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Last Updated 30th September 2026
Article in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Written by @baileyturvey
Colombia offers a wide range of experiences for travellers, from vibrant cities to outdoor adventures. But if you're considering a trip, research your itinerary carefully and check FCDO Travel Advice before you travel. This is especially important as the FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to parts of Colombia. Remember that your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.
It is also a solo or social traveller's haven, with so many young travellers and backpackers heading to the region to explore its vibrant culture.
However, I know Colombia can seem like a bit of an overwhelming destination to travel to, and with so much to explore and unpack, it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily, I spent 6 weeks backpacking across the country, so I'm here to give you a rundown of everything you might need to know before backpacking this amazing nation.
If you're considering travelling to Colombia, here are some practical things to be aware of before you go.
If you know anything about Colombia, you know it’s not shy of things to do! However, if you're researching possible activities, these are some experiences that many visitors choose to include in their itinerary.
Starting off with, of course, the famous Lost City Trek! A multi-day adventure hiking through Northern Colombia’s jungle, discovering hidden ruins, natural swimming pools and incredible jungle landscapes, with the trek eventually leading you to the ancient Lost City itself. The route takes you through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, crossing rivers, climbing through dense jungle and even passing indigenous communities along the way.
The Lost City Trek is definitely something you come back from and think LIFE CHANGING. It’s also somewhere where I met friends for life, as you spend days off-grid with a group of people with no service: just walking and talking through amazing scenery.
Next up we have Casa en el Agua! A floating island hostel just off the coast of Cartagena. Take a speed boat into the middle of the Caribbean Sea and you will find this floating island paradise. Just 30 backpackers, incredible cocktails, crystal clear waters and a night of fun. It’s such a unique opportunity that I’d highly recommend adding to your Colombia list.
Finally, we have Comuna 13!
A tour around Comuna 13, a neighbourhood known for its transformation over recent decades. Today it attracts many visitors interested in its history, culture and street art.
Expect live dance and music performances through the streets, murals and hilltop views across Medellín. You’ll also find the famous outdoor escalators, colourful street art around almost every corner and plenty of local shops, food and street performers along the way.
Colombia of course has so much to offer, we could be here for days! So we will leave it at my top 3 for now…
Let's now look at something I wish I knew before backpacking Colombia. Its size! Colombia is HUGE!! Like, so much bigger than it looks. Medellín to Cartagena is a 14-hour bus journey, but on a map I thought it would just be a few hours. Be prepared for long travel days and consider getting internal flights where you can. They're pretty affordable and save you time and rest.
One important safety tip I'd note related to travel is to check which areas your route takes you through against FCDO Travel Advice. This is the latest UK government advice on things like the areas to avoid, safety concerns and reminders, and anything you should be aware of while travelling. Colombia is a huge country, and safety advice can vary massively between different areas, so don’t just assume that because one city is safe, everywhere you travel through will be too. Make sure you check Travel Advice and sign up for email alerts before you go!
There’s no hiding that Colombia has a reputation for safety concerns, and like everywhere when you’re backpacking, it’s important to be vigilant when travelling.
Travellers should remain aware of local risks, follow local advice and check FCDO Travel Advice regularly throughout their trip.
So here are some things I’d recommend you do to reduce the risk of something happening.
Number 1 is to always consider your transport options carefully when travelling after dark, particularly in unfamiliar areas, and follow local safety advice.
Next up, when booking accommodation, check reviews and make sure there are a fair few of them. I’d probably recommend hotels, guesthouses or hostels over staying in an apartment when backpacking. Location is also really important, not just for convenience but for safety too.
And the most important thing to do before you set off on your adventures is to make sure you have purchased travel insurance. Travelling without the right cover could mean a big price to pay if things do go wrong whilst you are away!
This is a tricky one because Colombia doesn’t really have traditional seasons like we do in the UK. Instead, the weather varies depending on the region and whether you’re travelling during a wetter or drier period.
I actually went to Colombia in November and let me tell you, my first three days were NOT what I had pictured! I had just finished hiking around Peru and travelled to Colombia specifically for some good old warm weather and sunshine. Instead, I was greeted with torrential rain for three days straight. My face was an absolute picture!
However, after those first three days, the weather was pretty much perfect for the rest of my trip. Travellers visiting during wetter months should plan for changing weather conditions and potential disruption to outdoor activities.
You can often get heavy downpours followed by beautiful sunshine, and the rain makes the landscapes incredibly green and lush.
Generally, December to March is one of the best periods for more reliable weather, although it can also be busier and more expensive. July and August can also be good options. April to May and October to November tend to be wetter, but you may find lower prices and fewer crowds. You just need to have a little more flexibility with your plans and accept that you might get caught in a few downpours and don’t just expect a beach day like I did.
Ultimately, there isn’t one perfect time to visit Colombia. If sunshine is your priority, go for the drier months, but don’t let a bit of rain put you off. My November trip certainly didn’t!
I can tell you first-hand what this is like, as Colombia was one of my first ever Latin American solo destinations. And first things first, I met so many amazing people!
Many travellers report meeting others easily while travelling around Colombia, particularly in popular backpacking destinations. With so many group trips running, amazing hostels and bucket-list activities which are perfectly designed to meet people, like the Lost City Trek, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to make friends. There are also some well-known backpacker routes, which means you often bump into the same people along the way.
I met two people in a hostel after completely changing my plans. These people coincidentally had booked Casa en el Agua for the same dates as me! We booked our buses up to Cartagena together, spent three nights together before the trip, including partying on an old school bus, and then had the best time at our floating island hostel.
So, if meeting people is a worry for you, let it not be! Colombia has so many options set up for backpackers to socialise, and I found it incredibly easy to meet people while travelling solo.
Safety-wise, again, the main concern I’d say is just not wandering alone at night as a solo traveller. If you’re heading out at night, stick with trusted friends you’ve made and travel as a group. Make sure you also keep an eye on your drinks when you’re out and avoid taking free cocktails or shots. There is always the risk of spiking, so it’s better to be on the safe side!
Before you jet off to Colombia, make sure you check the latest entry requirements for your nationality. For UK travellers, the easiest place to check is the FCDO website, which has the most up-to-date information on entry requirements, visas and how long you can stay. Requirements can change all the time, so definitely check before you book that flight rather than finding out at the airport! Onward travel is something I always panic about as I like to travel on one-way tickets, so check if you need proof of a flight out of Colombia, like I did when I went.
So there we have it, my guide to backpacking Colombia. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been to Colombia and it is honestly still one of my favourite countries in the world and one that I think many travellers remember fondly for its landscapes, culture and range of experiences. From insane jungle hikes and floating island hostels to meeting amazing people along the way, there is genuinely something for everyone.
Yes, Colombia can feel a little overwhelming at first, but that’s also what makes it such an incredible adventure. My biggest piece of advice is to do your research, listen to the advice around safety, leave yourself some flexibility and most importantly, don’t be afraid to get out there and experience it!
I spent 6 weeks backpacking Colombia and still feel like I barely scratched the surface. So
If you're considering travelling to Colombia, make sure you research your plans carefully, check the latest FCDO Travel Advice and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance before travelling.
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