Colombia, felt up close.

The most popular destinations are Cartagena, Medellín, Bogotá, the Coffee Region (Salento and the Cocora Valley), Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park, San Andrés, Guatapé, Caño Cristales and Leticia in the Amazon. This guide covers 229 places across all 32 departments and Bogotá.

With 7 to 10 days you can combine two regions, for example Bogotá, the Coffee Region and the Caribbean coast. To travel the Caribbean, Andes, Pacific or Amazon at a relaxed pace, 15 to 21 days is ideal.

Colombia can be visited year-round because the climate depends on altitude more than seasons. December to March and July to August tend to be drier in much of the country, but they are also high season with higher prices.

Citizens of most countries in the Americas and the European Union do not need a visa for short tourist stays; Migración Colombia sets the authorized length of stay on arrival. Requirements vary by nationality: confirm with Colombia's Foreign Ministry. The Check-MIG pre-registration form is free and currently listed as optional.

A budget trip costs around COP 150,000 to 280,000 per person per day; mid-range, between COP 260,000 and 500,000; island or remote destinations can exceed COP 450,000 per day.

Millions of tourists visit Colombia every year without problems. Use registered transport, avoid displaying valuables, check conditions before traveling to rural areas and save the national emergency line, 123, and the Tourist Police contact.