Colombia is one of the hottest up-and-coming travel destinations in the world, and millions of people are desperate to discover what the country has to offer, including biodiversity, friendly people and great food. We have set up a list of things to do and especially where to stay in Colombia to make your time unforgettable. Please keep in mind that December and January are high season in Colombia due to holidays but also the best weather conditions. Make your reservations as soon as possible and be aware that tourist attractions might be crowded but not less enjoyable to get the real Colombian way of life. It is a once in a lifetime experience. We promise the only risk is wanting to stay!

For your own safety: Colombia has suffered a very bad reputation in the past and has definitely become a better place and a jewel for international tourism. Nevertheless, it still remains an Latin-American country and there is still crime. Make sure that you “no dar papaya” which means that don’t put yourself in a position where someone can take advantage of you.

BASIC SAFETY RULES: 

• Just walk outside in areas that are touristic and avoid lonely places even during daytime
• At nighttime always take a taxi. Avoid grabbing one on the street, preorder it (App, Restaurant, Hotel) 
• Keep an eye on your drink. People get drugged and robbed especially in clubs / bars in touristic areas
• Just carry what you don’t mind to give away. Leave the expensive jewelry and accessories at home and never fight for the things they want to take from you. People are armed and will use it
• Don’t show up as the rich tourist, keep low profile

If you follow those rules, you are on the safe side. Nothing has ever happened to Esteban or me yet. 

Last but not least: THINGS A TOURIST SHOULD NEVER DO in Colombia:

• Refuse a shot of the national liquor Aguardiente. When a friendly Colombian offers you a shot of the local spirit, just say yes. It’s not really seen as drinking in Colombia – think of it more as a gesture of friendship and unity. But be aware, Aguardiente hangover is the worst hangover!
• Say you can’t dance! Colombians love dancing. Don’t turn down a polite invitation to join someone in a dance, so forget those nerves and embarrassment, get on the dance floor and shake your legs. FYI, Colombians dance close, and even strangers dance with each other. So when that beautiful man or woman is pressed against you in a salsa clinch, it doesn’t mean they are flirting! And if your new squeeze is twirling around the dance floor with someone else, it’s no reason to get jealous. Colombia, at heart, is still a conservative, Catholic country, so be warned – jumping to the wrong conclusions can cause deep offence.
• Worry about time! This is, with the greatest will in the world, not the most punctual of countries. Colombian time can be quite a lot more elastic than the kind of punctuality many tourists are used to, so adjust your watches to local time, chill a little and don’t be surprised if your 8am pickup arrives closer to 8.30am. Yes, it can be frustrating if you let it get to you, but the sooner you relax, the more fun you’ll have, particularly if you’re here on vacation. Except for our wedding: German time please!
• Assume that yes means yes when asking for directions! Colombians don’t like to disappoint, even when it comes to giving directions. That’s why when you ask, “Is this the right way to such and such a place?” the response will usually be “Yes” – even if it’s not the right answer. It’s better to ask, “Which way should I go?” And still, for not disappointing they might send you a wrong way.