In September 2023 I set off on a South American backpacking trip with a friend. Our plan was intentionally loose, and in fact, Colombia wasn’t even high on our list. But as the months went by, we kept meeting travellers who spoke about it with such excitement that it sparked our curiosity. By the time we finally decided to go, we had gained the confidence that comes from months on the road.

We ended up spending 18 days in Colombia in February 2024 — from Bogotá’s colorful murals to the coffee hills of Salento, Medellín’s vibrant neighborhoods, Santa Marta’s beaches, and the salsa-filled nights in Cali. My time there was mixed: at times inspiring, at times challenging, and often unforgettable. This guide combines my personal experiences with practical tips to help you plan your own backpacking adventure in Colombia.

Table of Contents

Click on the topic of interest for faster navigation:

• Why Backpack in Colombia?

• 3-weeks Backpacking Itinerary (Quick Overview)

• Safety Tips for Backpacking Colombia

• Budget and Costs for Backpacking Colombia

• Safety in Colombia

• How to Get Around Colombia

• Final Reflections

Why Backpack in Colombia?

Colombia has become one of South America’s most popular destinations for backpackers, thanks to its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and people. Whether you’re drawn to coffee country, Caribbean beaches, or the vibrant cities, Colombia offers a little bit of everything.

That said, backpacking here did, for me at least, feel more challenging than in countries like Peru or Ecuador. Safety, transport, and food quality varied a lot, and it’s a country where preparation really makes a difference.

3-weeks Backpacking Itinerary (Quick Overview)

Here’s the route I took during my 18 days in Colombia, along with a few notes on what I’d personally adjust if I had the chance.

• Bogotá (4 days) – Explore street art, Sunday markets, and viewpoints. A lively capital with lots to see, but one where safety should be taken seriously.

• Salento (3 days) – Colorful doors, friendly locals, Cocora Valley hikes, and coffee farm tours. One of the most charming and safe-feeling towns I visited.

• Jardín (2 days) – A slower mountain town that feels more authentic and less touristy than Salento. Great for relaxing and short hikes.

• Medellín (3 days) – Famous for Comuna 13 tours, vibrant nightlife, and learning about its transformation. A must for understanding Colombia today.

• Santa Marta (4 days) - A beach town with a shopping street. Santa Marta is mainly useful as a transport hub to Minca and Tayrona, and I would skip this city for another time.

• Minca (half a day) – Jungle waterfalls, coffee and cacao farms, and mountain views. I only had one day, but if I had more time, I would’ve stayed longer and tried more hikes. Santa Marta is mainly useful as a transport hub to Minca and Tayrona.

• Cartagena (1 day) – The colonial old town, lively plazas, and nearby beaches. I only had a short stay, but I’d recommend giving yourself extra time here to enjoy day trips and soak up the atmosphere.

• Cali (4 days) – Great for food tours and salsa dancing, but if your time is limited, you can skip it without missing major highlights.

Want a more detailed itinerary description including a recommended itinerary if I could go again?

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Backpacking Colombia: 3 Weeks Itinerary

Safety Tips for Backpacking Colombia

Colombia is not a country where you can be carefree as a backpacker — especially at night or in busy cities. Based on my experience:

• Avoid walking after dark in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Santa Marta. Use Uber or taxis instead.

• Keep valuables hidden, and never carry more cash than you need.

• Be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers, even in daylight.

• In smaller towns like Salento and Jardín, I felt safer, but still stayed alert.

• Always have travel insurance — theft, scams, and medical situations can happen.

Want the full story of what happened while I was traveling in Colombia?

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Why Colombia Was My Most Challenging Country to Backpack

Budget and Costs for Backpacking Colombia

Compared to the other countries I visited in South America, Colombia was one of the least budget-friendly surprises. While it’s often marketed as “cheap for backpackers,” I found that you don’t get much value for your money here.

Our daily budget was 48 USD per person, but in reality, we averaged 58 USD per person per day — and that was with very modest choices: staying in some of the cheapest hostels, eating local food, and mostly using buses for transport. The same strategy in Peru or Ecuador stretched much further.

Here’s a breakdown of what I spent during 18 days in Colombia (all prices in USD, per person):

• Accommodation: 79

• Food: 209

• Transport: 178

• Activities: 86

• Shopping: 114

• Drinks & Snacks: 59

• Miscellaneous: 20

• Flights: 386

That last number might look extreme, but for most travelers, flights are often the only safe and realistic way to enter or exit Colombia. Overland border crossings, especially to and from Ecuador and Brazil, are strongly discouraged due to safety concerns.

What This Means for Your Budget

• Expect $55–65 USD per day if you’re traveling like a typical backpacker.

• Buses are cheaper than flights, but the long distances and delays can eat into both time and comfort.

• Food is not as affordable as in neighboring countries — local menus del día help, but variety can be limited.

• Activities can be affordable (like $10 walking tours), but costs rise quickly if you add multi-day treks or adventure tours.

Would you like to know how Colombia ranked among all the 8 countries I visited on my South America trip?

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How Much It Costs to Backpack South America for 6 Months

Safety in Colombia

Colombia is full of incredible experiences, but safety can vary widely depending on where you are. Here’s a concise overview based on my travels:

Urban caution

Cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Santa Marta are vibrant and exciting, but pickpocketing, bag snatching, and scams are real concerns. A few rules of thumb from my experience:

• Wait for your Uber safely: Only exit your hostel if you’re 100% sure the car has arrived. We once walked out with all our belongings thinking the Uber was there — it wasn’t, and I got my phone stolen.

• Watch local foot traffic: If there are no locals walking in the streets at night, it’s usually a warning sign. This was especially clear in Bogotá and Santa Marta, and the opposite in Salento and Jardín, which felt safe even at night.

• Use taxis or Uber at night: Even short distances in unfamiliar neighborhoods are best done by car.

• Online dating: Back when I was there, I read that tourists should be very cautious with apps like Tinder, due to scams, express kidnappings, and other safety risks. It’s best to avoid meeting strangers through dating apps while traveling.

Transport risks

Long-distance buses are generally safe and affordable, but they can be uncomfortable, delayed, and sometimes unpredictable:

• Spontaneous roadblocks: On our bus from Santa Marta to Cartagena, locals had set up a makeshift blockade. All children were taken off the bus temporarily, and you could see the worry and relief of the locals when the kids returned. It was an uncomfortable and tense experience — something you should be prepared for mentally.

• Valuables: Keep bags close and hidden, especially on crowded buses or overnight trips.

Small towns

Places like Salento and Jardín felt relaxed and safe, but basic awareness is still important. Even in peaceful towns, don’t leave valuables unattended or wander after dark alone.

How to Get Around Colombia

Backpacking Colombia requires balancing comfort, cost, and safety. Here’s what worked for me:

Long-distance buses

• Companies: Redbus and other local operators.

• Experience: Buses are the main option for budget travelers. Seats can be cramped, ventilation poor, and overnight trips long. Delays and spontaneous events (like roadblocks) can occur, so patience, prioritisations, and personal boundaries are essential.

• Tips: Book in advance for popular routes, keep valuables on your person, and carry snacks/water.

Uber and taxis

• Urban travel: Uber is generally safer and more reliable than flagging taxis, especially at night.

• Safety tip: Always verify the license plate and driver before entering (pirate taxi is also a thing in Colombia). Wait inside your hostel until you’re sure the car is actually there.

Final Reflections

Colombia was the country where I felt the most challenged as a backpacker — I had moments of wonder, but also moments of fear and stress. Getting robbed in Bogotá and nearly assaulted in Santa Marta shaped my experience, but so did hiking through Cocora Valley, exploring Comuna 13, and dancing salsa in Cali.

If I were to return, my biggest takeaway is that I wouldn’t do strict budget travel like we did. Trying to save every dollar ended up narrowing our research, leading us into some unsafe situations, and limiting what we truly got out of the trip. The budget-friendly local food was fun to try once, but honestly, it wasn’t anything to write home about.

I would also skip or only spend a few days in Bogotá and Santa Marta, and instead spend more time in tourist-friendly and scenic areas like Salento and Cartagena, which offer culture, charm, and safer experiences.

That said, Colombia has a lot to offer, and I met many travelers who absolutely loved it. That energy and enthusiasm is real, and it’s something I won’t take away — it just wasn’t my perfect fit as a budget backpacker this time around.

The Center of Cartagena

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