Quick answer: A mid-range trip to Colombia costs $60-110/day.
Trip costs to Colombia depend on travel style, season, and length. Here’s the breakdown.
Colombia trip cost: daily budget at a glance
Short answer: budget on roughly $80–150 per person per day mid-range (excluding international flights).
| Travel style | Per day (per person) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $35–60 | Hostels/guesthouses, street food, public transport |
| Mid-range | $80–150 | 3-star hotels, restaurants, the odd tour or taxi |
| Luxury | $280+ | 4–5★ hotels, fine dining, private guides & transfers |
Cost Breakdown
- Budget: $40-90/day
- Mid-range: $60-110/day
- Luxury: $400+/day
Plan Your Budget
Continue planning your Colombia trip
The Honest Two-Tier Daily Budget (and Where Your Money Quietly Leaks)
Here is the realistic split most guides skip. A genuine shoestring day runs around $30-45: a hostel dorm bed averages about $13 a night across Colombia (budget bunks in Bogota and Medellin start near 35,000 COP, roughly $8.50), with the rest going to local meals and a bus seat. A comfortable day sits closer to $70-110, built mainly on a private room or mid-range double at about 150,000-200,000 COP a night (around $36-48) plus sit-down dinners and the occasional domestic flight. Over a typical two-week trip that lands near $420-630 on the shoestring tier and roughly $980-1,540 comfortable, before international airfare.
The costs travelers underestimate are the leaks, not the lodging. A few to plan around:
- ATM fees: Bancolombia charges about 26,990 COP per withdrawal (roughly $6-7), so take out larger amounts less often and always decline 'dynamic currency conversion' to dodge a second markup.
- San Andres: the mandatory tourist card costs around 130,000-146,000 COP, bought before you board.
- Tipping: restaurants add a 10% 'propina voluntaria' and will ask if you want it included.
Good news on visas: US, UK, EU and Canadian passport holders get a free 90-day entry permit on arrival, so budget zero there. Two swaps that pay off: fly Bogota to Cartagena for an average one-way fare near $33 instead of a 20-hour bus, and for shorter hops take an intercity bus averaging about $22 rather than a same-day flight bought at the gate.
FAQs
How expensive is Colombia?
Mid-range: $60-110/day.
Cheapest way?
Travel in off-season.
When to book flights?
60-90 days ahead.
What Does a Trip to Colombia Actually Cost?
Colombia uses the Colombian Peso (COP). A cheap local meal runs $3-5, while a mid-range restaurant dinner costs $8-15. Taxis charge roughly $1-2 per kilometer, a beer averages $1-3, and a coffee is typically $0.50-2.
One of South America’s best-value destinations. Street food in Cartagena, Medell?n’s affordable metro system, and budget-friendly hostels in Bogot? make it easy on the wallet.
How to Save Money in Colombia
Eat where locals eat. Skip tourist-facing restaurants near major sights and walk a few blocks to where the prices drop. Lunch specials and set menus are almost always cheaper than dinner ? la carte.
Travel in shoulder season. Visiting just before or after peak season can cut accommodation costs by 30-50% while still offering good weather. Flights drop too ? use flexible date searches to find the sweet spot.
Use public transport. Taxis and ride-shares add up fast. Most popular destinations have reliable public transit that costs a fraction of what you would spend on private transfers. Research transit passes or tourist cards that bundle transport with attraction entry.
Book accommodation with a kitchen. Even making breakfast and the occasional dinner yourself saves hundreds over a week-long trip. Markets and grocery stores are also a great way to experience local food culture.
When Is Colombia Cheapest to Visit?
Like most destinations, Colombia is cheapest in the low season when fewer tourists compete for hotel rooms and flight seats. Shoulder months typically offer the best balance of price and experience ? decent weather without peak-season markups. Booking flights 6-10 weeks in advance and accommodation 4-8 weeks out generally yields the best rates.
Related Articles
- Best Time to Visit Colombia (2026 Region Guide)
- Colombia Visa Requirements: The Complete Guide
- Peru vs Colombia: South American Showdown
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a trip to Colombia cost?
A budget trip runs $30-60 per day including accommodation, food, and local transport. Mid-range travelers spend $80-150 per day, while luxury travel starts at $200+ daily.
Is Colombia expensive for tourists?
Cost depends on your travel style. Colombia can be affordable with budget accommodation and local food, or expensive if you opt for luxury hotels and fine dining.
How can I save money in Colombia?
Stay in locally-owned guesthouses, eat at local restaurants instead of tourist spots, use public transport, travel in shoulder season, and book flights early for the best deals.
What currency is used in Colombia?
Check the local currency before you go. ATMs are widely available in most destinations, and credit cards are accepted at larger establishments. Always carry some local cash for markets and small vendors.
You Might Also Love
Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.