Things to Do in Colombia

About Colombia

Colombia works. Mountains meet Caribbean coast, colonial cities pulse with music, and the coffee region delivers exactly what you'd expect. Start in Cartagena's walled old town, where bougainvillea hangs over balconies that have seen centuries of history. The city is hot and crowded—worth it. Bogotá sits higher and cooler, with museums full of pre-Columbian gold and a food scene that has improved dramatically in recent years. Medellín earns its "eternal spring" reputation with year-round comfortable weather. The transformation here is real. Salsa bars open at twilight, and you'll find people want to talk to you. The coffee region delivers misty mountains and working farms you can visit. Go for the landscapes. The Amazon section is vast and difficult to access, but spend time there if you can arrange it properly. Street food is good. Arepas show up everywhere, prepared dozens of ways depending on region. Colombia won't change your life, but it is an easy country to like. Most travelers stay longer than planned.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use The COMET buses for $1.50 rides with exact change—Route 1 connects downtown to USC campus. Uber and Lyft operate regularly; airport to downtown costs $15-25. Rent cars for $35-50 daily to explore Congaree National Park and state capitol area.

Money: ATMs at First Citizens Bank and Bank of America charge $3-4 fees for non-customers. Most places accept cards but carry cash for farmers markets and food trucks on Main Street. Budget $40-65 daily for meals and local activities.

Cultural Respect: Respect the significant University of South Carolina presence—avoid game day traffic and book accommodations early during football season. Tipping 18-20% is standard at restaurants. Learn about Civil War history respectfully when visiting historic sites.

Food: Try shrimp and grits at Motor Supply Co. Bistro where Southern plates cost $16-26. Sample pimento cheese at local delis for $4-7 per serving. Visit Soda City Market on Saturdays for local produce and artisanal foods costing $5-15 per selection.

When to Visit

Colombia's equatorial location means year-round travel is possible, but timing depends on your destinations and preferences. The dry season (December-March, July-August) offers the best weather nationwide, with temperatures ranging from 60-80°F in highlands to 80-90°F on the coast, and minimal rainfall (1-3 inches monthly). This is peak season with prices 30-40% higher and crowded attractions. The wet season (April-June, September-November) brings afternoon showers and higher humidity, but also lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and 20-30% lower prices. Coastal areas like Cartagena are hottest March-May (85-95°F), while Andean cities maintain spring-like weather year-round. Key festivals include Barranquilla Carnival (February/March), Feria de las Flores in Medellín (August), and Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata (April). Adventure travelers should visit Amazon regions during dry months (July-September) when wildlife viewing is optimal. Beach lovers will find Caribbean coast ideal December-April with less rain and calmer seas. Budget travelers benefit from shoulder seasons (May-June, September-November) when accommodation rates drop significantly while weather remains manageable with brief, predictable afternoon showers.