Andean peaks and coastal paradise
With beautiful beaches facing both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, immense snow-covered Andean peaks, steaming jungles and tropical grassland, Colombia is a magnet for travellers seeking dramatic landscapes. More bird species call this equatorial country home than anywhere else on earth; whales spend time near the coasts, and the coral reefs of Providencia are renowned around the world for its varied marine life. Wander through rolling hills filled with coffee in the Zona Cafetera or venture high into the Andes at El Cocuy National Park.
A vibrant culture
If you want to come face-to-face with different cultures, visit Colombia. The electric hubbub of the capital, Bogota, and other populous cities, such as Medellin and Cali, provide a glimpse into the Colombian spirit, but it’s in the colourful, rural pueblos that you’ll find Colombia’s true soul. To see a glimpse of the country’s colonial history, look no further than the gorgeous and grand streets of Barichara, Mompós and Villa de Leyva.
Mysterious ruins amid tropical landscapes
To fulfil your childhood dream of being like Indiana Jones, get yourself some cheap flights to Colombia, find yourself a guide and start trekking through the jungle and mountains to find an abandoned city. Comparable to Machu Picchu, Ciudad Perdida is only accessible by a multi-day hike. For those interested in the past, there’s also San Agustín, which has the largest collection of pre-colonial monuments and sculptures in South America.
When to go
Please check the recommended travel restrictions on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website before travel.
Colombia’s climate is generally uniform throughout the year due to its location near the equator. Along the coast, it stays warm and dry with temperatures in the mid to high twenties, while the inland sees lower temperatures, often between seven and 17 degrees Celsius. This makes Colombia a great destination year-round, especially along the Caribbean coast and in Medellin, ‘The City of Eternal Spring’.
Peak tourist season last from December to February, when the weather is dry and its holiday season in North America and Europe. Expect prices to be higher at this time, especially around Christmas, New Year’s and Easter. Booking flights about two months prior to travel will help you secure the best deals for travel during the peak season. The best months for whale-watching along the Pacific coast is from July to October.
In the Andes area, the driest months are December to March and July to August. Flash floods are common in the Andes in October and November. Elsewhere rainfall is more consistent and rarely enough to disrupt holiday plans. Prices also tend to be low during these two months, making it the ideal time to explore the Amazon.
Airports and airlines
With Netflights, you can compare hundreds of cheap flights to Colombia from top airlines and holiday providers easily and efficiently. Browse our flight deals without entering a destination airport or dates to find the best deals on a wide choice of travel options.
Most Colombia flights from the United Kingdom (UK) arrive in Bogotá, the capital. El Dorado International Airport is the third-busiest airport in Latin America. Avianca offers direct return flights, departing from London Heathrow. Indirect flights enable you to leave from airports all around the UK, and though they may include a stopover, this can also significantly lower prices.
International flights are also available to Colombia’s other major cities: Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Cartagena, Pereira, Cucuta and Armenia. The following airlines offer flights to Colombia: KLM, British Airways, American Airlines, Air France, Air Canada, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, Air Europa, Lufthansa, Delta, Air Transat, United and Aeroméxico.