REGIONAL MEETING T R A V E L G U I D E
Colombia Location & description
Officially the Republic of Colombia (Spanish: República de Colombia), is a country situated in the northwest of South America, bordered to the northwest by Panama; to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru. Our nation is a tropical country of incredible diversity and charm. Its ever-changing geography, a history loaded with mystery and adventure, its people and cultures, have fascinated the world for centuries. Although its excellent coffee and the purity of its emeralds have made the country famous, Colombia is also the homeland of the El Dorado legend and the magical universe of Garcia Marquez’s Macondo.If you still have not been here, you can browse our portal and realize how much you have been missing. Coming to Colombia is discovering a completely new world. Colombia has major attractions as a tourist destination, such as Cartagena and its historic surroundings, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List; the insular department of San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina; and Santa Marta and the surrounding area. Fairly recently, Bogotá, the nation’s capital, has become Colombia’s major tourist destination because of its improved museums and entertainment facilities and its major urban renovations, including the rehabilitation of public areas, the development of parks, and the creation of an extensive network of cycling routes. With its very rich and varied geography, which includes the Amazon and Andean regions, the llanos, the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, and the deserts of La Guajira, and its unique biodiversity, Colombia also has major potential for ecotourism
General Information CLIMATE
Cali and all of Colombia
There are climate charts in Celsius and Fahrenheit throughout the book for larger cities that have airport weather reporting systems. The weather in Colombia varies according to each region. Although Bogotá is almost always cold and rainy, the sun does show itself, especially from midDecember through January. It’s recommended to pack a rain coat, sweatshirt and other mountain weather clothing. People respond to weather differently. If you don’t react well to cold weather, its best to bring gloves and a warm hat.
Raincoat and pants A pair of pants Long sleeve shirt with collar (men) Broken in hiking boots or reliable shoes to walk in For men with large feet, an extra pair of shoes, as they can be hard to find
The North Coast’s climate is extremely hot. It’s recommended to pack clothing that you can breathe in. It rains on the coast all year, but especially in September and October. August and November also see frequent rainfall. The rain will come and go, but the rainy season can have an effect on people’s vacation times. If you’re looking for a pure beach experience, it’s best to plan your time on the coast in a careful manner. Medellín and Bucaramanga have the most pleasant climates. Medellín has even earned the nickname “the City of Eternal Spring”. If you’re looking for prototypical perfect weather these two locations are recommended. The Coffee Region is pleasant, but it has mountainlike weather conditions. Its best to come prepared when visiting these areas. Cali has hot weather, but not as hot as the coast. CLOTHES Packing for Colombia is not an easy task. With the drastically different climates person must choose their clothing choices wisely. It’s highly recommended that you bring the following items for your stay.
For Bogotá tolerance)
(depending
on
your
cold
Hat Gloves Heavy sweatshirt or sweater For the North Coast Bathing suit Sandals or flip-flops Light weather clothing For Nights on the Town When you go out you will want to look nice. Colombians are excellent dressers and fashion is important. For men a collared shirt and pants are essential. Most places you can wear jeans, but if you’re going to a club, a nice outfit from head to toe is recommended. Women can adhere to their own style, but making an effort is essential. You should expect more attention from people based on the fact that you’re a foreigner. Like most places in the world the way you dress has a huge impact on your first impression.
3
General Information Buying Clothing
EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES
You can find all the clothing that you forgot to bring with you anywhere in Colombia. Some items may be more expensive, but if you take your time you can find what you need at reasonable prices.
Embassies are located in Bogotá and many countries maintain consulates throughout Colombia in other major cities. Please consult the following website below for your home country. Please check if the information is correct before FOOD coming to Colombia. It’s important to understand your country’s level of assistance if you run into Eating in Colombia is an experience in itself. On a problem. the coast, fish-based meals are common and easy to find. Colombian meals are large and usually Most embassies encourage you to register include soup, a meat dish, and a few sides. They upon arrival in a foreign country. (www. are usually more on the un-healthy side. embassiesabroad.com/embassiesin/Colombia). Vegetarian restaurants can be found, but they are not common. If you take the time, you can find acceptable meals by dining in restaurants, on the street and purchasing food from grocery stores. Restaurants
DOCUMENTS All foreign travelers must have a valid passport to enter Colombia. It’s the traveler’s responsibility to make sure their passport is current and has at least six months of validity.
There must be blank pages to stamp upon arrival. Different types of food can be found all over It’s highly recommended that travelers make Colombia. International menus are common multiple photo copies of their main passport alongside Colombian food. Chicken, meat and page and the page with their entrance stamp. fish are the core items on the menu. While in Colombia, law enforcement officers and Grocery Stores soldiers have the right to ask for identification without probable cause. A photo copy of your There are major chains of grocery stores in big passport can be presented. Your passport along and mid-sized cities. You can find a great variety with your ATM and credit cards are your most of products that allows you to cook at your hostel important possessions. It’s critical to be aware of and put together meals with different items. your passport’s location at all times. By carrying Many backpackers in Colombia save money by a copy of your passport you lessen the risk of cooking their favorite meals in their hostel. losing it or having it stolen. The last thing you want to do is spend your precious vacation days Fruit at the embassy dealing with a replacement. Colombia is a fruit lovers paradise. Smoothies If you wish to drive you must have a valid driver’s and fruit drinks are very popular. You can find license. Driver licenses are recognized from fruits in restaurants, stores and in the street. foreign countries. If you want to ride a motorcycle you must have a valid motorcycle designation on Vegetables your driver’s license. Vegetables can be found all over Colombia, but not with the same variety as fruit. It’s hard to find a good salad, but it is possible. Vegetable lovers need to make an effort to get their daily intake, but it’s not an impossible task. One should be careful about how well-washed the vegetables are before ordering salad cooked vegetables are more reliable
VISAS Below is a list of countries that are eligible for basic tourist visas. This list is subject to change and it’s the traveler’s responsibility to verify their personal requirements based on their home country.
General Information Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei-Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Holland, Honduras, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovak Republic, South Africa, Spain, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, UK, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela.
they provide quicker service because they see less foreign visitors. It’s impossible to list the exact requirements as they can change and are also interpreted differently in different DAS offices. MONEY Colombian Peso The currency in Colombia is the Colombian peso. The value of the Colombian peso is liable to fluctuate on a daily basis. From Jan. to Mar. 2014, the peso fluctuated between 1,858 - 1,918 COP per dollar.
The COP is found in 100, 200 and 500 coins and in 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 paper notes. It’s convenient to carry coins to pay for things on the street. It’s critical to have an Citizens from the above list can travel within understanding of Colombian money upon arrival. Colombia for a period of sixmonths. Citizens from other countries must inquire 20,000 and 50,000 notes are very difficult to with the Colombian government for their visa change in many places. A smart traveler will hoard smaller notes and change the larger bills at grocery requirement. stores, gas stations, higher-end restaurants, Upon arrival in Colombia tourists will receive chain restaurants and establishments that see either a 30, 60, or 90 day tourist stamp. It’s critical higher levels of business. Small stores, taxis and that you get a stamp for the total length of your people on the street have a hard time changing trip. Ask the agent for the longest length possible the larger notes. (90 days). If you’re given a 30 day stamp and plan on being in Colombia for 40 days you will MONEY CONVERSIONS TO US DOLLAR have a legal problem. It is critical that you clarify your length of stay before the agent stamps your Many people use the 2,000 pesos to 1 U.S. dollar passport. By law you need an ongoing ticket to conversion in their head to figure costs. By using another country. This is not always asked for, this method you can get a rough estimate. The but you need to be ready to prove that you will reality may be off by around ten percent. be leaving Colombia. If you plan on staying in Colombia past your original visa expiration you 1,000 pesos = 50 cents must visit the Departamento Administrativo 2,000 pesos = $1.00 de Seguridad (DAS). You can receive 30-day 5,000 pesos = $2.50 extensions up to the maximum of a six month 10,000 pesos = $5.00 total stay in Colombia. There is a process to 20,000 pesos = $10.00 learn this extension. You must present yourself 50,000 pesos = $25.00 to DAS to receive the current requirements. A representative of DAS will give you instructions COSTS that will most likely consist of possessing a valid passport, having your fingerprints taken, taking Colombia has been reported to be more a trip to the bank, and providing photos, as well expensive than other countries for backpackers, as other safeguards. In big cities, it’s best to plan but it’s still much less expensive than traveling in a good part of your day to do this. It’s highly Western countries. The following are estimates recommended you visit the DAS offices in smaller and can greatly fluctuate based on the region of the country and the individual personal habits. cities as
4
5
General Information ALCOHOL
TRANSPORTATION Colombia has an excellent bus and air system. Drinking is very popular in Colombia. Colombia Travelers can find routes that go in all directions. is an extremely social country and drinking is a common method of bonding and is prevalent Air at almost all events. The legal drinking age in It’s worth noting that traveling by air in Colombia is 18 years old. You can find all types Colombia can be inexpensive at times to certain of drinks in Colombia.There are several types of destinations. Sometimes air rates are lower than national beer that can be found and imported bus rates. It’s suggested that you check the air beer is available throughout Colombia. Rum is rates of the three major airlines before traveling. very popular on the coast and in other areas. A Colombia’s airlines are professional and follow Colombian alcoholic beverage called aguardiente strict security procedures. Air rates fluctuate is a favorite among Colombians. This drink is very greatly throughout the year and travelers should powerful and can be dangerous for foreigners monitor the sites frequently for deals before they who consume large amounts of it. Many foreigners travel. have lost many vacation days to this drink, due to tremendous hangovers. Public drunkenness Buses is frowned upon. Foreigners are encouraged Colombia has modern buses with routes that to refrain from alcohol abuse as it lowers your connect the whole country. ability to assess your security situation. Multiple companies have routes to various destinations. Brasilia is the largest bus company MEDICAL with an extensive system of routes. When riding on a bus, it’s recommended that you bring warm Delegates who may need health assistance can clothing as many travelers have reported buses rest assured, as Colombia has an effective and with very cold air conditioning. It’s common for well organized medical system. Our country has buses to be stopped by the military and police, for one of the highest-ranked medical systems in the random weapons and drug searches. Foreigners world. If you are frequently searched when this happens. have a medical issue, you need to speak with If you carry drugs in Colombia on a bus you’re any member of the OC. The registration fee paid taking a serious risk. You can try to negotiate for by you covers a hotel insurance, so you will be bus rates throughout Colombia, especially during protected at any time during your stay in Cali. the low seasons. Rates change frequently. There are several bus companies throughout Colombia. SAFETY Below are three of the larger bus companies, but there are dozens more at each station Colombia has enjoyed a drastically improved security situation in the past few years. Inner-City Transportation Kidnappings have decreased tremendously when Masivo Integrado de Occidente - MIO Colombia was known as the world’s kidnapping Cali has a bus public bus service called MIO. capital a decade ago. The major guerrilla Their huge red buses service several dedicated movements have dropped kidnapping as a major routes all over Cali. Many first time users can be source of funding. intimidated by the complexity of the MIO system and foreign travelers who don’t speak Spanish There are still a few hundred documented may have trouble understanding how to navigate kidnappings a year, but taking foreigners it. There are attendants in the station who can statistically has almost completely stopped. help you. Just tell them your final destination. Foreigners are more at risk for petty theft and Tickets for a one way trip on the MIO are 1,600 robbery. In this respect, travelers should treat COP. It’s safe to take the MIO, but watch your Colombia like all other Latin American countries. possessions as many people can be close Theft is common and anything of value needs to together. be secured at all times. Strict procedures must The buses operate Mon. - Sat., 4:30 - 23:00, Sun./ be followed when protecting your possessions. Holidays 6:00 AM -10:00 PM. (www.mio.com.co) It’s extremely important to protect your drinks
General Information IMMUNIZATIONS Travelers don’t need immunizations to enter Colombia. They are a personal choice. Check with your country’s department of health for immunization recommendations and do your own research to be able to make the best decision for your own personal health. CUSTOMS AND CULTURE Appearance A person’s appearance is extremely important in Colombia. Colombians are proud of their attire and how they present themselves. Women dress for both fashion and comfort. Men also dress nicely. Men who don’t shave and who are unkempt are less common in Colombia than in other Latin American countries. Time Colombia moves on what may be called “island time”. People are constantly late for appointments. Personal relationships are very important and it’s difficult to end conversations. Transportation is also slower which makes it difficult to be on time. Being late is not considered an insult and is very common. Photographs It’s considered rude to take pictures of people without permission. If you want to take pictures in a cultural context you need to ask permission. Many indigenous people will let you take pictures for a few thousand peso tip, which is a reasonable request. Questions and Directions Colombians are very friendly and open people. It’s not inappropriate to start a conversation with strangers if you have a reason. If you’re curious about something it’s okay to ask someone in the area if you have questions. You can ask directions from anyone at any time. Women travelers should ask people who are working or in professional situations. Men travelers should ask Colombian men for directions rather than women. ARCHITECTURE Colombia’s architecture varies among the regions. Colonial architecture can be found
in many small, mid and large cities and towns throughout Colombia. Churches that are representative of the Medieval and Renaissance periods of Spain (are found in all parts of Colombia). In contrast, modern architecture is found in Colombia’s larger cities. Many visitors are in fact surprised at the contemporary architecture of Bogotá, Cali and Medellín. COLOMBIA - TRAVEL INFORMATION Colombia’s Official Tourism Portal - www. colombia.travel/en/ This site is maintained by Proexport and is the Colombian government’s official tourism website. There is information about activities, destinations, festivals and other tourist related information. This site contains a section with informative travel blogs about Colombia.
6