Airports
1. Most travelers enter Colombia through the vibrant capital city of Bogota, though there are other options as well. Bogota’s El Nuevo Dorado International Airport (BOG), located eight miles east of the city, is the country’s largest airport and serves as the hub for Avianca, Colombia’s national carrier.

By far the busiest airport in Colombia, BOG features two terminals and handles both international and domestic flights on over two dozen airlines. There are smaller airports in the cities of Barranquilla, Cali, and Cartagena.

Flights and Costs
2. There are direct flights to Colombia from many major cities in the Americas and Europe, including Miami, New York, Washington, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Toronto, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Madrid, and Paris. A flight from New York is approximately five hours and thirty minutes. Costs vary depend on a variety of factors including availability, airline, and time of year.

A round-trip flight to Miami usually costs around $400 to $500. The same flight coming from New York will set you back somewhere between $550 and $650. Budget airline EasyFly operates within Colombia and offers very low rates.

Immigration Requirements
3. A valid passport is required of all travelers both leaving and entering Colombia. Technically, an onward or return ticket is required as well, and travel agents will generally request that you purchase one. On the other hand, it is highly unlikely that an immigration official will actually ask you for this information once you have entered the country. A tourist visa is valid for six months with multiple entries.

Airport Transportation
4. Getting into the city of Bogota from the airport is relatively quick and straightforward. There are always plenty of taxis waiting outside the terminal that are safe and affordable. Buses are relatively safe and fast, getting you to the city center in around thirty minutes. Car rental is available as well provided you have all the necessary documents such as an international driver’s license, valid credit card, and passport.

Dangers and Annoyances
5. Getting in and out of Colombia by plane is relatively hassle-free but there are a few things to be aware of that can save you some trouble. First, try to learn some basic Spanish before entering Colombia as this may be the key to not getting ripped off or inconvenienced, among other benefits.

If you stay in Colombia for more than two months, you will be obliged to pay a departure tax of US$19. Also, be wary of the men outside the airport who offer to place your bags in the taxi, as they will ask you for money. As in any big international airport, keep a close eye on all your belongings during your travels.

Colombia began to experience significant economic growth in 2002, according to the CIA World Factbook. New economic policies, trade agreements and increased security have spurred foreign interest and investment.

However, due to continued drug trade and kidnappings, Colombia remains a dangerous country in which to travel.

Foreign businesspeople should be aware of the customs and proper etiquette in Colombia, but they should also pay close attention to safety and security while visiting and conducting business.

Safety in Colombia
The U.S. Department of State has issued travel warnings for citizens traveling to Colombia since 2005.

The department’s website states that, “While security in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years, violence by narco-terrorist groups continues to affect some rural areas as well as large cities.

The potential for violence by terrorists and other criminal elements exists in all parts of the country.”

Dress and Appearance
Business attire is formal in Colombia. Wear a dark suit, white shirt and tie to meetings. Colombians are impressed with quality clothing. Avoid flashy fabrics or patterns and choose high-end materials and premium construction. Polish leather shoes prior to meetings.

Conversation
Colombians are warm and friendly and communicate often with body language. Personal space tends to be much closer than in the United States; do not back away from your hosts, however, as this will be offensive.

Use humor when appropriate; your hosts will welcome this discourse. Avoid talking about the following subjects: illegal drug trade, bribery, politics and religion. Colombians are proud of their heritage and enjoy discussing their famous coffee, culture, history and soccer (”futbol” in Spanish).

Approximately 90 percent of the population of Colombia is Roman Catholic. Show proper respect to the church while visiting.

Meetings
Schedule meetings at least one week in advance. Be prompt for meetings, but be prepared for your hosts to be around 15 minutes late; this is common in most South American countries, and Colombia is no exception. Begin meetings with small talk before delving into business specifics.

Colombians feel strongly about personal relationships when choosing clients with whom to conduct business. They are attuned to feelings and pay close attention to body language. Rather than present statistics, focus on honor and integrity.

Most Colombian executives speak English. It will be helpful to include many visual aids in presentations, however. Your hosts will appreciate a business card with English on one side and Spanish on the other.

Paramilitaries have demobilized, the leadership of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia–FARC, the main guerrilla group–has been largely imprisoned or killed, and the widespread deployment of the army has lowered crime.

Furthermore, Unidas’s liberalization of the trade regime and alliance with the U.S. facilitates foreign investment and has considerably eased the economic risks of doing business in Colombia, according to the U.S. Commercial Service.

Corruption, Inflation and Counterfeits
The risks of doing business in Colombia now reflect the normal political and economic risks of doing business anywhere between Buenos Aires and Boston. Political corruption persists at all levels, threatening the reliability and impartiality of the judicial system and other government offices.

Due to historical trends, the risk of high inflation should be considered before making any long term investments, but in the past Colombia has controlled inflation better than most countries in the region. If a business plans on dealing in U.S. dollars, personnel must become savvy to the tactics used by Colombian counterfeiters, who use sophisticated equipment and produce up to 15 percent of the world’s counterfeit dollars, according to the BBC.

Urban Crime
Crime is more of a concern for personnel than for a business itself. Despite a strong military presence in many cities, petty crime is pervasive and businesspeople are frequently targets of armed theft. Colombia has lost its status as the world’s kidnapping capitol, but kidnappings targeting high profile businesspeople are not uncommon.

Guerrillas
The FARC is probably one of the smallest risks facing a foreign business that wants to invest in Colombia. Military action during Uribe’s presidency shrunk the rebel-controlled territory within Colombia to a portion of the eastern rain forest, according to the Independent.

Guerrilla actions rarely take place far from rebel-controlled territory, which most businesses should be able to avoid. Transport in and out of the rain forest can be dangerous, but most major roads are safe and patrolled by the military.

Bird Watching
Columbia has one of the highest species counts for birds in the world. According to the Birding Columbia website, there are over 1800 species of birds within the country, making it a prime destination for bird enthusiasts. The Birding Pal Web site offers a service where a local Columbian birder or naturalist accompanies you and assists with birding in the country. Not only do you get to see birds, but you learn about Columbia and meet new friends in the country as well.

Birding Columbia
birdingpal.org

River Rafting
Columbia has many rivers for rafting, kayaking and running. Rafting Columbia offers numerous trips on various rivers throughout the country, including the Rio Suarez day trip. This trip takes you down rapids up to Class V. Paddle boats are used, so expect to paddle during the trip. All life jackets, rafts, gear and guides are provided during trips.

Columbia Rafting
Carrera 10 No. 7-83
San GIl
Santander
Colombia
+311-2838-647
colombiarafting.com

Cartagena City and Beaches Tours
Cartagena has Spanish Colonial buildings and architecture, miles of beaches, esplanades, plazas, cafes, and boutique shopping. Seeing the city with an organized tour provides the safety of a large group, knowledgeable local guides and access to places not typically found on your own. Destinations Cartagena offers a range of bus and walking tours of the city and the beaches. Day, half-day or multi day tours are available.

Destinations Cartagena
Laguito Edificio Playa Mar Apto. 603
Cartagena, Colombia.
+57-5665-0515
cartagenainfo.net

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The weather in Barranquilla is typically warm, so the most common attire at the night clubs is jeans and loose shirts. Barranquilla’s night clubs can be strict about checking customers’ identification and age. Be sure to bring your identification even if you are in your 30s.

Frogg Leggs
Frogg Leggs, in El Norte, has established itself as the most popular night club in Barranquilla. With a capacity of 500 people, Frogg Leggs can get crowded on the weekends so customers should be sure to arrive early and find a spot on the dance floor while there is still room. While the main attraction in Frogg Leggs is the festive atmosphere and dance music, the club also frequently offers special events. The most popular event is the Beach Party, which offers free admission to any guest wearing a swimming suit.

Frogg Leggs
Calle 93 N #43-122
Barranquilla, Colombia
froggleggs.tv

Agua Helada
Agua Helada is in central Barranquilla, one of the fastest developing areas of the city. This club’s three-floor interior features a spacious dance floor and a mezzanine area for quieter groups. Another popular aspect of Agua Helada is the outdoor terrace where customers can relax and get fresh air. With three floors of club space, Agua Helada can accommodate nearly twice as many people as Frogg Leggs. The club offers a VIP membership to select regulars.

Agua Helada
Cra 51B Calle 106 Esquina
Centro Commercial Gran Boulevard
Barranquilla, Colombia
aguahelada.com

Coco Beach’s Sunset Bar
Coco Beach’s Sunset Bar is also in central Barranquilla, close to Agua Helada. Unlike the other two night clubs, Coco Beach provides a quieter atmosphere and more laid-back crowd. The club’s palm trees and wooden decking invoke the feeling of a night club on the beach, even though it is in the middle of Barranquilla. Loud music and dancing is not the main draw at Coco Beach’s Sunset Bar–customers instead enjoy quiet conversation under the moonlight.

Coco Beach’s Sunset Bar
Calle 106
C.C. Gran Boulevar
Barranquilla, Colombia

Destino Nómada

Opened in 2009, Destino Nómada is one of the newest hostels in Bogota. Centrally located in the city’s Candelaria district, Bogota’s historical center, the hostel offers easy access to many of the most popular attractions. Near the hostel are Externado and La Salle Universities, making the area a safe haven for student-aged locals and travelers.

The hostel staff has all sorts of information about the city and organizes daily activities for guests. The hostel also has an on-site bar, cafe, restaurant and mini-supermarket for your convenience and enjoyment.

Hostel facilities and amenities include kitchen, barbecue area, common area, TV room with DVD selection, games room, laundry facilities, lockers and free Internet and Wi-Fi access.

Destino Nómada
Calle 11 No 00-38
Candelaria
Bogota, Cundinamarca
Colombia, South America
011 (+57) 1 352 0932
destinonomada.com

Entry and Exit
1. A passport is required for travel to Colombia, although U.S. citizens need not have a tourist Visa if they are staying fewer than 60 days. A round-trip ticked is advised. There is an exit tax that must be paid when leaving Colombia by air. Some airlines include this tax in the cost of their tickets, but be sure to check with your airline. Otherwise the tax must be paid in cash at the airport before departure.

Tourist Warnings
2. Although crime has decreased over the last decade, Colombia can still be a dangerous place for travelers. Kidnapping is on the wane, but kidnappings do still occur. Criminal organizations use kidnapping to for political pressure and ransom, and foreigner travelers are no exception.

Travelers should stay up-to-date on the current safety warnings posted by the U.S. Department of State by calling (888) 407-4747 or checking the Travel Alert website. See the Resources section for a link.

Tourists can be particular targets for criminals. Robbers will sometimes approach tourists after they have taken money out of ATMs, frequently using motorcycles for quick getaways. Be sure to use ATMs only indoors and be aware of your surroundings.

Be sure to only use taxis that you have called or have asked to be called for you. Taxis hailed on the street, especially by lone travelers, can often be traps for unsuspecting tourists.

The taxi driver may be involved with other criminals in overpowering passengers and robbing them of their valuables, including kidnapping the passenger and forcing them to withdraw money from ATMs. This type of crime is less likely to occur when passengers call a taxi via a dispatch service as there is a record of the call. There is a higher incidence of this criminal activity in Bogota.

Criminals have been known to use drugs added to food and drink to incapacitate travelers, providing easy opportunities for theft and sexual assault. Remain vigilant when dining out. Do not leave your food unattended and do not accept drinks or food from strangers.

Beaches
3. Travelers to Colombia should check out the country’s beautiful beaches, with Santa Marta being perhaps the most well-known. On the Caribbean in northern Colombia, Santa Marta was founded in 1525 by the Spanish. The beach is right near town with lots of vendors and tourists and activity.

When you crave an escape from sand and sea, visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the site of Simon Bolivar’s death. Bolivar was called The Liberator for his work freeing Colombia from the control of the Spanish. Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is now a museum honoring Bolivar.

Tayrona National Park is a treasure of local wildlife and scenery. There are howler monkeys, iguanas, jaguars, lizards, toucans and lots of tropical fish. Snorkeling, swimming, and even Tayrona Indian ruins are also part of the scene.

Lost City
4. Located in the cloud forest of Colombia, Ciudad Perdida–or, literally, Lost City–offers travelers an unforgettable journey into the past. Built around 800 A.D. but only discovered in 1972, Ciudad Perdida is only accessible by hiking.

The hike takes six days and travel arrangements can be made in Santa Marta through Turcol, a company licensed to take travelers to the park and ruins. The city was built by the Tayrona people and includes drainage systems, houses and bridges built of stone. The trek can be difficult, so bring rugged hiking boots, bug spray, comfortable clothing and a water bottle.

Cali’s streets are filled with salsotecas roaring seven nights a week. Other than being the mecca of salsa music, Cali is famous for its abundance of beautiful women. Other diversions are available in this lively destination.

Nightlife
Quick feet and loose hips are needed for a night out in Cali. Salsa dancing is king of the nightlife scene in Cali. Many clubs in the city are along La sexta (6th street). Restaurants, hotels and cafes are all there as well. Granada is another district downtown with many bars, restaurants and boutiques. Granada is good if you want to visit a bar without salsa dancing.

Juanchito, outside the city in the suburb of Rio Cauca, has one of the highest concentrations of discotheque and clubs in the country. Chango is maybe the one notable establishment there. It usually doesn’t get crowded until late at around midnight.

Club Discoteca Chango
Juanchito Vía Cavasa
+ 572-6629701
chango.com.co

Festivals
Feria De Cali (December 25 through January 1) is the biggest celebration in Cali. There is a salsa marathon, horse riding parades, masquerades, a beauty contest, athletics and dance parties. Bullfighting coincides with the fair at La Plaza de Toros de Cañaveralejo. Thousands of visitors attend the event each year. In early July, there is the week long Summer Salsa Festival. Bands from all over the world come every year. Salsa competitions and dance shows are held there as well. Soccer is a big deal in Cali and street parties coincide with soccer matches.

Outdoor Fun
There is no beach near Cali but residents compensate by swimming at the Pance river. It is the least polluted river in the city and maybe the only one suitable for swimming. Sundays are usually heavily crowded. Cali river is west of the city and is one of the more tranquil parts of town. It is surrounded by restaurants, hotels, and an art museum.

Shopping can be done outside at the traditional open air markets at Unicentro in the south and Chipichape in the north. However, the best bargains can be found from street vendors on 13th, 14th and 15th streets downtown. Visitors can go exploring and paragliding at Farallones de Cali national park if they wish to escape the urban environment. Farallones de Cali is a mountain in the Andes of Colmbia and is 4,100 meters in height.

Party Street
1. The area along Avenida Sexta is also known as party street by locals and tourists. The local nickname came about because of the large number of bars and other late night attractions. In addition to bars and clubs are several salsa clubs and restaurants, Latin clubs, discos and hip-hop clubs. It’s one of the most famous areas in Cali and one of the first places to stop late at night.

Salsa Clubs
2. Salsa clubs are a great place to go if you want to experience local flavor since the clubs are a favorite among locals. Latin music pounds throughout the club and if you don’t have any experience, you can watch a few regulars and even ask for a few pointers. Estadero Momentos is a nice place to go because the club has a large dance floor, couches for relaxing in between dances and drinks made with locally produced rums such as Ron Vejo de Caldas.

Live Music
3. Colombia might not seem like the best place to hear blues, but at the Blues Brothers Bar, live bands play blues music fairly frequently. The club is owned by a former Irish immigrant who loves interacting with tourists and those visiting the club. Kukuramakara is another great place for live music. The bands start at 11 p.m. every night. If you purchase a bottle of liquor, you get a free table for you and your friends.

Nightclubs
4. If you’re looking for a night full of dancing, drinking and meeting new people then you should check out some of the nightclubs in Cali. Caliwood plays salsa and Latin style music and the dance floor is almost always full. There’s also Yavanna, with a nice mix of people and a diverse range of music played every night. Many of the best nightclubs in Cali are located right on party street, or on one of the side streets lining the area.

Warning
5. When you decide to visit Cali, Colombia make sure to follow some specific guidelines to stay safe. Keep an eye on your drink at all times to prevent anyone from slipping something inside it. Avoid drinking too much since it can impair your judgment and lower your inhibitions. The main thing to remember is that you’re in Colombia, which has a reputation for rough and dangerous criminals and a high crime rate.