More Than Just Cheap Flights.

Colombia Information

Overview

In the midst of an ever-changing and sometimes violent political landscape is a beautiful country that has much to offer, from nature (much is covered by the Amazon Basin; large lakes are surrounded by mountains; a Caribbean coastline twinkles with azure water) to man-made wonders (archaeological digs unearth historical wealth; colonial houses adorn the towns; the Guajira Peninsula is home to more than 100,000 nomadic Indians).

The Republic of Colombia was formally established in 1855. Over the next 100 years, Colombian politics were dominated by the Conservative-Liberal feud, which often broke out into warfare. Periods of democratic government alternated with dictatorships. There were occasions, however, when the two parties were able to unite to see off a common threat. The 1970 election was a turning point in Colombia’s recent history. Disaffected members of ANAPO (Alianza Nacional Popular) formed a guerrilla movement known as Movimiento 19 de Abril (M-19), which initiated a 15-year-long guerrilla campaign against the government and acquired other left-wing groups.

Meanwhile, a third potent force emerged during the 1980s, in the form of organised drug traffickers (known as cartels). Large sums of money began to be turned into political power and leading politicians increasingly became tainted by connections with drug money. By 1998, the country was in the grip of the struggle between the government, traffickers, right-wing paramilitaries and left-wing guerrillas. Leftist guerrillas created ‘liberated areas’, within which government forces were unable or unwilling to operate. The US administration became infuriated and, in 2000, the US Clinton administration unveiled ‘Plan Colombia’, a massive military support programme for the Colombian armed forces.

Although portrayed as the latest phase of the ‘war on drugs’, it is clear that the programme is essentially political and strategic – the objective is to destroy FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) and its allies. The Bush administration inherited ‘Plan Colombia’ and endorsed the plan with some modifications. Its first effects became apparent the following year, when military forces retook part of the former ‘liberated zone’. The new hard line adopted by the government was confirmed in May 2002, when the right-winger Alvaro Uribe, who favours all-out war against the left-wing guerrillas, won a comfortable victory at the presidential election. Uribe immediately declared a partial state of emergency, allowing him to impose security measures by decree. In early 2003, American special forces troops became directly engaged for the first time in the eastern province of Arauca.

Top Things To See

Head for the dizzying heights of Bogotá, which sits at 2,600m (8,600ft). Historical landmarks include the Capitol (congress building) and the cathedral (the Capilla del Sangrario) on the main square, the Plaza Bolivar.

Wander among voluptuous sculptures created by Colombian artist Fernando Botero in the Plaza Botero or see around 120 of his paintings, as well as an impressive collection of Impressionist and modern art, at the Museo Botero (website: www.lablaa.org/museobotero.htm).

Travel to Zipaquirá and enter the famous Salt Cathedral, an underground church built within a salt mine, in the body of a mountain. Stalactites and specks of salt jostle with crosses and chapels (website: www.catedraldesal.gov.co).

Join in the festivities of the Barranquilla Carnaval, when vibrant costumes, energetic dancing and lively music transform the industrial port. The main parades take place on the three days preceding Ash Wednesday and are second in size only to Rio’s carnival (website: www.carnavaldebarranquilla.org).

Go to the Tayrona National Park, some 35km (22 miles) south of Santa Marta, to see one of the country’s most popular parks. Its major attraction is its deep bays, shaded with coconut trees, beautiful beaches and several coral reefs (website: www.parquesnacionales.gov.co).

Explore the labyrinthine streets of Cartagena, a colonial walled fortress city on the north coast (website: www.turismocartagenadeindias.com). Take a romantic tour in a horse-drawn carriage or join a cruise to the Islas del Rosario, an archipelago of about 25 small coral islands.

Climb high into the jungle-covered Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to the archeological ruins of the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), discovered in 1976. (Travellers are strongly advised to check local advice first, as it can be dangerous to visit the area.)

Fly to the islands of San Andrés and Providencia, nearly 500km (300 miles) north of the Colombian coast. San Andrés was once the headquarters of the English pirate Captain Henry Morgan, the scourge of the Caribbean (websites: www.sanandres.gov.co and www.oldprovidence.com).

Gaze up at the massive stone statues in San Agustín Archaeological Park, the largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Top Things To Do

Cycle or skate along car-free roads in central Bogotá: on Sundays and holidays from 0700 to 1400, 121km (75 miles) of the capital’s streets are transformed into ciclovías (cycleways) (website: www.idrd.gov.co).

Dive into the tropical waters of the UNESCO Seaflower Biosphere Reserve around San Andrés and Providencia, home to a multitude of fish and coral species. Other diving hotspots include the Islas del Rosario and Tayrona National Park.

Raft the rapids on the Rio Negro in Cundinamarca and Fonce or kayak through the Chicamocha canyon in Santander.

Climb the snow-capped Nevado del Ruiz: the 5,400m (17,717ft) peak is one of five permanently white-tipped volcanoes in Los Nevados National Park (website: www.parquesnacionales.gov.co). Guided treks are available from Manizales.

Head off-road on a motorbike or 4-wheel drive vehicle: Colombia’s rugged terrain is ideally suited to driving enthusiasts seeking a muddy challenge.

Try out some new moves in Cali, Colombia’s salsa capital (website: www.cali.gov.co).

Take a jungle tour into the Amazon basin, which covers almost one-third of Colombia’s territory. Boat trips depart from Leticia to the nearby Amacayu National Park and often include visits to Indian tribes.

Stay on a coffee farm: over 300 haciendas offer lodging to tourists and can arrange walks through the coffee fields as well as horse riding, fishing, mountain biking and trips to local villages.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

Restaurants offer local and international cuisine. Local dishes are varied and tasty, with a touch of Spanish influence. Colombian wines are generally of poor quality. Chilean and Argentinian wines are available in restaurants at reasonable prices.

Things to know: Table service is the norm. Colombians rarely drink alcohol with meals. Gaseosa is the name given to non-alcoholic, carbonated drinks. There are no licensing hours.

National specialities:
• Ajiaco (chicken stew with potatoes, served with cream, corn on the cob and capers).
• Arepas (corn pancakes made without salt, eaten in place of bread).
• Bandeja paisa (meat dish accompanied by cassava, rice, fried plantain and red beans), served in the area of Medellín.
• Seafood (mariscos) is a speciality on the Caribbean coast – lobsters in particular.

National drinks:
• Tinto (small black coffee) – but this term is also used to describe red wine or vino tinto.
• Canelazo (rum-based cocktail taken hot or cold).

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: A 10% tip is usual in restaurants.

Nightlife

Bogotá’s Colon Theatre presents ballet, opera, drama and music, with international and local groups. There are many nightclubs in the major towns of Colombia. Bogotá has a number of casinos.

Shopping

Goods to look out for include gold jewellery, art, antiques and leather products. Colombia produces first-grade precious stones, and the emeralds are among the most perfect in the world. Bogotá has numerous large shopping malls as well as several distinct shopping districts.

Shopping hours: In colder cities such as Bogotá, typically Mon-Sat 1100-2100. In hotter cities, Mon-Sat 0900-1100 and 1500-2100.

Climate

The climate is very warm and tropical on the coast and in the north, with a rainy season from May to November. This varies according to altitude. It is cooler in the upland areas and cold in the mountains. Bogotá is always spring-like, with cool days and crisp nights.

Required Clothing

Lightweight clothes with waterproofs during the rainy season in coastal and northern areas. Medium- to heavyweights are needed in upland and mountainous areas.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
6 Jan* Epiphany.
19 Mar* St Joseph’s Day.
20 Mar Maundy Thursday.
21 Mar Good Friday.
1 May Labour Day
1 May* Ascension.
22 May* Corpus Christi.
30 Jun* Sagrado Corazon (Sacred Heart).
3 Jul* St Peter and St Paul.
20 Jul Independence Day.
7 Aug Battle of Boyacá.
15 Aug* Assumption.
12 Oct* Columbus Day.
1 Nov* All Saints’ Day.
11 Nov* Independence of Cartagena City.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
6 Jan* Epiphany.
19 Mar* St Joseph’s Day. 
9 Apr Maundy Thursday. 
10 Apr Good Friday.
1 May Labour Day
21 May* Ascension.
11 Jun* Corpus Christi.
30 Jun* Sagrado Corazon (Sacred Heart).
3 Jul* St Peter and St Paul.
20 Jul Independence Day.
7 Aug Battle of Boyacá.
15 Aug* Assumption.
12 Oct* Columbus Day.
1 Nov* All Saints’ Day.
11 Nov* Independence of Cartagena City.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

Note

* When they do not fall on a Monday, these holidays are observed the following Monday.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Rabies

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Yes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: Sometimes*

Health Care

Health facilities in the main cities are good. In rural areas, services can be very limited. Visitors travelling to jungle areas are advised to carry first aid kits. Travellers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance.

Note

* Recommended for travellers who visit the following areas: middle valley of the Magdalena river, eastern and western foothills of the Cordillera Oriental from the frontier with Ecuador to that with Venezuela, Chocoano and Antioqueño, Urabá, foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Narta and eastern plains (Orinoquia and Amazonia).

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP; symbol Col$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of Col$50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of Col$1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.

Currency Exchange

Currency should be exchanged at hotels, banks and bureaux de change only, though most places charge commission. Travellers are advised against changing money on the street. The US Dollar is the easiest currency to exchange.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, American Express and Diners Club less so. There are ATMs throughout the main cities; some will allow cash withdrawals using Visa, MasterCard or Cirrus.

Traveller's Cheques

The most commonly accepted traveller’s cheques are those issued by American Express and Citicorp. Traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at banks, hotels or bureaux de change. They are generally not accepted as a form of payment, other than at major hotels.

Currency Restrictions

Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1500. On the last business day of every month, banks close at 1200.

Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Other EU

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/1
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Passports

Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 180 days except the following:
a) 1. nationals of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Poland and Slovenia.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

Nationals will be issued with an entry stamp on arrival which will be valid for up to 90 days (nationals are often only given 30 or 60 days); extensions for up to a further 120 days are available from the Department of Administration and Security in Colombia; all nationals are permitted to stay for a maximum of 180 days in any 12-month period.

Types of Visa and Cost

Nationals should check with the embassy or consulate of Colombia for visa cost as fees are fixed according to the exchange rate.

Validity

Tourist and Temporary Visitor: Valid six months (multiple entry). Business: Valid four years for multiple entries with maximum stays of six months each. Student: Valid five years with multiple entry.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses.

Working Days Required

Depends on the visa issued. Five for Tourist and Business visas; one week for Temporary Visitors Visas. It is generally advised to allow plenty of time for applications.

Contact Addresses

Tourism Promotion Fund of Columbia

Calle 69, No 11-16, Bogotá, Colombia
Tel: (1) 212 6315.
Website: www.turismocolombia.com

Embassy of the Republic of Colombia in the UK

3 Hans Crescent, London SW1X 0LN, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 9177.
Website: www.colombianembassy.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800.

Colombian Consulate in the UK

West Cott House, 3rd Floor, 35 Portland Place, London W1B 1AE, UK
Tel: (020) 7637 9893.
Website: www.colombianconsulate.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1330 (personal callers); 1500-1700 (telephone enquiries).

Embassy of the Republic of Colombia in the USA

2118 Leroy Place, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 387 8338.
Website: www.colombiaemb.org

Travel Advice

Warning

Most visits are trouble-free. 

It is advised against all travel to the departments of Putumayo, Arauca, Nariño (excluding Pasto), and Norte de Santander (excluding Cucuta); to the towns of Buenaventura and San José del Guaviare and the areas surrounding them; and to the Parque Nacional Natural de La Macarena in the department of Meta.

It is advised against all but essential travel to the rural areas of Cauca, Huila (including to San Agustin and the Parque Arqueologico San Agustin), Caqueta, Guaviare, southern and western Valle de Cauca, southern Tolima, southern parts of Meta, Chocó, northwest Antioquia, northeastern Boyacá, Córdoba, Sucre, southern Bolívar and southern Cesar departments. It is also advised against all but essential travel to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (including the ‘Lost City’). Six tourists were kidnapped from Nuqui in the province of Choco on 13 January 2008, reportedly by the FARC.

Activity by illegal armed groups in many parts of Colombia remains intense, including in parts of the country we do not advise against all travel to. On 2 September 2007, 10 soldiers were killed by the FARC in the area bordering Quindio and Tolima. Several others were injured. And on April 9 2007, a bomb exploded outside the Police Headquarters in Cali killing one person and injuring others.

Visitors should be aware that the security situation in Colombia is constantly changing and that you could be at serious risk in parts of the country not included in the list above. If it is essential for you to travel, you should review your security arrangements.

There is a high threat of terrorism in Colombia. Visitors should be vigilant, particularly when visiting or staying in public places used by foreigners, such as hotels, bars, restaurants, nightclubs and shopping malls and in the vicinity of government buildings and military establishments. Roads, bridges and power supplies are also targeted.

There is a serious risk of kidnapping and crime throughout most parts of the country, including major cities. It is advised to avoid all unnecessary travel to deprived areas of all Colombian cities.

When travelling in rural areas it is strongly advised to follow local warnings about the presence of landmines.

On 17 January 2008, the Galeras volcano in Nariño Department erupted. The alert level is currently Level 2 (possible eruption within days or weeks) and the area surrounding the volcano has been evacuated. Any travellers in Nariño Department (with the exception of the city of Pasto) should pay careful attention to all warnings issued and follow the advice of the local Colombian authorities.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

• Colombia Overview
• Colombia Things to See
• Colombia Things to Do
• Colombia Events
• Colombia Climate
• Colombia Public Holidays
• Colombia Health
• Colombia Currency
• Colombia Passport & Visas
• Colombia Contact Addresses
• Colombia Travel Advice