Why this beautiful South American country is currently exploding in popularity

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Colombia has always been a household name for Americans, but perhaps for the wrong reasons.

However, it was only recently that the travel community started to recognize Colombia as world class destination.

Social problems aside, the country is on a rapid upward trend in visitor numbers since the Covid era, and even though 2026 has only just begun, it looks set to surpass last year’s figures… again.

The question is: why? Why are tourists suddenly pulled to a country that until recently was generally considered a no-go zone, including by the American authorities themselves?

How many tourists will fly to Colombia this year?

Between December 2025 and May 2026, Colombia registered 646,770 international bookings, a growth of 6.4% compared to the same period in the previous calendar year.

Officially, it outperforms more established destinations in the South, such as Costa Rica, long considered the lower-risk alternative, relatively safe Chile and trendy Peru.

Perhaps most surprising is the fact that it is American citizens who are leading the advance: along with Spaniards and Braziliansthey will account for more than 42% of the of expected international arrivals until May. So what’s the appeal, you may ask?

Well, affordability certainly plays a key role here:

Colombia is still dirt cheap

Whether it is a tropical destination, a vibrant city trip or a holiday in nature, Colombia remains by far the most popular the most budget-friendly country in South America.

Especially compared to places like Rio de Janeiro, or even Buenos Aires at the moment, where mid-range three-star hotels can cost you hundreds of dollars a night in high season, not to mention the infamous ‘gringo rate’ in restaurants and other service points.

Brazil, Argentina and Colombia are usually grouped as the top 3 destinations in South America, so let’s see how they fare in terms of spending.

Price comparison 2026 for Brazil, Argentina and Colombia

*Data sourced from websites such as Numbeo, Budget Your Trip, Nomadic Matt, Expedia, travel guides and other reputable sources. It is important to note that rates can vary drastically between cities in each of the three countries. In Argentina, prices are also more volatile due to hyperinflation.

As you can see, Colombia is the cheapest choice in 6 of the 7 categories, but that doesn’t give us the full picture.

Let’s take a look at the individually destinations that are gaining the most traction:

Which Colombian destinations are rising in popularity the fastest?

There are 3 main Colombian cities that will see the most bookings in 2026:

• Bogotathe vibrant capital, often called ‘Athens of South America’
• Medellinthe most daring metropolis in Colombia
• Cartagenaa cultural colossus in the Caribbean

They account for around 91% of bookings so far this year, and we can’t say we’re surprised: together they’re clearly the best representation of Colombia’s diverse offering as a country.

Bogota

The national capital Bogotá is one vast agglomeration at the foot of the monumental Monserrate Hill, home to a postcard-ready historic center, colonial La Candelaria and an abundance of world-class museums and elegant neoclassical government buildings.

No wonder it is called the Athens of South America, but it is not Greek culture that you will find here. Instead, imagine bohemian zones that have yet to be gentrified and still retain their quirkiness, lush urban parks that offer a brief but very welcome respite from urban chaos, and an underrated food scene.

Medellin

Bogotá’s biggest rival, Medellín, is the crazy, promiscuous younger sibling that’s not according to the rules, and you’ll be left wondering what just happened at the end of your overnight stay in bar-filled Provenza.

Think gritty, thought-provoking graffiti, flavorful street food that tastes like the real thing, authentic barrios that have successfully shed their dark past as drug hubs and reinvented themselves as colorful, vibrant neighborhoods: Medellín is the wilder side of Colombia that refuses to soften itself…

For better or for worse. In any case, keep your sanity and keep your valuables in a safe.

Cartagena

The trio’s laid-back charmer, Cartagena, is all about the UNESCO list Ciudad Amuralladaa Spanish-built citadel on the coast of the Caribbean that looks like it was copied and pasted from Iberian Europe:

Cobbled streets, monumental Baroque churches, richly decorated with gilded altars and paintings, and colorful facades with wrought iron balconies. Plus, it’s a short boat ride away from a number of pristine Caribbean retreats; view a peaceful, turquoise water-lined Baru nearby.

The security problem

Look, there’s no way to put it mildly: how much Colombia has opened up to tourism since the 1990s, becoming more and more tourist-friendly with each passing decade, it is not exactly the Switzerland of the tropics, if you know what I’m saying.

El Salvador got there first.

Anyway, back to Colombia, if you’re visiting major urban centers, especially cities like Medellín or Cali, you better tone down the gringo energy and keep your wits about you, otherwise you could be in serious trouble.

As the locals themselves brilliantly put it: no drone papaya is your best survival guide to Colombia as a fair-skinned American.

How to avoid problems in Colombia

If you withdraw money from ATMs, make sure you do so in a secure location, preferably a well-secured bank. Don’t walk around downtown wearing flashy watches or jewelry, and under no circumstances stray from tourist-frequented neighborhoods without a guide or a trusted local.

Cities like Medellín do not somewhere you only want to be caughtin a vulnerable position. Oh, and on that note, if you absolutely must have your phone with you when you’re out and about, walk into a store to do it, or don’t be completely oblivious to what’s going on around you.

Yes, Manhattan and Chicago have crime too, but let’s not play the ignorant cultural relativist and equate the two.

Colombia has one serious issue of violent crime, and engaging in the same type of behavior as in America shall make you easy prey for criminals.

That said, most Americans report minimal problems traveling around the country: they usually complain about high taxi fares, scams in dealing with travel companies and petty theft, but the risk is real, and in certain provinces and cities it is greater than in others.

When planning a visit to Colombia soon, check out our official Travel Advisory Checker, powered by the U.S. Department of State’s own guidelines.