Wondering about the cost of travel in Colombia? Look no further; we've got you covered. In this guide, we'll break down the cost of travel in Colombia, from accommodation to food and nightlife, and help you choose the Colombia budget that fits your travel style!
The comparatively low cost of travel in Colombia has helped make it a popular South American destination in recent years.
Intro to Colombia Travel Costs
Most ATMs accept international debit and credit cards, though the maximum withdrawal varies between 300,000 and 720,000 COP.
ATMs usually allow withdrawals in 10,000 COP increments, and most will dispense a mixture of 50,000, 20,000, and 10,000 COP bills.
Colombia uses the Colombian Peso (COP).
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 3,207 COP.
Editor's Note: In this guide, accommodation estimates were updated in September 2026. Other prices below reflect a 2019 update and should be treated as historical examples.
Cost of Transportation
The cost of travel in Colombia is on par with other Latin American countries. An extensive network of bus and air routes connects Colombian cities, pueblos, and significant points of interest. Within the cities, taxis and buses can take you everywhere. Shared jeeps and moto-rickshaws are available in the pueblos.
Ground Transport Prices
- Municipal buses: $0.75 - $1 (2,000 - 3,200 COP)
- City taxis (metered, average distance): $2.30 - $6 (7,000 - 19,000 COP)
- Medellín Metro: $1.40 (4,400 COP)
- Regional (intercity) buses: $6-$11 (19,000-35,000 COP) for up to a few hours. $45 (144,000 COP) to go 8-12 hours between major cities like Bogotá, Cali, Medellín, Cartagena, and Santa Marta.
Flights
Between Avianca and Copa Airlines, you can fly just about anywhere within Colombia, as well as fly to/from the United States and neighboring countries in Latin America.
Economy tickets for flights between major cities within Colombia can often be purchased on short notice at bargain prices.
More and more carriers fly international routes to/from Colombia, including JetBlue (Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín).
Technically, you're required to have an onward or return ticket to enter Colombia; however, the airline at your departure airport will likely verify this before you leave. Enforcement varies by airline.
Flights departing Colombia for international destinations tend to be more expensive.
Compare flights and intercity buses for your route, and include baggage fees and airport transfers when comparing the total cost.
Accommodation Costs in Colombia
Colombia has accommodation options ranging from hostel dorms to boutique hotels. Use these approximate nightly budgets as a starting point when planning your trip.
| Accommodation type | Nightly budget (COP) | Approximate USD |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm bed, per person | 40,000–80,000 | $13–26 |
| Basic private room in a hostel or guesthouse | 90,000–180,000 | $29–58 |
| Budget hotel room with a private bathroom | 120,000–220,000 | $38–70 |
| Comfortable midrange hotel room | 200,000–400,000 | $64–128 |
Private-room budgets cover the room for one or two people; dorm prices are per person. Accommodation categories overlap, so a simple hotel can sometimes cost less than a private room in a popular hostel.
Budget on the upper end for Cartagena's historic center, popular boutique properties, and peak holiday dates. Check whether breakfast, air conditioning, taxes, and other charges are included before comparing prices.
If you're staying in one place for several weeks, compare the total cost of a furnished rental or extended hotel stay. Monthly rental figures from cost-of-living guides may assume a longer lease and exclude utilities or booking fees.
Planning estimates researched in September 2026. USD equivalents are rounded using an exchange rate of approximately 3,130 COP per $1 USD. Actual prices depend on your destination, dates, and room choice.
See also: Best Hostels in Colombia
Internet
Most (if not all) hostels have broadband internet access and Wi-Fi, which is common in Colombia. Wi-Fi quality can vary depending on the quality and quantity of routers, as well as their placement. Overall, Colombia is well connected and an excellent place for digital nomads to work.
Cost of Food
Typical Colombian food is a bargain when bought from street vendors or regular restaurants (outside a city's Zona Rosa or a pueblo's central plaza, where prices are higher due to tourism).
Street Food
- Arepa con queso, boiled/salted potatoes, freshly sliced mango: $1 (3,200 COP)
- Full meals including meat (chicken, carne) with a small side (potatoes, French fries, small arepa), hot dogs, hamburgers: $3 - $6 (10,000 - 17,000 COP)
Restaurants
- Typical set lunch (soup, meat, side of potatoes, rice or beans) with fresh fruit juice: $3 - $8 (10,000 - 30,000 COP)
- Dinner (appetizer, entree) at a restaurant in a touristy area (or Zona Rosa): $11 - $17 (35,000 - 54,000 COP)
600-milliliter bottle of water: $0.75 (2,500 COP)
Bogotá Food Tour
Bogotá Food Tour: 2.5-Hour Small-Group Walking Tour - Learn about the history of the regional foods while exploring the historic center of Bogotá.
Over two and a half hours and six different food and beverage tastings, you will come to understand how the fusion of indigenous and Spanish cuisines has shaped the cultural landscape.
See also: 10 Best Restaurants in Bogotá
Medellín Food Tour
Medellín Traditional Food Tour - A private driver and guide takes you on a 3-hour tour to the surrounding communities of Sabaneta and Envigado to try regional foods. Unlimited samples, plus pickup and drop-off from your hotel, hostel, or apartment, are included.
See also: 10 Best Restaurants in Medellín
Cost of Drinking / Going Out
The cheapest way to enjoy Colombia's nightlife is to purchase beer, rum, or aguardiente from any number of small convenience stores.
Convenience Store
- Domestic beer: $1 (3,200 COP)
- ½ bottle aguardiente: $8 (25,000 COP)
Bar or Discoteca
- Domestic beer: $1 - $7 (3,000 - 23,000 COP)
- ½ bottle aguardiente: $19 (63,000 COP)
- Caipirinhas (and other cocktails): $4 - $11 (13,000 - 35,000 COP)
Cost of Activities & Attractions
There's a wide range of things to do in Colombia, and most foreigners will appreciate the low prices, from museums to adventure sports.
- Gold Museum in Bogotá: $1.50 (5,000 COP) and free on Sundays
- Salsa dancing lesson in Cali (1-hour private): $14 (45,000 COP)
- Paragliding in Medellín (10-15 minute flight): $31 (99,000 COP)
- Ciudad Perdida trek (4, 5, 6, or 7 days): $275 (882,000 COP) to $630 (2 million COP)
- PADI open water diving certification in Taganga: $180 (577,000 COP)
Paragliding over the Andes in Medellín
Paragliding the Andes: 4-Hour Activity from Medellín - No experience required!
Get picked up from your accommodation and head to San Felix, where a certified instructor will take you on a 30-minute flight. It's an unforgettable experience.
Scuba Diving Day Trip from Cartagena
Full-Day Scuba Diving Trip from Cartagena - Dive in the crystal-clear blue Caribbean waters off the Rosario Islands. The trip includes all necessary equipment, a practice dive, and an open water dive with a PADI instructor.
Lunch and the use of hotel facilities are included during breaks. Transfer to and from Cartagena is also included.
Overall Cost of Travel in Colombia
Your budget for Colombia will depend largely on where you go, how often you move, and whether you choose dorm beds or private rooms. Local restaurants, public transportation, and longer stays in fewer destinations can help keep costs down.
Start with accommodation prices for your travel dates, then allow for meals, transportation, and the activities you most want to experience. Budget separately for bigger expenses, such as a multi-day trek or diving course, and leave some room for unexpected costs.
