Secure the Best Deals and Book Cheap Flights to Colombia Today

December to March is the primary dry season. This is the best time for hiking in the Andes and enjoying Caribbean beaches with minimal rain.

July and August offer a secondary dry period. It is a great time for festivals and seeing the lush landscapes after the spring rains.

April to June and September to November are wetter. While rain is frequent, it usually comes in short bursts, leaving the country incredibly green.

From July to October, the Pacific coast becomes a sanctuary for humpback whales. This is a unique time for nature lovers to visit.

Travelers from Brazil do not need a visa to enter Colombia for tourism purposes due to Mercosur agreements. You can enter using either a valid passport or your Brazilian national ID card (RG), provided the ID is in good condition and was issued within the last ten years. Upon arrival, you will typically receive a permit to stay for up to 90 days. It is mandatory to complete the Check-Mig form online before your flight and again before leaving the country. While yellow fever vaccination is not always strictly enforced for entry from Brazil, it is highly recommended if you plan to visit jungle regions like the Amazon or Tayrona National Park. Always carry a digital or physical copy of your return flight booking and proof of accommodation, as immigration officers sometimes request these documents to verify your travel plans.

Navigating Colombian cities is quite different from Brazil. In Bogota, the TransMilenio bus system is efficient but can get very crowded during peak hours. Medellin is famous for its clean and modern Metro system, which includes cable cars to reach hillside neighborhoods. For travel between cities, domestic flights are often more practical than buses due to the mountainous terrain, which makes road trips long and winding. Ride-sharing apps are widely used in major cities and offer a safer, more transparent alternative to traditional street taxis. If you do use a taxi, ensure it has a working meter or agree on the price beforehand. For a local experience, try the colorful 'Chiva' buses in rural areas. Always keep your belongings secure when using public transport, and avoid using your phone near open windows or doors to prevent opportunistic theft in busy urban centers.

While safety has improved significantly, travelers should remain vigilant. The local phrase 'no dar papaya' means don't make yourself an easy target. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or displaying expensive electronics in public. Be cautious of the 'split drink' or 'scopolamine' scams, where strangers offer drinks or cigarettes laced with substances; never leave your food or beverages unattended in bars. In some cities, fake police officers might ask to check your currency for 'counterfeits'—real police will never do this on the street. Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night and use official transport apps. If you are lost, step into a shop or cafe to check your map rather than standing on a street corner. Most visits are trouble-free if you use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings. Always keep a digital backup of your important documents in a secure cloud storage.

Colombian food is diverse and hearty, with regional specialties that vary greatly. You must try the Bandeja Paisa in Medellin, a massive plate featuring beans, rice, chicharron, and avocado. In Bogota, Ajiaco is a comforting chicken and potato soup perfect for the cooler mountain climate. Unlike Brazil's pão de queijo, Colombia is famous for Arepas, which are corn cakes served with various toppings. Coffee is a way of life here; visit a local 'finca' to see how the world-class beans are grown and processed. When dining out, a 10% service charge is often added to the bill as a 'propina voluntaria,' which you can choose to pay or adjust. For a local tip from TICKETS.COM.BR, head to a local market like Paloquemao in Bogota to try exotic fruits you won't find at home, such as lulo or guanabana, for a true explosion of flavor and great photos.