Tips for Exploring Colombia on a Budget

Often recognized as one of the most cost-effective countries to visit in South America, Colombia ensures your money stretches far.

With affordable set lunch menus and budget-friendly pola (beer), dining can feel luxurious, and there are plenty of cheap hostels. An extensive network of low-cost interregional buses and budget airlines makes it easy to find great deals, opening up the country to even the most frugal travelers.

Even better, some of Colombia's greatest joys—like mastering salsa in Cali or enjoying a spontaneous porro band performance in a lively Cartagena square—are completely free.

For the best fares, check local Spanish-language airline websites.

The rise of ultra-low-cost airlines in Colombia has greatly reduced the price gap between flights and bus travel. However, be cautious with the tempting deals you find on aggregator websites, as the lowest prices often exclude luggage, and adding bags can sometimes double your ticket cost.

Affordable flights are particularly accessible for journeys from Bogotá—the best rates are often found on airlines' Spanish-language websites, sometimes at half the price listed on English versions. If you’re not fluent in Spanish, use your browser's translate feature to navigate the booking process.

For environmental reasons, flying is advisable mainly for avoiding particularly long or challenging routes. For instance, reaching Leticia in the Amazon Basin without flying requires a slow boat trip from Iquitos, Peru, or Manaus, Brazil.

Save money with overnight bus travel

In Colombia, like many South American countries, the distances between cities are significant, making buses the most economical transport option and offering substantial savings compared to flying. To maximize your budget, choose overnight buses instead of daytime ones, which can help you skip the cost of a night’s accommodation.

This option is best suited for those who can sleep through various distractions, as the roads can be curvy and bumpy, and entertainment on board tends to be loud (don’t forget to bring earplugs!).

Explore nature for very little cost

Colombia is bursting with stunning scenery and untouched natural beauty, making it an outdoor adventure paradise. Its national parks feature towering Andean mountains, lush green hills, and sun-kissed coral beaches, most of which have only a minimal entrance fee.

Serious hikers should note that many of Colombia's premier trails, including the Lost City Trek, necessitate hiring a guide, which can increase costs.

Seek out the best lunch specials

In Colombia, it's common to find chalkboards outside eateries advertising the menú del día or ejecutivo, a three-course lunch that provides an affordable way to indulge in delicious, hearty local cuisine.

For as little as US$2, you can enjoy a traditional meal that includes a soup or salad, a main dish (typically featuring meat, rice, and plantain), and a glass of freshly squeezed juice. Follow the aroma to discover the best lunch spots—they're usually bustling with locals from noon to 2pm.

Street food provides budget-friendly snack options

Street food vendors offer a wide array of delicious snacks that can save you significantly compared to dining in restaurants. The most popular choice is the empanada, a savory pastry filled with meat or veggies—just remember they’re deep-fried, so moderation is key!

Arepas (cornmeal cakes stuffed with cheese or meat) make for a hearty breakfast, especially useful if your accommodation doesn't serve a filling morning meal.

Bring a water filter to reduce plastic waste

In most Colombian cities, tap water is safe to drink, but it's best to stick to purified water in smaller towns and rural areas. Instead of using single-use plastic bottles or water purification tablets that can leave a bad taste, consider bringing a water filter that quickly makes tap water safe. This choice benefits both the environment and your wallet.

Reduce expenses by self-catering and shopping at local markets

While dining out is generally affordable in Colombia, staying in hostels with shared kitchens allows for even greater savings. Grocery stores can be inviting, but they often cater to affluent locals and tourists.

For abundant options at consistently low prices, head straight to local food markets, like Plaza Minorista José María Villa in Medellín or Plaza de Mercado Paloquemao in Bogotá.

At Colombia's markets, you'll discover a wide variety of local fruits and vegetables, along with staples like fresh cheese and meat, plus traditional Colombian dishes that are hard to find even in the most authentic restaurants.

To access local prices, you’ll need to speak a bit of Spanish; if you complete your transaction in English, you’ll likely pay higher rates (though still quite reasonable).

Avoid the trendiest city areas

Colombia’s cities have become increasingly fashionable over the last decade, with El Poblado in Medellín and Cartagena’s stylish Old Town demanding premium prices for dining and lodging. While a trendy rooftop bar might enhance your Instagram, it will also take a larger toll on your wallet—nights out in these upscale areas can cost you at least double what you'd spend in more laid-back neighborhoods.

Choose Laureles over El Poblado and the Getsemani district instead of Cartagena’s Old Town for a more authentic Colombian experience, away from the tourist hotspots. You'll discover many budget-friendly B&Bs, backpacker hostels, and great-value apartments in these neighborhoods.

Confirm taxi fares before getting in

While taxis in Colombia use meters, tourists often face inflated rates. To prevent this, ask for an estimated fare before getting into the taxi. Unlike in Europe or North America, ride-sharing services like Uber may be a bit pricier than regular taxis, but the fare is set when you book, ensuring you won’t be overcharged.

Choose hammocks or camping for the most affordable accommodations

While camping is not widely practiced in Colombia, it is the typical lodging option during hiking trips in national parks and can occasionally be found elsewhere. The most budget-friendly options in the beach-laden Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona include tents or hammocks, many offering stunning ocean views right by the sand.

In highland towns like 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 equipment.

Avoid traveling during December and January

Colombia's peak holiday season from December to January coincides with the warmest and driest weather, leading to significantly higher prices for accommodations and transport. The ideal months for pleasant weather and lower costs are usually in the shoulder season, specifically November, February, and March.

Daily Expenses in Colombia

• Dormitory bed in a hostel: US$10–25

• Basic double room: US$20–50

• Self-catering apartment: starting at US$30

• Bus fare 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 lunch special: US$2–$5

• Dinner for two at a restaurant: US$25–$40

• Bottle of beer at a bar: US$1–$2