Road Trips in Colombia

Travellers tend to limit themselves to Bogotá which is the capital of Colombia. That doesn’t come as a surprise as it is a city of unique beauty manifesting itself through such highlights as La Candelaria, the city’s historical centre, Plaza de Bolivar, and Downtown Bogotá. However, it would be a pity to finish your Colombian experience after a sightseeing trip around the capital.

North of Bogotá, you’ll find one of the oldest cities in the country, Tunja which can boast a truly exceptional architecture. Another northern jewel is Villa de Lvya. Together with the beautiful rural areas that surround the town, it offers a great insight into the country’s past with plenty of archeological sites. For a deeper immersion in North Colombia, you should consider a visit at one of its smaller towns, for example, Barichara, San Gil, or Bucaramanga.

A trip to Colombia won’t be complete without at least a short visit to the popular Cartagena. Its walled city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been luring thousands of tourists each year. At a stone’s throw away from the city, you can explore the Colombian coast offering diverse topography and lush vegetation. The most interesting places to see there are the Darién Gap jungle, the Guajira Peninsula, and the Tayrona National Park.

Would you like to bask in the warm sun and spend some relaxing time on a beach? Travel to the Colombian Pacific Coast ranking among the most beautiful, yet least visited, parts of the country. It is a place where the ocean meets gray-sand pristine beaches.  

Suggested Road Trips in Colombia

• The Coffee Triangle: This road trip takes you through the heart of Colombia's coffee-growing region, which is located in the central Andes mountains. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit some of the country's most beautiful and historic colonial-era towns, as well as sample some of the world's best coffee.

• The Caribbean Coast: This road trip takes you along the Caribbean coast of Colombia, offering stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and the lush tropical rainforest. Some highlights of this trip include the historic city of Cartagena, the vibrant fishing village of Santa Marta, and the stunning beaches of Parque Natural Natural Tayrona.

• The Andes Mountains: This road trip takes you through the heart of the Andes Mountains, which offer breathtaking views of some of the tallest peaks in South America. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit historic colonial towns, explore the country's rich indigenous cultures, and sample the region's traditional cuisine. Some highlights of this trip include the picturesque town of Villa de Leyva, the stunning Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, and the colorful street art of Medellín.

While travelling around Colombia, you’ll have a decent choice when it comes to means of transport. You can use buses, minibuses, shared taxis, and jeeps. However, to travel at your own pace, it’s best to consider renting a car. A variety of car rental options are available at international airports and in major cities.

The obvious traffic regulation concerns seatbelts. Even though native motorists often forget about this important driving rule, it’s best to travel with your seatbelts fastened to avoid unpleasant situations. 

One of the most punishable offences in Colombia is drinking and driving. The country has introduced severe penalties for all types of violations and the law is stricter in comparison to some of the European countries. The allowed blood alcohol level is 40 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. 

Interestingly, you are allowed to use speed camera detection devices and no fees or penalties will be applied if police officers spot such a device in your vehicle. However, it’s best to just stick to the prevailing speed limits.

While travelling around Colombia, you should remember to use dipped headlights on the highways during the day. What’s more, you can expect many speed bumps located in a number of urban areas. Colombians are known for their hectic behaviour; however, don’t worry - a consolation will be the fact that the country follows right-hand traffic which is a well-known environment for many European motorists.

There are a number of toll roads in Colombia. Two major and mostly used ones are Camino Colombia, which is tolled electronically, and Rio Magdalena Toll Road. Plan ahead and make sure you’ve got the appropriate means of paying for the highway tolls.

Colombia imposes strict rules when it comes to speed limits. In urban areas, you can drive as fast as 60 km/h, whereas in rural areas, the speed limit is 80 km/h. Greater leeway is allowed on motorways where you can drive 100 km/h.

While travelling around the country, you are required to have your driver’s licence and a proof of insurance. If your driver’s licence is written in a non-Latin alphabet, you should also equip yourself with an International Driving Permit. This set of documents will allow you to move around Columbia for a whole month. After that time, you’ll be required to take a test for the local permit. 

When taking a road trip in Colombia, here are a few things to be aware of:

• Road conditions: Although the main roads in Colombia are well-maintained, some of the rural roads can be in poor condition. Be prepared for a range of road conditions, and make sure your vehicle is in good working order before setting out.

• Safety: While much of Colombia is safe for travelers, there are still some areas where crime and kidnapping can be a concern. Research your route and stay informed about current safety conditions.

• Climate: The weather in Colombia can vary greatly depending on the region. Make sure you're prepared for a range of conditions, from hot and humid tropical weather to cool and rainy mountain weather.

• Language barrier: While Spanish is the official language of Colombia, some rural areas may have indigenous populations that speak their own languages. Be prepared to communicate with gestures and have a translation app or phrasebook handy.

• Navigation: Make sure you have a reliable GPS or map, and consider hiring a guide or driver if you're not familiar with the roads and destinations in Colombia.

• Budgeting: Road trips can be expensive, so be sure to budget accordingly and plan for gas, food, lodging, and other expenses.

• Respect local culture: Be respectful of local customs, laws, and traditions. This includes respecting the country's history and avoiding taking photos or videos of sensitive or restricted areas.

The best time of year for taking a road trip in Colombia depends on your personal preferences and the specific destinations you plan to visit.

For the Caribbean coast, the best time to visit is between December and April, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the beaches are at their best.

For the Andes Mountains, the dry season, from December to March, is the best time to visit, as the weather is clear and mild, and the roads are less likely to be affected by rain or mudslides.

For the coffee region, the weather is relatively mild and consistent throughout the year, making it a good destination for a road trip at any time. However, the coffee harvest takes place from October to December, so this may be an especially good time to visit for those interested in coffee culture and production.

In general, it is best to check local weather conditions and avoid traveling during heavy rain or other hazardous conditions.

The cost of a road trip in Colombia can vary widely depending on your travel style and preferences. Generally speaking, Colombia is a relatively affordable destination, and road trips can be a cost-effective way to explore the country.

Accommodation costs in Colombia can range from budget hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels and resorts. A budget traveler can expect to pay around $10-20 per night for a dorm bed or basic private room, while a mid-range hotel or Airbnb can cost $30-60 per night. Luxury hotels and resorts can cost upwards of $100 per night.

Food and drink costs in Colombia can also vary widely depending on your preferences. Street food and local markets can be very affordable, with prices ranging from $2-5 for a meal. Restaurants and cafes can cost $5-15 per meal. Alcohol is also relatively cheap in Colombia, with a beer costing around $1-3 and a cocktail costing $5-10.

In terms of transportation, renting a car in Colombia can cost anywhere from $30-70 per day, depending on the type of car and rental company. However, keep in mind that driving in Colombia can be challenging due to poor road conditions and heavy traffic in some areas. Alternatively, taking public transportation such as buses or shared taxis can be a more affordable option, with fares ranging from $1-10 depending on the distance.

Overall, a budget traveler can expect to spend around $30-50 per day in Colombia, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around $50-100 per day. A week-long road trip in Colombia can cost anywhere from $200-700 per person, depending on your travel style and preferences.

If you're planning a road trip in Colombia, here are some recommended guidebooks and road maps:

• "Lonely Planet Colombia": This comprehensive guidebook covers all the major destinations in Colombia, including practical information on transportation, accommodation, and attractions.

• "Moon Colombia" by Andrew Dier: This guidebook offers detailed information on off-the-beaten-path destinations in Colombia, as well as cultural insights and travel tips.

• "National Geographic Traveler Colombia" by Christopher Baker: This guidebook features stunning photography and in-depth information on Colombia's culture, history, and natural attractions.

• "Colombia Road Map" by ITMB Publishing: This detailed road map covers all the major highways and byways in Colombia, making it easy to plan your route and navigate the country.

• "Michelin Colombia Map": This fold-out map is perfect for on-the-go navigation and features detailed information on roads, distances, and attractions.

These guidebooks and road maps can provide valuable information and insights for your road trip in Colombia, helping you discover the country's rich culture, history, and natural beauty.