Despite it's not wholly unjustified reputation for guerrilla warfare and drug trafficking, if it's adventure on a budget you seek, you've come to the right neck of the woods. Climbing, trekking, diving, ancient colonial cities, a history steeped in slavery and occupation, ancient civilisation, coffee, not to mention the shores of the Caribbean. Pack your shorts, keep a close eye on your luggage and enjoy..
Sponsored Links:
Budget Accommodation in Colombia
Camping is possible but not really advisable for safety issues. There are designated camp sites, details of which you can get fromthe tourist information offices, otherwise always ask permission before camping on somebody's land and try to choose guarded land where possible for your own safety.
Hotels are priced according to quality, in the cheapest ones you can expect a shared cold water shower but for only a little more you can have a bit of privacy. Hot water is only generally available in the more expensive hotels. Always try to negotiate the price, particularly in the low season. Hotels will generally try to charge 20 - 30 % more in the tourist season.
A Traveller's Budget for Colombia
Getting around the country is usually done by vatious forms of bus, ranging from local bus, (cramped, uncomfortable but worth the experience) to more plush coaches which usually have air conditioning, to minibuses which are the fastest and most hair raising way to go. The routes are generally picturesque so it's worth going by day, keep an eye on your luggage at all times, drug trafficking is rife in Colombia. Otherwise cycle touring is quite feasible if you've the energy.
To eat cheaply choose the dish of the day in restaurants, the diet varies considerably per region so it's a bit of a pot luck, or stick to simple restaurants which are often cheaper. A la carte menus are usually good value. Either way you're only looking at around UD$2 for a meal.
Activities for the Budget Traveller
Trekking in the Sierra Nevada
Visit the cathedral inside a salt mine!
Whitewater Rafting in San Gill and Villeta
Mountain Biking, anywhere and everywhere, check for safety before you go though.
Rock climbing in the National Parks of Los Nevados
See the sights in Bogota.
