Colombia Holidays: Cartagena, Medellín, Coffee Country, Best Time & Costs

A By Anna · Updated 20 October 2026 · 4 min read

Airports

Bogotá El Dorado (BOG), Medellín José María Córdova (MDE), Cartagena Rafael Núñez (CTG)

Flight time

about 10h30 direct from London to Bogotá

Best time to go

December-March and July-August (drier seasons)

Currency

Colombian peso (COP)

Colombia has changed enormously in the last 20 years and is now one of the most rewarding countries in South America to visit. Walled colonial Cartagena sits on the Caribbean, Medellín has reinvented itself as a lively, creative city, and in between lie coffee farms, cloud forest and the wax palms of the Cocora Valley. It is one of our South America guides and, thanks to a direct flight from London, among the easiest to reach.

Because it sits close to the equator, temperatures depend on altitude rather than season: Bogotá is cool and Cartagena hot all year. This guide covers where to go, when to visit, flights and costs in 2026, plus some honest notes on safety.

Where to go in Colombia

Cartagena and the Caribbean coast

Cartagena is Colombia's showpiece: a UNESCO-listed walled city of balconied houses, bougainvillea and plazas that come alive after dark. Day trips by boat reach the Rosario Islands. Further east, Santa Marta is the base for Tayrona National Park, where jungle meets the beach, and the multi-day trek to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida).

Medellín

Once notorious, Medellín is now known for its mild climate, cable cars that link hillside neighbourhoods to the metro, and the street art of Comuna 13, best seen on a guided tour with a local. Guatapé, a colourful lakeside town two hours away, has a giant rock, El Peñol, with around 700 steps to a fine viewpoint.

The Coffee Region

The Eje Cafetero, around Salento, Filandia and Manizales, is green, hilly and dotted with coffee fincas that run tours and tastings. Nearby, the Cocora Valley is home to the wax palm, Colombia's national tree, which can grow taller than 50 metres.

Bogotá

The capital sits at around 2,600 metres, so bring layers. Its highlights are the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), the historic La Candelaria district, the Botero Museum and the views from Monserrate. Most people spend two or three days here at the start or end of a trip.

Beyond the classics

Villa de Leyva is a beautifully preserved colonial town a few hours from Bogotá. Leticia, on the Amazon where Colombia meets Peru and Brazil, is the jumping-off point for jungle lodges, and the Caño Cristales river in La Macarena turns red with aquatic plants, usually between about June and November.

Best time to visit Colombia

Rain usually falls in heavy afternoon showers rather than all day, so the wet seasons are still very travellable.

Getting to Colombia from the UK

Avianca flies direct from London Heathrow to Bogotá, taking about 10h30, which is a big advantage over most of the continent. One-stop options include Iberia and Air Europa via Madrid to Bogotá, Medellín or Cartagena, KLM via Amsterdam, Air France via Paris and US airlines via Miami or Atlanta. Colombia is five or six hours behind the UK, depending on the time of year.

Entry requirements

British passport holders do not currently need a visa for tourist visits to Colombia and are usually allowed up to 90 days. Colombia requires most visitors to complete the online Check-MIG form before departure. Your passport should be valid for your whole stay. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Colombia before you book and again before you fly.

Getting around

Domestic flights are cheap and fast; Avianca, LATAM and low-cost carriers link Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Santa Marta and Pereira (for the Coffee Region). Buses are cheaper but mountain roads are slow. In cities, use the Medellín metro, ride-hailing apps or official taxis booked through your hotel rather than hailing them on the street.

Money and costs

The currency is the Colombian peso. Colombia is good value: a set lunch (menú del día or corrientazo) often costs less than £4. Allow roughly £45-70 per person per day for mid-range travel excluding flights, more in Cartagena, which is the most expensive city. Cards are widely accepted in cities; carry cash in small towns. Restaurants usually add an optional 10 per cent service charge and ask if you want it included.

Colombia on the map

We research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.