Colombia Travel Budget - Visit Colombia on a Budget or Travel in Style


How much does it cost to travel to Colombia?

You should plan to spend around $45 (CO$176,533) per day on your vacation in Colombia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $12 (CO$46,115) on meals
  • $7.85 (CO$30,653) on local transportation
  • $29 (CO$114,283) on hotels

A one week trip to Colombia for two people costs, on average, $633 (CO$2,471,457). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $45
    CO$176,533
  • One Week Per person
    $316
    CO$1,235,729
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $633
    CO$2,471,457
  • One Month Per person
    $1,356
    CO$5,295,980
  • One Week For a couple
    $633
    CO$2,471,457
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,265
    CO$4,942,915
  • One Month For a couple
    $2,712
    CO$10,591,960
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Colombia cost?

A one week trip to Colombia usually costs around $316 (CO$1,235,729) for one person and $633 (CO$2,471,457) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Colombia on average costs around $633 (CO$2,471,457) for one person and $1,265 (CO$4,942,915) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Colombia will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Colombia on average costs around $1,356 (CO$5,295,980) for one person and $2,712 (CO$10,591,960) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




How much do package tours cost in Colombia?

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Colombia is $325 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.



Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Is Colombia expensive to visit?

Colombia is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability. Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.

Within South America, Colombia is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Argentina or Bolivia.

For more details, see Is Colombia Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Colombia?

The average Colombia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Colombia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.


Category Cost
Accommodation 1 (Double Occupancy) CO$114,283 ($29)
Local Transportation 1 CO$30,653 ($7.85)
Food 2 CO$46,115 ($12)
Entertainment 1 CO$55,826 ($14)
Tips and Handouts 1 CO$6,472 - 19,417 ($2 - 5)
Alcohol 2 CO$17,843 - 53,528 ($5 - 14)
Accommodation Budget in Colombia
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Colombia is $15 (CO$57,142). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Colombia is $29 (CO$114,283). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.


  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $15
    CO$57,142
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $29
    CO$114,283

Hotel Prices in Colombia

Looking for a hotel in Colombia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

 

Actual Hotel Prices
The average hotel room price in Colombia based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $45. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.


Recommended Properties


Local Transportation Budget in Colombia
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The cost of a taxi ride in Colombia is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $7.85 (CO$30,653) per person, per day, on local transportation in Colombia.


  • Local Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $7.85
    CO$30,653

Recommended Services

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in Colombia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Colombia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Taxi
    CO$6,300
  • Gas
    CO$20,000
  • 2 Bus Passes
    CO$3,400
  • Short Taxi Ride
    CO$4,600
  • Short Taxi Ride
    CO$3,900
  • Taxi to Airport
    CO$30,000
  • Taxi Ride
    CO$1,500
  • Taxi Ride
    CO$3,608


Food Budget in Colombia
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While meal prices in Colombia can vary, the average cost of food in Colombia is $12 (CO$46,115) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Colombia should cost around $4.72 (CO$18,446) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Colombia is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.


  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $12
    CO$46,115

Recommended

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in Colombia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Colombia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Lunch
    CO$8,000
  • Breakfast
    CO$12,000
  • Hot Dog
    CO$3,500
  • Hamburger
    CO$6,500
  • Breakfast
    CO$6,000
  • Dinner for Two
    CO$20,900


Entertainment Budget in Colombia
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Entertainment and activities in Colombia typically cost an average of $14 (CO$55,826) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.


  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $14
    CO$55,826

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Colombia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Colombia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Beer
    CO$5,000
  • Movie Tickets (for 2)
    CO$20,619
  • Yoga Session
    CO$30,928


Tips and Handouts Budget in Colombia
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Colombia is $3.31 (CO$12,944) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Colombia is 5% - 15%.


  • Tips and Handouts1 For guides or service providers
    $3.31
    CO$12,944


Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Colombia
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Colombia is $48 (CO$187,500), as reported by travelers.


  • Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
    $48
    CO$187,500


Alcohol Budget in Colombia
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $9.14 (CO$35,685) on alcoholic beverages in Colombia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.


  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $9.14
    CO$35,685

Recommended

What did other people spend on Alcohol?

Typical prices for Alcohol in Colombia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in Colombia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Beer
    CO$9,000
  • Beer
    CO$2,200


Water Budget in Colombia
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, people spend $0.98 (CO$3,810) on bottled water in Colombia per day. The public water in Colombia is not usually considered safe to drink.


  • Water2 Bottled water for one day
    $0.98
    CO$3,810


Last Updated: Oct 17, 2022
Colombia On a Budget
Colombia Salento, Colombia
Colombia is in the northern part of South America and controls access between Central America and South America. It also has a coastline along both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Colombia is a very diverse destination with a range of landscapes, cultures, and attractions that appeal to travelers. Starting in Bogota you can have an experience rich in art, architecture, cuisine, and shopping. From there you can travel for one or two hours in almost any direction and you will find yourself in a unique landscape and climate.

Head to the Colombian Caribbean if you're looking for modern cities that still hold on to their history. There you'll also find plenty of diving and hiking opportunities. To the east there are endless plains that have tropical savannas, forests, and wetlands. This is, perhaps, one of the least visited regions in the country. Along the Pacific Coast you'll find tropical forests, interesting marine life, and some of the country's best party cities. Head to the Colombian Islands if you're looking for a tropical setting with great diving.

As far as climate goes, there really is something for everybody. Along the coast the climate is quite tropical. This is also true in the eastern plains and the Amazon. In the highlands the temperature is much colder and there are dry periods without much rain. Although winter is often referred to as the rainy season, this doesn't hold true in all parts of the country. It's best to pack clothes for all temperatures and climates.

Colombia still suffers from its reputation as a dangerous and violent country but the reality is that the situation has much improved since the 1980s and 1990s. There are still some regions that are best avoided, but much of the country is welcoming to visitors and offers a unique travel opportunity.
At A Glance
  • Eco-tourism continues to gain popularity throughout Colombia. You can usually find any number of trekking excursions on weekends. You can work with one of the many groups, known as caminantes, to participate in a cheap, one day excursion. There are also longer trips available on weekends and holidays. Some of the more popular groups that are based in Bogota include Viajar y Vivir, Fundacion Sal Si Puedes, and Caminantes del Retorno.

  • If you want to buy some local handicrafts then a great option is the intricately designed jewelery that is available in the many markets or from street vendors. Quality can vary dramatically and bartering is a must. Look closely at the item you want to buy, consider its authenticity and craftmenship and then make an offer.

  • Buses are a popular and relatively easy way to travel around the country. You can usually buy tickets the day of from the terminal and catch the next bus in route. Some companies will not sell tickets in advance, so familiarize yourself with the schedule so you can catch a convenient bus on your day of travel. Long distance travel can be slow so if time is crucial and money is not, a plane flight may be your better option.

  • Colombia is growing fast as a hub for studying Spanish abroad. Colombian Spanish is generally considered "pure" with a clear accent. There are several good language schools you can choose from and some universities offer classes as well.

  • Salsa classes are a great activity during your time in Colombia. The music is played everywhere and the country is famous for producing several world class dancers. In particular, Cali and Cartagena offer many different salsa clubs and schools.



Related:

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Top Tourist Attractions
Los Nevados National Park: This national park is home to several snow covered volcanic peaks. These include Nevado Del Ruiz, Nevado del Tolima, and others. The park is managed by the travel agency Aviatur which gives it a more commerical feel, although there are still great trekking opportunities available.

Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral): This large church was built in an underground salt mine almost completely out of salt. The walkways are lined with sculptures and there is an impressive cross over the alter. It is located in Zipaquira, which is a city about an hour north of Bogota.

Tayrona National Park: This popular national park is situated along the Caribbean coast near Santa Marta. It's a beautiful coastline with stunning beaches. There is also a nearby native village which you can explore with a guide.

Popular Foods
Colombian food shares many dishes with its nearby neighbors, although each dish has its own unique twist. Although the names may sound familiar, be prepared for slightly different flavors and preparation techniques.

Bandeja paisa: This popular meal typically includes rice, beans, fried plantain, arepa, fried egg, chorizo, and chicharron (which is pork crackling). Although it tends to be very fatty, it is also quite good and filling.

Sancocho de Gallina: This lunch dish is usually served on Sundays. It's a chicken soup that includes chicken, rice and vegetables. It's found throughout the country although most regions have their own variety. On the coast it's not uncommon to find it made with fish instead of chicken.

Empanadas: Colombian empanadas are very different from the Mexican variety. They are made with a pouch-like yellow exterior that is stuffed with meat and potato and make for an excellent snack, particularly during long trips.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.