Is Colombia Safe for Families?
Generally, Colombia is a safe place to travel as a family (with a little know-how!). But like elsewhere in the world, Colombia has seen cases of coronavirus.
Check out our update below:
UPDATE: What to know about coronavirus
Like most places around the world, Colombia has cases of coronavirus. So, when will Colombia be safe for travel?
Hopefully soon! Here's the latest:
November 9th: Starting on September 19th, Americans will be permitted to enter Colombia. Travelers can find limited flights to Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin, and Cali. As of November 5th, travelers will NOT need a negative coronavirus test to enter the country.
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Read our full update about travel and coronavirus HERE. Or, send a message to a local in Colombia.
Colombia is much safer than you think
After decades of civil war between the government and the paramilitary group FARC, Colombia is now a country at peace. Together with years of wide-sweeping economic modernization and crackdowns against crime and corruption, this peace has brought Colombia into a period of unprecedented cultural renewal. The tranquility of Colombia and its citizens is easily visible through increased tourism, top-notch medical standards, and a family-friendly environment—read on for more information about safety in Colombia!
Colombian culture is extremely family-oriented
For most Colombians,
There are tons of safe and fun places to stay
There are so many family-oriented lodging options in Colombia, it’ll shock you. From international hotel chains to cozy local accommodations, there are a wealth of fabulous choices for family getaways throughout the country. Additionally, Colombia is packed with all-inclusive beach resorts, stunning eco-lodges, and intimate mountain inns that cater to travelers of all types. But if you prefer a more homey experience, don’t worry - Airbnb is everywhere! Many families love the perks that Airbnb provides such as kitchens, multiple rooms, and vast amounts of space, so ask one of our Heroes for an expert opinion on family-centered accommodation in Colombia.
Colombia is full of family-friendly activities
The Outdoors
Colombia is packed with outdoor activities for all ages. Due to its incredible biodiversity, there are amazing options for outdoor exploration all over the country. From hiking in cloud forests to luxuriating on white sand beaches, families have a load of great adventures to choose from. Many coffee plantations offer hands-on experiences, and there are tons of Amazon jungle lodges that cater specifically to families. But if you want to experience Colombia’s outdoor charm without the hassle of a long trip with the family, El Salado Ecotourism Park offers a wonderful taste of beginner hikes, as well as a bounty of exotic plants and flowers. Additionally, every Sunday, roads are shut down throughout Bogota for the Ciclovía—an event that allows Bogotanos to walk, bike, or rollerblade through a total of 76 miles of streets. This family-friendly outing has been an ongoing tradition since 1974 and continues to get more popular every year.
Museums and more
Colombia is rich in history, and that richness is clearly reflected in its incredible museums. Bogota’s amazing Gold Museum, for instance, is home to the largest collection of gold artifacts in the world. The Caribe Jewelry and Emerald Museum in Cartagena offers a similarly astounding exhibition of riches, and as part museum/part jewelry store, it offers a marvelous way to live out all of your luxurious accessory fantasies. For a more hands-on experience, Parque Explora is a delightful place to visit with your family. This interactive science museum offers an incredible look at Colombia’s unparalleled biodiversity and houses the largest freshwater aquarium in all of South America! And if a trip to the Amazon isn’t on your itinerary, the Bogota Botanical Garden offers a fabulous way to see much of Colombia's flora in just one stop.
Shopping
Whether you’re looking for a mall or a more traditional outdoor market, Colombia has it all. Located in one of Bogota’s more upscale neighborhoods, Centro Comercial Andino offers entertainment for all ages including games, food, and over 230 shops spread over 4 floors. For a more authentic scene, Mercado de Pulgas San Alejo is the perfect place to go on a Sunday. Here, you can find anything from vintage clothing to authentic Colombian vinyl records and everything in between. For a fun and authentic food-focused experience, go grocery shopping with the locals at Paloquemao Market in Bogota; this market displays a tremendous amount of fresh and colorful foods, and is truly a treat for the senses.
It’s easy to travel to Colombia with your baby—and their car seat!
Since you can check car seats and strollers for free on most major airlines, traveling with small children is essentially worry-free. Many Colombian bus lines, however, ask that you book your child their own ticket—so make sure to check with your local travel planner of choice if you plan to
Don't hesitate to use Uber
Although taxis are everywhere in Colombia, they can be a bit of an adventure. So, for a more reliable way to get around, stick with Uber. Not only is Uber safe and dependable
Traveling with a teen? Avoid the eye roll with these awesome activities
Check out Bogota’s unparallelled graffiti
In 2011, the Mayor of Bogota took a novel approach to the age-old issue of graffiti. Instead of imposing strict laws that limited creativity, the government actually legalized street art in many areas. This freedom of expression has resulted in a wealth of meaningful murals throughout the capital—and has also created the ideal environment to snap “
Get in on Colombia’s hipster-fabulous coffee
If you’re into coffee, Colombia is the perfect place to one-up your typical Starbucks game. On a daily basis, most Colombians drink tinto, a strong black coffee often sold by omnipresent street vendors for as little as $.10 a cup. However, if you happen to find yourself wanting a more extravagant java experience, stop by one of Colombia’s many hip, locally-sourced coffee shops. If your go-to drink is a latte, order a
Squash the ‘hangryness ’ with Colombia’s incredible food
There’s no such thing as a bad meal in Colombia; the food is excellent and beloved by families of every taste. Some of the most popular Colombian dishes include arepa—a delicious cornmeal pancake, hearty soups like
In case of emergency
Should you experience any unpleasantness while exploring Colombia, here are some numbers to call for assistance!
- National Emergency Number: 123
- Tourist Police: (1) 3374413
- Information: 113
- U.S. Embassy in Colombia: (+57) (1) 275-2000
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Have more questions about family travel to Colombia? Here is a list of our Colombia travel experts who can help, or you can message us directly! And before your trip, make sure to check out: