Emergency
Dial 123 for emergencies, connecting you to police, medical assistance, or firefighters for immediate professional help.
Dial 123 for emergencies, connecting you to police, medical assistance, or firefighters for immediate professional help.
Arriving 15-30 minutes late to social gatherings is perfectly normal and often expected—being "too punctual" might surprise people!
The next public holiday in Colombia is New Year's Day on January 1, 2025, celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and traditional customs.
Tap water is safe to drink in most areas, but not commonly ordered in restaurants. Bottled water is more common, though it can be requested.
Habi offers short- and long-term rentals, plus property buying and selling, in major cities with user-friendly features and competitive pricing.
Toilet paper is used and can usually be flushed, but in some areas of Colombia, it’s advised to dispose of it in a bin due to plumbing limitations.
It is generally safe for tourists, with efficient law enforcement and a focus on safety. Visitors should be cautious in crowded areas like transport, markets, and festivals to avoid theft.
Colombian cuisine is a rich blend of fresh ingredients, featuring dishes like arepas, bandeja paisa, and empanadas, with an emphasis on tropical fruits, corn, and regional flavors.
A tourist asks, “Why do Colombians drink so much coffee?”
The local smiles, “To stay awake for salsa and football!”
The tourist laughs, “What about sleep?”
The local: “That’s siesta time.”
In Bogotá, the public transport system includes TransMilenio (BRT) and buses. The Tullave card is used for travel, and contactless payments are accepted in TransMilenio, but not on regular buses.
Tullave CardThe two main intercity bus operators are Expreso Brasilia, known for its extensive network and reliability, and Flota La Macarena, offering comfortable services across major cities and regions.
Expreso BrasiliaColombia's train network, operated by Fenoco, connects cities like Bogotá and Medellín, offering limited passenger services and freight transport, with infrastructure improvements underway.
FenocoFamous for its diverse dance traditions, including salsa, cumbia, and vallenato, each reflecting a mix of indigenous, African, and European influences.
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, located underground in a salt mine, is one of Colombia’s most remarkable architectural and spiritual landmarks.
Colombia has over 50 national parks, including Tayrona National Park, where tropical beaches meet lush jungles, and wildlife.
Known as the "River of Five Colors," Cano Cristales is famous for its vibrant colors due to aquatic plants, minerals, crystal-clear water, and sunlight.
Drinking coffee isn’t just about the beverage. It’s time for connection. Colombians often invite others for a “tintico,” a small, black coffee.
Barranquilla hosts one of the biggest and most vibrant carnivals in the world, second only to Rio de Janeiro’s, featuring colorful parades, music, and dances.