Planning a trip to Colombia? Discover how to make the most of your budget in one of Latin America's most affordable and vibrant destinations. From luxury stays to local market finds, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about costs, currency, and dining to help you plan your perfect Colombian getaway.
About the currency
Colombia’s currency is called the Colombian Peso (COP). The conversion rate is about 1 Euro = 3,800 COP. 10.000 COP correspond conversely to approx. 2,65 €. 1 US Dollar = 4945.00 COP.
Budgets
On a mid-range budget of 235,000 COP per day, you can stay in a budget hotel or private Airbnb, eat out for all your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take some guided tours, take a couple of cheap domestic flights, and do more paid activities like visiting museums and taking a food tour.
On a “luxury” budget of 500,000 COP per day, you can stay in a 4 or 5-star hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, take more domestic flights, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!
Dining Out Costs
Entertainment, including dining out, is another factor that significantly impacts your cost of living and vacation cost. Preparing your own meals using fresh, local food from nearby stores will certainly keep your food budget low. However, you do not need to skimp on dining out. Most cities have a variety of restaurant choices from menu del día to mid-range prices to fine dining. Prices tend to average about 50% to 60% less than those in the U.S.
Alcohol Costs
Colombia is known for its coffee, more than its wine. The country imports wine primarily from Chile and Argentina. You can also find wines from Europe in some specialty stores, especially in larger cities. Prices tend to be 10 % to 20% higher than in the U.S. when buying bottles in the stores.
Fresh Produce
Colombia is an absolute paradise and food is generally cheap. As a traveler, you sometimes have to ask yourself whether it is worth shopping in the supermarket to cook for yourself. For fruits and vegetables, you should also go to the public market. For COP 30,000 you get a huge carrier bag full of a considerable weight of produce!
Costs for various activities
The prices vary depending on the location and activity. In some places, prices for Colombian residents are also somewhat cheaper than for foreigners. Generally, the prices for not-too-exclusive activities are not that high, but there are exceptions as well. Here are some example costs of some of the principal activities.
- Entry into El Peñol: COP 18.000
- Tayrona National Park (Foreigners): COP 66.000
- Gold Museum Bogota: COP 4.000 (Sunday free)
- Botero Museum Bogota: Free
- Tourist tax for San Andres and Providencia: COP 120.000
- Lost City Entrance fee: COP 1.150.000
- Sim card & 1GB: COP 20.000
When it comes to costs, Colombia is on the average side for South American countries. It is more expensive compared to Peru and Ecuador, but it is way cheaper than most countries around the world. One of the main benefits of living in Colombia is the lower cost of living, and in a country that offers many of the first-world amenities and infrastructure that you’d expect in a much more expensive location. Meaning you can live the high life on a cheaper budget for your Colombia vacation! Book now!
