Communa 13

Colombia has an equatorial tropical climate, making it possible to travel throughout the year. Temperatures remain relatively stable, although rainfall varies depending on the region and time of year. The main rainy seasons are from March to May and from October to November.

Rainfall generally does not cause significant changes in temperature. However, it can raise river levels, creating excellent conditions for whitewater rafting and kayaking, while activities such as paragliding may be more dependent on weather conditions. Our rafting trips operate year-round.

If you prefer to travel during a generally drier period, consider visiting between December and March or from June to September. Climate varies considerably depending on altitude and location: Medellín enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year, while the Andean regions around Bogotá are cooler, particularly at night. The Amazon region is warmer, more humid and receives more rainfall.

Good to know:

• December to March: generally drier months.
• March to May and October to November: wetter periods.
• Festivals and cultural events take place throughout the year, particularly in Medellín.
• July is an ideal time to see migrating whales along Colombia’s Pacific coast.
• Peak travel periods generally include December to February and June to August, so booking in advance is recommended.
• The low season can offer more attractive prices for flights and accommodation.

Colombia is a popular destination for international travelers, but as in any country, it is important to take sensible precautions, particularly to reduce the risk of theft and petty crime. By staying aware of your surroundings and following a few simple guidelines, you can enjoy your trip with greater peace of mind.

Here are our main recommendations:

• Make copies of your passport, visa and itinerary. Keep a copy separately from your original documents and leave another copy with a trusted friend or relative.
• Never leave your luggage unattended.
• Do not accept packages, transportation or other services offered by strangers.
• Keep valuables and important documents in your accommodation’s safe whenever possible.
• Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or accessories and keep your phone, camera and other valuables discreetly secured.
• If you are unsure whether an area is safe, ask your hotel staff or local authorities for advice.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and only take what you need with you.
• Plan your route in advance and stick to recommended areas and routes.
• At night, avoid dark, isolated or poorly populated areas.
• Ask your hotel or a local tourist information office to recommend a reliable taxi service.
• Whenever possible, stay at accommodation recommended by Expedition Colombia.

If you have any questions or concerns about safety during your trip, feel free to contact Expedition Colombia. Our team will be happy to provide advice and help you prepare for your journey.

ATMs are widely available throughout Colombia and generally offer more competitive exchange rates than banks or currency exchange offices. However, not all ATMs accept every type of bank card. For example, some Bancolombia ATMs may not accept certain foreign cards.

Before travelling, we recommend contacting your bank to find out which Colombian ATMs accept your card and to check whether any withdrawal or transaction fees may apply.

You should also notify your bank of your travel plans. This can help prevent transactions from being declined or triggering fraud alerts while you are abroad.

If you would like to have some Colombian pesos with you upon arrival, you can usually order foreign currency from your bank before departure or exchange money at certain airport currency exchange offices.

What you need to pack depends on your itinerary and the activities you will be doing with Expedition Colombia. Requirements may vary between a multi-day active holiday and a shorter adventure tour.

For active holidays lasting more than one week, you will find a detailed packing list for each day within your itinerary. For adventure tours lasting 1 to 5 days, scroll down to the “Checklist” section of your tour page and open the “What to Bring” tab.

For most activities, we recommend bringing:

• Suitable footwear, including closed-toe shoes for river activities
• Lightweight, breathable and quick-drying clothing
• A waterproof jacket
• Swimwear
• A hat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• A refillable water bottle
• A dry change of clothes and shoes for water-based activities
• A headlamp for excursions where additional lighting may be required
• A small backpack suitable for hiking
• Your phone, camera, chargers and other essential electronics
• Personal toiletries and medication

For mountain regions and high-altitude treks, bring warm layers, including a hat and gloves. For cultural visits and village excursions, comfortable and respectful clothing is recommended.

For any specific activity, always check the “What to Bring” section of your itinerary to make sure you have everything you need.

If you have specific dietary requirements, allergies or a medical condition that may require special attention, please let us know when you book your trip and before paying the 100% non-refundable deposit. This allows our team to assess your needs and make the necessary arrangements whenever possible.

We offer vegetarian and gluten-free options, although available choices may vary depending on the type of trip and location.

For adventure tours, meals may include French cuisine prepared by our chef, meals at local restaurants, or traditional dishes prepared by local families and chefs. When visiting coffee farms, you can also enjoy authentic Colombian meals prepared by the estate’s staff and chef.

For active holidays, breakfast and lunch are included. Dinners are generally at your own expense, and we provide restaurant recommendations based on your preferences and budget. If you would prefer to have all dinners included, this can be arranged upon request.

Alcoholic beverages are not included in our tours, except for champagne served aboard our sailing boat in Cartagena.

Please inform us of any allergies, intolerances, dietary restrictions or medical conditions when booking. We will do our best to adapt your trip and ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The fitness level, rated from 1 to 5, indicates how physically demanding a tour is expected to be. It helps you choose an experience that matches your fitness level and understand what to expect before booking.

All our trips combine adventure, discovery and cultural immersion, but the amount and intensity of physical activity varies from one itinerary to another. We recommend reading the detailed itinerary of each tour to understand the activities involved and their level of difficulty.

1/5 — Relaxed
A gentle and accessible experience with little physical exertion. No specific fitness preparation is required, and physical activities are generally optional or very light.

2/5 — Easy
The trip includes some easy physical activities, but no specific training is required. A normal level of fitness is sufficient to fully enjoy the experience.

3/5 — Moderate
Several activities involve moderate physical exertion and may raise your heart rate. A good level of fitness is recommended.

4/5 — Challenging
Expect sustained and demanding physical activity. A good level of fitness is required to fully enjoy the experience.

5/5 — Very challenging
This is our highest fitness level. These expeditions can involve significant physical exertion, challenging conditions and situations requiring teamwork in remote wilderness environments. Excellent fitness and adequate preparation are essential.

Most of our itineraries are suitable for travelers with an average level of fitness, although certain specialist expeditions may require some physical preparation beforehand.

Our guides always prioritize the safety and well-being of our travelers. Some tours also have age restrictions due to their level of difficulty. If you have any questions about your fitness level or whether a particular tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.

Yes. Solo travellers can join a group on any of our day or multi-day adventure tours. Rafting trips require a minimum of 4 people per raft, so we connect solo travellers with other like-minded adventurers to make the experience possible.

Alternatively, you can book a private tour with a guide for our non-rafting adventure tours and active holidays. Private tours are exclusive to your party and can be tailored to your preferences. As a result, they are priced higher than the rates listed on our website.

Yes, you are required to carry your passport with you during your tour. A copy of your passport will be recorded when you check in on the morning of your activity.

If you require medical attention during your trip, your passport may be required to receive treatment at a Colombian medical facility. Colombian law also requires foreign visitors to carry valid identification, as police may conduct ID checks.

Once you arrive, we will provide you with a secure way to store your passport during the activity. However, you remain fully responsible for your passport at all times. You cannot leave your passport or valuables with our driver or inside the vehicle.

We recommend leaving other valuables at your hotel whenever possible. For certain activities, particularly rafting, jewelry and piercings are not permitted as they may cause injuries or become lost during the activity.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes international medical coverage. This can provide protection in the event of flight or trip cancellations, as well as medical issues that may arise during your stay.

Before travelling, check with your existing health insurance provider to understand how you are covered abroad and which regions of Colombia are included in your policy. Expedition Colombia provides insurance coverage for its staff and participants through Colasistencia.

In the event of an accident or medical emergency, you must carry your original passport with you. Medical facilities may require the original document before providing treatment.

Regarding vaccinations, make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling abroad. Recommendations may vary depending on your itinerary, the regions you plan to visit and your individual circumstances. Certain areas of Colombia also require additional precautions against mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, as well as illnesses such as typhoid fever.

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/colombia

We recommend checking the official travel health guidance from your home country and consulting a healthcare professional before departure to determine which vaccinations and preventive measures are appropriate for your trip.

The safety of our travelers is our top priority. Our staff is trained to manage medical emergencies in remote wilderness environments, stabilize and monitor participants, and provide initial assistance until appropriate medical care can be reached.

We have developed an emergency response plan for each of our wilderness destinations. These plans include internal communication procedures and coordination with local emergency services. Please note that emergency helicopter evacuation services are not available in Colombia.

When an injury or medical condition does not require emergency evacuation, our guides will arrange safe transportation to an appropriate medical facility, usually in one of Colombia’s major cities.

You must carry your original passport with you during the tour. If medical treatment is required, Colombian medical facilities may require the original passport before admitting you as a patient; a copy is not sufficient.

To secure your booking, a 100% non-refundable deposit must be paid within the timeframes specified below. This allows us to make the necessary arrangements and prepare our guides and resources for your trip.

• Day trips: full payment is required at least 1 day before the trip start date.
• Multi-day adventures: full payment is required at least 3 days before the trip start date.
• Active holidays: full payment is required at least 2 weeks before the trip start date.

As the payment is non-refundable, cancellations do not qualify for a refund. We therefore recommend carefully confirming your dates and availability before completing your booking.

Yes. All our guides speak English and Spanish, although their level of English may vary. Every trip is led by a trip leader who is fluent in both languages. If you speak French, please let us know when booking, and we can also arrange a guide who is fluent in French, English and Spanish.

Our guides are professionally licensed and certified, with extensive expertise in their respective fields. Some are also pioneers in their disciplines. For example, our whitewater kayaking and rafting guides were among the first to explore certain remote Colombian rivers, including the Samaná and Verde Rivers.

Thanks to their experience and knowledge of the terrain, our guides are sometimes the only professionals with the skills required to operate safely in remote and challenging wilderness areas. Their expertise also allows us to offer authentic experiences and meaningful interactions with local communities.