No matter where your flight to Colombia takes you, there will undoubtedly be a story to tell. Colombia’s white-washed hillside homes and national parks serve as the backdrop for this South American country. Book a flight to Colombia and you’ll see a country lush with natural wildlife, miles of beaches, unique shopping and of course, salsa dancing. 

There are more than 200 festivals and events throughout the year, so it’s likely your flight to Colombia will coincide with at least one party. Some of the biggest events include Carnaval de Blancos y Negros (Pasto; January), Semana Santa (Holy Week; Popayán and Mompós; March or April), Feria de las Flores (Medellín; August) and Carnaval de Barranquilla (Barranquilla; February or March). 

If the fiestas don’t thrill you, just book a flight to Colombia, relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Colombia Climate

The climate is generally wet and tropical. Summer is the principal rainy season although there is no specific dry season so plan ahead if you're looking for cheap flights to Colombia. The eastern, Caribbean and Pacific coastal lowlands experience an equatorial climate with high temperatures and high humidity all year round, with a rainfall averaging 40 inches a year. In the mountainous parts conditions are cooler and can be changeable depending on prevailing winds, altitude and topography.

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When to Fly to Colombia

Colombia sees its share of rain, but cheap flights to Colombia are available year-round if you plan ahead. 

Peak season:

December through February is peak season, which is the dry season. Festivals abound during the peak season, so book your Colombia flights and hotels in advance to ensure you get the best rates.

Off season:

The weather is relatively good throughout the year so planning ahead can save money on Colombia flights and accommodations, and you're likely to find warm temperatures.

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Getting Around Colombia

Domestic Colombia flights are the most convenient and also the safest way to get around the country. There are services from a number of airlines; the biggest two are Avianca and SAM. Colombia has one of the best developed airline networks of all South American countries.

Be cautious with all other types of transportation. There is no train service in the country, but there are various different types of bus and taxis that service all the main towns. Check the route you plan to travel before you set off and secure all your possessions.

For a bit of adventure, take a cargo boat along the Magdalena River. This is a slow way to travel, but offers views of the country you wouldn’t otherwise be able to see.

The following chart gives approximate journey times from Bogota (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Colombia.
 Air
Barranquilla1.15
Madellin1.15
Manizales1.00
Cali1.00
Leticia2.00

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Colombia Insider Information

  • Before traveling anywhere in Colombia it is vital that you check the travel advice and warnings. Take extra special care of your possessions when traveling, avoid traveling at night if possible and always make sure that the route you plan to take has not been subject to attacks from bandits in recent months. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance, which includes all types of theft.
  • Bogota is a vibrant city, but one that can feel daunting to the tourist on arrival. To get orientated head to the central Plaza Bolivar in the heart of the historical part of town. Named after Simon Bolivar, the square contains his statue, as well the Justice Palace, the National Capitol and the Primate Cathedral. Visit the sights, or just relax on one of the benches and feed the pigeons.
  • The coastal walled city of Cartagena is more picturesque, with brightly painted buildings and numerous avenues and villas. The old city wall remains in place round most of the old town and you can walk along it. The views of the sea and the city are impressive. The modern part of the town, Bocagrande, has most of the hotels and also the beaches.
  • The Ciudad Perdida in Sierra Nevada translates as the Lost City. It was built between the 11th and 14th centuries and discovered only in 1972. The city is made up of more than 150 terraces that have been carved into the mountainside. The city can only be accessed by a substantial trek (at least six days). The trek itself is tiring, but there are chances to stop along the way, admire the views and swim in the occasional waterfall.
  • English is understood to some extent in most tourist regions, but speaking at least a little Spanish is essential. Learn basic greetings as a minimum for courtesy – as long as you are polite and friendly, everything else can be mimed if necessary. For travel outside tourist areas, Spanish is essential.

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Colombia Airports

International flights to Colombia arrive in Bogota. From there, travelers can board local Colombia flights to other cities.

Bogota (El Dorado International Airport) (BOG) is situated 8 miles east of the city.

Barranquilla (Ernesto Cortissoz) (BAQ) is 6 miles from the city.

Cali (Alfonso Bonilla Aragón) (CLO) is 12 miles from the city.

Cartagena (Rafael Nuñez) (CTG) is 1 mile from the city.

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Passport/Visa

All tourists visiting Colombia must hold valid passports, tickets and documents for onward or return travel, and sufficient funds to cover their stay. Those who plan to visit coffee plantations must apply to "Vegetable Sanitary Control" at the airport on arrival, or to a Columbian consulate or embassy in advance. All foreigners entering for the first time holding a temporary or ordinary visa must report to the Bureau of Foreigners of Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad (DAS) in Bogota within 48 hours, with five passport photos and all papers. In other cities visitors must report to the Mayor's office.

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Entry Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport but do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 90 days.

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In-flight Reading

One Hundred Years of Solitude

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Colombia: A Brutal History

Geoff SimonsThis book looks at the causes of the violence in Colombia, from drug cartels to civil war.

Secrets of Colombian Cooking

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Contributors to this guide: Word Travels, World Airport Guide, Cheapflights

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