Let's talk about getting there
In the last edition, I promised I'd get into airlines, and I keep my promises. So let's do this, because it deserves a real answer, not just "check Google Flights and good luck”.
There's no single best airline to Colombia. But there is the best one for you, depending on where you're flying from. Once you know what to look for, booking that flight goes from overwhelming to done in less than thirty minutes.
Flying from the US or Canada? My consistent go-to is Copa Airlines. They connect through Panama City (PTY), layovers are short, and they fly directly into the three airports you'll actually care about: Cartagena (CTG), Medellín (MDE), and Pereira (PEI). I've taken this route more times than I can count. It works. Copa Airlines does not have WIFI, but I’d always trade that for a real meal in business class. Download a movie before you board or enjoy their entertainment channels, and you will be just fine! If you’re coming from Canada specifically, also check Air Canada.
Based in Atlanta, Miami, or New York? Check Delta, American Airlines, and JetBlue, respectively. All three run direct routes into Cartagena, Medellín, and Pereira (Coffee Region). A direct flight is always worth the search. One unnecessary stop can add three hours to your travel day, and you want to arrive in Colombia with energy, not exhaustion. Also worth knowing: Spirit has direct flights from Orlando. I haven't personally traveled with them, so I won't recommend them, but the option is there.
And yes, other airlines connect through Bogotá and other cities, but I only recommend what I know :)
✦ Did You Know?
You may not need a visa. US, Canadian, UK, and most EU passport holders enter Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days. Some exceptions may apply to travelers from African and Caribbean countries. Head to the official Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs site and make sure you’re all set.
Colombia has over 10 international airports, but most travelers only need three: CTG, MDE, and PEI. Do not overthink it when searching for flights. Trust me.
The Colombian peso goes a long way. As of 2026, roughly $1 USD = 3,500 COP. A great meal at a local restaurant? Under $25. A fresh fruit juice on the street? About two bucks. Your money stretches here in ways that will genuinely surprise you.
Now, what to do before you even land.
This is the part most people skip, and honestly, it's where the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one gets decided. The flight is booked, the dates are set. Here’s what to take care of before you board.
Check your passport right now. Not the week before you leave, now. Make sure it's valid for at least 6 months past your travel date. Colombian immigration is strict about this.
Let your bank know you're going. A quick call or app notification prevents your card from getting flagged the moment you try to pay for your first empanada. Do it before you fly.
Get an eSIM or set up an international plan. Having a connection from the moment you land is not optional; it's how you navigate, communicate, and stay safe, seriously! eSIM options are available at some airports.
Have some cash on arrival. Not a lot - just enough for your airport transfer, between $50 to $150 max. ATMs and currency exchange are available at the airport. Do not exchange money on the street! Some hotels also offer exchange at the front desk, which I'd take over a street vendor any day.
Know how you're getting to your hotel. Prebook your airport pickup or know the app you'll use when you land. InDrive and Uber are both reliable in Colombia. If you go with a taxi, find the official taxi booths inside the airport, they give you fixed pricing. Walk straight to a driver outside, and you're likely getting upcharged. Don't say Passport Colombia didn't warn you LOL.
The people who enjoy Colombia the most aren't the ones who winged it. They're the ones who took care of the small stuff early so they could actually be present when they got there. That's the whole point.
If you want help building a trip that's ready from day one, let's talk.
Next edition, I'm breaking down which region first and where to stay. Because where you land first changes everything you feel about Colombia.
Talk soon,