An Introverted guide to Colombia

Colombia is of course a famously friendly, outgoing and gregarious country. The Colombians are one of the most open and friendly people on the planet and are eager to welcome foreign visitors to their incredible country. Action-packed parties and wild nightlife are often on the top of most people’s holiday highlights, however what happens if you prefer something a little more low-key? Or the idea of big crowds and lots of people, including other tourists, sounds like your idea of hell? Here is a brief guide to Colombia for the more introverted traveller!

San Andres Island

Top tip: Avoid the festivals!

The first main way to enjoy low key travelling in Colombia is to stay away from the cities and towns which are hosting festivals. If your idea of a nightmare is to join thousands of other people in small, confined spaces, events like the Barranquilla Carnival, the Black and White’s Carnival in Pasto or the Medellín Flower Festival probably won’t be your idea of the best places to visit!  It is always a good idea to check in advance for festival dates in the regions you are planning to visit, so that you can avoid those time periods and plan for a time when there is no major activity happening. Don’t forget that prices also go up during festival time for hotels, transportation and other activities, plus they are much more likely to be fully booked up!

fishing at sunset

Where to stay

When it comes to accommodation, introverts quite often experience issues trying to find an appropriate option. Hostel accommodation or shared dormitories with sociable common areas, can be a difficult place to stay if you are looking for a peaceful place to rest your head, so you may want to stick to private accommodation. Colombia’s recent tourism boom has seen a massive growth in the number of hostels and there is now a thriving backpacker scene in the popular destinations with a number of different hostel-type accommodations. This is no reason to panic however, there are also a number of lodgings for the more laid-back traveller. Be sure to check out some smaller, family run lodgings which offer private room, however be prepared to pay a little more for these private options.

coffee region of colombia

Where to go

The issue of where to go is a lot more simple.  Of course, the main tourist attractions are going to receive a lot more visitors so you may want to choose a more off-the-beaten-track area of Colombia to visit. Luckily the country is blessed with amazing things to see and do that are far awa from the tourist track and where the only crowds you are likely to encounter are the animals, native to the regions.

Nuqui Palm tree

Tourist hotspots such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Salento, The Tayrona National Park, Palomino and Cali, might not be the best places for you to visit. These touristic hubs of course will see a lot more tourism, as well as a number of local travellers, who are always looking for a wonderful weekend getaway. 

Caño Cristales

The great news is that there are many fantastic Colombian destinations which are much less likely to see foreign visitors at all. The small towns such as Playa de Belen, Salamina and Aguadas, as well as incredible ecotourism destinations like the Eastern Plains, the Amazonian regions of Guaviare, Vichada and Putumayo, and even smaller cities like Manizales and Popayan, receive a minute amount of tourism and can offer a more chilled-out and authentic option. It is more than likely that you will be the only visitor in some of these regions and you can experience the genuine Colombia at its best!

Colombian Amazon

Things to do

What to do in Colombia as an introvert? You will be surprised at the options available.  Multi-day treks like the Lost City, may be remote, yet may not be ideal, as the excursions are usually in a group or super-expensive if you go privately. Group package tours and the local nightlife may also be a turn-off and the preferred activities may well be hiking in the stunning countryside, exploring Colombia´s smaller villages, going out to sample to fine local cuisine or relaxing in a hammock, sipping the local coffee!

Colombia coffee growing region 

Sometimes the best Colombian travel experiences, are the more remote, relaxed and off the beaten track destinations, away from the hustle and bustle, crowds and festivals. Colombia is so much more than parties, nightlife and busy beaches.  Hopefully, this introverted guide has opened your eyes to the alternative options in this amazing country and to makes you keener to explore a Colombia that is relaxed, remote chilled-out and away from it all!