Colombia is a nature lover’s paradise and ranks as the second most biodiverse country in the world, just behind Brazil! With ecosystems ranging from deserts to rainforests and cloud forests to savannahs, it hosts an incredible 10% of all species on Earth! It’s also the top country for bird diversity and ranks high for plants, fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
But what are some key facts about tourism in Colombia? Let’s get learning!
Growth of Tourism in Colombia: Trends and Key Statistics
The Colombian travel and tourism industry is projected to reach a market volume of US$4,660.00m by 2029, with the largest market being package holidays. In 2023, the sector contributed US$15.5bn to Colombia’s economy, making up 4.8% of the country’s GDP.
So, how many tourists visit Colombia each year?
Well, tourism in Colombia statistics by year show that tourist arrivals to Colombia recovered entirely from the pandemic in 2022:
Of these tourists, who visits Colombia the most?
That would be US citizens! Venezuelans came second, but keep in mind that most Venezuelans don’t head to Colombia for tourism. Tourism in Colombia statistics by country look like this:
- United States: 1,104,798
- Venezuela: 468,083
- Ecuador: 340,358
- Mexico: 320,244
- Peru: 188,103
- Panama: 180,069
What type of tourism is in Colombia? In 2023, the top reasons visitors traveled to Colombia were tourism, transit, business, crew and events.
Which city has the most tourism in Colombia?
In 2023, Colombia’s capital, Bogota, was the most visited city!
- Bogota: 1,340,666
- Medellin: 659,097
- Cartagena: 640,331
- Cali: 193,440
- Cucuta: 92,319
What is the most touristy part of Colombia?
While Bogota is the most visited city and touristy area, this depends on what type of tourism you’re looking for! In the World Travel Awards 2024, Bogota was awarded South America’s Leading Business Travel Destination, but if it’s romance, you’re after, Cartagena was actually named South America’s Leading Honeymoon Destination!
Want to see these touristy parts for yourself? Let’s go over some of the top locations you should visit when in Colombia!
Most Popular Tourist Destinations in Colombia: From Cities to Natural Wonders
Why is Colombia popular with tourists? All the amazing tourist attractions, of course!
Colombia, the world’s second-most biodiverse country, offers a stunning mix of natural wonders and lively cities. From lush jungles to historic towns, it’s packed with adventure, culture and beauty. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff or party enthusiast, here's a guide to the must-visit destinations in this vibrant South American gem:
- Bogotá: Colombia’s bustling capital combines history and modernity. Explore world-class museums like the Gold Museum, trendy neighborhoods and a vibrant food scene.
- Cartagena: This colorful, historic coastal city is famous for its walled Old Town filled with cobblestone streets, plazas and colonial charm. Enjoy a relaxed day on nearby beaches, eat fresh seafood and experience the city’s nightlife on a rooftop bar.
- Medellín: Once troubled, Medellín is now a thriving, modern city with a spring-like climate. Visit art-filled squares, ride cable cars to nature reserves and explore transformed neighborhoods like Comuna 13.
- The Amazon: Dive into untouched wilderness in Leticia, the gateway to Colombia’s Amazon. Explore the rainforest by boat or on foot, spotting pink dolphins, sloths and howler monkeys.
- Zona Cafetera (Coffee Region): Tour family-run farms, walk through plantations and taste the finest coffee in scenic areas like Salento and Manizales.
- Cali: The salsa capital of Colombia, Cali is alive with rhythm. Take a dance class, enjoy lively clubs and catch a mesmerizing salsa cabaret at Delirio.
- Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: Take a challenging three-day trek to La Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City), an ancient archaeological site hidden in the jungle, offering a glimpse into Colombia’s past.
- La Guajira Peninsula: This remote desert meets the Caribbean Sea, offering dramatic sand dunes and unique cultural experiences with the Wayuu people. Don’t miss Playa Taroa, a picture-perfect beach.
- Caño Cristales: Visit the ‘Liquid Rainbow’ in Serranía de La Macarena National Park. From July to October, this river turns vibrant pink due to unique underwater plants.
- San Agustín Archaeological Park: Unravel the mystery of ancient stone statues in this UNESCO World Heritage site, believed to date back over 2,000 years.
Colombian Events & Festivals You Can’t Miss
Colombia is bursting with colorful festivals and celebrations year-round. These events are packed with music, dance and traditions that span centuries, making them must-see experiences for visitors.
Here are some of the top events to experience and to book your trip around:
- Black and White Carnival (Jan 2–7): A UNESCO-recognized festival celebrating Afro-Colombian heritage with colorful parades and traditions. One of the most important in Colombia.
- Manizales Fair (Jan 5–11): A mix of bullfights, parades and traditional festivities to start the New Year.
- Barranquilla Carnival (Feb/March): The second-largest carnival in the world, featuring lively street celebrations, music and costumes.
- Vallenato Festival (April 27–30): Celebrates the Vallenato music tradition with dancing, poetry and cultural expressions in Valledupar.
- Cali Fair (Dec 25–30): Known for salsa parades, concerts, bullfights and a taste of local dishes at Cali’s festive bars.
Colombian Cuisine: What to Eat
Colombian cuisine is a mix of local, Spanish, African and even Arab influences, offering wide variety across its regions. You’ll find dishes full of fruit, rice, maize, potato, cassava and legumes, as well as beef, chicken, pork, goat, fish and seafood.
So, what kind of food do Colombians eat? From street snacks to lavish plates, here’s a quick taste of what to expect:
- Ajiaco: A hearty chicken soup with potatoes, corn and herbs, popular in Bogota.
- Bandeja Paisa: A massive platter of rice, beans, plantains and various meats — come hungry!
- Empanadas: Deep-fried pastries stuffed with meat, cheese or potatoes.
- Tamales: Steamed plantain leaf parcels filled with meats, eggs, rice and veggies, often enjoyed with hot chocolate.
- Chicharrón: Crispy, juicy pork belly or fried pork rinds that are often paired with beans, rice or patacones.
- Arepa: Versatile corn cakes that come in many styles — plain, stuffed with cheese or meat, or served as a side.
- Patacones: Twice-fried plantains topped with beans, meat or salsa.
- Obleas: Wafer snacks layered with caramel, jam or cream.
- Cholado: A refreshing shaved ice dessert with fruit, syrup and condensed milk.
- Mazamorra: A creamy corn-based dessert drink.
- Hot Chocolate: Made with spices and served with cheese for dipping — uniquely Colombian!
- Coffee: World-renowned Colombian coffee, ranging from bold and nutty to light and fruity.
Best Time to Visit Colombia: Tourist Seasons and Weather Insights
Colombia offers a mix of climates thanks to its diverse landscape of mountains, coasts and rainforests. Being near the equator, Colombia enjoys steady temperatures, with rainy and dry seasons; May–November is the wet season and December–April is drier. Weather varies widely by region, though, due to altitude and geography.
Whether you're after sunny beaches, lush jungles or cool mountain air, Colombia has it all. Plan your trip around the rainy seasons to make the most of your experience!
Here’s what tourists need to know about Colombian weather!
Caribbean Coast:
- Hot and Humid: Temperatures in the 30°C range, with less rain from December–April.
- Rainiest Months: May–November, with occasional heavy downpours.
- Hurricane Safety: Rarely hit by hurricanes.
- Key Spots: Cartagena and Barranquilla are famous for their sunny beaches and historic vibes.
Pacific Coast:
- One of the Wettest Places on Earth: Up to 12,000mm of rain yearly!
- Mild Tropical Heat: Temperatures around 30°C but cooler than the Caribbean.
- Top Attractions: Lush jungles and whale-watching in Buenaventura.
The Andes:
- Cooler in the Mountains: Temps drop with altitude. Bogota sits at 18°C by day, 5°C at night.
- Cloud Forests and Mist: A magical, cooler escape with regular rain (April–November).
- Adventure Hub: Great for trekking and exploring mountain towns.
The Amazon:
- Tropical and Steamy: Daytime highs around 30°C with frequent rain and high humidity.
- Best Time to Visit: Rain tapers off December–March. Perfect for wildlife and river cruises.
Orinoquia (Eastern Plains):
- Arid and Windy Plains: Grassy savannas with scattered rain with a sub-tropical climate.
- Nature Lovers’ Paradise: Remote and sparsely populated, ideal for birdwatching and adventure.
How to Travel Around Colombia: Transportation Tips for Tourists
All major cities in Colombia have a couple of modes of transportation, despite there being no national train system. As a tourist, with some planning, you’ll be able to easily get to where you need to go.
Here are some of the transportation options in Colombia:
- Buses: The most popular way to travel long distances. Options range from basic buses to premium services with reclining seats, air conditioning and onboard bathrooms. For safety, choose well-known companies like Expreso Palmira or Trejos. Keep your belongings secure, especially at bus stations and consider earplugs for the loud music often played onboard. Major cities like Bogotá have dedicated bus systems like TransMilenio, with efficient routes connecting urban areas and outskirts.
- Colectivos: Shared vans or taxis are a quick and affordable option for short regional trips. Drivers wait to fill all seats before departing and fares are usually paid directly to the driver.
- Taxis: Found everywhere, from major cities to rural areas. In larger cities like Bogotá, it’s safer to use taxi apps or have your hotel call a trusted taxi service. Avoid hailing taxis on the street, as fake taxis are a known issue. In rural areas, moto-taxis (motorcycles) are common but risky due to high accident rates. Take note of the taxi number in case you leave items behind.
- Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber, Cabify, InDriver and DiDi Rider operate in cities like Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena. They’re often safer and prevent overcharging. These apps allow you to pay via card or cash and record driver details for added security.
- Air Travel: Domestic flights are fast and affordable, with major carriers like Avianca, LATAM Colombia and Wingo. Plan ahead for cheaper fares (as low as $50 round trip) but expect additional fees for checked baggage.
- Boats: Essential for destinations like the Rosario Islands and Providencia. Boat trips are scenic but may cause seasickness. Book accommodations and transport early, especially for remote islands.
- Local Transport: Medellín’s metro is clean and efficient and costs about 2,500 COP per ride. Local buses in towns and cities are the cheapest option, with fares between 1,000–2,500 COP.
- Car Rentals: Cars can be rented for around 90,000 COP per day but are unnecessary in cities. Break-ins are common, so only rent a car for specific trips in rural areas. Drivers must be at least 21 with an International Driving Permit.
- Hitchhiking: Unsafe and strongly discouraged.
Tips for Traveling in Colombia: What You Need to Know
It’s always helpful to know some dos and don’ts when traveling abroad, as well as to know some safety tips.
While Colombia has made great progress in making the country safer, as always, it’s best to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe. It’s best to be as cautious as possible wherever you are, but don’t let that deter you from experiencing the country.
Here are some specific dos and don’t in Colombia:
Dos:
- Fly to save time: Domestic flights are cheap and efficient, though luggage may cost extra. Book early during peak seasons (Dec–Jan, Semana Santa, June–Aug).
- Pack for varied weather: Colombia’s climate varies by region — hot on the coast and rainy in Bogotá. Bring layers and a rain jacket or umbrella.
- Learn some Spanish: Even basic Spanish helps. Colombians are friendly and their Spanish is clear, especially in Bogotá and Medellín.
Don’ts:
- Don’t call the U.S. ‘America’: South Americans find this term exclusive. Say ‘North America’ if needed.
- Avoid drug and Escobar jokes: Wait for locals to bring up sensitive topics themselves.
- Stay on safe paths: Some rural areas are still risky. Research and follow travel advisories, especially near borders.
Post-Pandemic Recovery: How Has Colombia's Tourism Rebounded?
Tourism is a vital part of Colombia’s economy, contributing COP 25.3 billion in 2019, or 2.6% of the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA). The sector faced a major setback during the pandemic, dropping to COP 16.7 billion in 2021, with employment in tourism-related industries falling by over 300,000 jobs compared to 2019.
The recovery was strong, with 2.16 million international visitors in 2021. Tourism numbers even surpassed pre-pandemic figures by the end of 2022, with significant growth in visitors from the United States, Mexico, Ecuador and Peru.
Colombia is an attractive and accessible destination that could rival places like Costa Rica, Mexico and Spain, but the country faces challenges that limit its full potential in tourism. Investment in high-quality services remains insufficient and international promotion is limited. Many Colombians lack the training needed to meet the growing demand for quality hospitality, and the country's low English proficiency — ranking fifth-worst in Latin America — poses additional hurdles.
Despite notable improvements in safety over the years, crime, particularly in urban areas like Medellín, remains a concern, with recent spikes in violence affecting both locals and foreigners. Addressing these issues could unlock greater opportunities in tourism, boosting employment and enhancing the well-being of Colombians.
Conclusion
Ready to start planning for your trip to Colombia? Planning an itinerary can be daunting, so, to help, why not hire a private guide? They can make sure you’re experiencing everything you want in the time you have in the country.
