Are there any age restrictions for this tour?
Yes. This tour is for travellers aged 18 to 45 on the day it starts, and we can't book anyone outside that range. If you're outside it, get in touch and we'll help you find a tour that suits you.
Do I need travel insurance for the tour?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.
What travel insurance do you recommend?
We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.
What if I’m travelling solo?
Can’t convince your mates? No worries! Most of our travellers come solo, and it’s one of the best ways to experience a new destination.
You’ll join an instant crew, meet amazing people, and make new friends from day one. Plus, you can keep your travel plans flexible and fully your own.
Ready to roll solo? You won’t be alone for long.
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is a must for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof (on your phone or printed) to your group leader when you arrive.
Need to grab a policy? Get a quote and buy travel insurance here.
How will I access money while I’m away?
We recommend using a Wise travel card. It works in most places and supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. ATMs are widely available, but some places may accept cash only, so it’s good to carry some local currency.
Is my money protected?
Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (Department of Tourism licence 11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
What is the currency?
The currency used in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP).
What are the passport requirements?
Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. You should also have proof of onward travel.
Will I be able to contact/meet people before the tour starts?
Yes! One week before the trip, you’ll get a welcome email from us, including a WhatsApp group QR code and all the info you need. You can also join our Facebook group in the meantime.
When is the best time to visit Colombia?
Colombia is close to the equator, so temperatures depend on altitude rather than season: Medellín is mild all year, the coffee region is cooler and Cartagena is hot and humid. What changes is the rain. December to March is the driest spell across most of the country, with a second, shorter dry period in the Andes around July and August.
April to May and October to November are usually the wettest months, though showers tend to be heavy and short. Our Colombia weather guide goes month by month.
Is Colombia safe for travellers?
Colombia has changed hugely, and the main tourist areas, including Medellín, the coffee region and Cartagena, welcome millions of visitors a year. The FCDO advises against travel to some remote rural and border regions well away from the usual tourist trail, so check the latest FCDO advice before you go.
Petty theft is the main risk. Keep your phone out of sight on the street, use taxis booked through an app or your hotel, never leave drinks unattended and be wary of overly friendly strangers at night. Your group leader will brief you at each stop.
Do I need to tip in Colombia?
In restaurants, a 10% service charge is usually suggested on the bill, often shown as propina voluntaria. It is voluntary and you can ask for it to be removed, but most people pay it for decent service, so there is no need to add more on top.
Tips for guides, drivers and boat crews are appreciated for good service but not expected, and taxi fares are simply rounded up. Your group leader can suggest amounts.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Colombia?
In Medellín and Bogotá the tap water is treated and generally considered safe, and many locals drink it. In smaller towns, rural areas and on the Caribbean coast, quality varies, so stick to bottled or filtered water there.
If you have a sensitive stomach, bottled or filtered water everywhere is the cautious choice. A refillable bottle with a filter saves buying bottled water every day.
Will my phone work in Colombia?
Most unlocked phones work in Colombia. Check your UK network's roaming charges first, as Colombia is usually outside roaming bundles. A travel eSIM set up before you fly is the simplest option, or buy a prepaid SIM from Claro, Movistar or Tigo, taking your passport with you.
Coverage is good in the cities and main towns, and patchier in the mountains, on hiking trails and out on the islands. Most hotels have Wi-Fi.
Do I need any vaccinations for Colombia?
Speak to your GP or a travel clinic about 6–8 weeks before you travel, and check the Colombia advice on TravelHealthPro for current recommendations on vaccines and avoiding mosquito bites.
Colombia can ask for a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you arrive from certain countries, or if you travel to parts of Colombia it considers high risk. Your GP or travel clinic can tell you whether this applies to your plans, and if you have a certificate, carry it with you.
