Colombia · South America
Colombia is where backpackers go and accidentally stay for months
Because of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and natural disasters, and do not travel to Arauca, Cauca (except Popayán), Valle del Cauca (except Cali) or Norte de Santander departments, or within 10 km of the Venezuela border.
Checked September 29, 2026. Advisories often differ by region, so read which areas this one covers before you plan. Read the full advisory on travel.state.gov (opens in a new tab)
No dates set. Best months: February, June, July or August. Add your dates in the Google search. Compare on Skyscanner (opens in a new tab)
Colombia is where backpackers go and accidentally stay for months. The hostel social scene is among the world's best, every city has its own character, and the coffee country scenery will rewire what you think a landscape can look like.
Colombia has completely rewritten its story. Medellín went from most dangerous city to urban innovation poster child. The Coffee Region is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Cartagena glows at night. And the backpacker scene, centered around hostels, salsa, and mountains, is one of the best in the hemisphere.
Go in February, June, July or August. January and December are great but busy.
Out of 10. The place scores are the same for everyone, and your fit score weighs them by what you care about. Value is yours: experience for the money, next to your other options.
Big days outside
8.7 out of 10
How real it still feels
8.3 out of 10
Views and photos
9.2 out of 10
Beds and the people in them
9.3 out of 10
Getting around on your own
8.1 out of 10
Experience per dollar, for you
Researched picks, sorted by wow factor, best first.
🥾 Scenic Hike
Unlike Machu Picchu, the journey IS the destination. River crossings, indigenous villages, dense jungle, and arriving to a site most of the world doesn't even know exists. The Kogui people still live in the surrounding area.
Best time: December–March (dry season)
Risky activity: go with a guide or experienced locals, know your limits, and check your insurance.
👁 Hidden Viewpoint
The town of Guatapé below is Colombia's most colorful town, every building zócalo-decorated with 3D relief art. The combination of the climb, the view, and the town makes this an elite full-day trip.
Best time: Weekday mornings (avoid weekend crowds)
🥾 Scenic Hike
The palms are absurdly tall (impossibly so), growing from green hills in the cloud forest as mist rolls through. The loop passes through secondary cloud forest with hummingbirds, spectacled bears (if lucky), and a hummingbird sanctuary.
Best time: Early morning before afternoon clouds
🎭 Cultural Experience
Colombia's coffee culture is genuine and alive, not a museum exhibit. The landscape is lush, the farms are immaculate, and the coffee you taste 30 minutes after picking is the freshest cup you'll ever have. Farm guides explain the difference specialty coffee makes vs. commercial farming.
Best time: Main harvest: October–February
Hostel picks for Colombia are being researched.
Until then, search Medellín on Hostelworld below.
Often cheaper than Bogotá from Atlanta, incredible city to base from
Fares usually jump in December and January, when the crowds come. February and June to August are the sweet spot: good weather without peak prices.
Both open without dates from Atlanta, so you can compare days and months for the cheapest fares. Seasonal notes come from when crowds peak, not live fares.
Medellín metro + cable cars (free with transit card). Cheap Ubers nationwide. Overnight Berlinas buses between cities.
MedellíntoCartagena
MedellíntoCoffee Region (Salento)
MedellíntoBogotá
Tip: Uber works in most Colombian cities despite restrictions. InDriver is the legit alternative. Berlinas buses are the best long-haul option: comfortable and reliable.