These past months, Colombia has been everywhere on the news – after all, the country is currently one of the fastest-growing travel destinations in South America, and considering the competition, that’s not an easy title to get.
All of this growth and international attention has finally come to a peak, with Colombia setting a brand-new tourism record of over 5.8 million visitors a year, a number that not only exceeded the projected target of 5.2 million by a large margin but also surpassed the previous all-time-high set in 2022 by 24.3%.
While all that’s remarkable, it’s time to explore the charm of Colombia beyond the statistic-filled headlines.
Why is the country surging in popularity so much, and what can you, as a traveler, expect from Colombia should you decide to visit it in the near future?
As Trendy As It Is, Colombia Has Yet To Feel The Downsides Of Massive Overtourism
While there’s no denying the fact that Colombia’s popularity has skyrocketed, the country still has managed to retain a sense of warmth and authenticity that’s been long lost in bigger hotspots.
That’s why those eager to explore the region’s many natural and cultural wonders need to act quickly before the insatiable crowds of tourists turn the country’s biggest attractions into something else entirely.
Right now, as long as you time your visit carefully (i.e., avoid peak season, which lasts December through March), you’re all but guaranteed a calm, crowd-free experience in some of the world’s most stunning landscapes.
Reasonable Prices
One of the main reasons why people can’t seem to get enough of Colombia is how reasonable prices can be in the area, especially when you take into account the type of experience you’ll be getting in return.
According to Numbeo, the average price of a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is $25.42, whereas a 1-mile taxi ride will only set you back $2.86.
While prices do vary between bigger cities like Medellin or Bogota and more rural areas like Iza or Guadalupe, they still hover around the national average, so you can rest assured that your U.S. dollar will go a long way here.
A Fantastic Digital Nomad Destination
Combine a relaxed atmosphere, low prices, and an easy-to-get digital nomad visa, and what do you get?
A heaven for remote workers, and that’s exactly what Colombia is.
In fact, Americans and EU citizens can live visa-free in the country for up to 6 months; however, you’ll need to renew the initial leave at the 3-month mark.
Those planning on staying a bit longer in the country (who can blame them?) can apply for the local Digital Nomad Visa, a process that will set you back roughly $30.
For more info on this visa and the type of requirements you’ll have to meet in order to obtain it, head over here.
A Treasure Trove Of Diverse Landscapes And Rich Cultures
Not only is Colombia a cheap, trendy country where digital nomads can find that coveted work-life balance, but it’s also one of the most naturally gorgeous places you’ll ever come across – talk about unfair.
Here, you can spend your days exploring everything from the sun-kissed beaches to the Amazon rainforest and the Andes mountains, whereas culture seekers will fall in love with the fusion of Indigenous, Spanish, and African influences evident in the local art, music, and mouth-watering cuisine.
An Underrated Cruise Destination
Since cruising is hands-down one of the most popular types of vacation among U.S. travelers, I couldn’t help but mention the fact that Colombia is a criminally underrated gem when it comes to the cruising opportunities it offers.
Apparently, other travelers are starting to take notice of this too, since in the past year alone, cruise ship visits in the country surged by over 100% – yes, you read that right.
And if you want to bump up that number even more this 2024, now is the best time to explore the country’s extensive coastline that lies along both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean; this means you can cross two items off of your bucket list in a single go.
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