
📞 0208 004 9400
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