Colombia (officially, the Republic of Colombia) is a beautiful, undiscovered gem in South America. Imagine the beauty of the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Panama Canal to the north, and the delightful Caribbean Sea to the northeast.
Colombia has a lot to offer for travelers of all types. If you are a beach buff, you simply can't miss its stunning coastline that extends more than a thousand miles (more than 1,600 kilometers).
If you like treading off the beaten path, Colombia's forgotten jungles and lost tribes are sure to excite the adventurer in you. And there's also a thriving cultural scene, from pop music to film to theater, for the urban traveler.
During the planning stages of your trip, don't forget to purchase travel medical insurance to keep yourself covered against any unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries that could occur.
Colombia Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
A travel medical insurance plan is a must-have for travelers to Colombia. A Colombia travel medical insurance plan is your safety net in case of the unfortunate event of falling sick, having an accident, or being injured during your fun trip to Colombia. Buying travel medical insurance in Columbia protects you and your family from financial liability that may arise due to illness or hospitalization.
Do I need travel insurance for Colombia?
No. Colombia ended its mandatory travel insurance requirement on May 4, 2023, but it is still strongly recommended. However, all visitors to Colombia must fill out an online form within 72 hours before the flight.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Colombia?
Travel medical insurance is a "must-buy" if you are traveling to Colombia. Consider it a financial safeguard against the treatment costs of injuries or accidents that may take place while you are enjoying your Colombian adventure. Colombia travel medical insurance provides crucial benefits to travelers.
- Hospitalization benefits if you fall prey to diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, hepatitis A, zika virus, or Yellow fever during your trip.
- Repatriation or medical evacuation to the home country or other countries in case of an emergency medical event.
Things to Do For Travelers in Colombia
Colombia is often referred to as "The Land of Many Lives". There's a lot you could do during your trip to Colombia. But here's a list of some must-see attractions to make your vacation a truly unforgettable experience.
Caño Cristales
The river of Caño Cristales is truly one of the most outstanding experiences in Colombia. It has earned the title of "the most beautiful river in the world" or "the river that ran away from heaven". This gorgeous waterway turns into a riot of colors during a short period (from the end of July through November) between the rainy and dry seasons.
Live the Jungle Life
Almost one-third of Colombia is covered by tropical forests and jungles. The Colombian Amazon gives you the exclusive opportunity of visiting three countries—Colombia, Peru, and Brazil—in one day. There's plenty to do in the Colombian Amazon. Don't miss your chance to spot the elusive poison dart frog, as well as jaguars, sloths, pink river dolphins, and an amazing collection of birds.
Mud bath
If you fancy taking a bath in the warm waters of a mini-volcano, your trip to Colombia is incomplete without a visit to El Totumo Mud Volcano (in Spanish, Volcán de Lodo El Totumo). Here you can take a dip in its naturally warm waters rich in different minerals including calcium, aluminium, and magnesium. A bath in these waters offers health benefits as well as treatment for glowing, smooth skin.
Coffee Trails
Colombian coffee is considered to be black gold by coffee connoisseurs from around the world. If you love coffee, a trip to a coffee plantation is a must on your Colombia itinerary.
Salsa Music
If you like shaking a leg and grooving to salsa music, then Cali, Colombia, is the place for you. Cali is known as the World Capital of Salsa. And with Latin American music playing almost everywhere, you are sure to love this jiving experience.
Festival of Wind and Kite
The Festival of Wind and Kite takes place each August in the Villa De Levya. This colorful festival is your opportunity to try your hand at one of the most amazing kite-flying experiences in the world.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Colombia
Today, Colombia is fast-emerging as a popular tourist destination in Latin America. However, as an international traveler, here are some travel risks that you should consider:
Vector-Borne Diseases
International travelers are susceptible to mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever, malaria, chikungunya, Yellow fever, and leishmaniasis.
When You're Out and About
Exercise general common sense and discretion. Avoid engaging with over-enthusiastic locals.
The Drug Scene
Columbia is one of the world's largest producers of cocaine. Though drug-trafficking and the drug mafia are not as rampant as they were in the 1990s, tourists need to keep in mind the undercurrent of Colombia's past drug history during their stay in this beautiful nation. If a shady character approaches you on the streets with offers of "stuff", refuse firmly.
Before You Travel to Colombia - Do This
- Take the shot: colombia is notoriously famous for its vector- and water-borne diseases. The WHO strongly recommends travelers get vaccinations for COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, yellow fever, pneumonia, and influenza before traveling to Colombia.
- Say "Hola" to Español: make sure you learn basic Spanish or carry an English-to-Spanish translation guide before your Colombian escapade.