Traveling in Colombia: A Budget-Friendly Guide

Regularly cited as one of the best-value countries to visit in South America, Colombia is a place where your cash is destined to go further.

With fixed-price lunch menus and inexpensive pola (beer), you can dine like royalty, and hostels are plentiful and cheap. A network of affordable interregional buses and low-cost airlines means you can often score a bargain, further opening up the country to even the most budget-minded travelers.

Better still, some of Colombia’s finest pleasures – think practicing salsa’s frenetic footwork in Cali or catching an impromptu performance of a porro band in a sultry Cartagena square – are completely free.

Use Local Spanish-Language Airline Websites for the Cheapest Fares

Thanks to a glut of ultra-low-cost carriers in the Colombian airline industry, the difference in cost between flights and buses has narrowed significantly. However, don’t be fooled by the cheap deals you’ll find on aggregator websites for airlines – the lowest fares rarely include luggage, and adding bags can often double the ticket price.

Inexpensive flights are available, particularly for trips out of Bogotá – the cheapest fares can often be found by visiting the airlines’ Spanish-language websites. Prices can be half of what you see on the English-language site. If you don’t read Spanish, use the translate feature on your web browser to help you complete your purchase.

For environmental reasons, flying only makes sense to avoid a particularly arduous or time-consuming journey. For example, the only way to reach Leticia in the Amazon Basin without flying is by slow boat from Iquitos, Peru, or Manaus, Brazil.

Overnight Buses Can Save You Money

As with most countries in South America, distances between cities in Colombia are vast, making buses the cheapest means of transport, offering significant savings compared to flying. If you aim to stretch your pesos to the absolute maximum, opt for overnight buses rather than daytime departures, thus saving on accommodation costs.

This option may only suit those who can sleep through distractions, as roads can be winding and bumpy, and in-journey entertainment is usually loud; packing earplugs is advisable!

Get Out into Nature for Next to Nothing

Packed with spectacular scenery and pristine landscapes, Colombia is an outdoor adventure playground. Its network of national parks showcases lofty Andean peaks, emerald hills, and sun-drenched coral-white beaches, mostly accessible with only a token entrance fee.

For serious hikers, many of the country’s best hikes, including the famed Lost City Trek, require you to hire a guide, adding to the overall cost.

Hunt Down the Best Lunch Menus

Throughout Colombia, it’s common to see chalkboards outside restaurants promoting the menú del día or ejecutivo, a three-course lunch offering a very affordable way to indulge in delicious local dishes.

For as little as US$2, you can enjoy a traditional soup or salad, an entrée (usually based on meat, rice, and plantain), and freshly squeezed fruit juice. Follow your nose to find the best lunch spots, as they’re typically bustling with locals between noon and 2pm.

Street Food: Affordable Snacks

Street food stalls provide plenty of options for tasty snacks at a fraction of the cost of restaurants. The popular choice is the empanada, a deep-fried pastry filled with meat or vegetables, as well as arepas (flattened cornmeal cakes filled with cheese or meat) that make for a hearty breakfast option.

Pack a Water Filter and Ditch Plastic

While water is generally potable in most Colombian cities, it’s advisable to stick to purified water in smaller towns and rural areas. Instead of relying on single-use plastic bottles, consider bringing a water filter to make tap water safe to drink easily. This choice not only saves the environment but is also cost-effective.

Self-Cater and Shop at Markets to Cut Costs

Dining out is affordable in Colombia, but cooking your meals can help you cut costs even further. While grocery stores may feel pleasant, they often cater to wealthier patrons. Instead, visit local food markets for a wealth of choices and consistently low prices.

At Colombia’s markets, you’ll find an abundance of local fruits, vegetables, and unique Colombian fare that is hard to find in even the most authentic local restaurants. Local prices are typically reserved for those who speak some Spanish, so be prepared to muster up a few phrases to get the best deals.

Steer Clear of the Chicest City Neighborhoods

Colombia’s cities have grown trendy in recent years, with areas like El Poblado in Medellín and Cartagena’s Old Town charging high prices for dining and accommodations. Opting for less hip neighborhoods like Laureles or Getsemani can reveal more authentic experiences away from tourist crowds, along with more affordable lodging.

Agree on Taxi Fares Before Committing

Taxis are metered in Colombia, yet tourists often face inflated fares. To avoid this, ask for an estimated price before hopping into any taxi. Alternatively, ride-share options can be slightly more expensive, but the fare is agreed upon when booking, providing peace of mind.

Opt for Hammocks or Camping for the Cheapest Sleep

Although camping isn’t common in Colombia, it’s the standard overnight accommodation while hiking in national parks. In beach areas like Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, the cheapest lodgings are tents or hammocks, often with ocean views.

In highland towns such as Salento, Villa de Leyva, and Suesca, campgrounds charge as little as US$3 per night for pitching your tent, but you’ll need to bring your own gear.

Avoid Traveling in December and January

Colombia’s holiday season from December to January features warm and dry weather, but accommodation and transport prices soar. The ideal time for good weather and better prices falls in the shoulder season months of November, February, and March.

Daily Costs in Colombia

• Dorm bed in a hostel: US$10–25

• Basic room for two: US$20–50

• Self-catering apartment: from US$30

• Bus ticket from Bogotá to Medellín: US$18–23

• Cup of coffee: US$0.80–$1.50

• An empanada: US$0.50–$0.80

• A menú del día set lunch: US$2–$5

• Restaurant dinner for two: US$25–$40

• Bottle of beer at a bar: US$1–$2

This article was first published on Mar 20, 2022, and updated on Sep 30, 2023.