In this document you will find information that will be helpful for your journey to Colombia. You will also find links to some of our blog posts to go into depth about certain topics, external resources, and our Impulse City Guides, for recommendations in our 3 main cities.
Please note that all information specific to your trip, such as inclusions and exclusions, staff contact numbers, flight recommendations, etc. is listed in your travel document.
For any questions unanswered by either the country guide or the online portal, please don’t hesitate to reach out to an Impulse staff member. We hope that this document proves to be helpful and that you are getting excited for your journey to Colombia!

Travelers to Colombia should ensure that the validity of their passports extends at least 6 months beyond the end of their intended stay, and should have at least 2 blank (unstamped) visa pages in their passport to enter the country. The last 2 amendment pages are unacceptable for visas and immigration stamps. If you are out of Visa pages, you will need to renew your passport, as the State Department no longer provides additional pages. If you need to renew your passport, please do so as soon as possible.
We recommend travelers have a scanned copy of the passport on your email or any cloud storage platform you use. This way you always have a copy if something happens to it while traveling.

Citizens from the United States, Canada, EU and other countries can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival. It is valid for 90 days from the date of entry and is free. See the list of countries that can obtain a 90-day visa upon arrival Here.

Impulse Travel strongly recommends that travelers purchase medical and travel insurance that will cover costs of any health care while in Colombia and Covid-related medical expenses and costs associated with quarantine.
We highly recommend travelers purchase Travel Insurance with "cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage which provides more robust coverage for cancellation. To be eligible for CFAR coverage, travelers must purchase it within 1 to 21 days of their first trip payment. Every policy has different requirements for this so please verify with a specific provider.

Guests may acquire travel insurance through or any other travel insurance company of their choosing. We recommend that travelers evaluate the insurance options available for their needs, and inquire with providers about insurance that will cover them for all Covid-related expenses including quarantine costs while abroad.

To enter Colombia Migration it is necessary to fill out the following form https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en. This must be filled between 72 hours and 1 hour before the departure of the international flight to Colombia. This will be requested by your airline so we recommend you to do it the day before and keep the screenshot of confirmation of completion. The same process must be done upon departure from Colombia.
Sometimes the form has technical failures, if so try again and if it persists save a screenshot of the error.

Covid Vaccination: Since April 2023, Colombian government no longer requires any proof of covid vaccine or test to enter or leave Colombia.
Covid Protocols: Colombia no longer requires mandatory use of masks (except for entering hospitals) nor vaccination proof to enter any venue. At Impulse, we encourage constant hand wash and consider wearing a mask on public transport. However, travelers are not required to wear masks during our tours.

If you take any prescription medication or vitamins regularly, we recommend bringing enough to last you the entire trip plus a few extra days, just in case. Be sure to pack any prescription medicine in their original bottle with the actual prescription label that lists the drug name clearly and keep it in your carry-on luggage.

Wifi: In most places you will visit in Colombia, wifi will be available. Speed, bandwidth, and availability will likely be less reliable than you are used to. Oftentimes, connection is stronger in the lobby of hotels than in individual rooms. In remote places or if you are doing a trek or hike, you will likely not have access to phone service or wifi.
International Calls: If you are in Colombia and trying to reach a number outside of the country, dial the country code + [telephone number]. To call numbers in Colombia from the U.S. dial +57 + [telephone number].
Staying connected: Here are the most common methods for making local/international calls:

1. Smart Phone apps: WhatsApp is the number one messaging app in Colombia. If you don’t have it, we recommend downloading it for your trip. Viber is a good option for making local and international calls while in Colombia.
2. Getting an international calling package: Setting up international coverage from your cell phone provider for the duration of your trip is often the simplest option and the best to avoid roaming charges.
3. Use a local phone/ SIM card: Best for making calls within Colombia as international calls can get expensive. Local SIM cards are inexpensive, can be found at a variety of stores, and often have pay-as-you-go plans where you can “top up” your credit for use in the country. Please be aware of any requirements your phone has in order to accept the local SIM cards.

Your guide will give you current briefings on safety while in-country, but here are some basic ground rules for safety while traveling:
You can also check our blog post about safety here.

• Keep all valuables in the hotel safe.
• Avoid flashing money. Be mindful of your belongings at all time. Keep bags in front of you in crowds, and on your lap or the hooks under the table when at restaurants.
• Pay attention: avoid walking around with your smartphone in hand in crowded streets.
• Be vigilant when crossing roads - Pedestrians do not have the right of way.
• Always make sure that others know of your whereabouts when exploring by yourself.
• Avoid wearing expensive or sentimentally valuable jewelry while in crowded urban areas and public transport.

In case of emergency, it is advisable to have copies of your important documents with you. We also recommend taking a photo of your important documents to have on your phone. Also email a scanned copy to yourself to have available online anywhere. Here are the essential documents:

• Passport.
• Medical & travel insurance policy details and 24-hour emergency number.
• Details of relatives/friends and your primary care physician to be contacted in an emergency.
• Impulse Travel’ Emergency Contact list - this will be provided closer to your trip.
• Bank and credit card details (including phone numbers).

The local currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). It goes by the thousands, so it is easy to get confused at the beginning.

CARD: When in Colombia, most restaurante, bars and shops take international credit or debit cards (it is a good idea to let your bank know you will be in Colombia to avoid rejected transactions). Some small merchants will charge an additional 3-5% of the bill for a credit card transaction, they will ask in advance.

CASH: In many small shops or places in remote settings you will only be able to use cash. So it is a good idea to carry local currency with you at all times. Avoid flashing large amounts of cash. Keep handy just small money.

Our number one recommendation for getting local currency is using an ATM. It is usually the best exchange rate and you will find ATMs everywhere (even at the airports before you clear customs).

If you are exchanging money in cash, please be aware that only paper currency will be accepted for exchange, and many bureaus will only exchange crisp, clean, and new bills/notes.

Colombia is in the Colombia Time Zone (COT // GMT - 5) and does not observe daylight-savings. From November through March, Colombia is on the same time zone as Eastern Standard Time (EST - New York). From March to November, Colombia is one hour behind Eastern Standard Time.

Smart Traveler Tip!
Consider downloading a conversion app for things like currency, temperature, time, and distance while traveling. Here are some that we like: Units - Free Unit Converter, Convert Units for Free, Converter+, GlobeConvert

Colombia uses 110 volt electricity with 2-pronged outlets, the same as the United States. The plugs do not always have the same three prongs, so bring an adapter if your chargers are three-pronged.

There are some places in Colombia where it is safe to drink tap water and other places where it is not safe. In large cities like Bogota or Medellin it is safe to drink tap water. It is not safe to drink tap water anywhere on the coast.
Impulse Travel encourages travelers to pack a reusable water bottle to fill up with clean drinking water. These are large water canteens that you can fill your water bottles from. When in areas where it is unsafe to drink tap water, some people also choose to brush their teeth with clean drinking water but this is up to personal preference based on how hardy you feel your stomach is. In these areas, not use ice, unless you know it was made from clean drinking water. Bottled water and soft drinks will be supplied at all meals.

We recommend carrying toilet paper or tissues with you as some bathrooms, especially in more remote areas or restaurants, may not have any. Please also remember that in Colombia you are required to throw the toilet paper into the bin provided and not into the toilet itself, as this can cause problems with the delicate sewage system.

Keep in mind that much of the developing world waste disposal systems are not as advanced as you might be used to. Oftentimes, landfills are adjacent to conservation land or trash is burned. Recycling is often unavailable. To minimize your impact on the country you are visiting, please consider the following guidelines:

• Leave no Trace — everything that you bring with you should go home with you.
• If you plan on shopping, make sure that you have extra room in your luggage or an extra bag to check on your way home (don’t dump items to make room!)
• Avoid packing with plastic baggies and instead purchase reusable packing cubes, cloth bags, and reusable toiletry bags
• Bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill
• Remove packaging or tags of any newly purchased items before you go

Colombia is diverse in its landscapes, music, climate and of course its food! With lush forests and fertile lands, it is an ideal place to grow fresh fruits and vegetables all year round. The food culture in Colombia is influenced by the country’s indigenous communities, Latin and Spanish cuisines and African flavors.

• Bandeja Paisa: Colombia’s unofficial national dish, though most popular in the Antioquia region (Medellin, Santa Fe, Jardin). This meat-heavy, mega-calorie meal was originally devised to provide farmers with enough energy to keep working throughout the day. A bandeja paisa typically comes with rice, plantain, arepa, avocado, minced meat, chorizo, black sausage, fried pork rind and a fried egg.
• Arepas: Another staple in Colombia! Thick and flat corn cakes made with either yellow or white flour. Often eaten at breakfast with eggs and hogao (sautéed tomato, onions and garlic). There are many different types of arepas - arepas con quest (arepas with cheese) - arepas de huevo (arepas with egg) - arepas de chocolo.
• Empanadas: Deep fried stuffed pastries with meat, chicken or cheese .
• Sancocho: A traditional stew / soup made with chicken, pork or beef and yuca, corn, potatoes and plantains. You can often find people cooking sancocho out on the streets to enjoy with their families on the weekend.
• Chicharron: Fried pork belly, a hearty dish covered in onions, bay leaves and seasoning.
• Bunelos: A popular street food and absolute staple - a bundle is a fried dough ball that is sweet and savory.
• Pan de Bono: A small, round bread-like bite made with yuca flour and sweet cheese.
• Coconut Rice: Mainly prepared on the coast, rice with fresh coconut and coconut milk is served with a traditional coast meal of fish, plantains and salad.
• Pescado Frito: Most common on the coast, the whole fish is fried and served with its skin and head intact. In Colombia, the fish is usually mojarra or red snapper.
• Cazuela de Mariscos: Another seafood dish most common in the coastal regions.
• Fresh Fruit: The fruits found in Colombia are some of the best in the world! To name a few - maracuya (passion fruit), lulo (sour, “little orange” often found in cocktails and fresh juices), and of course delicious tropical fruits - papaya, mango, pineapple.
• Chocolate con queso: Hot chocolate, with good quality cacao in Colombia is another must-try! In many of the quaint towns, you may find it is served with cheese to melt inside.
• Tinto (Coffee): Colombians love coffee. If you are a coffee lover too, you’d better learn the word “tinto” which is the day-to-day black coffee, usually made on a fabric dripper and sometimes with sugar added.

The climate in Colombia is as diverse as the country’s landscape and wildlife, and depends on the city or region you are visiting and on the time of year. Because of its close proximity to the equator, many parts of Colombia experience tropical weather patterns. Cities or regions at a higher elevation, such as Bogota and the mountain towns outside of Medellin can be quite cool and rainy.

For this reason, we recommend travelers to come ready for a wide range of weather conditions. From the cold and rainy high-andes mountains (like Bogotá and surroundings) to the hot and humid Caribbean Coast. Regions of Colombia follow different rain and dry seasons. These seasons are not as marked as in temperate countries, and are also influenced by non-yearly weather patterns like “el niño” and “la niña”. In conclusion, weather is hard to predict, so come ready for everything.

• Caribbean Coast: The temperatures range from 22°C to 36°C (73°F to 97°F) on the Caribbean Coast all year round. There are three main seasons in the Caribbean Coast.
• Dry Season: December - April
• Mid-Rain Season: May - August
• Rainy Season: October & November
• Andean Region (Medellin & Bogota):The temperature is stable in this region throughout the year, though it can vary depending on the altitude. Thi higher, the colder. Most months are also the same, in terms of rain, though April, May, October and November tend to experience the most rain, and it is expected to see sunny days in Bogota in December - January. Temperature in Medellin is quite balanced, ranging between 14°C to 30°C (57°F to 86°F). In Bogotá, it can get as low as 5°C (40°F) on a cold night, and 20°C (68°F) on a sunny day. This is why it is called “thy city of the eternal spring”.

Experiencing different cultures is one of the joys of traveling. Please take note of the information below to better understand and mix in well with the local culture.

• Greetings: Colombians love greeting, acknowledging people when entering a space and being acknowledged. Simply saying “hola” is considered too vague. Other greetings to use instead include “buenos días” (good morning), “buenas tardes” (good afternoon), and “buenas noches” (good evening), or just “buenas” for any occasion. Hand shakes are quite common, even between men and women. In some cases of more closeness or warmth, expect one kiss in the chick (just one, on the right chick) between men and women, or between women. Rarely between men unless its family, like other latino countries like Argentina.
• Music: A very important part of Colombian culture, there are more than 1,000 music rhythms grouped in 158 genres in Colombia! Click here for 8 different Spotify playlists to start to get a feel for the sounds of Colombia before your trip. Talking about music will always be a great ice breaker. If you are at a bar with a dance fool, women can expect men to ask them for a dance. It is in most cases a friendly interaction with little or no talk. Saying no is ok.
• Pace of life: The pace of Colombian life is slower and more relaxed than most travelers are accustomed to. Punctuality is not strict. This requires some getting used to, and a willingness to adapt to a different lifestyle. Travel with an open-mind and flexibility, and expect that things may start late.
• Slamming Doors: Avoid slamming car doors or doors to someone’s house unless it will not shut without force. Slamming doors is considered to be very rude in Colombia. If you want to show appreciation for a taxi or uber driver, close your door as smoothly as possible.
• Noise: Colombia can be a country full of noise - the streets, especially in cities, are often filled with music and people. It is a country full of celebrations and social gatherings!
• Gender and diversity considerations: Colombian culture is still rather “macho”, and women are often treated differently than men. Cat calls towards women can happen and it is advised that one should not engage and continue moving. We have had multiple women traveling solo, with very positive experiences. Still, we recommend it is good to have in consideration these guidelines we wrote for women solo travelers.
  Main cities are pretty gay friendly. Actually, Bogota’s mayor is lesbian (2020-2024). Holding hands or public demonstrations of affection won’t scandalize people. However, we have heard reports from former LGTBQ+ travelers that they have felt some sort of discrimination or weird looks in small towns and rural areas, where people tend to be more conservative.
  Although Colombia is the third country with the largest black population outside of Africa (after US, Brazil, and France), the country is battling against a strong systemic racism. Since the abolishment of slavery in 1851, Colombia never had racial segregation laws like South Africa or the US. But still, most of the black population lives in underserved communities and like other racial groups living in poverty, they have lower chances of having access to education, traveling abroad, and well paid jobs. As a black traveler, you won’t face upfront discrimination, but you will hardly notice black colombians in positions of power or well paid jobs.
• Street Vendors and busking: There will be street vendors everywhere you go in Colombia, selling anything and everything! Even if you do not want to purchase anything, it is polite to greet them by saying “hola” or tell them “mañana” (tomorrow). It is very rude in Colombia to ignore people.
  It is also common to find people busking or making other kinds of performances for money. Especially in Cartagena, there is a boom of young rappers, improvising lyrics as they walk along with you. If you feel like supporting them, it is all right! A note of 2,000 will be enough. However, you’ll get to a point of meeting too many of them. We just recommend acknowledging them, keep walking, and say “no gracias” (no, thank you).
• Begging: As in many developing countries, begging is common in Colombia. See our Responsible Travel Tips section below for more information.

The official language of Colombia is Spanish. Try brushing up on these useful terms and phrases before your trip!

English Phrase	Spanish
Hello	Hola, buenos días.
How are you?	Cómo estás?
Please	Por favor
Thank you	Gracias
You're welcome	De nada
Yes	Si
No	No
Excuse me (I'm Sorry)	Disculpa
What is your name?	Cómo se llama?
My name is ____.	Me llamo _______.
Nice to meet you.	Mucho gusto.
Where is the toilet?	Dónde está el baño?
Goodbye	Adios
Is this water pure?	¿Es potable el agua? O ¿Se puede tomar el agua?
Enjoy (used before eating)	Buen provecho
Tomorrow	Mañana

Colombia is a beautiful country, and you will want to take lots of pictures. When photographing people, always ask permission first - this is a sign of respect. You can do this with gestures or ask your guide to translate. The only exception to this is when you are photographing a public scene with a lot of people in it, aiming at no one in particular. Because so many local people are asked for permission to be photographed, many will expect a tip or an outright fee for this. Always be considerate of anyone's desire not to be photographed. There are some places where photography is prohibited, and these areas are usually marked. If you are uncertain about whether or not photography is permitted, your guide will be there to advise you.

Impulse Travel has signed the Code of conduct for the protection of children from sexual exploitation in travel and tourism and expects all of its partners to refuse involvement, both direct and indirect, in the commercial sexual exploitation of children. A “child” is defined as a person younger than 18 years of age, according to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

We encourage our travelers and suppliers to report the sexual exploitation of children. Information, even the smallest amount, can represent the missing piece of an ongoing investigation by law enforcement. If you are uncomfortable with leaving your name and contact information, you can report anonymously to law enforcement or NGOs. You can email protect@ecpat.net to report sexual exploitation of children.

Read about Impulse values & vision, our sustainability commitment, our programs that give back, and more on our website. Our team members are always excited to share more on this topic. We acknowledge that to maintain truly sustainable travel products takes ongoing commitment. We continue to monitor our programs on the ground in order to improve them, and welcome your thoughts, feedback, and encouragement!

Impulse Travel takes pride in its leadership in the field of responsible travel. We take care in selecting our local partners that share our environmental and social values and are avid supporters of locals working in the tourism industry as they are both the most impacted and impactful players at the local level. All of your ground costs on this trip are carbon offset using Native Energy Carbon Calculator, and we encourage you to offset your international flights as well. Here are a few tips that can help enrich your experience as a responsible traveler:

• Keep an open mind: Try to observe local customs and respect traditional cultures and people.
• Language: Learn a few basic greetings and “thank you” in the local language.
• Local economy: Support locally owned businesses, restaurants, and other services. Shop from local artisans to promote traditional crafts and encourage contemporary arts.
• Pay a fair price: Bargaining is acceptable on this trip and a great way to engage with locals. Try to have fun and not be overly aggressive in bargaining for souvenirs.
• Respect: It is important to acknowledge the privacy and dignity of others and ask before photographing or filming people. Ask permission before entering sacred places, homes or private land, and take heed of local customs (i.e. remove shoes, hats, cover hair with shawl, etc). Please ask your guide if you are unsure; they are there to support your introduction to the culture!
• Community and environment: Contribute to organizations that support traditional cultures and protect the natural environment. Keep to designated trails, and do not disturb plants and animals or their natural habitats.
• Animal products: Avoid purchasing crafts, clothing, furniture or other products that are derived from members of protected or endangered animal species.
• Use alternatives to single-use plastics: Avoid using plastic bags and try to minimize the use of other disposables. When traveling in areas away from cities, make sure to take out what you take in. Try using a reusable water bottle and treating your own drinking water when possible – check out what our friends at Travelers Against Plastic are doing!
• Don’t feel pressured to give away money or material items: You will likely encounter instances of poverty and people asking for donations. We try to discourage giving away money or items as it can actually accentuate an unequal relationship between visitors and locals. Additionally, children that receive money, gifts, and sweets from you are encouraged to stick around for more, rather than to be in school. As difficult as it can be to turn down direct requests, sometimes giving your friendship and respect to locals can be the best gift of all. If you want to help, consider giving to a trustworthy charity, non-profit, or local school.

Smart Traveler Tip!
In travel, especially in the developing world, things happen. Expect the unexpected! Keep an open mind, be flexible, and enjoy the moment. Sometimes the best memories come out of the unplanned.

Our team has developed these city guides based on our updated knowledge of Colombia and our favorite places to eat, dance, stay and shop.
Click on the links below to access a folder where you’ll find the guides in English and Spanish.

BOGOTA GUIDES

MEDELLIN GUIDES

CARTAGENA GUIDES

Here is a list of some blog posts our team has written that will help you before and during your trip to Colombia.

How to Prepare for Your Trip to Colombia
Are you planning to travel to Colombia soon and still have some unsolved questions? These 9 tips will help you to be well-prepared and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Getting Around Colombia: A Transport Guide
Colombia's big cities usually have transport systems but as they differ a lot, getting around on your own requires a bit of knowledge. Read our blog for the gist!

Colombia's Gift Giving Guide
Are looking for the perfect Christmas gift or trying to find a souvenir for people back home? We’ve crafted a list of the best things to bring back from Colombia.

Colombia's 10 Most Fascinating Fruits and How to Use Them
When you visit Colombia for the first time, chances are high you will discover exotic fruits that you've never heard of. Find the top 10 in this blog post.