Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
You’ll want to be up-to-date on routine vaccines like MMR, DTP, varicella, and polio. Consider vaccines for hepatitis A and B, especially if you’re traveling to rural areas. Typhoid is recommended if you plan to eat street food. Yellow fever vaccination is suggested for certain regions, particularly if you’re heading to the Amazon. Rabies is optional unless you’ll be in contact with animals or in remote areas. Always check the latest recommendations from health authorities before your trip.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Colombia, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for ColombiaCulture & Customs
In Colombia, always greet people with a firm handshake and eye contact. Hugging and cheek kisses are common among friends. Avoid discussing politics or the country’s past conflicts. Dress modestly; shorts are uncommon outside beaches. For women, catcalling can be common, so be assertive but cautious. LGBTQ+ travelers should be discreet in rural areas, as acceptance varies. Tipping 10% is standard in restaurants. Do not flush toilet paper; use the bin provided. Be punctual for business, but social gatherings are flexible with time.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Colombia.
- Arepas: These cornmeal cakes are a staple in Colombian cuisine. Found at every corner, they can be grilled, baked, or fried and often filled with cheese, meats, or eggs. They represent the agricultural heart of the country.
- Bandeja Paisa: Originating from the Paisa region, this hefty platter includes beans, rice, ground meat, chorizo, plantain, avocado, and a fried egg on top. It’s a celebration of abundance and reflects the hard-working culture of the region.
- Ajiaco: A comforting chicken and potato soup from Bogotá, Ajiaco is flavored with guascas (a local herb) and often served with corn and capers. It’s especially cherished in the capital for its warmth and heartiness.
- Sancocho: A hearty stew made with meat (often chicken, beef, or fish), plantains, yucca, and corn. It’s a dish that brings families together, often enjoyed during gatherings and celebrations.
- Lechona: A whole roasted pig stuffed with rice, peas, and spices, typically served during festivals and special occasions. This dish is a festive showstopper and symbolizes Colombian hospitality and celebration.
In major cities like Bogotá and Medellín, the tap water is generally safe to drink and locals do consume it, but it’s best for tourists to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any digestive issues. In rural areas, definitely opt for bottled or filtered water as the safety of tap water can vary. Always check with locals or your accommodation for the most current advice.
The main language in Colombia is
Spanish. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Spanish skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Colombia includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Colombia,
English proficiency varies significantly by region and demographic. In major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, you’ll find a higher prevalence of English speakers, particularly among younger generations, professionals, and those in the tourism sector. Many hotel staff, tour guides, and restaurant employees in tourist areas can communicate effectively in English.
However, in rural areas and smaller towns, English is less commonly spoken, and knowledge of Spanish becomes essential for effective communication. While some Colombians may understand basic phrases, fluency is rare outside urban centers.
Overall, while you can navigate tourist hotspots with relative ease using English, learning a few key Spanish phrases can enhance your experience and interactions with locals. Embracing the local language not only helps in communication but also fosters a deeper cultural connection during your travels in Colombia.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Colombia is COP ($).
Cash is king in many parts of Colombia, especially in rural areas. While cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena have good card acceptance, having some cash on you is a smart move.
ATMs are widely available in urban areas, but they might be scarce in remote spots, so plan your cash withdrawals accordingly. Stick to ATMs inside banks for security reasons. Remember, some ATMs charge withdrawal fees, so check with your bank before you travel.
Colombian pesos (COP) are the way to go. While dollars and euros are sometimes accepted in tourist areas, you’ll often get a lousy exchange rate. For exchanging money, head to ”casas de cambio” in cities or airports for better rates. Avoid street exchangers unless you’re feeling adventurous and enjoy a good haggle.
Keep some emergency cash hidden in your backpack just in case. It’s always a good idea to have a mix of both cash and cards for flexibility.
Tipping in Colombia isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated, especially in restaurants where a 10% service charge is often added to the bill. If you’re happy with the service, consider leaving a little extra. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common, and in hotels, a small tip for porters and housekeeping is a nice gesture.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.