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When people think of Columbia they usually have two extremes in mind. They are either picturing Pinterest worthy colorful streets or expensive coffee tours designed for travelers who love luxury.
Colombia is not going to ask you to empty out your pockets, so don’t worry. In fact, if you are willing to get curious you can definitely explore the country’s real magic under a fixed budget. Yes that includes everything, be it the beautiful landscapes, or the lively culture, and even the delicious food.
All you need to do is get smart. You probably won’t get to experience the luxurious side of everything, but at least you get to enjoy the authentic Colombian charm as best as you can!
1. Hop on a Bus and Skip the Flight
You may feel tempted to get on a flight no matter where you have to travel within Colombia. That’s natural since Colombia is roughly twice the size of France. But those flights are bound to add up to a lot of cost, especially when you add on the luggage fees.
Step away from the flights and towards the buses which are basically part of the essence of Colombia. If you haven’t experienced winding through the emerald mountains from Bogotá to Medellín, watching tiny cities pass by, then you haven’t seen anything yet.
The journey is a lot longer. Be prepared for travel anywhere from 8 to 12 hours. But it is also a lot cheaper and allows you to save for other aspects of the trip. If you pick reputable companies like Bolivariano or Expreso Brasilia, it’s pretty comfortable.
Just make sure you book buses in advance online especially during holiday weekends when the locals travel. Always go for night buses as they save you a night’s accommodation as well as an entire travel day.
2. Hostels Are Much More Than a Place to Sleep
Colombian hostels aren’t meant to just appease backpackers with their messy bunks and loud parties. They are in fact the places where you get to experience the most diverse culture.
You witness salsa classes, cooking workshops, or free walking tours. Many even have private rooms that are half the cost of hotels. Medellín, for instance, is dotted with such stylish hotels where you are able to sip strong Colombian coffee on a rooftop terrace for less than the price of a cocktail in New York.
If you are considering staying longer in one spot, ask about volunteer work. Working a few hours at reception can earn you some free accommodation. In areas like Palomino or Minca, it isn’t unusual to find travelers who came for a week and stayed for months, paying their way through their skills in exchange for meals and a hammock.
3. Make Street Food Your Best Friend
Colombian cuisine might not enjoy the same global fame as its Peruvian neighbor. However, the food definitely has heart, and it is best enjoyed on the street.
A crispy arepa de queso costs much less than a cup of coffee in London. A plate of almuerzo corriente (the “menu of the day”) will get you soup, a side dish with rice, meat, plantain, salad, a drink, and sometimes even dessert. All this just under $4.
Don’t forget to visit the fruit stands and enjoy the lulo, guanábana, and maracuyá. A fresh juice in Colombia might cost you just some pocket change but it is blended right before your eyes and feels like you are experiencing Colombia in its most authentic form.
4. Free Walking Tours and Guides
One of the best ways to explore Colombia is through free walking tours. Local guides in Colombia can share with you stories that history books have left out. They tell you tales of how the streets transformed from danger zones into lively cultural districts. They explain how graffiti slowly became a voice for the people.
In just a single generation, Colombia became redefined. You can experience the modern blending with the traditional through a budget Colombia tour. Let experts guide you through the best sites and experience great adventure while deciding your budget in advance.
5. Choose the Right Towns and Cities
If you think Cartagena is gorgeous, we aren’t going to argue with you. But remember that it is also the most expensive city in Colombia. If you watch to stretch out that budget, plan a healthy mix of costly destinations with affordable locations.
- Medellín: Start by exploring the “City of Eternal Spring.” It is affordable and well-connected which means you can explore it through the metro.
- Salento: This allows you to explore the wonders of coffee in Colombia in the best way possible. You can hike through Cocora Valley’s towering wax palms. The best news is that hostels here are cheap and buses to coffee farms cost just a few cents.
- Popayán: Also known as Colombia’s white city, this is the perfect site to visit if you want to explore history without putting a hole in your pocket.
- Minca: This is a backpacker’s favorite and it is located in the mountains above Santa Marta. You can experience all the eco-lodges, waterfalls, and birdwatching you want for cheap!
Final Thoughts
Your trip to Colombia should be a rich experience, even if you have to budget wisely. You can wander around and find places that are well-hidden behind luxury tours. Don’t worry. Budgeting according to your needs does not mean missing out on all the fun! With some extra planning, you can enjoy everything you want to experience at a fraction of the cost.