Colombia Travel Costs

Colombia Travel Costs | A Definitive Guide

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Colombia is a country that’s filled with different landscapes, cultures, and histories. It has beautiful mountains, jungles, cities, and even a Caribbean coast! What’s impressive about Colombia is that it’s still very affordable compared to other tourist destinations. This article will show you the Colombia travel costs, so you can plan your trip without breaking the bank.

Best Time to Visit Colombia

The best time to get cheaper flights to Colombia is in February, March, and April. The most expensive flight months are January, July, August, and December because they are the high season. The prices can change throughout the year, so comparing prices and being flexible with travel dates is important. You can use flight search engines like Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare airport prices and dates. By planning your trip during the cheaper months, you can save money on your flights and have more money to spend.

Best Time to Visit Colombia
Best Time to Visit Colombia

Airfare Costs

When traveling to Colombia, the travel costs of airfare can be one of the most costly parts of your budget. The price varies depending on the season, with July, August, and December being the most expensive months. It’s best to plan and compare prices to find a good deal. Direct flights are available from Paris to Bogotá but can be more expensive than flights with stopovers.

On average, a direct return flight costs at least 3,510,600 COP ($880), with the cheapest flights having stopovers. The best deals for flights are less than 2,918,630 COP ($730) during the off-season, less than 3,276,760 COP ($820) at other times, and less than 3,712,900 COP ($930) with some date flexibility. The normal price of a ticket is around 4,280,520 COP ($1,070), and high prices can be more than 5,801,670 COP ($1,450).

Accommodation Costs 

Accommodation costs in Colombia vary depending on your preferences, location, and season. Hostel dorm rooms are the cheapest option, costing between 30,000-45,000 COP ($9-14) per night. You can find them cheaper in smaller cities and towns, but they may not have great facilities. Private hostel rooms cost around 50,000 COP ($15.50) per night but expect to pay double that during the high season or in major metropolitan areas.

Affordable hotels are available from 60,000 COP ($18) per night, but prices can increase to around 120,000 ($36) per night on the coast and during the high season. For a more luxurious experience, boutique hotels can cost around 658,533 COP ($200) per night or more. Airbnb is also an option in larger cities, with shared accommodation starting at 35,000 COP ($11) per night and entire homes or apartments averaging around 250,000 COP ($78) per night.

Accommodation Costs
Accommodation Costs

Transportation Costs

Transportation in Colombia is affordable and convenient. The metro in Medellin costs only 2,500 COP ($0.76) for a one-way fare, while local buses in towns and cities usually cost between 1,000-2,500 COP ($0.30-0.80). Uber is a cheaper alternative to taxis, with fares of around 16,463 COP ($5). Intercity buses are the best way to travel longer distances, such as from Bogotá to Medellin or Quito, Ecuador, with fares around 65,000 COP ($20) and 175,000 COP ($54), respectively.

Buses from Medellin to Manizales cost 42,000 COP ($12.75), and Salento to Cali is about 27,000 COP ($8.20). Expect to spend 20,000-40,000 ($6-12) for a bus ride, more if it’s a long journey of over 9 hours. Bolivariano, Expreso Palmira, and Trejos are reputable bus companies, with schedules and fares easily available on their websites.

Food and Drink Costs

Food and drink costs in Colombia are quite reasonable. Eating out can cost around 1,506,672 COP (about $459). Colombian food culture is booming, especially in places like Medellin, where you can find all kinds of tasty food worldwide. Portions are generally large and filling, so you definitely won’t leave hungry! Buying water is relatively cheap in Colombia, and some hostels even provide it for free, which can help you save money during your trip.

Alcohol is also affordable, with many places offering happy hour deals and promotions. If you want to cook your meals, local grocery stores like Exito offer good quality ingredients at reasonable prices. You can also find fresh fruits and vegetables at local markets and shops. Colombian street food is a must-try, with stalls selling delicious treats like pineapple and arepas with cheese. The cost of fruits in Colombia is usually quite low, making it easy to eat healthy while keeping costs down.

Food and Drink Costs
Food and Drink Costs

Activity and Entertainment Costs 

Colombia offers a range of fun and exciting activities for travelers. One of the must-try tours is the 5-day Lost City Trek or Ciudad Perdida, which includes accommodation and meals. Other tours to try are the Bogota graffiti tour (by donation), Escobar Tour, Cable car through the barrios in Medellin, Cathedral Del Sal, and Bogota Bike Tours in the capital.

If you’re a coffee lover, a tour of the coffee regions is highly recommended. Most tours in Colombia cost around 30,000 COP ($9), and most museums are 10,000 COP ($3) or less. With affordable prices, you can enjoy these activities without breaking the bank, making Colombia an excellent destination for budget travelers looking for adventure and fun.

Estimated Daily Budget for Colombia Trip

When traveling to Colombia, it is possible to budget your trip based on your needs. For backpackers, you can expect to spend about 160,000 COP ($48) per day, including hostel accommodations, local food, cooking some of your meals, and local transportation.

On a mid-range budget of 306,000 COP ($92) per day, you can afford a private room in a hostel or hotel, eat anywhere within reason, and take tours. For those who want to splurge on luxury accommodations, meals, and drinks, budgeting around 329,266 COP ($100) per day would be ideal.

How to Plan a Budget Trip to Colombia

When planning a trip to Colombia, it’s important to budget wisely to ensure you have enough money for everything you want to do. First, decide your daily budget based on your travel style and needs. List your expenses, including flights, accommodations, food, transportation, tours, and activities. Research prices and compare options to find the best deals.

Budget Trip to Colombia
Budget Your Trip to Colombia

Try to book in advance to save money. Consider using local transportation, staying in hostels or Airbnb, and eating local food to save money. Keep track of your spending to stay within your budget, and be flexible if unexpected expenses arise. Proper planning and budgeting allow you to have a great trip to Colombia without breaking the bank.

Final Words

Colombia is a beautiful and diverse country that can be visited at desired travel costs. By following simple tips like traveling during the off-season, staying in hostels, and eating local food, travelers can easily keep their costs down. With some planning, it is possible to experience all Colombia offers without breaking the bank. So, start packing your bags and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

FAQs on Colombia Travel Costs

What are some budget-friendly options for traveling in Colombia?

To save money while traveling in Colombia, you can stay in hostels or budget hotels, eat local food, use public transportation, and book tours and activities directly with local companies instead of through a travel agency. Avoiding touristy areas and opting for off-the-beaten-path destinations is also a good idea.

What are some popular destinations to visit in Colombia?

Colombia has many popular destinations, including Cartagena, Bogota, Medellin, Cali, and the coffee region. Each destination offers unique attractions and experiences, from historical landmarks to beautiful natural scenery.

When is the ideal time to visit Colombia on a budget?

February, March, and April are the best months to travel to Colombia to save money on airfare. However, prices for accommodation and other travel expenses can also vary throughout the year, so it’s best to plan your trip and budget accordingly.

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