Planning a trip to Colombia: the most common mistakes to avoid
Organization is key to a successful vacation. Usually, most inconveniences can be evaded when itineraries, accommodation, and transportation are properly taken care of. However, each destination has its own quirks.
These are the mistakes you want to avoid when planning a trip to Colombia.
1. Assuming it is hot all over the country
Some travelers believe Colombia offers a general high temperature all throughout the country. It is a tropical country, is it not? That is true; Colombia is just above the equator, so it does not have seasons. But that does not mean you can walk around in just a shirt and shorts in every region or town.
Because of its topography, Colombia exhibits pretty much every climate there is. 80% of the country offers warm weather (about 75 °F), by sitting up to 600 miles above sea level. If you visit a place at an altitude of between 600 and 1200 miles, you will experience more temperate weather, ranging from 62 to 75 °F.
Keep climbing until you reach areas of up to 1800 miles above sea level, and the temperature will drop to between 53 and 62 °F. The temperature will get as low as 42 °F on mountain tops located at 1800 to 2400-mile altitudes.
The two extremes of hot and cold are also within reach in Colombia. Desert and rain forest locations will raise the meter well over 86 °F. Places above the 2400-mile mark are usually below 40 °F all year round.
2. Not scheduling according to your interests
Now that we have told you about the Colombian climate, we can talk about the best time to visit the country. It is quite simple: it depends. Since we have diverse average temperatures, we recommend you check the general forecast for each place you want to visit.
For example, different regions of the country have different rainy seasons. Some nature parks are closed during certain months, for conservation purposes. The spectacular sight of the renowned five-color river of Caño Cristales is only available from June to November. This is because the aquatic plants that create the color magic are only in full bloom during that period.
When planning a trip to Colombia, often the ideal way to make the most of your stay are Colombia vacation packages. Check our vacation packages here, and read more about our tour packages here.
3. Not being mindful of distances
Granted, Colombia is nowhere as big as the United States is, but still, some destinations can be farther away than expected. Thinking you can swiftly hop from Bogotá to either coast with anything other than a flight is a rookie mistake.
Yes, you could drive or take a bus to reach the Pacific or the Atlantic Ocean. But this will take you between 10 or 17 hours respectively, which is not ideal when you are trying to make the most of your stay.
This is why Colombia tour packages can be a great investment for your trip; they make distance hurdles easier. A good travel agency will plan out each day in a way you get to see the most of what any area has to offer, before going to a new one. They should also properly organize the best way to get there, according to your means and needs.
4. Not making the most of your stay
When planning a trip to Colombia, remember you can do a lot of different things in the same area. For example, you can do both whale-watching and religious tourism in the Pacific Coast region.
The key to discovering the country is good information and planning. Once again, a travel agency can be your top ally to best organize your time and resources.
5. One last consideration when planning a trip to Colombia: Safety
Frequently, tourists thinking about coming over ask themselves: is Colombia safe to travel around? We are glad to report that it is, since security has notably improved over the last few years. You can read more about it here.
Nowadays, when planning a trip to Colombia you can focus your attention on finding what you want to see most. So, what are you waiting for?
Planning a trip to Colombia – Conclusion:
Colombia is a country full of wonderful experiences for travelers. There is something special for every type of travelers.
However, do not make some mistakes that are easy avoidable. Remember that the temperature varies of the altitude, meaning it is not hot everywhere in Colombia.
Futhermore, make sure to choose destinations that really interest you. Don´t just visit because other people tell you to do so.
And last but not least, Colombia is a huge country. Do not underestimate the distances between destinations!
With this information, you will be armed to be a more informed traveler and therefore enjoy even more your upcoming trip to this marvelous country.
If you need help or guidance with the planning process of your trip to Colombia, don´t hesitate to contact us. We have a team of travel experts looking forward to help you have the best holiday of your life.