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Colombia has been all over the news in recent months. After all, the country is currently one of the fastest growing travel destinations in South America, and given the competition, that is not an easy title.
All this growth and international attention has finally come to a head, with Colombia setting a brand new tourism record 5.8 million visitors per yeara number that not only far exceeded the expected target of 5.2 million, but also surpassed the previous record of 2022 by 24.3%.
While all that is remarkable, it’s time to explore Colombia’s charm beyond the statistics-filled headlines.
Why is the country’s popularity increasing so much, and what can you as a traveler expect from Colombia if you decide to visit it in the near future?
As trendy as it is, Colombia has yet to feel the downsides of massive overtourism
While there’s no denying that Colombia’s popularity has skyrocketed, the country has still managed to retain a sense of warmth and authenticity that has long been lost in the larger hotspots.
That’s why those eager to explore the region’s many natural and cultural wonders should act quickly before the insatiable crowds of tourists turn the country’s biggest attractions into something completely different.
At this point, as long as you plan your visit carefully (i.e. avoid peak season, which lasts from December through March), you’re virtually guaranteed a peaceful, crowd-free experience in some of the world’s most stunning landscapes.
Reasonable prices
One of the main reasons people can’t get enough of Colombia is the area’s reasonable prices, especially when you consider what kind of experience you get in return.
According to Numbeothe average price of a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is $25.42, while a 1-mile taxi ride costs just $2.86.
While prices vary between larger cities like Medellin or Bogota and more rural areas like Iza or Guadalupe, they still hover around the national average, so you can rest assured that your US dollar will go a long way here.
A fantastic destination for digital nomads
Combine a relaxed atmosphere, low prices and an easy-to-obtain digital nomad visa, and what do you get?
A paradise for remote workers, and that is exactly what Colombia is.
In fact, Americans and EU citizens can live in the country visa-free for up to six months; However, you must extend the first leave after three months.
Those planning to stay in the country a little longer (who can blame them?) can apply for the local Digital Nomad Visa, a process that will cost you around $30.
For more information about this visa and the requirements you must meet to obtain it, please visit here.
A treasure trove of diverse landscapes and rich cultures
Not only is Colombia a cheap, trendy country where digital nomads can find that coveted work-life balance, but it’s also one of the most naturally beautiful places you’ll ever encounter – talk about unfair.
Here you can spend your days exploring everything from the sun-drenched beaches to the Amazon rainforest and the Andes Mountains, while culture seekers will fall in love with the fusion of indigenous, Spanish and African influences evident in the local art, music , and delicious cuisine.
An underrated cruise destination
Since cruising is without a doubt one of the most popular types of vacations among American travelers, I couldn’t resist mentioning that Colombia is a criminally underrated gem when it comes to the cruising options it offers.
Apparently other travelers are starting to take notice too, as cruise ship visits to the country have increased by more than 100% in the past year alone – yes, you read that right.
And if you want to increase that number even further in 2024, now is the best time to explore the country’s vast coastline, which stretches along both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean; this means you can cross two items off your bucket list at once.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
