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Work and Travel in Colombia

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Colombia has become one of the ‘it’ destinations for backpackers. As a result, you’ll find hundreds of work and travel opportunities in Colombia . As one of the thirty biggest countries in the world, there’s an array of options in this diverse country. Colombia may be associated with less savoury things, but the volunteer and paid work opportunities in Colombia will make you see things differently. Travel guides for Colombia reveal it to have one of the most diverse animal and plant populations on a planet. It’s also a great place to improve your Spanish and get a taste of Latin American culture. These are some of the volunteer opportunities in Colombia on offer now. 1. Work in a Hostel The boom in tourism means that both locals and foreigners alike are opening up hostels throughout the country to meet demand. Volunteer in Colombia and you’ll not only be able to take on basic reception and cleaning work in Bogota and Cartagena, but you’ll be able to plunge into the Amazon and sleep in a hammock under the stars. If you volunteer in Colombia hostels the work can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. 2. Conserving the Rainforest A significant part of Colombia, which borders Brazil, is covered by the vast Amazon rainforest. Join a conservation programme and you can be applying specialist skills surrounded by plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Most of these programmes will require some prior experience, however, so be aware of that. But due to the fact that you can be involved in highly skilled work there’s the potential to get paid. Before applying to one of these programmes, you should be aware of the vaccinations you may need when entering the Amazon. 3. Volunteer on a Coffee Plantation in Colombia Colombia is only one of two major coffee growing countries in the world where there’s more than one coffee harvest. The main harvest is from September to January and from March to June. This means volunteering on a coffee plantation is an option throughout the vast majority of the year. You could be supporting workers or actively helping with the picking in the Sierra Nevada region of Colombia. It’s ideal if you have a good level of Spanish as the majority of workers on coffee plantations hail from impoverished areas, where the education system is poor.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR COLOMBIA

Most Westerners are able to enter Colombians for 90 days without a visa, including all EU countries, Russia, as well as other South Americans, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. South Africans, though, will require a visa even to visit as a tourist. However, visa-free entry doesn’t entitle you to officially work or volunteer in Colombia. It should be noted, though, that many jobs like teaching English do hire foreigners even without the visa. Enforcement is extremely lax here. But we recommend that you apply for the visa. The visa you need is the TP-6 visa for volunteering or working in the country. If you work for an NGO then your employer will supply the majority of the paperwork. You need the relevant documentation from the organisation explaining your role. You must also submit a legal representation document , essentially proving that the NGO is genuine. It can be time-consuming to get these forms together, regardless of your nationality. This is typically only possible with major NGOs in the country. For everything else, you will need to do most of the legwork yourself. But it should be noted that the visa system is why most volunteering opportunities in Colombia are strictly unofficial.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN COLOMBIA

Spring work.

There is no seasonal work specific to spring time in Colombia.

SUMMER JOBS

Work and travel in Colombia during the summer yields little more than year-round opportunities and tourism work. This is actually the rainy season but also the second tourist season as it’s when Westerners typically travel to this part of the world. Some farms may require an extra hand if they’re in particular areas where damage occurs. These farms tend to be in the more isolated, mountainous areas of the country.

Autumn is the time of year when most private academies are hiring English teachers on long-term contracts. If you feel like you want to teach English in Colombia, there’s no shortage of places. Colombia is very much like the rest of Latin America in that many young people want to learn English so they can succeed in the world. Most programmes won’t require anything except fluent English. However, better jobs are guaranteed if you possess the TEFL qualification or an equivalent.

Winter actually represents the hottest months of the year in Latin America. December, January, and February is traditionally when people from other parts of Latin America fill the most common tourist destinations. Cartagena, for example, will always have short-term work during the tourist season. Tourist work could be handing out leaflets, getting people into clubs in Bogota, or just running hostels during the high season. It all depends what you can do.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN COLOMBIA

Colombia is a country that has become used to tourists over the years. The infrastructure has improved and it’s no longer uncommon to see a Westerner wandering around the country. You’ll find plenty of foreigners, so you won’t feel too out of place in any of the major cities or tourist destinations. Bear in mind that certain parts of Colombia are not welcoming to foreigners. The UK Foreign Office, for example, cautions against travel to the border regions with Venezuela (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/colombia), as of summer 2017, due to high levels of kidnapping there. But despite the negative press that has accompanied Colombia in the last few years, many of the armed conflicts are restricted to small areas and have little effect on tourists. In general, Colombia is perfectly open to tourists and you won’t experience any problems. Do you want to work in Colombia on your next trip?

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Edited on May 20 2021 by
Edited on Jun 12 2019 by
Edited on Jan 15 2018 by Yara

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Work and Travel USA

Es un programa de Intercambio dirigido a estudiantes universitarios de todos los países del mundo, el cual a través de una Visa J-1 de Intercambio Cultural, les da la oportunidad de tener una experiencia de trabajo remunerada en los Estados Unidos durante un periodo máximo de 4 meses. Adicionalmente, los participantes del programa podrán estar 1 mes más en calidad de turistas en los Estados Unidos, una vez han terminado su periodo de trabajo.

El programa de Work and Travel USA le permite a los estudiantes Colombianos participar entre el 1 de mayo y el 30 de agosto, tiempo en el cual podrán trabajar legalmente en diferentes lugares de los EEUU y en empresas tales como parques acuáticos, parques de diversiones, resorts, hoteles, restaurantes, etc.

Los estudiantes que participan en el programa de Work and Travel USA deben saber que al trabajar legalmente en los Estados Unidos, deberán costear sus gastos de manutención al momento de hacer parte de este. Por esta razón, quienes participan en el programa deben contar con los fondos necesarios que les permita vivir y mantenerse en los Estados Unidos por lo menos hasta el momento en que reciban su primer pago por el trabajo realizado durante el programa.

Ser estudiante de tiempo completo

Ser estudiante universitario(a) activo(a), en modalidad presencial y de tiempo completo, cursando una carga académica de al menos 4 materias al momento de solicitar su visa en la Embajada de los EEUU y que tenga como mínimo 1 año de estudio por cursar al momento de volver del programa.

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Work and Travel Colombia

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Have you ever dreamed of combining your love for travel with your professional goals? If so, Work and Travel programs may be the perfect opportunity for you. And what better place to embark on this adventure than in the vibrant and diverse country of Colombia? With its rich cultural heritage, welcoming locals, and growing economy, Colombia is an ideal destination for anyone seeking to gain valuable work experience while immersing themselves in a new culture.

Unlock New Career Opportunities with Work and Travel Colombia.

One of the primary benefits of Work and Travel programs is the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in a new environment. With Colombia’s growing economy and thriving industries, there are numerous opportunities for international students and professionals to gain practical skills and knowledge in their field of interest. Whether you’re interested in finance, marketing, or hospitality, Colombia has a diverse range of industries that are eager to welcome international talent.

Moreover, working in Colombia will not only give you valuable experience in your chosen field but will also enhance your adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills. These are crucial skills that are highly valued by employers in today’s globalized job market.

Experience Colombian Culture and Improve Your Language Skills with Work and Travel.

In addition to gaining valuable work experience, Work and Travel programs offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and learn a new language. Colombia is a country rich in history, traditions, and diversity, and its people are known for their warmth and hospitality. By working and living in Colombia, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its vibrant culture and customs, learn about its history, and practice your Spanish language skills.

Living like a local will give you a unique perspective on Colombian life, and you’ll have the chance to make lifelong connections with local Colombians. By immersing yourself in the local culture, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the country and its people, and develop a newfound appreciation for the rich diversity of Colombia.

Live Like a Local: The Benefits of Work and Travel Programs in Colombia.

One of the most significant advantages of Work and Travel programs is the opportunity to live like a local. By staying with a local host family or in shared housing with other international students and professionals, you’ll have the chance to experience everyday life in Colombia from a local’s perspective. You’ll learn about the local customs, cuisine, and daily routines, and you’ll be able to practice your Spanish language skills in a real-world context.

Moreover, living with locals will help you to develop meaningful relationships and connections that can last a lifetime. You’ll learn from their experiences and gain a deeper appreciation of their culture and way of life.

Gain Valuable Work Experience Abroad with Work and Travel Colombia.

Working abroad is an excellent way to gain valuable work experience that will set you apart from other candidates in the job market. By working in Colombia, you’ll have the opportunity to develop new skills, build your professional network, and gain a better understanding of international business practices.

Whether you’re looking to kickstart your career or gain practical experience before pursuing further education, Work and Travel programs in Colombia offer numerous opportunities to gain valuable work experience and enhance your resume.

Enhance Your Resume with International Work Experience in Colombia.

Employers are always looking for candidates with a diverse range of skills and experiences, and international work experience is highly valued in today’s job market. By participating in a Work and Travel program in Colombia, you’ll be able to showcase your adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills, and willingness to take on new challenges.

Work and Travel programs in Colombia offer numerous benefits for international students and professionals seeking to gain valuable work experience and cultural immersion.

By working in Colombia, you’ll have the opportunity to develop new skills, expand your professional network, and gain a better understanding of international business practices.

Discover the beauty of Colombia: A must-visit destination for tourist

Make Lifelong Connections and Expand Your Network with Work and Travel Colombia

Networking is essential in any industry, and working abroad can be an excellent way to expand your professional network. By participating in a Work and Travel program in Colombia, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and connect with professionals in your industry from around the world. You’ll also have the chance to build relationships with local professionals and learn about their experiences and perspectives.

Expanding your network through international work experience can open up new career opportunities and give you a broader perspective on your industry. By building relationships with professionals from diverse backgrounds, you’ll be able to learn from their experiences and gain a better understanding of global business practices.

Improve Your Language Skills and Enhance Your Cultural Competency with Work and Travel Colombia

Language skills and cultural competency are essential in today’s globalized job market. By participating in a Work and Travel program in Colombia, you’ll have the opportunity to improve your Spanish language skills and enhance your cultural competency.

Colombia is a Spanish-speaking country, and by living and working there, you’ll have the opportunity to practice your language skills in a real-world context. Moreover, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the local culture and gain a better understanding of Colombian customs and traditions.

Enhancing your language skills and cultural competency can be a valuable asset in any industry, particularly in fields such as international business, tourism, and hospitality.

Experience the Beauty and Diversity of Colombia with Work and Travel

Colombia is a country known for its natural beauty and diversity. From the Andean mountains to the Caribbean coast, Colombia has a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems. By participating in a Work and Travel program in Colombia, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this beautiful country and all it has to offer.

During your free time, you can explore Colombia’s historic cities, sample its delicious cuisine, and experience its vibrant nightlife. You can also take advantage of Colombia’s diverse range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, surfing, and birdwatching.

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Alongside being considered one of the best budget-friendly travel destinations in the Americas, Colombia is home to 10% of the Amazon rainforest, the start of the Andes Mountain Range, vibrant cities such as Bogota and Medellín and of course, Colombians - some of the warmest locals you will ever meet. Do you need any more reasons to visit?

Here’s the lowdown on why Colombia should be bumped up your bucket list…

Colombia at a glance

Colombia is a country that truly captivates the hearts of those who visit. With its diverse landscapes ranging from pristine Caribbean beaches to lush Amazon rainforests, then towering Andean peaks to picturesque colonial towns. This South American gem offers an incredible backdrop for your next Workaway experience.

Highlights include the captivating city of Bogotá where you can immerse yourself in a thriving arts scene and vibrant nightlife. Medellín - although once known for its troubled past - has now transformed into a city of innovation and one of the cheapest destinations for digital nomads . Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and coastal vibes.

If you prefer to head off the beaten track away from the cities, Colombia is also a country teeming with natural wonders. From the awe-inspiring Cocora Valley home to the tallest palm trees in the world to the mesmerising Tayrona National Natural Park with its pristine beaches and lush jungles. There are endless opportunities to hike through cloud forests, spot exotic wildlife in the Amazon, or dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.

Some would argue what truly sets Colombia apart is the warmth and hospitality of its people. Proven even more so by the fact we have over 600 hosts in Colombia ready to share their homes and way of life with you. Thanks to these hosts, you will have the opportunity to connect with local communities, contribute to meaningful projects, and make friends for life.

Is Colombia Safe?

For those who want to volunteer in Colombia, safety is usually the number one reason holding them back, but when it comes to safety for tourists, Colombia has made significant strides in recent years and most tourists will have an uneventful trip.

Security forces have increased their presence in popular areas and the government has taken significant steps to combat crime and reduce the risk of incidents. These efforts have paid off, leading to a substantial decrease in crime rates and an improvement in overall safety.

Visitors can now feel more confident to explore, and after decades of violence and instability the country has emerged as a bucket list destination with its authenticity intact. This means many areas previously off-limits to travellers are now safe to visit resulting in the majority of Colombia still showcasing pristine nature untouched by mass tourism.

If travelling alone, make sure to follow our safety tips for solo travellers , but generally as long as you take the usual safety precautions (such as avoid flaunting your wealth, always inform someone of your plans, and stay with reputable hosts or hostels etc.) then you will have a safe and memorable stay in Colombia.

Reasons to Volunteer in Colombia

Are you passionate about making a positive impact? Love exploring vibrant destinations? Ready to immerse yourself in a warm and welcoming culture? Then join Workaway , because Colombia is the perfect place for your volunteering adventure! If you still need a little convincing, here are the top reasons to volunteer in Colombia…

Rich Cultural Heritage: Colombia is a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions. Experience the unique rhythms of salsa and cumbia, immerse yourself in colourful festivals like the Carnival of Barranquilla, and discover the country's fascinating history through archaeological sites, architecture and of course, the locals!
Warm and Welcoming Locals: Talking of which, Colombians are renowned for their warmth and friendliness. Whether you’re on vacation or volunteering, you'll soon find locals who would eagerly share their stories, offer insider tips, and make you feel like part of the family.
Unique Wildlife: If you’re someone who prefers animals to humans (we’ve all been there!) Colombia is one of the world's most biodiverse countries in the world. From the colourful birds of the Amazon rainforest to the elusive jaguars and giant river otters, nature lovers will be mesmerised by the country's incredible wildlife. Such incredible nature needs protecting however, which means there are plenty of volunteer opportunities in Ecotourism, sanctuaries, permaculture and more.
Off the beaten path: One of the many reasons to Workaway in Colombia is so you can head off the beaten path. Whether it’s up into the mountains, along the coast or deep into the jungle, it’s so much easier to head off the tourist route when living like a local. Workaway can connect you with local communities, allowing you to immerse yourself in the colourful, Colombian culture with ease.
The surf: With coastlines on the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and the Pacific, Colombia is the perfect playground for surfers of all levels. In particular, the coastal town of Nuquí, nestled in the Pacific region, the beach town of Palomino on the northern coast or Playa Salgar, a popular spot known for its surf-friendly conditions and vibrant atmosphere.
Unforgettable Cities: From the sea to the cities! From the bustling capital of Bogotá to the vibrant Medellín and the enchanting Cartagena, Colombia's cities offer a unique blend of history, culture, and innovation. Get lost in the colourful streets, indulge in the delicious street food, and embrace an exciting atmosphere like nowhere else.
Adventure Awaits: Colombia is a haven for adrenaline seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you trek through the misty mountains of the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), go whitewater rafting in San Gil, hike to the world’s tallest palms in Cocora Valley, or explore the colourful coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea — there's no shortage of thrilling activities!
Coffee Culture: If you’re a coffee connoisseur or dream of working in the industry one day, why not volunteer in Colombia to turn you from enthusiast to expert!? Explore the lush coffee plantations in the Coffee Triangle, learn about the art of coffee production, and indulge in some of the world's finest coffee. All while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Simply use “coffee” as a keyword when searching for your Workaway host in Colombia!
Affordable Travel: As one of the cheapest countries in South America , Colombia offers excellent value for all budgets. From cheap transport to inexpensive street food, you can travel long term without breaking the bank.
The Food: For those who like to travel through your tastebuds the authentic Colombian cuisine won’t disappoint. The food here is a delicious reflection of its diverse regions and living with locals will allow the opportunity to try as well as master authentic dishes such the famous bandeja paisa, arepas and empanadas.

Regional Highlights of Colombia

With so many Workaway hosts in Colombia , it can be difficult to decide where to go. We’ve summarised each region to include the highlights and hidden gems to help you decide. From the Andes to the Amazon, Afro-Carribean roots to remote indigenous communities, you’ll realise there is a place for everyone.

While the country is divided into 32 “departments” these fall under 6 main regions. Here's an overview of the regional highlights of Colombia:

Andean Region

This region is characterised by the majestic Andes mountain range, which runs through the centre of the country. It is the most populated region thanks to being home to both the capital city of Bogotá and the city of Medellin. The Andean Region is also home to various indigenous communities, including the Kogi, Arhuaco, and Wiwa people. These communities preserve their traditions, customs, and spiritual beliefs, offering visitors a chance to learn about their rich cultural heritage.

Highlights of the Andean Region

Bogotá: As Colombia’s capital city, explore the fascinating historical centre of La Candelaria, visit impressive museums such as the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum and enjoy the panoramic views from the top of Monserrate mountain. The city is home to a thriving foodie scene, vibrant street art, and bustling markets.
Medellin: As it is located in a beautiful mountain basin, the city itself is surrounded by lush hills and picturesque views. Head for the hip neighbourhoods of Provenza, Poblado, Manila, Envigado, and Laureles in particular for funky restaurants, gig venues and galleries. Also head to Botero Plaza to admire the famous sculptures of Fernando Botero, ride the iconic cable cars for panoramic views, and experience the city's lively nightlife. Finally, partake in the “finca” culture - a tradition where locals escape the city for a few days to retreat in a nearby farm or countryside holiday home.
The Coffee Triangle: Made up of the departments known as Caldas, Quindio, and Risaralda, visitors can explore lush coffee plantations and picturesque towns like Salento, as well as experience the coffee-making process firsthand.
Popayán: Known as the "White City" due to its well-preserved white architecture, Popayán offers beautiful churches, museums, and a vibrant Holy Week celebration.

Caribbean Region

Along the country's northern coast, the Caribbean region offers exceptional natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a lively atmosphere. The region is blessed with stunning beaches, from the famous coastal city of Cartagena to the remote paradises of the Rosario and San Bernardo Islands, there are endless options for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation.

Highlights of the Caribbean Region

Cartagena: As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city of Cartagena is an unmissable place thanks to the well-preserved colonial architecture, charming streets and exciting nightlife. It is a popular destination with digital nomads as it is the perfect paradise to work and play. The nearby Rosario Islands provide an idyllic tropical escape.
Santa Marta: Is a gateway to the iconic Tayrona National Natural Park, where visitors can hike through lush forests and relax on pristine beaches. Did we mention we have over 70 hosts in Santa Marta alone!?
Palomino: For an off-the-beaten-path experience, the coastal town of Palomino offers a laid-back vibe and excellent surfing opportunities.

Pacific Region

Visiting Colombia's Pacific region is a unique experience that offers a deep connection with nature. Thanks to lush rainforests, unspoiled beaches, and vibrant Afro-Colombian culture, the Pacific region provides a glimpse into an authentic and lesser-explored part of the country. This makes it one of the best destinations in Columbia to volunteer.

Highlights of the Pacific Region

Nuquí and Bahia Solano: These coastal towns are renowned for their stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and incredible biodiversity. Between June and October you can enjoy whale watching tours to witness the majestic humpback whales. Alternatively, you can surf, explore hidden waterfalls, and learn all about Afro-Colombian culture.
The San Cipriano Nature Reserve: Located near Buenaventura, it is a haven for nature lovers. It can only be accessed via a unique rail-cart system through dense jungle, so it promises an excursion to remember. Eventually you will reach refreshing natural pools and waterfalls surrounded by rich flora and fauna.
Gorgona Island: This former prison island has been transformed into a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Offering colourful coral reefs and an abundance of marine life from turtles to sharks! Visitors can also explore the island's dense rainforest, hike to scenic viewpoints, and learn about its fascinating history.

Orinoco Region

Located in the eastern part of the country, the Orinoco (or Orinoquía region) region is known for its vast grasslands and is a treasure trove of natural wonders. From the majestic Angel Falls to the rich traditions of indigenous communities, there are many reasons to visit. The Orinoco Region is home to many indigenous cultures, including the Pemon, Warao, and Yanomami peoples. It is also home to a fascinating cowboy culture that reflects the area's rural and agricultural heritage.

Highlights of the Orinoco Region

Canaima National Park: As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area is home to the iconic Angel Falls - the world's tallest waterfall! As well as the breathtaking beauty of Angel Falls, explore the park's vast savannahs, tepuis (table-top mountains), and lush rainforests.
Orinoco River and Delta: As one of the longest rivers in South America, you can take a riverboat to witness its impressive size and diverse ecosystems. The Orinoco Delta is a labyrinth of waterways and mangrove forests teeming with wildlife including birds, caimans, and monkeys.
Ciudad Bolívar: A historic city located on the banks of the Orinoco River. Stroll through its well-preserved old town, admiring the architecture and visiting landmarks like the Casa del Congreso Angostura museum or enjoy panoramic views of the city from La Llovizna Park.
Casanare: The department of Casanare is known for its extensive savannahs, safaris and traditional cattle farms. For those who want to learn about Colombia’s cowboy culture, this is the destination for you. Known as "llaneros," these cowboys are skilled horsemen and expert cattle ranchers. Best of all, we have 70 hosts in Casanare, ready to share their way of life with you.

Amazon Region

The Colombian Amazon is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The region offers unforgettable experiences, connecting visitors with the wonders of the world’s largest tropical rainforest. The region is home to amazing wildlife such as pink dolphins, sloths and macaws. It also offers a blend of cultures and the opportunity to engage with indigenous communities in Leticia thanks to its tri-border location.

Highlights of the Amazon Region

Leticia: Located in the southernmost tip of the country, at the tri-border area with Brazil and Peru, Leticia is the gateway to the Amazon rainforest. Visitors can embark on jungle treks, take boat trips along the Amazon River, and interact with indigenous communities.
Puerto Nariño: Located about 80 kms upstream from Leticia on the Amazon River, Puerto Nariño is a tranquil and eco-friendly village. It offers a laid-back atmosphere, sustainable tourism initiatives, and opportunities to explore the surrounding rainforest, lakes, and wildlife.
The Amacayacu National Park: Located in the heart of the Amazon, it is a biodiverse reserve famed for its amazing wildlife including pink river dolphins, monkeys and jaguars. By exploring the dense forests, tranquil rivers and vibrant ecosystems, you can experience the magic - and beauty - of the Amazon firsthand.

Insular Region

Colombia's Insular Region is made up of around 21 islands; four located in the Pacific Ocean and 17 located in the Caribbean Sea. These islands offer stunning turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and incredible coral reefs, making them ideal for snorkelling, diving, and chilling on the beach. This region promises a blissful tropical destination, with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable Caribbean experiences.

Highlights of the Insular Region

San Andrés Island: A tropical paradise offering the best of both worlds - a vibrant marine life AND nightlife. Visitors can enjoy activities like snorkelling, diving, and swimming in the famous Seven Colors Sea by day. Then enjoy the island's unique blend of Colombian, English, and African cultures by night, including delicious cuisine and lively music.
Providencia Island: Just a short distance from San Andrés, Providencia Island offers a more tranquil and laid back atmosphere. The island offers excellent diving opportunities, including the world's third-largest barrier reef, known as the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve. Visitors can also hike to the peak of El Pico, the island's highest point, for breathtaking panoramic views.
Rosario Islands: A short boat ride from Cartagena, the Rosario Islands are a picturesque archipelago of coral islands and turquoise waters. This protected national park is an ideal destination for snorkelling, diving, and enjoying the beauty of untouched Caribbean beaches. Oceanario, an open-sea aquarium is also worth a visit to learn about the impressive underwater world.

Volunteering in Colombia

Feeling inspired to volunteer in Colombia? Now you know the highlights of each region, it’s time to get planning an adventure like no other. Why stay in yet another hostel or beach resort when you can live like a local as part of an unforgettable cultural exchange? Embrace the famous Colombian hospitality with a Workaway experience instead!

As the world’s leading community for volunteering and cultural exchange, Workaway is the perfect platform to connect with locals in Colombia. Whether you are a solo backpacker trying to find a travel buddy , recently retired or setting off on a grown up gap year – we welcome all ages and walks of life. Best of all, you can join as a solo traveller, as a couple, or even as a family!

In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your host will usually provide free accommodation and meals. Whether you want to make your digital nomad dream a reality in Medellin, improve your surf skills in Nuquí, or embark on an Amazon adventure, with Workaway you can enjoy it all at the click of a button!

Making a difference in Colombia

Despite being one of Latin America’s largest economies (according to the International Monetary Fund) Colombia struggles with the unequal distribution of the country's wealth and welfare resources. This means there are several regions in Colombia where volunteers can make a meaningful impact.

Here are some of the ways you can make a difference in Colombia:

Rural Communities in the Amazon Region: We have many hosts in the Amazon region who need volunteers to support sustainable development projects in remote communities. These initiatives are usually focused on education and environmental conservation. By volunteering in these areas, you can contribute to the well-being of indigenous communities and promote sustainable practices in the Amazon rainforest.
Disadvantaged Neighbourhoods in Urban Centers: There are many hosts who are trying to improve disadvantaged neighbourhoods and living conditions in cities like Medellín or Bogotá, but they need your help. Through these community development projects and NGOS , the focus is usually on language practice, DIY, sports or educational programs. By volunteering in these areas, you can help create positive social change and empower disadvantaged communities.
Conservation Efforts in the Coffee Triangle: As you sip on a delicious cappuccino have you ever considered the environmental impact coffee has on the planet? Through Workaway you can volunteer in environmental conservation projects in the coffee-growing region. These projects usually focus on reforestation and sustainable farming practices. By volunteering in these areas, you can help protect the unique ecosystems of the Coffee Triangle and promote environmentally-friendly practices. It also provides unrivalled experience for those who dream of working in the coffee industry and the perfect stepping stone to your dream career .
Wildlife Rescue Centers and National Parks: There are many rescue and rehabilitation centres across Colombia which means a demand for volunteers passionate about animals. Through these projects you can assist in the care of injured or endangered animals, contribute to conservation research and support educational programs. By volunteering with animals , you can help protect Colombia's rich biodiversity and raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Ecotourism and Conservation: In particular, the Pacific region is a hotspot for ecotourism and conservation efforts. Here you can support community-based tourism initiatives to protect endangered species and fragile ecosystems. As well as teaching others how to be a responsible traveller , you can contribute to sustainable practices and witness the region's commitment to preserving its natural treasures.

How to find the perfect host in Colombia

As well as using the regions above as a guide, you can use your skills and interests as keywords in the search box to find your perfect Workaway host in Colombia. Whether you’re enticed by colourful streets of Cartagena, dream of sipping your way around the Coffee Triangle or island hopping around the Insular region – your perfect host is literally a few clicks away.

Best of all, when you join Workaway you are not limited to one project or region. For a small membership fee you have access to over 50,000 volunteer opportunities across 170 countries. After Colombia, why not hop over the border? Colombia shares borders with Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela - and guess what? We have hosts in each one too!

Volunteering in Colombia is an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to make a genuine impact while immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of this diverse country. With Workaway you can experience Colombia's warmth and gratitude first hand all while making a difference to others. Sounds good, huh? Sign up today!

Your next adventure begins today

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Workaway has committed over $20,000 USD from the Workaway foundation to help refugees from Ukraine.

Upon request all workawayers based in Ukraine will have their accounts extended for free until further notice.

Hosts in Ukraine have been temporarily disabled for safety reasons.

If you are a host and are able to take in refugees please add the information in your account and you will be added to our last minute host list .

Should you wish to donate and help please click here .

Reino Unido

Work and Travel
Visa Australia

Work and travel Bucaramanga

¡Cruza fronteras, rompe barreras, conoce culturas!

Contamos con emocionantes programas de Work and Travel desde Bucaramanga y programas de estudio en el exterior. Conéctate con experiencias únicas de intercambio en Malta, USA, Australia y Europa.

Intercambios Work and Travel

Elige el país para realizar uno de nuestros programas de idiomas o Work and Travel.

Estados Unidos

¡Te explicamos cómo funciona! Viaja con la mejor

Agencia work and travel Bucaramanga

1. Selección de Destino

Elige un programa de work and travel.
Cada destino tiene sus oportunidades.
Contáctanos para más información.
Obtén respuestas a tus preguntas.

2. Personalización

Adaptamos el programa a tus necesidades.
Define la duración y el trabajo que deseas.
Asistencia en la documentación y visado.
Verificación de requisitos necesarios.

3. ¡Viaja y Disfruta!

Sesiones de orientación y preparación.
Consejos y recursos útiles para tu viaje.
Disfruta de tu aventura de Work and Travel.
Crea recuerdos inolvidables.

¿Interesado en la Visa J1 Work and Travel?

Requisitos y pasos necesarios para obtenerla.

La Visa J1 Work and Travel puede hacer ese sueño realidad. Este programa ofrece a estudiantes la oportunidad de vivir una experiencia enriquecedora en los Estados Unidos, donde podrán trabajar, mejorar sus habilidades en inglés y sumergirse en una nueva cultura. Encuentra consejos, experiencias exitosas e historias inspiradoras. Ver guía

En nuestra página, encontrarás información detallada sobre la Visa J1 Work and Travel, desde los requisitos de elegibilidad hasta el proceso de solicitud y los beneficios que ofrece. Además, te proporcionaremos consejos útiles para aprovechar al máximo tu experiencia.

Visa j1 work and travel

Encontrarás toda la información necesaria sobre la Visa J1 Work and Travel,

Requisitos de Elegibilidad

Averigua si cumples con los requisitos necesarios para solicitar la Visa J1 Work and Travel. Desde tu nivel de estudios hasta tu capacidad financiera, te explicaremos todo lo que necesitas saber.

Proceso de Solicitud

Te guiaremos a través de cada paso del proceso de solicitud, desde la presentación de formularios hasta la programación de entrevistas en la Embajada de los Estados Unidos.

Destinos Populares

Descubre cuáles son los destinos más populares para los participantes del programa Work and Travel en los Estados Unidos. Desde emocionantes ciudades hasta hermosas áreas rurales, hay opciones para todos los gustos.

Contáctanos

Acepto política de tratamiento de datos.

¡Déjanos ser tu socio en esta emocionante travesía!

Preparate a viajar con la mejor de las

Agencias work and travel Bucaramanga

No dejes tu éxito al azar, confía en la agencia de Work and Travel en Bucaramanga que hace que cada paso te acerque a tus sueños. Tu futuro te espera y estamos aquí para allanar el camino hacia él. Hemos transformado los sueños de jóvenes en realidades exitosas una y otra vez. Nuestra experiencia es tu garantía de éxito

Work and travel Colombia

El programa «Work and Travel» ofrece a jóvenes de Colombia la oportunidad de vivir una experiencia única al combinar trabajo y viaje en destinos emocionantes de todo el mundo. En Travel Connect ayudamos a los jóvenes colombianos a participar en el programa «Work and Travel» desde Colombia y explorar opciones en destinos populares como Estados Unidos, Australia y Europa.

Work and travel USA

Los destinos populares para Work and Travel en los Estados Unidos incluyen lugares como Nueva York, Los Ángeles, Chicago y San Francisco. Estas ciudades ofrecen una amplia variedad de oportunidades de empleo y experiencias culturales únicas.

Work and travel Australia

Australia ofrece una amplia gama de oportunidades laborales, desde trabajos temporales en la industria agrícola hasta empleos en hostelería y turismo. Además, podrás disfrutar de la naturaleza impresionante y la cultura australiana única.

Work and travel Europe

Trabajar y viajar en Europa te brinda la oportunidad de sumergirte en diversas culturas, mejorar tus habilidades lingüísticas y desarrollar una mentalidad global.

Preguntas frecuentes

¿Dónde se encuentran ubicados?

Work and travel bucaramanga direccion.

Somos una agencia de Work and Travel totalmente digital, lo que significa que no tenemos una ubicación física. Nuestra presencia y servicios están disponibles en línea, lo que nos permite atender a estudiantes y viajeros de todo el país desde cualquier lugar donde tengan acceso a internet. Estamos comprometidos en ofrecer un servicio conveniente y accesible para facilitar tu experiencia de Work and Travel desde cualquier rincón de nuestra nación.

¿Cómo aplicar a work and travel?

Para aplicar a un programa de Work and Travel, debes seguir estos pasos:

Ponte en contacto con nuestra agencia.
Explora las opciones de destino y programa disponibles.
Completa y presenta una solicitud que incluye tu información personal y preferencias.
Participa en una entrevista para evaluar tu idoneidad y objetivos.

¿Cuanto cuesta el programa work and travel?

El costo del programa Work and Travel puede variar según el destino, la duración y el tipo de trabajo. Nuestra agencia te proporcionará información detallada sobre los costos, que pueden incluir tarifas de solicitud, tasas de visado, alojamiento y seguro de viaje.

¿Requisitos para work and travel?

Los requisitos para ingresar a un programa de Work and Travel pueden variar según el programa y el destino, pero suelen incluir:

Ser estudiante universitario.
Tener un nivel de inglés adecuado.
Cumplir con los requisitos de visado del país de destino.
Ser capaz de financiar tu estadía en el extranjero.

¿Cuanto dura work and travel?

La duración de un programa de Work and Travel depende de tus preferencias y del programa que elijas. Puede variar desde unos meses hasta un año académico.

¿Preguntas entrevista work and travel?

Las preguntas de la entrevista pueden variar, pero algunas comunes pueden incluir:

¿Por qué deseas participar en un programa de Work and Travel? ¿Cuál es tu objetivo principal durante tu estancia en el extranjero? ¿Cómo manejarías situaciones desafiantes en un entorno laboral diferente? ¿Cuál es tu nivel de habilidad en el idioma local o en inglés?

En Travel Connect te asesoraremos para responder estas y más preguntas de forma adecuada.

¿Por que hacer work and travel?

Hacer Work and Travel es una experiencia enriquecedora que te permite:

Mejorar tus habilidades lingüísticas y tu currículum.
Conocer nuevas culturas y ampliar tu horizonte.
Adquirir experiencia laboral internacional.
Hacer amigos de todo el mundo.
Desarrollar habilidades de resolución de problemas y adaptabilidad.
Experimentar la independencia y la autodescubrimiento.

Work and travel Colombia opiniones

WORK AND TRAVEL USA

El síndrome post viaje es real y bastante poderoso en este caso. uno vuelve a su país de origen luego de los 4 meses y lo único que pasa por tu cabeza es volver. hay que velar por la felicidad a corto plazo, créame, jamás se va a arrepentir de haber sido parte de una oportunidad como esta. cuando tenga 90 años y este viendo para atrás todo lo que hizo en su vida, ¿realmente cree que se va a arrepentir de haber pasado 4 meses viviendo en el extranjero cuando era joven, viajando y conociendo lugares nuevos., diego arroyo – estudiante participante de work and travel usa con isc colombia., viaja, vive y no pares de soñar.

Alista tu maleta y prepárate para vivir una experiencia inolvidable. Tenemos más de 1.200 ofertas de trabajo en los mejores destinos de los Estados Unidos. Trabaja en Hoteles, Parques de Diversiones, Parques Acuáticos, Restaurantes, Resorts y Parques Nacionales.

¿POR QUÉ ELEGIRNOS?

Tenemos experiencia internacional de más de 13 años de experiencia y más de 2.500 clientes satisfechos en países como Colombia, Perú, Chile, Costa Rica y Estados Unidos.

Somos una empresa líder en programas académicos y de intercambio en el exterior creada bajo principios de honestidad, responsabilidad, trabajo y servicio.

Nuestros clientes son los primeros en recomendarnos con sus amigos y familiares debido a nuestro excelente servicio.

¿QUÉ TE OFRECEMOS?

La oportunidad de participar en los mejores programa de intercambio en el exterior, en los cuáles podrás obtener experiencia laboral en reconocidos Hoteles, Parques Temáticos, grandes cadenas de Restaurantes y Resorts en los Estados Unidos.

Nuestros programas de Work and Travel USA, es la mejor oportunidad para conocer Estados Unidos, perfeccionar el nivel de inglés, viajar, conocer, hacer amigos de otras partes del mundo, ganar dinero para solventar tus gastos y ahorrar.

Nuestros programas de Work and Travel USA, han sido creados por El Departamento de Estado, es decir que estos son programas avalados por el Gobiernos de Estados Unidos y su objetivo es permitir a jóvenes de diversos países del mundo, experimentar, conocer, viajar y brindar una experiencia de vida.

¿QUÉ PUEDO RECIBIR POR MI TRABAJO?

Según la tarea a desempeñar, tus ingresos pueden variar entre $8,00 y $15,00 dólares Americanos por hora trabajada.

Trabajarás de 32 a 40 horas semanales y en algunos trabajos podrás recibir horas extras.

Podrás tener un segundo o tercer trabajo si así lo deseas.

Podrás recuperar lo invertido, ahorrar, vivir de tus propios ingresos, viajar y tener la mejor experiencia de tu vida.

¿QUÉ SERVICIOS ADICIONALES RECIBO?

Asistencia y orientación total en la obtención de tu permiso de trabajo.

Asignación garantizada y verificación de una oferta de trabajo en Estados Unidos antes de solicitar tu respectivo visado.

Aseguramos tu alojamiento antes de viajar.

Asesoría profesional para trámites de solicitud de visa para los Estados Unidos.

Orientación y asistencia durante el programa 24 horas al día y 7 días a la semana.

Seguro Médico Internacional.

Orientación y apoyo antes de viajar y durante tu estadía en el exterior.

NUESTROS PROGRAMAS INCLUYEN:

Material de apoyo (Student Handbook, Application forms, manuals and guides)
Asignación garantizada y verificación de una oferta de trabajo en los Estados Unidos antes de solicitar tu visado.
Asignación y verificación de hospedaje en un lugar apropiado.
Obtención de tu formulario DS-2019, el cual te permite solicitar el visado adecuado para viajar a los Estados Unidos.
Orientación, preparación y asesoría en tramites de visa.
Orientación y charla antes de partir y al llegar a los Estados Unidos.
Apoyo durante el tiempo del programa 24 horas al día y 7 días a la semana.
Línea gratuita de emergencias.
Seguro médico internacional con cobertura por el tiempo del programa.

LEE LAS EXPERIENCIAS DE ALGUNOS DE NUESTROS AVENTUREROS

Hace unos años empecé a conversar con unos amigos y algunos de ellos comentaban haber ido a un viaje de intercambio a Estados Unidos, me parecía una experiencia chévere y divertida según la contaban ellos. Sin embargo no estaba muy interesada en el tema. Ya terminando mi carrera empecé a averiguar y a enterarme de todos los beneficios que uno podía tener, me interesó la agencia ISC porque es una empresa seria y lleva muchos años en el negocio. El día que me entregaron la visa estaba feliz porque ya estaba lista para emprender ese viaje que tanto había deseado. Estando allá conocí muchas personas distintas a mí pero a las cuales les llegué a coger mucho cariño e incluso puedo decir que hice verdaderos amigos con los cuales todavía tengo contacto y hablo como si los conociera de toda la vida. Este lazo de amistad se forma de una manera muy fuerte ya que yo no tenía familia, convivíamos y compartíamos muchas experiencias juntos. Viajamos cada vez que podíamos, todos los días había un motivo para celebrar. Mis compañeros de trabajo eran muy amables, mi jefe como un papá. Como todo es una experiencia que tiene buenos y malos momentos, sin embargo de cualquier situación allá saqué mil enseñanzas. Estaría dispuesta a realizar este viaje cuantas veces sea posible, es una aventura la cual no todas las personas la tienen y yo fui una de ellas.

– Laurenys Turizo Mejía

Todo comenzó un 20de Mayo de 2013 cuando me encontraba realizando un parcial final exactamente a las 8:00 de la mañana en la UNAB. Me tocó salir en carrera para el aeropuerto Palo negro a las 10:30 amdespués de haber terminado el examen para coger el vuelo hacia Bogotá y posteriormente a Nueva York. Llegué a la capital del mundo a las 12:30 de la madrugada, me encontraba solo pero muy emocionado, salí del aeropuerto y tomé un taxi que me llevó a la PennStation para coger el tren que finalmente me llevaría a mi destino final, Harrisburg.

A pesar de todo el trabajo, el pago era bueno, y trataba de disfrutar al máximo cada momento que vivía al lado de mis nuevos amigos y de las personas que estaban participando del intercambio cultural. Teníamos fiestas increíbles que empezaban desde las 2 de la tarde y se acababan al otro día a las 6 de la mañana, dormía media hora y me iba a trabajar. Aparte de las fiestas jugábamos fútbol cada domingo en el estadio de Harrisburg, eran partidos muy emocionantes. También viajamos a muchos lugares como Washington, Niagara falls, oceancity, y atlanticcity entre otros, ademas gracias a esta experiencia aprendí el significado del trabajo duro. En fin fue una gran experiencia, la cual me gustaría repetir.

– Jose P Camargo

Estuve trabajando para Galveston Beach Patrol, una empresa de Salvavidas en la ciudad de Galveston, Estado de Texas.

El equipo de Salvavidas de Galveston es uno de los más antiguos de Estados Unidos y uno de los más activos en la Costa Este. Ser salvavidas es un honor y a la vez una puerta a los corazones de los que nacieron en la isla.

Si bien la remuneración económica está muy por encima de la mayoría de las ofertas ofrecidas para los estudiantes que viajan por el programa Work and Travel USA, es la remuneración espiritual la que termina siendo la más valiosa. Detener un sangrado menor, reunir a un niño con sus padres o incluso salvar una vida, son experiencias enaltecedoras que pueden cambiar la visión que uno mismo tiene sobre las cosas.

– Juan Sebastián López Murcia

Una experiencia nueva, agradable y realmente necesaria, en donde puedes aprender el sentido real de la independencia, de cómo ser responsable y ordenar tus prioridades.

Además de esto es una experiencia única, donde puedes conocer, ciudades realmente importantes donde siempre has querido estar, como New york, Washington, los ángeles y las vegas. En mi experiencia personal, puedo decir que realmente valió la pena, primero que todo por mi nivel de inglés, la mejora es realmente notoria además de el gran intercambio cultural, llegue a conocer gente de Korea, Ukrania, Republica Checa, USA, Jamaica, Moldovia, Eslovaquia, entre otros países, y eso, es lo más importante que pude haber vivido, el conocer y compartir a su vez con tanta diversidad cultural.

Work and travel “un intercambio que vale la pena”

– Julian Moreno

WORK AND TRAVEL IN Colombia

Colombia is the perfect destination if you're interested in Latin American culture, want to discover breathtaking landscapes, and fully enjoy life. Here, you can experience the vibrant, cheerful, and warm culture up close, immerse yourself in rhythmic music, delicious food, and stunning natural beauty. Colombia not only offers dreamy beaches and rainforests but also cool colonial cities, bustling metropolises, and serene mountain landscapes. The joy of life among Colombians is infectious and will make your work and travel experience unforgettable. Explore your options for work and travel in Colombia now – the land of warmth and great coffee is waiting for you!

By the way, if you'd rather participate in social projects in Colombia instead of Work and Travel, check out our programs for Volunteer Work in Colombia an.

WanderWorld Travel Community
Contact persons in Colombia and Germany
No visa application necessary
Introductory event in Cartagena
Accommodation included
Travel packages and flight offers
Gain new experience and grow personally
Travel to another continent
Acquisition of intercultural skills
Get to know people from all over the world
Gain work experience in Colombia and learn new skills

Our work and travel projects in Colombia

Hostel experience.

Whether as a bartender, tour guide or at reception: when you work and travel in a Colombian hostel, you look after travelers from all over the world, improve your language skills and make friends for life.

At the hostel, you can work in various areas and get to know everyday life. For example, you can support reception, help with breakfast or take on bar shifts.

You will be in constant contact with other backpackers and can relax on the beach in your free time. In the evening, you can either be behind the bar yourself or explore Colombia's lively nightlife.

Would you like to discuss all your questions with us and find the right Work and Travel program for you? Then take part in our wanderlust consultation now

Hostel Experience Colombia

Hostel Experience , Work & Travel

SPORT EXPERIENCE

What would it be like to live and work in a small fishing village right on Colombia's Caribbean coast? In our Sport Experience program, you can turn your dream into reality.

In our diving school, you will support the store, prepare the diving equipment and accompany dives. You will also become a diving professional yourself, as you will complete two PADI diving certificates during your time at the exchange school. You'll never get bored in the store. The international team is open and welcoming, just like the diving students, who come from all over the world. New friendships are quickly formed.

In your free time, you can explore the underwater paradise of Tayrona National Park on dives, go on excursions to the surrounding beaches and visit the city of Santa Marta, which is just a 10-minute drive away.

When working and traveling at the Diving school in Colombia you will experience a completely different world: the laid-back, Caribbean beach atmosphere is a 180-degree turnaround from the European hustle and bustle.

Perfect for relaxing for longer periods and switching off.

Sport Experience Colombia Diving School

Sport Experience , Diving school , Work & Travel

STAYING ABROAD IN COLOMBIA?

5 good reasons why a stay abroad in colombia is something very special:.

Welcome to paradise! Whether in the colorful colonial city of Cartagena, the jungle of Minca, or the Caribbean towns of Santa Marta, Palomino, and Taganga, your new home in Colombia has a lot to offer. During the Hostel Experience, you'll not only work in hostel operations but also live in a dormitory with other volunteers and guests. Hostels provide a communal kitchen, and breakfast is often included for free (depending on the hostel). Cool communal areas like a pool, rooftop terrace, or hostel bar invite you to meet backpackers and hang out together. The hostels also offer exciting activities and tours for guests, which you can either help organize as a volunteer or join in your free time.

Life in a communal accommodation is characterized by a diverse mix of people from different nationalities, age groups, and lifestyles who temporarily live under one roof.

While working at the diving school in Taganga, you'll be living in a cool accommodation near the beautiful beach. The accommodation offers dormitory-style rooms with a shared kitchen, a nice courtyard, and a great rooftop terrace. Single rooms are available for an additional fee.

We support you in choosing your Work & Travel program and also help you on site with the Arrival to the respective location.

Why WanderWorld?

With WanderWorld Travel you have the best organization for a Work & Travel in Colombia at your side. We are ourselves passionate travelers and know our way around Colombia inside out. From our personal, years of travel experience we have developed optimal Work & Travel programs with which numerous participants have already had the time of their lives. We carefully and personally select our programs in Colombia to ensure that we are in good jobs and make the tasks fun. It is important to us that our participants experience the culture and the country in a authentic way get to know the locals, have contact with them and gain unforgettable experiences. To make this possible, we take care of the Smooth organization of your program, support you in all aspects of your travel preparations and help you on your journey. What sets us apart is our close-knit team, personal contact to our participants from other travel agencies. So that you can get the most out of your stay abroad Support we will provide you with intensive advice before your departure and will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have during your time in Colombia.

OUR PROJECT LOCATIONS IN COLOMBIA

Tierra Bomba island with a view of Cartagena

IN Colombia

In Cartagena, our contact person Jan is ready to assist you with everything you need. He moved from Germany to this city and has made it his home for many years, where he runs his own café. During the orientation session, he will gladly show you his beloved Cartagena and explain Colombian history and culture. You'll also receive insider tips on the coolest places and best modes of transportation. Additionally, WanderWorld Travel is available in the same time zone via WhatsApp to promptly answer any questions you may have.

YOUR FREE TIME IN COLOMBIA

Immerse yourself in the diversity of Colombia, from picturesque coastlines to lush green rainforests. Enjoy surfing adventures at dusk and discover the beauty and diverse leisure activities of this impressive country.

Visits from Taganga from one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, explore lush jungle and beautiful beaches, and experience an impressive variety of flora and fauna.

The colorful Old town Cartagenas is a must on any trip to Colombia. While you discover the profound history of the country experience, you can at the same time tasty s street food.

Colombians love to party and there are regular festivities and street parades with dancing and music, such as the huge Carnival in Barranquilla which is considered one of the most colorful in the world.

Visit one of the countless Salsa bars in the country and swing to Sala, Bachata, Cumbia and co. dance the night away. For beginners there are naturally also Dance courses at reasonable prices.

Take a hike through the breathtaking valley "Valle del Cocora " . You can expect impressive green nature with mountains , 60 meters high Palms and a rich animal world.

Colombia is the land of coffee! Learn about the interesting cultivation and production of the national drink on a coffee tour through the farms of Salento and learn more about the culture and history behind each cup.

If you are looking to cool off, the small town of Minca a refreshing change. In the mountains, the temperatures are a little cooler and you can swim in the rivers and waterfalls.

empty long beach with turquoise water and a palm tree

On the Caribbean beaches around Santa Marta and Palomino you can relax under palm trees with a coconut in your hand and enjoy life to the full.

The metropolis Medellín impresses you with breathtaking views and fascinating street art. There is a large art scene that immortalizes itself daily on the walls of the city.

YOUR JOURNEY CONTINUES...

With wanderworld you have many options., voluntary work, language trip, farm experience, volunteering.

Would you like to know how you can combine your projects with us?

Find out how it works here!

EXPERIENCE REPORTS

About work and travel in colombia.

April 4, 2024

February 16, 2024
Costa Rica , Colombia , Peru

Guatemala , Colombia

Colombia , Mexico

WORK AND TRAVEL IN COLOMBIA AND YOU'RE THE PERFECT MATCH?

Talk to ....

Sophia Founder of Wanderworld Travel

Lisa Stettner on the beach WanderWorld employee smiles

Lisa Coordinator & participant support in Costa Rica

Woman with wanderworldtravel shirt in front of a meadow

Amanda Support and advice before departure

... ABOUT YOUR ADVENTURE !

Here we can plan your volunteer work in Colombia together and talk about your ideas.

All without obligation and free of charge.

WanderWorld Travel GmbH
Gotzinger Street 8 81371 Munich
+49 (0) 89 2000 8440
[email protected]

Imprint Data protection GTC

Mexico Peru Colombia Costa Rica Guatemala

Our team Our story Why with us? Testimonials Wanderlust consultation

+49 89 2000 8440
+49 151 222 9 2020

MO - FR 09:00-18:00

Or apply here for a consultation appointment by phone or Zoom.

Visas and Work Permits — 8 min

Work permits and visas in Colombia: an employer’s guide

If you’re looking for top talent in Latin America, Colombia is a popular destination to consider hiring from. However, hiring new team members in Colombia or relocating existing employees to the country is not without its challenges.

You must make sure team members have the right work permits and visas to live and work legally in the country. Remaining compliant with all labor and immigration laws is essential to ensure your company isn't fined or penalized for mistakes. That's why many companies choose to work with an employer of record (EOR) that can take on the legal challenges of hiring and paying workers in Colombia.

In this article, we’re going to take you through the work permits and visa process to hire or relocate an employee to Colombia. We’ll also explain how you can use an EOR like Remote to compliantly, quickly, and affordably hire employees in Colombia and all over the world.

The importance of immigration compliance Colombia

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In Colombia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for ensuring that foreign individuals working in Colombia have obtained all of the necessary visas and permits. Performing work authorization checks on employees is an essential component of foreign hiring. You and your employee can be legally and financially accountable if a mistake is made.

If the employee is a digital nomad , they will need to be cautious about which visas they obtain in each country. Many digital nomads try to work while on a tourist visa, but this visa type often does not entitle individuals to work in foreign countries. As digital nomadism is becoming more popular, many countries are beginning to strictly enforce laws against working on a tourist visa.

Performing a work authorization check on employees who want to move to Colombia is only necessary if the employee is not a Colombian citizen.

For a non-citizen employee relocating to Colombia , employers must perform a work authorization check as it indicates whether the employee is legally entitled to work in Colombia. These workers may include:

Temporary residents: Any temporary resident in Colombia must possess a worker visa ("V" visa) or a migrant visa ("M" visa). These visas entitle employees to live and work in Colombia for a Colombian employer for up to three years.

Permanent residents: Permanent residents in Colombia need to hold a resident visa ("RE" visa). This visa entitles employees to live and work in Colombia indefinitely.

Work permit holders: Digital nomads can live in Colombia and work for short periods. A digital nomad visa ("V" visa) allows the visa holder to stay in Colombia for roughly six months within a year. When workers have this visa, they do not need to be working for a Colombian employer.

By performing work authorization checks, you can ensure that employees have obtained all the necessary documents to begin working in Colombia compliantly.

Conducting these checks can be a hassle as it involves reviewing paperwork and following applicable employment laws. This process can become easier if you partner with an EOR that can support you through the hiring and immigration process.

Get your Remote Relocation Guide

Learn how to simplify your planned relocation with this walkthrough guide. We outline the key steps for you and your employer to enable a compliant, efficient, and hassle-free move.

All non-citizen individuals who want to live and work in Colombia need a visa that matches their specific requirements. This includes the length of time they plan to spend in the country, their country of origin, and what jobs they will perform while living there.

Individuals who want to live and work in Colombia need to possess one of the following types of visas :

A work visitor visa ("V" visa): This visa is available for anyone who plans to work while visiting Colombia. Individuals with this visa can stay in Colombia for 180 days of the year.

A migrant visa ("M" visa): A migrant visa is available for individuals who want to move to Colombia for an extended period and work while living there. Individuals with a migrant visa can stay in Colombia for anywhere from 180 days to three years .

A resident visa ("RE" visa): A long-term visa that entitles the visa holder to live and work in Colombia for more than three years.

A digital nomad visa ("V" visa): Entitles visa holders to enter and work in Colombia for up to 180 days of the year without needing to work for a Colombian employer.

Eligibility requirements for a work visa in Colombia are broad, and individuals belonging to numerous groups may be eligible for a Colombian work visa. Individuals meeting any of the following criteria are eligible to apply for a work visa in Colombia :

Independent contractors or self-employed individuals who have been contracted to work by a private or public company in Colombia

Individuals who belong to a group such as a sports team, artistic community, or cultural group that is performing activities in Colombia

Religious individuals who are coming to Colombia for missionary or volunteer purposes

Foreign individuals transferred to Colombia to fulfill a particular role within a company with a local entity in Colombia

People who want to continue doing their existing job or practice their specialty while living in Colombia

There are two types of long-stay visas that employees who relocate to Colombia can apply for:

A migrant visa ("M" visa): This visa is available for employees who want to live in Colombia for up to three years.

A resident visa ("RE" visa): This visa allows individuals to remain in Colombia indefinitely.

Employees wishing to relocate to Colombia need to apply for a temporary work visa to be eligible. This visa is approved by Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and can take five days to a month to process.

To obtain this visa, employees will need the following :

Two three-by-three-inch color photos of themself with a white background

A signed contract summary form

Certification of your legal entity in Colombia

Any other documents requested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The visa costs $50

Employers may find the process of obtaining a work visa stressful. Consider signing up for Remote's relocation services to simplify this process and make your life easier.

When employees want to move to Colombia, they will need to be sponsored by a business with a Colombian legal entity to have their work visa approved. This means you need to establish a local entity in Colombia or partner with an EOR like Remote before your employee can apply for their visa.

Although this process can take a long time and be difficult to navigate, Remote's Mobility team provides your company with our purpose-built relocation services to help move the process along.

Our relocation services include:

Supplying employees with the necessary questionnaires

Filing employee sponsorship

Performing eligibility checks

Conducting pre-hire assessments and supplying quotes

Onboarding the new employee through Remote's Colombian entity

Colombia has a digital nomad visa called the Working Holiday (WHV) visa for employees who want to travel and work in Colombia for a brief period.

Individuals who possess a WHV can legally live in Colombia for one year while continuing to work for their employer (or themselves). The one year period begins as soon as the individual's visa is approved. Visa eligibility depends on specific factors, including:

The employee's age and country of origin

Passport validity

Criminal history.

Once you’ve decided to relocate an employee to Colombia or hire a new team member in the country, you’ll have to make sure they have the right documentation to work there legally. Immigration laws can be complicated to navigate while hiring abroad, and you risk facing legal or financial consequences if you fail to comply with local laws.

Partner with Remote and international hiring and relocation can become simple. When you sign up for Remote's EOR services in Colombia , we can hire the employee through our local legal entity and perform all necessary checks on your behalf, which means your company doesn't have to assume any of the risks associated with international hiring . Additionally, Remote can help you handle different processes involved in relocation, including compliance, benefits, payroll processing, immigration, visas and permits, and more.

Remote’s Mobility team can help you:

Fulfill requirements for work visas and work permits in Colombia

Navigate paying and withholding international taxes

Avoid permanent establishment risk

Comply with Colombian employment laws.

If you're considering relocating any employees to Colombia, download Remote's Relocation Guide for tips and guidance. You can also contact one of our Mobility gurus if you have questions or to get the process started today!

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Working in Colombia

Download our Moving to Colombia Guide (PDF)

Working in Colombia is becoming increasingly attractive to expats as word gets around about the country's natural beauty, welcoming locals, and easy-going lifestyle. Despite political instability, Colombia has made impressive economic progress over the last 15 years.

The abundance of natural resources, the relative stability of the economy, the low cost of living and the country's promotion of free-trade agreements have led to substantial foreign investment in recent years. As a fast-growing major economy, Colombia remains an attractive destination for foreign investors and entrepreneurs.

Expat entrepreneurs often find that starting a business is much less tedious than searching for a traditional job in Colombia. Entering the Colombian job market is often quite difficult for expats, though some knowledge of Spanish will make the process easier. Securing employment before arrival is uncommon.

Obtaining the necessary visas can be a lengthy and frustrating process as well. If a company wants to hire an expat, it will need to submit a document detailing the employment offer. It must also explain why it isn't hiring a Colombian for the position. Smaller companies may be reluctant to sponsor an expat's visa.

Job market in Colombia

Due to the increase in tourism in the country and an increasing emphasis on locals learning English, a great many expats in Colombia work as English-language teachers. These jobs are plentiful and are relatively easy to secure for native speakers. Teachers can work in government-sponsored programmes, in language schools, or they can give private lessons. The pay tends to be relatively low, though. Many expats start off teaching in an effort to make connections and adjust to Colombian culture in a more relaxed environment.

Other positions can be found in industries such as information technology, mining, construction and tourism. Expat job markets are primarily centred in Bogotá and Medellín, but expats can find jobs nationwide.

Finding a job in Colombia

It can be challenging to find a job before arriving in Colombia. Colombians value face-to-face contact and prefer meeting prospective employees in person before making hiring decisions. However, expats can begin the process from home by making contacts via social media, professional networking sites and expat groups or forums.

Other expats may prove to be the most helpful resource in searching for opportunities, although job advertisements can also be found in local newspapers, on noticeboards and community forums or through online job boards. International sites like LinkedIn, Indeed and Glassdoor are quite popular in Colombia, as are local sites like OpcionEmpleo and ElEmpleo.

Spanish fluency will be crucial when searching for a job on Colombian websites and local classifieds. Many employers won't speak English either. Ensuring all necessary documents, including resumes, have been translated into Spanish is essential.

In some cases, starting a new business in Colombia may be easier than finding a traditional job. The country is actively promoting entrepreneurship and seeking foreign investment.

Useful links

Local job posting sites like El Empleo and Opcion Empleo can be gold mines for job seekers.

Work culture in Colombia

Fostering good relationships with friends and colleagues is central to Colombian work culture. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín are more formal in their work culture, while in coastal areas like Cartagena, locals have a more relaxed approach to business.

Time and punctuality are not generally of great importance. Expats should be prepared for meetings to start late and run overtime, but they shouldn't be offended if colleagues are not punctual for appointments.

Are you an expat living in Colombia?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Colombia. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

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Con Work and Travel USA adquiere una visión más amplia del mundo con un intercambio cultural y una experiencia única de trabajo legal en Estados Unidos, todo gracias a la visa J1.

¿Por qué elegir a FLIPP?

Escoge tu oferta laboral

Con FLIPP tienes la libertad de elegir la mejor oferta laboral desde nuestro Open Positions List (OPL) garantizando así que nunca vas a tener un empleador que no te guste.

¡Queremos que sepas todo sobre tu empleador antes de aplicar a una posición!

¡Aprovecha el verano!

Si estás entre los 18 y 27 años y quieres mejorar tu inglés y enriquecer tu panorama cultural, FLIPP cuenta con el mejor programa de intercambio en Estados Unidos para que vivas esta gran experiencia durante las vacaciones de verano.

Ser estudiante de pregrado o postgrado (tiempo completo).

Tener un nivel mínimo de inglés oral intermedio B1.

Tener entre 18 y 27 años de edad, durante la realización del programa.

Costos del programa

Tu proceso iniciará con una entrevista para determinar tu nivel de inglés ($80.000 pesos).*

*En caso de no ser aceptado, el costo de la entrevista NO es reembolsable.

Costo del programa:

First stage

Valor en USD *

¿Cuándo lo pago?

Al inicio para

aplicar a una oferta laboral.

Second s tage

Hasta 10 días hábiles, después de ser contratad@.

Final s tage

Hasta 15 días hábiles, después de ser contratad@.

*Valores en dólares americanos que se pagan en pesos colombianos a la TRM del día.

¡Oportunidades imperdibles!

Precio especial, $1.700 usd o $6.900.000 cop.

Para los primeros 20 estudiantes que paguen todo el programa.

Descuento 1

Si repites con un empleador del visa sponsor CHI**

Descuento 2

Si pagas el First Stage antes del 31 de agosto de 2024**

Descuento 3

Si pagas el First Stage entre el 1 de septiembre y el 31 de octubre de 2024**

**El descuento de aplica en el pago del Final Stage del programa. Estas ofertas no son acumulables.

El programa incluye

Documentación necesaria para solicitar tu visa J-1 (DS-2019).

Seguro médico para las fechas de tu programa.

Reunión de orientación y asesoría para solicitar la visa.

Orientación y acompañamiento de tu proceso en Colombia y en Estados Unidos.

Costo de transferencias internacionales para el pago de tu programa.

El programa no incluye

Cita con la Embajada Americana: USD $185.

Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS): USD $35.

Tiquetes aéreos.

Gastos personales, recomendamos USD $1.500.

¿Cómo es el proceso?

Inscríbete.

Entrevista en inglés con FLIPP.

Paga tu First Stage, selecciona y aplica a una oferta.

Entrevista con tu empleador o visa sponsor.

Documentación y pagos restantes.

Asesoría visa.

Links de interés

Estados Unidos

Departamento de Estado

Tasa de cambio

USD Dólares (TRM)

¡Reunámonos!

Solicita una cita

Listado público de ofertas

Preguntas frecuentes

¿Por cuánto tiempo será aprobada mi visa J1?

Tu visa será aprobada por el tiempo que dure tu programa según la disponibilidad académica que tengas entre el primero de mayo y el 30 de agosto.

¿Si me negaron una visa, es posible que aplique a estos programas?

Si puedes aplicar. Sin embargo, tendremos que revisar tu caso para evaluar si es conveniente que apliques a visa J1. Nuestra recomendación es que por lo menos pasen seis meses entre citas de solicitud de visa y también que mientras estés haciendo el proceso para un programa como Work & Travel, te concentres en un solo proceso de visado.

¿Qué pasa si ya tengo visa de turismo?

Tu visa de turista sigue funcionando igual, pero durante el tiempo que dura tu programa debes ingresar y salir del país con tu visa J1. No necesitas visa de turista para hacer el programa.

Tengo visa de turismo ¿Con este tipo de visa puedo hacer el programa?

La visa de turismo tiene un propósito diferente al del programa. Durante tu proceso para viajar a los Estados Unidos debes tramitar una visa J1 de intercambio cultural que te permite trabajar legalmente durante la temporada de verano en Estados Unidos.

Otros programas que podrían interesarte

Descubre el programa Au Pair con FLIPP: vive al menos 6 meses con familias de EE. UU. o China. Desarrolla habilidades de liderazgo cuidando niños y disfruta de un programa económico con la mayor parte de los gastos cubiertos por las familias anfitrionas.

Intern Trainee USA

Haz tu pasantía o un entrenamiento profesional en Estados Unidos con nuestro programa visa J-1 y lleva tu carrera a otro nivel.

Pasantía Emiratos Árabes y Qatar

Potencia tus habilidades en gastronomía, hotelería y turismo explorando las vibrantes opciones que ofrecen los hoteles en Emiratos Árabes Unidos (Dubái/Abu Dabi) y Qatar.

Pasantía Tailandia

Imagina trabajar en un paraíso. Descubre la magia de Tailandia mientras te sumerges en lo mejor de la industria de hotelería y turismo.

Trainee Australia

Si lo tuyo es la gastronomía y estás recién graduado te ofrecemos la posibilidad de sumar experiencia en un restaurante top o poner a prueba tu conocimiento en algún hotel cinco estrellas de Australia.

Skilled Professional Australia

Si eres profesional en gastronomía con más de tres años de experiencia de alto nivel puedes trabajar en un restaurante top o en un hotel cinco estrellas en Australia.

Teaching USA

Si eres docente y quieres internacionalizar tus técnicas de enseñanza en instituciones acreditadas en Estados Unidos, este programa es el que estás buscando.

American Camp Crew

Potencializa tus habilidades de liderazgo y tu pasión por el arte, el deporte o la naturaleza mientras ganas dinero por divertirte, siendo un camp counselor. Con este programa puedes ser ejemplo para jóvenes campers.

CO-OP Canadá

Con este programa tienes la oportunidad de vivir de uno a dos años en Canadá trabajando medio tiempo, mientras que estudias y tiempo completo en la segunda mitad del programa.

Work & Travel España

Si eres estudiante o llevas menos de dos años de haberte graduado de gastronomía u hotelería y turismo puedes participar de este programa y vivir una experiencia laboral inolvidable de tres meses en España.

Pasantía España

Si eres estudiante o llevas menos de dos años de graduado de la industria gastronómica y de turismo puedes aprender de los mejores trabajando en España con una visa de practicante durante seis meses.

Quiero Estudiar

La mejor oportunidad de conocer nuevas culturas, potencializar tus relaciones humanas y sociales, mejorar tus opciones académicas y laborales, mientras aprendes nuevos idiomas.

Te contamos más…

¿Quieres saber más sobre lo que es vivir una experiencia FLIPP? Contáctanos y te contaremos todo lo que necesitas saber para convertirte en ciudadano del mundo.

13 things to know before visiting Colombia

Feb 29, 2024 • 9 min read

From health and safety to etiquette, these tips can help you plan your trip to Colombia © jeremykingnz / Shutterstock

Whether you’re drawn by its beguiling coastlines , untamed jungle or high-altitude national parks , Colombia is guaranteed to dazzle.

After decades of association with armed conflict and drug cartels, this South American country has moved well beyond those dark decades, emerging from that chapter of history as one of the continent’s most thrilling and welcoming destinations to explore .

Travelers to Colombia should prepare for a trip that will leave them wishing they never had a return ticket, thanks to the country’s remarkably warm and friendly people and uniquely Latin spirit.

Follow these tips on planning and health and safety to ensure a truly unforgettable trip to Colombia.

1. Don't attempt to see all of Colombia in one trip

A big mistake that even seasoned travelers have made is to try and pack too much into a trip around Colombia. Before trying to squeeze every last corner of the country into a two-week itinerary, cast your eyes over the map.

Stick to exploring one section of the country and exploring it well: spend three weeks bouncing between sun-soaked, Caribbean beaches or heading from Medellín deep into the Zona Cafetera . Your trip should match Colombia’s characteristic pace: slow and enjoyable.

2. Domestic flights are affordable and quick

If you’re still planning to cram as many places as possible into a short trip, Colombia’s wealth of low-cost airlines offer the most efficient way of getting around (although there's your carbon footprint to consider too).

While nothing quite compares with the cultural experience of taking a regional bus (where you’ll be “entertained” by deafening music for the duration), increasingly cheap fares are available for domestic flights.

Don’t be fooled by headline prices, these typically don’t include checked baggage. Peak traveling seasons (December through mid-January, Semana Santa and June through August) will add a premium and can sell out rapidly, so book flights in advance if visiting during these months.

Woman walks across a bridge in the wind in Medellín, Colombia

3. Pack for all weather

Whether you’re hitting the Caribbean coast or heading to the rainier climes of the capital, Bogotá , you can expect to experience a full array of weather conditions.

While Colombia officially has two distinct seasons – the dry season (December through February and July through August) and the rainy season (April, May, and September through November) – because of the country’s variation in altitudes and ecosystems, you’ll probably experience all four seasons in one trip.

As a rule, the Caribbean coast is hot and humid, while Bogotá and the wider Andean regions receive a surfeit of rain. Come prepared with plenty of layers, including a warm, easy-to-pack rain jacket, and you’ll be primed to adapt to whatever the weather might throw at you.

4. A little Spanish will get you a long way

For a country so long enveloped by violent conflict, Colombia today is a remarkably open and welcoming destination for international travelers. Wherever you are, it’s easy to strike up a conversation with the owner of a restaurant, your taxi driver or a local enjoying the sunshine in a city plaza (and they’ll be delighted if you do!).

Knowing more than the basics of Spanish can go a long way, spurring engaging, fascinating conversations about Colombian culture, football, history and politics.

Colombian Spanish, particularly in Bogotá and Medellín, is considered one of the easiest to understand in Latin America because Colombians tend to enunciate their words. Make the most of affordable language schools in both cities to get some practice in before you head out into the rest of the country.

5. There are checkpoints with a strong military presence

When traveling in rural parts of Colombia, it’s not uncommon to come across road checkpoints staffed by army personnel, who’ll often ask to see your documents before waving you on your way.

In areas recently opened to tourism, you might even spot tanks and other military vehicles stationed alongside roads.

While it might seem intimidating, the strong military presence around the country is there for the safety of the local people – and you. Be polite and have the correct paperwork (either your actual passport or a photocopy of the main page and entry stamp) with you, and you’ll rarely have an issue.

A colorful chiva bus pulls into a street in Yolombó, Antioquia, Colombia

6. Don’t expect punctuality

Like much of Latin America, Colombian culture isn’t known for its strict adherence to the clock, and a punctuality-obsessed traveler is often a disappointed one. “Colombian time” is practically its own time zone, and you should leave any notions of timeliness at home.

To avoid getting frustrated, relax and embrace being flexible – really, the only way to deal with the typically laid-back Colombian attitude toward life, the universe and pretty much everything.

While big, inter-regional buses and flights do tend to leave on time, tight schedules aren't followed in many other contexts. If you’re making an appointment with a Colombian person or waiting for a rural colectivo to depart, bring a book as you may well be waiting up to an hour beyond the agreed time.

7. Drugs and talking about that Netflix show are big no-nos

If there’s one way to annoy Colombians, it’s to get onto a topic that many Western tourists, despite Colombian’s attempts to dissuade them, continue to associate with the country: drugs. Illegal substances are a taboo subject in Colombia, and despite (or more likely, because of) the country’s history, few Colombians take them.

Residents of Medellín, in particular, are fed up with the city’s association with drug cartels and with tourists who go there to use cocaine, which is illegal and could see you getting into a lot of trouble if caught.

When traveling in Colombia, don’t mention Narcos , either. Colombians are frustrated with the Netflix show’s portrayal of the country and what they see as the exaltation of a mass murderer.

Show some respect and steer clear of the many Pablo Escobar tours, too. Listening to local people's experiences during the drug-war years is likely to be far more informative and accurate.

8. Taxis will help you get around safely

While safety is no longer the same overwhelming concern it once was, taking taxis when traveling between neighborhoods in big cities across Colombia is a sensible choice.

Wandering around at night, particularly after you’ve had a shot of heady aguardiente or two, is often an invitation to opportunist thieves.

Taxis are extremely affordable and relatively painless if using a ride-share app, such as Cabify or Uber . Hailing a taxi can leave you open to scams or worse, so calling for a cab (or asking your hotel to) is recommended. Always confirm the price or check that the taxi has a working meter before entering a vehicle.

A drag queen dressed in a colorful rainbow-patterned dress draped with beads strikes a pose at an outdoor Pride event

9. Bogotá has a well-established gay scene

Homosexuality was decriminalized in Colombia in early 1980s, and the first same-sex marriage ceremony was performed in 2013 – evidence that this country has some of the more progressive attitudes toward LGBTIQ+ rights in Latin America.

Bogotá has a well-established gay scene, with bars and nightlife mostly found in Chapinero, one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods . Some lodgings and restaurants are beginning to advertise themselves as gay-friendly.

Despite its progressive laws, much of Colombian society remains traditionalist, and many same-sex couples still feel unsafe showing affection in public. For more information specifically for LGBTIQ+ travelers, check out Guia Gay Colombia.

10. Tipping isn’t obligatory, but it is appreciated

Dining out in Colombia is extremely affordable.

When you go to pay the bill at fancier or more upmarket restaurants, it’s likely you’ll be asked if you want to include the propina (tip), typically around 10% of the cost of the meal.

Service in restaurants, cafes and bars across Colombia is generally much better than in many other parts of South America , so unless you had a terrible experience, consider paying the tip to show your appreciation.

A female cyclist rides through the Paramo in the Andes Mountains of Boyacá, Colombia, South America

11. Traveling is safe – but stick to the beaten track

Colombia has experienced an about-face in the past few decades, shedding its title as one of Latin America’s most dangerous countries and coming into its own as a worthy travel destination.

It all comes down to the history-making peace accords signed in 2016 between the Colombian government and the FARC, which, after five decades of conflict, have led to many rural parts of the country finally shifting from no-go areas into welcoming places for visitors.

However, it still isn’t wise to go too far off the beaten path. Some rural areas remain dangerous because of their links with neo-paramilitary and drug-trafficking groups, particularly along the borders with Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador.

Before traveling anywhere unusual, always research the situation on the ground as well as your government’s travel advisories.

12. Scams and muggings do happen

While safety has improved significantly, you should always “ no dar papaya .” This delightful idiom – which literally translates to “don’t give papaya” – means you should always keep your wits about you, staying alert to those who would take advantage of you.

In practice, this means following common-sense guidelines: don’t wander down dark, empty streets at night, don’t head out into neighborhoods you don’t know without checking their safety first and don’t flap about the city with an expensive camera or phone on display.

Travel insurance is essential because muggings are, unfortunately still an issue in cities such as Bogota, Cali and Medellín.

You should never resist if someone tries to rob you. Distraction techniques are those used most fruitfully by would-be thieves, so always be wary of people coming up to you in the street or being asked to show your money to scammers posing as police officers.

If things do go wrong, head to the nearest police station immediately to report the crime. The police will put together a report and give you a copy, which you’ll need to make an insurance claim.

13. Don’t let this country’s history scare you away

Colombia has come on leaps and bounds since the dark days of the 1980s and 1990s, and its residents are more than excited to show you their beautiful and wonderfully diverse country.

The biggest mistake you can make is to let Netflix or historic newspaper headlines scare you away: this is a country that just about every traveler can’t help but fall in love with. The biggest danger when visiting Colombia? Finding yourself never wanting to leave.

This article was first published May 14, 2022 and updated Feb 29, 2024.

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I left NYC to work remotely in Colombia for almost 2 months. I loved it so much I plan to do it every year.

Andrea Capodilupo is a communications VP and writer based in New York.
In January, she traveled to Medellín, Colombia, to live and work remotely for almost two months.
She says the city had amazing food, lively nightlife, and plenty of coworking spaces.

Despite originally hailing from Boston and having lived in New York for more than five years, I'm not a fan of winter.

Luckily, my full-time job as a communications VP is remote — with occasional in-person meetups in New York — so I have the flexibility to work from anywhere.

Last year, I rented an Airbnb for a month with friends in St. Petersburg, Florida, to escape the cold, and I loved it. In the end, one of my friends ditched NYC and moved to St. Pete permanently.

So this year, I wanted to work somewhere that was equally warm and in the same timezone as New York. I invited one of my good friends to join me, as we'd both recently ended pandemic relationships and wanted to start anew in 2022. We left for Medellín on January 4 and got back to the US on February 25.

I chose Medellín because I knew it was a forward-thinking city with lots of remote workers and affordable places to stay

A few years ago, I went to Colombia for a work trip, and I'd been eager to go back. My former clients were still in Colombia — one ran a cool new CGI and gaming company while investing in coffee farms and another was running his own consulting company. I'd kept in touch with them on Instagram, and it seemed like Colombia was growing in good ways.

When I told my parents I was going to Colombia for a couple of months, they asked, "Why can't you just go to Florida?" Honestly, I wanted to be outside of my comfort zone. I like practicing new languages and not to mention, my money would go a lot further in Colombia than in Florida.

My friend and I rented a 2-bed, 3-bath apartment for $1,800 a month — but we had to book 2 others when we got mites

Our first apartment in Medellín's El Poblado neighborhood was gorgeous but unfortunately, we realized the bumps we woke up with every day were mite bites, so we booked two different Airbnbs that would cover us for the remainder of the trip.

Each of the Airbnbs had strong WiFi and dedicated desk spaces for us to work, and our last Airbnb even had its own pool.

I worked from our Airbnb, coffee shops, and hotel coworking spaces

Every day, exotic birds were either chirping or screaming strange bird calls, so I was up by 6 a.m. I started my morning with a little writing followed by an hour walk up the hills of El Poblado, usually stopping for coffee at Al Alma with an oatmeal or a smoothie (all for around $6).

There's bustling nightlife and a wide variety of restaurants

In El Poblado, every week there's a party called "Gringo Tuesdays" at a bar called Vintrash, where people (not just gringos) from all over the world meet and dance.

The streets in this area (the Provenza neighborhood of El Poblado) are closed to cars and people sit at outdoor tables while others walk through the streets.

We loved sitting at a table drinking Aquilas (local beers) and people watching. The paths between bars are lined by jungle-y trees and even a river. The higher up the Provenza hill you go, the bougie-r the restaurants are and the more sophisticated the clientele.

I ate out every single meal in Colombia for around $5 to $20 a day

A usual day for me included a cafe frío with avocado toast or a croissant from Pergamino , followed by a late lunch or snack arepa finished with dinner at a trendy place in El Poblado. One of my favorite snacks was a 8,000 pesos ($2.10) bao bun or a fried cheese taco from La Revuelta. Throughout El Poblado, restaurant quality is close to or better than some New York restaurants.

Colombians love their hot dogs and burgers. Whether it was salchipapas, a.k.a., hot dogs on a bed of french fries, or a mini hot dog appetizer plate, I really appreciated the Colombian take on the hot dog.

I expected everyone to be dressed in flowy dresses with lots of flowers, but the street style throughout Medellín is very diverse. There are a lot of affordable and unique shops — one store called Diez sells gender neutral streetwear that I love, while another, Undergold , sells both workwear and going-out clothes. I bought fun striped shorts from Diez that could be worn by any gender and are super comfortable.

Unlike my experience in Europe, where many locals revert to speaking English, I found that Colombians wanted to speak Spanish with us

Maybe it's because Colombians take everything a bit slower here, but it was easier for me to understand Colombian Spanish than Peruvian or Puerto Rican Spanish were when I visited those countries. I also found a local teacher , and I'm continuing my weekly lessons via Zoom with her.

Speaking Spanish was a lesson in humility. I kept telling people that I'm trying to learn Spanish, saying, "Estoy probando." I thought I was saying "I'm trying," but instead, after taking Spanish lessons, I realized I've been telling everyone: "I'm tasting, I'm tasting."

In just under five hours and with round-trip flights between $100 to $500, you can be in Medellín from the East Coast in less time than it takes to get to Los Angeles. On February 25, I left Medellín at 1 a.m., arrived at JFK at 6 a.m., and was in my Brooklyn office before 10 a.m.

It has its ups and downs, but I plan on working from Medellín every year

Colombia is a beautiful country, but despite progress over the decades it does still have high crime rates. I never walked home alone after 9 p.m. and always took cabs rather than public transportation like buses or the metro. The pandemic is still taken very seriously in Medellín, and people wore masks everywhere while we were there.

I love the people of Colombia and besides Medellín, the country has countless other cities, beaches, and jungles to explore. Despite the mites, I'd like to go back every year — hopefully with better Spanish and more friends each time.

Andrea Capodilupo is a comedy, food, and fiction writer. She loves to travel, eat doughnuts, and try vegan recipes . Her writing has been published in The Boston Globe and New York Magazine.

Axel Springer, Insider Inc.'s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.

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Work Remotely in Colombia: Everything You Need To Know

Published by anna @ support adventure on june 21, 2023 june 21, 2023.

Colombia is a favorite amongst remote workers, freelancers and digital nomads in Latin America – and for very good reason! The country has a low cost of living, warm weather all-year-round, a free visa upon arrival and various residency programs.

Remote workers can stay for up to 180 days in Colombia visa-free, with many programs available for longer stays. Moreover, Colombia just launched a digital nomad visa that allows for a two year stay! Therefore, one can work remotely for a foreign company and truly live “the good life” in Colombia for years!

So don’t wait any longer to relocate to Colombia, and keep reading to find out how.

Remote Workers and Digital Nomads in Colombia

Colombia has been a hotspot for remote workers for a good decade now. The location is beneficial for anyone living in North America, as it’s only a short jaunt and the weather is warm and moderate year-round.

Here are some advantages Colombia has going for itself:

A cheap cost of living
A developed infrastructure that makes it easy to work remotely and move around
Long-term residence options are available for tourists and other foreigners, such as expats, digital nomads, investors and remote workers
A large digital nomad community in Medellin

The Weather in Colombia

Colombia’s weather depends on the altitude. For example, Colombian cities closer to sea level, which is about 80% of the country, have hot 80-degree days. The cities that have higher elevation and are closer to the Andes, like Medellín, tend to have comfortable 70-degree weather.

Medellin is the digital nomad capital of Colombia with the best weather for North Americans and Europeans. Nomads say that the weather in Medellin is almost perfect for the whole year. The city’s climate is warm and sunny without it being too hot.

Working remotely from Colombia for a US company

Colombia is also an attractive place for someone working for an American company. That’s because US citizens can escape the American winter for sunny Colombia only a few hours away by plane.

Another advantage is that those working for a US company in Colombia don’t have to pay taxes there, as long as they don’t stay more than 180 days in a year.

In Colombia, they can also carry out domestic work and business activities for up to 90 days visa-free. After that, they can extend their stay for an additional 90 days.

During that time, one would continue to be paid by their US employer. Therefore, you do not need a business visa to carry out your domestic professional activities while abroad.

Visa options to work remotely in Colombia

Colombia has many visa options for foreigners who wish to stay in the counntry for a short or long period of time.

Tourist visa on arrival

The big advantage of living in and working remotely from Colombia is the relatively relaxed immigration laws and visa requirements. Upon arrival, nationals of most western countries (e.g., citizens of the USA/EU/UK/Australia) are granted a 90 days visa-free stay in the country.

This type of visa is called a Colombian tourist visa, but it isn’t a formal visa. It’s just a stamp in the passport.

After that period, one can apply for the 90 days extension online, or at the immigration office (Migración Colombia) within the country, allowing an extension of up to 180 days.

Overstaying your visa after that can result in fines and even deportation.

Temporary residence in Colombia for remote workers

Colombia has many residency options for foreigners who wish to stay in the country for a period longer than the 180-day yearly maximum for tourists.

Colombian Freelance Visa M

If you want to work as an independent professional in Colombia, you can apply for an M freelance visa . However, many people confuse the Colombian freelance visa for an opportunity to work remotely in Colombia for foreign companies, yet this is not the case.

Hence, you must keep in mind that a Colombian freelance visa will allow you to work independently for a Colombian organization, but it doesn’t extend to international, non-domestic institutes that have no presence in Colombia.

Consequently, if your employer is located abroad, this visa won’t be an appropriate solution. This M-type Colombian freelance visa is granted to expats who want to practice their profession independently within the national territory.

However, foreign professionals can find a Colombian company that is willing to hire them in exchange for some allowance. Otherwise, registering themselves as a firm and hiring themselves as an independent freelancer can be another option.

The visa M for freelancers is granted for a maximum of three years.

Requirements to apply for the Colombia Freelance visa

To apply for the Colombian freelance visa, you will need to submit an electronic application to the government’s visa website . The entire process takes around 30 minutes to complete and requires you to submit the following information:

A scanned copy of a valid passport or travel document
A scanned copy of the entry stamp to Colombia, and copies of any previously held Colombian visas
Two recent 3×3 photographs, facing the camera, in color and against a white background
A visa application letter detailing your intentions of being an independent worker in Colombia, for how long, and why
A professional resume detailing your experience and background within your profession
Scanned copies of at least 3 certificates showing your educational and professional attainment for your occupation. These documents must be apostilled, translated, and/or legally recognized by an appropriate authority.
References from Colombian employers who have an interest in procuring your independent services.
The previous 6-months of your personal bank statements. These must prove that you’ve been earning over 10-times the Colombian minimum monthly wage ($908,526 COP), thus you must show $9,085,260 COP (roughly $2,384 USD) every month (2021).

Costs

In total, the Colombian freelance visa costs $282 USD.

Colombia Rentista Visa (M)

Colombia’s Rentista visa is intended for foreigners who receive a fixed income from a source like rent, annuity, dividends or interest. This income must exceed 10 times the minimum monthly salary in Colombia. This minimum comes to roughly $2,384 USD, which goes for the freelancer visa as well (2021).

Income source requirements for the Rentista visa

Below are the acceptable sources of income to qualify for a Colombian Rentista visa:

Payments from an annuity
Payments from a retirement fund
Rent from rental properties
Interest received from loaning money
Dividends or interest payments from investments in companies
Disability payments from an insurance settlement
Payments over time from the sale of a business

Salaries or commissions won’t be accepted as income sources for a Rentista visa. If you are a retiree, you can obtain a Colombian retirement visa with a lower income threshold.

Consequently, by providing income from one of the aforementioned sources, you will be qualified for the Colombia Rentista visa.

Documents required for the Colombian Rentista visa:

Photocopy of the first page of your valid passport
Photocopy of the page of your passport with the last stamp of entry or departure of Colombia is located
Photocopy of previous Colombian visa, if applies
Passport style face photo with a white background, sized at 3*4 cm
Certificate issued by a public entity or private company, specifying the income paid to the applicant and the amount
International health insurance policy certificate showing valid coverage in Colombia for at least one year. The coverage amount must be at least $60,000 USD.

Apply for a Rentista visa

One can apply for a Colombian Rentista visa online via an embassy or consulate.

In the U.S, Colombia has embassies or consulates located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, Newark, New York, San Francisco and Washington DC.

The validity of the Rentista visa will depend on the validity of your health insurance, but usually, a visa is issued for one year. Read more about the Colombian Rentista visa here .

Colombia digital nomad visa

Good news! Colombia now has a digital nomad visa. One needs to earn at least $684 USD a mobnth to qualify and pay a fee of $177. This will allow you to stay in Colombia for two whole years, which is much better than what other digital nomad visas allow.

Click here to apply on the official website.

Don’t forget about health insurance

Colombia requires health insurance when applying for any visas. The minimum coverage for a policy is:

$35,000 USD for Visitor (V) visas
$60,000 to $70,000 USD for Migrant (M) visas
$100,000 USD for Resident (R) visas

Taxes while working remotely in Colombia

Remote workers in Colombia will become tax residents after staying in the country for more than six months within a tax year. But if you stay for less than 183 days, you will not have to file a tax document or pay taxes there.

Taxes in Colombia

Colombia’s income tax rates are progressive up to 39%. Non-residents are liable for income tax at a flat rate of 35%.

Residents in Colombia are required to file income tax returns. Capital gains, such as any inheritance, gifts and proceeds from the sale of real estate, are subject to taxation.

However, income from the sale of shares through a stock exchange isn’t considered occasional earnings and is thus tax-exempt.

Social security in Colombia

Employees pay 3.875% and 4% of salary for pension and health contributions, respectively.

The best cities in Colombia to work remotely

Choosing a city to live in and work remotely from is the most important step when moving abroad and setting up your remote office. But because Colombia is a diverse country, we are sure it will meet the needs of any traveler.

For example, beach and sea lovers can look to Cartagena or Santa Marta. Nightlife and music fans will love it in Cali or Medellin. Folks who are made for megacities should go to Bogota.

1 – Medellin

Medellin is the second-largest Colombian city after Bogota and it is well-known among digital nomads. In fact, it’s even regarded as one of the top digital nomad hotspots of South America.

As a remote worker in Medellin, you will enjoy:

A warm climate all year round (22-23 C)
beautiful mountains
lush nature
great transport system
variety of coworking areas
free wifi in public areas
great coffee shops and restaurants
low cost of living
unique culture

Medellin is becoming more and more popular with remote workers. It’s commonly compared to Thailand’s Chiang Mai and Bali’s Canggu, with around 30,000 people working remotely in Medellin according to a 2018 study.

Medellin has a population of around 3 million people, and it is a perfect size for someone looking for a city vibe that isn’t too overwhelming.

The city has everything that you’ll desire, including year-round nice weather, great restaurants and bars, and vibrant nightlife. Cool new hot spots are forever popping up in the city as well.

Food is also inexpensive, and people with all budgets will enjoy great options.

With more and more remote workers moving to Medellin, the digital nomad community is thriving in the city, making Medellin the largest digital nomad and expat community in the country.

Furthermore, it’s the safest city in the state. In this regard, you’ll have a much better quality of life in Medellin than you would in other parts of Colombia.

2- Bogota

With a little over 8 million inhabitants, Bogota is the largest city in Colombia. The capital of Colombia is the cultural and economic center of the country. Here you can enjoy a varied gastronomic offering, attractive nightlife, shopping, business centers and coworking spaces.

But the city seems to be gigantic in comparison to Medellin. Bogota is a great travel base for exploring other parts of Colombia.

There is also much sightseeing to do in Bogota, including impressive museums. The nightlife scene is a must-go as well.

The one downside is that some parts of the city are dangerous, especially for travelers, so you need to be careful. But don’t let that deter you. Around 64,000 people work remotely from Bogota, so there’s your confirmation that it is an incredible city.

3 – Cali

Cali is the third biggest spot for remote workers and digital nomads in Colombia, with around 13,500 people working there remotely. Cali has a population of around 2.2 million, and it’s quite the vibrant city.

Located at around 1,000 meters above sea level, it tends to have a warm midday and afternoon, while nights are cool with Pacific Ocean breezes.

If you have always dreamt of learning how to dance salsa, Cali is the place for you. The city is known as the world capital of salsa, which keeps the music going long into the late hours of the early morning.

Cali is also well known for historic landmarks and architecture, as well as exquisite street food. Despite all these treasures though, the digital community isn’t as big there compared to Medellin.

Get a remote job and work from Colombia

To work remotely from Colombia, you will need a suitable job and an employer who is compliant with the fact you are working abroad.

We here at Support Adventure are known as the expat outsourcing company as we hire talented people from around the world who want to work online in IT.

We mostly have positions open for helpdesk support, dispatching and occasionally admin assistance. So if you have experience or interest in IT, don’t wait and apply for a remote job with us !

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Colombia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 2, 2024, colombia - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with updates to the country summary.

Reconsider travel due to  crime  and  terrorism . Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest  and  kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism.
The Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, and risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia.

Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas.

Terrorist groups and criminal organizations continue operating and carrying out attacks in Colombia. They may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, police stations, military facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, airports, other public areas, and U.S. government facilities.

Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country and can be about a variety of political or economic issues. They can shutdown roads and highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Demonstrations and road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and may disrupt travel within and between cities. Protests can become violent and can result in fatalities and injuries.

U.S. direct-hire government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

They are not permitted to travel by road between most cities.
Colombia’s land border areas are off-limits to U.S. government personnel unless specifically authorized.
They may not use motorcycles.
They may not hail street taxis or use public buses.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Colombia.

If you decide to travel to Colombia:

Avoid protest areas and crowds.
Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
Keep a low profile.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter
Review the  Country Security Report  for Colombia.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Arauca, Cauca, and Norte de Santander Departments – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is widespread. Terrorist groups are active in some parts.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens as U.S. government-personnel travel to these areas is severely restricted due to security concerns.

Colombia - Venezuela Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to the border of Colombia and Venezuela. U.S. citizens are at risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela.

The Colombia-Venezuela border is not clearly marked, and U.S. citizens should not go near the border due to the risk of crossing into Venezuela accidentally.

U.S. citizens attempting to enter Venezuela without a visa have been charged with terrorism and other serious crimes and detained for long periods. For more information, see the Venezuela Travel Advisory.

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Survival of the littest.

The Best Places To Work Remotely in Colombia | 2024

Colombia is quickly becoming a hot spot for digital nomads and remote workers. It’s easy to see why. Colombia’s sparkling Caribbean coastline, vibrant culture, and laid-back pace of life is a preferable alternative to sitting in a cubicle all day. This Latin American country is one of few countries that can claim to have it all. To the north, you have Caribbean islands and colorful cities. The bustling cities of Medellin and Bogota are lively hubs that make for great home bases for remote workers. Snow-capped peaks, lush valleys with towering palm trees, and the Amazon Rainforest make for excellent weekend getaways in between work weeks. It’s impossible to get bored in Colombia. The work-life balance here can be excellent, if you manage to resist the nonstop nightlife. I admittedly struggled with that.

But hey, if you have more resolve than I do, then Colombia is a dream destination for digital nomads and remote workers. Here are some of the best places in Colombia to work remotely.

This post contains affiliate links. That means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of these links.

Oh, and before you go, make sure to have good travel insurance handy whenever you’re out adventuring. I use SafetyWing , which specializes in health and travel insurance for digital nomads, to keep me covered throughout my travels for as low as $45 a month.

And hey, if this post helps you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer ! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows me to keep providing free travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world.

The City of Eternal Spring has exploded onto the scene as a top remote-work destination globally. Specifically, the neighborhood of El Poblado has drawn a digital nomad from far and wide. Boasting co-working spaces, affordable living options, and endless cafes and restaurants to hang out in, El Poblado is an excellent hub for working remotely. You’ll find travelers from all walks of life here. As a backpacker and a travel blogger, Medellin truly was paradise.

I had no shortage of work spots to choose from during the day. If you don’t mind staying in hostels while working remotely, Medellin has a ton of amazing options. Selina is a big hub for digital nomads, and their co-working space is one of the best in the country. Viajero , Los Patios , and Masaya are a few other affordable options that offer luxury on a backpacker’s budget. Keep in mind that it might be difficult to stay away from the party, especially at Viajero. During the day, though, you’ll find plenty of travelers and digital nomads working in the hostel common areas and co-working spaces.

At night, I had no shortage of options to let loose and live a little (or a lot). Living in El Poblado, you have access to most of Medellin’s top bars and nightclubs. A few favorites of mine were Perro Negro, PKR Medellin, and Vintrash. There’s something to fit your taste no matter what vibe you’re looking for. Personally, I’m all about the hot and sweaty dancing ’til dawn vibe, so if you’re looking for a chill night out, maybe don’t take my recommendations.

Aside from El Poblado, the neighborhood of Envigado would make an excellent home base for remote workers. Laureles is another lively area that is popular among travelers. However, I’m not as familiar with these two neighborhoods as I am with El Poblado. These neighborhoods are much more local than El Poblado. Once you’ve got your feet set in El Poblado, you can consider making the move.

All in all, I’d consider Medellin to be the top destination for working remotely in Colombia, and also the top party destination in Colombia . Get you a city that does both, right? You’ll find it all here, with community being one of the most important aspects for me. You’ll meet travelers from everywhere. It felt nice being able to alternate between a digital nomad crowd or a backpacker crowd depending on what I wanted to do.

Santa Marta

This coastal city has a perfect vibe to it. It’s a big enough city where you’ll have all the amenities that you’d need while working on the road. However, it’s still small enough that one can walk anywhere and feel safe after dark. It’s not as developed for digital nomadism as Colombia’s bigger cities, but you’ll be able to find your spots pretty easily. From cafes to hostels to co-working hubs, Santa Marta has a decent amount of options. Masaya Hostel , Viajero Hostel , and Flamingo Hostel and Coworking are some of my favorites if you’re looking for the balance between social and co-working. The tourist center of Santa Marta isn’t that big, but honestly, it might be better that way. If you’re traveling solo, it’s easy to meet people and dive into the community right away when it’s cozier.

While Santa Marta doesn’t have too many things to do, it’s a short distance away from Colombia’s best adventures. Tayrona National Park can’t be missed. A weekend spent camping here can be a great getaway from working in the city. Minca and Palomino are two other top Colombian destinations that aren’t too far from Santa Marta at all. And if you need beach vibes closer to the city, the small fishing village of Taganga is absolutely stunning.

Cartagena is the jewel of Colombia. Its colorful old town is one of the most picturesque colonial city centers you’ll ever see. And don’t get me started on the nightlife here.

Despite being a holiday hub, it’s actually very possible to get into a productivity flow while you’re in Cartagena. Aside from Old Town, the neighborhood of Getsemani is an excellent option for remote workers. Casa Zahri and Selina are good accommodation options for digital nomads in Getsemani. As a popular tourist destination, Cartagena is very developed. You’ll have no shortage of cafes and co-working spots to work from during the day. It’s too dang hot to be outside during the day anyway, so you won’t mind being comfortably nestled indoors behind your laptop until the sun sets.

After the sun sets, anything goes in Cartagena. It’s probably the best place in Colombia if you’ve got the work hard, play hard mentality like I do. It is pretty pricy in Cartagena, but that’s to be expected from a tourist hotspot right on the Caribbean coast. Cartagena itself doesn’t really have the stunning beaches you’d crave from the Caribbean, so weekend getaways to the nearby islands are the way to go.

Bucaramanga

This might be one of my favorite city names to say. Bucaramanga. It just rolls off the tongue. Anyway, Bucaramanga is more than just a pretty name. It is quickly becoming one of Colombia’s best and wealthiest cities, boasting the highest GDP per capita in the country. Bucaramanga is beautiful, boasting over 160 parks and green areas. Bucaramanga makes it easy to escape into nature. I find that a little break in green spaces in between work sessions is much needed.

It isn’t a popular tourist destination yet, but it is easily one of Colombia’s most livable cities. Being a larger city, the infrastructure in Bucaramanga for working remotely is great. A weekend trip to nearby San Gil is a must if you’re looking for an escape from the city life. San Gil is often called the adventure capital of Colombia.

Villa de Leyva

The small town of Villa de Leyva won me over right away. Located in the state of Boyaca, this colonial city of all-white is one of the most beautiful places in the country. It also has a great, laid-back vibe for digital nomads. Villa de Leyva is perfect for chilling out after experiencing the craziness of Medellin and Bogota. It isn’t as straightforward to get to, but this budget-friendly destination is worth the journey. There are an abundance of things to do around the city and the state of Boyaca in general.

Villa de Leyva has a big cafe culture, so you won’t have any shortage of cute work spots. There’s also a newly-opened Selina in Villa de Leyva . Selinas are usually hit-or-miss for me, but the one in Villa de Leyva is amazing. You don’t need to pay extra to use the co-working space either, unlike most other Selina locations.

Manizales, Armenia, or Pereira

These three cities make up the brunt of Colombia’s famed Eje Cafetero region. Working remotely and cafe culture go hand in hand. What better place to post up than the stunning coffee region of Colombia? These three mid-sized cities are pretty close to each other, both geographically and figuratively speaking. It’s a matter of preference, but choosing any one of these three cities will provide a great work-life balance. And of course, all the nature and coffee that you could ask for.

There are a lot of small towns and national parks to visit a short distance away. As someone who works while they travel, this triangle of cities was a perfect home base. The smaller towns, like Filandia and Salento, are perfect for the adventurous traveler. However, Wi-Fi and cell signal were pretty unreliable once you got outside of the larger cities. If you need to work during the week, post up in Manizales, Pereira, or Armenia and then immerse yourself in the natural wonders like Valle de Cocora or Los Nevados National Park on the weekends.

Barranquilla

Home to Shakira and the world’s second-largest Carnival celebration, you have Barranquilla. It is about halfway between Cartagena and Santa Marta, and I mean that both geographically and figuratively. It’s a lot more built up and developed than Santa Marta, but nowhere near as touristy as Cartagena. As Colombia’s fourth-largest city, you’ll find everything you need here as a digital nomad.

Plus, you’re right on the Caribbean coast. Like most big cities, the best beaches aren’t within the city itself, but a short drive away. There are a number of beach resort towns within an hour of Barranquilla, so you have plenty of options for weekend getaways. Barranquilla is a vibe. Bonus points if you’re around during Carnival, although you’ll probably not be getting any work done that week.

Most travelers will have a polarizing opinion on Colombia’s sprawling capital city . However, most travelers’ experience with Bogota means catching an international flight in and immediately bouncing within a day or two. While I’ll agree that it wasn’t my favorite city in Colombia, it can be a great city for remote workers. You’ll find neighborhoods of town populated mostly by university students. These neighborhoods, such as Chapinero, are usually safer, more affordable, and home to a number of trendy cafes and restaurants to choose from.

This sprawling city might seem overwhelming at first, but once you find your spots, Bogota will feel a lot smaller and cozier. You’ll find pockets of calm in the chaos and realize that hey, Bogota isn’t so bad after all.

Be sure to use Skiplagged to find the cheapest flights to Colombia. Skiplagged is free to use and I’ve saved thousands of dollars on flights since I started using it religiously.

Buy Me A Beer!

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13 Things You Should Know When Traveling to Medellin

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If you’re planning a trip to Medellin, it can be somewhat challenging because the destination is so new on the travel scene, and authentic and insightful information can be lacking. It is, however, growing in popularity and many more people are now traveling to Medellin, including a growing travel blogger community that often just visits briefly and writes superficially about the city.

I wanted to do something different though… I wanted to write about this city that I know and love from a more authentic, respectful, and honest perspective. I’ve spent a few years now living in Medellin, Colombia , I know the place extremely well, and in a way that goes beyond the surface level.

Since you’re here, I want to help you plan a better trip to Medellin with some of these important tips or insights… These are the types of things you should know when traveling to Medellin for the first time, the types of things that can make your trip amazing, unforgettable, and go beyond the stereotypes, or at least beyond the typical advice I see others writing online.

13 Things You Should Know When Traveling to Medellin travel, south-america, medellin, colombia

In this comprehensive Medellin travel guide, we are going to be covering a bunch of travel tips ranging from where to stay, what to eat, safety in Medellin, how to deal with money, the Spanish language, and so much more.

Are you ready? Buckle up, this is a big one… Let’s get on with these 13 things you should know when traveling to Medellin for the first time — and don’t miss #13 as it covers the critical issue of safety and security.

If you’re pressed for time, you can also get these travel tips and much more delivered straight to your inbox for future reading or reference with my FREE Medellin Travel Guide:

things to know when traveling to medellin

Where to Stay in Medellin

Ninety percent (or more) of the foreign travelers that come to Medellin stay in Poblado, but there are a number of pretty awesome barrios or neighborhoods to stay in Medellin that are worth considering.

My top picks for where to stay beyond Poblado include Laureles (my favorite neighborhood) and Envigado (although you won’t find any hostels here). The Estadio neighborhood is probably the second most popular area for budget travelers with a myriad of great lodging choices available.

Finally, there is also El Centro, which may appeal to those budget travelers who like more off-the-beaten-path type experiences that many gringos never explore or even appreciate (there are actually a lot of cool things in El Centro, to be honest).

If you’re staying in Poblado, I’d recommend the Manila or Provenza sectors, or the Golden Mile if you’re looking for the high end.

Poblado: #1 Hostel in Poblado: Los Patios Boutique Hostel (Manila) #1 Budget Hotel in Poblado: Kolor Hotel Boutique (Provenza) #1 Mid-Range Hotel in Poblado: Celestino Boutique Hotel (Parque Lleras) #1 Luxury Hotel in Poblado: Medellin Marriott Hotel (Milla de Oro – the Golden Mile) — Read my in-depth review

Laureles : #1 Hostel in Laureles: Backpackers Inn Medellin #1 Budget Hotel in Laureles: Hotel Pomarosa #1 Mid-Range Hotel in Laureles: Inntu Hotel

Estadio: #1 Hostel in Estadio: Hostal Cattleya Medellin #1 Budget Hotel in Estadio: Obo Hotel #1 Mid-Range Hotel in Estadio: El Portón de San Joaquin

Envigado : #1 Best Hotel in Envigado: Arame Hotel (it’s actually the only hotel, but it’s good). While not technically iN Envigado, I would still recommend the Fairfield by Marriott Sabaneta for a great mid-price hotel!

El Centro : #1 Hostel in El Centro: Medallo Social Hostal (Boston) #1 Budget Hotel in El Centro: Hotel Gallery (Bombona)

For longer stays, my top recommendation is Airbnb ( new users can get a free travel credit here ), also don’t overlook travel hacking to get points for free hotel stays (like the expensive Marriott), and be sure to read my guide to finding cheap accommodation .

If you need more help trying to decide on the best neighborhood, be sure to read more about where to stay in Medellin or my comprehensive guide to the best Medellin hostels .

Look Beyond Poblado

Poblado is a popular place to stay for foreigners in Medellin… But I’ve got a little secret for you: I don’t particularly love Poblado. I’ve stayed there before, I visit every once in a while, but it just isn’t my favorite neighborhood. I mention this Medellin travel tip because it can dramatically change your perspective and experience of the city, so pay close attention.

Poblado is right for some travelers and very wrong for others.

Every travel blogger who comes through for a couple of days stays in Poblado, of course, and they go on to write about Poblado, and then everyone else who comes through after follows in their footsteps. It becomes a sort of feedback loop.

One of the most prominent travel bloggers recently traveled to Medellin for the first time and went on to write about how Medellin didn’t feel “real” and was just full of chains like Dunkin’ Donuts or Domino’s Pizza.

Another prominent travel blogger said (privately, at least) that he couldn’t see what people really liked about Medellin… And left town with a sour taste in his mouth.

I can understand their perspective because both of these guys were staying in Poblado, in the middle of gringolandia , constantly surrounded by gringos, socializing with gringos, and only left that bubble on organized tours or excursions… Seriously.

These self-proclaimed travel experts were so far from the “authentic” Medellin that they missed the real draw here and what makes this place special. Then other travelers like you read their advice about where to stay and what to do and end up leaving slightly disappointed or let down. That’s a shame.

If you are looking for any semblance of the “real” Medellin, then you should NOT stay in Poblado. Look, it’s a fine place to visit (I do go there once in a while myself!) but I wouldn’t (and don’t) make it my home base. If you do stay in Poblado (totally fine, if it’s right for you), at least make a concerted effort to get out of that bubble on a regular basis.

Medellin is not Poblado, and Poblado is not Medellin.

It all depends on what type of traveler you are… Do you like to be surrounded by English and other travelers? Do you feel uncomfortable only seeing locals and hearing Spanish? You definitely want Poblado.

Personally, I travel to interact with locals, practice the language, learn from people unlike me, etc, and not be surrounded by other travelers doing the same thing as me. That’s part of why I travel. If I wanted to hang out with other foreigners, speak English, and eat the same chain food as always, I would have just stayed home and never left.

Here’s a thought exercise to determine what kind of traveler you are:

If you go to New York City, do you think Times Square is the best place and never leave or are you more interested in neighborhoods like the Meatpacking District, the Lower East Side, Harlem, etc? Do you want to eat where New Yorkers eat or where the tourist bus lets you off?
If you go to Las Vegas do you prefer to stay on the Strip or in the Old Town / Fremont area?
If you go to Cancun do you stay in an all-inclusive resort and only leave on organized Cancun tours or do you prefer to stay in town and experience more of the authentic Cancun?

If you answered the former to any of those, then Poblado is right for you, if you answered the latter, then it is wrong for you.

Poblado is great for nightlife, foodies, and people who like a little luxury at a more affordable price, but if you want to get off the beaten path (even slightly), have a more local experience, talk with Colombians, and so forth, then it is best to look elsewhere.

Honestly, you can get nightlife, food, or even a bit of luxury in almost any cool neighborhood in Medellin.

Getting Around Medellin

Public Transport: Medellin has a pretty excellent public transportation system. Granted it isn’t on the scale of places like Mexico City , but it is nonetheless quite impressive. It features a two-line above-ground metro system (subway) which connects to an integrated streetcar route, gondola system (MetroCable), and bus rapid transit (BRT) lines known as MetroPlus.

If you are staying in any of the principal areas, you will have easy access to the public transportation system. You should get a Tarjeta Civica as soon as you can upon arrival which is available from a few different metro stations like San Antonio.

You can get the Tarjeta Civica for free with your passport. This allows you to use the integrated transportation system and pay reduced prices for connecting services.

Taxis: Taxis are available basically everywhere in Medellin. You can easily flag down taxis pretty much anywhere, although this is not always recommended due to safety issues (more on that later). A better bet is to try and use either an official taxi stand or (if you have a SIM card) to use an app like Cabify to call a taxi with your GPS location.

That being said, I generally don’t worry about flagging down taxis from the street during the daytime, but I am more cautious after dark.

It is rare, but the majority of problems that people have here in Medellin happen while in taxis. There are some bad apples out there who work with robbers and tip them off when they have a good target (you) in their cab.

The rules of using taxis here are to sit in the back, keep the windows almost all the way up, lock the doors, and never use your phone or show valuables in the back seat.

Uber: Uber is actually illegal here in Colombia but that doesn’t stop people from driving for them or utilizing the service. I tend to trust Uber drivers more than taxi drivers, but using Uber can have its own complications here if drivers are reluctant to stop near you (if they see transit police nearby). Normally, they will want you to sit up front with them (like a friend) rather than alone in the back (like a taxi), which is done to avoid problems with the law.

Bike Share: There is a growing bike share service here in Medellin called Encicla. With the previously mentioned Tarjeta Civica, you can use the bike share service here in Medellin and Envigado by enrolling in Encicla online. Neighborhoods like Laureles or Estadio are much more conducive to this type of transport since it is flat and has bike lanes. You must enroll for Encicla online with your Tarjeta Civica, so it is only practical for longer stays in Medellin.

Getting to Medellin from the Airport: The Jose Maria Cordova Airport is actually about an hour outside of Medellin (don’t be fooled by that airport in the middle of town, that one is not used for international flights). Getting from the airport is pretty easy, you’ve got options for either a bus (cheapest), shared town car (cheap), or private town car (best).

I pretty much always go by private car when coming from the airport to Medellin. They go door to door, it’s a stress-free way to travel, and it isn’t expensive. The rate is fixed based on destination and you can expect to spend about $20.

Alternatively, you can ask at the airport for a colectivo (they are the same white cars) which charge about $5 (22.000 pesos) and need four passengers, and will drop you off at the San Diego Shopping Mall, from there you can grab a taxi to your final destination.

Getting to the Airport from Medellin: In terms of going to the airport from town, I prefer to go by shared town car which you can grab from the San Diego Shopping Mall at the base of Las Palmas (go here by taxi and tell the driver “ los colectivos al aerpuerto ”. The shared ride will wait to fill up with four passengers and costs about $5 per person. Unless you’ve got a really weird flight time, I’ve never had to wait more than 10-15 minutes to leave.

These cars are much better than the bus, believe me, don’t go by bus — it’s slower, more nauseating, and doesn’t save you much money. If you’re worried about the whole airport and transport thing, you can also book a private car in advance .

Eat Like a Local

There is a growing and vibrant food scene here in Medellin which is one of the things that makes it so great to live here and call this place home over the long term, but this type of food is definitely expensive for local standards (but cheaper than home standards).

One way you can save a lot of money and eat well though (instead of eating at these more upscale restaurants) is to eat as the locals do…

This is especially true for lunch and the set menus of the day “menu del dia” where you can score good food including soup, main dish (salad, rice, meat, and maybe a plantain), along with fresh fruit juice for about $3. Perhaps one of the best reasons to visit Colombia is just to try some of the incredibly exotic Colombian fruits and all the juices!

That’s a pretty hard price to beat… If you eat in a restaurant you can expect to pay around $8 just for comparison.

At these same local restaurants, you will usually find a cheap and hearty breakfast (eggs, arepa with cheese, and coffee) for about the same price as lunch.

Dinner, on the other hand, doesn’t have these cheap and affordable menus of the day, unfortunately, as they all close up shop after lunch. In this case, you’ll need to hit up a restaurant — there are some local restaurants where you can order off the menu — or go from some fast food (also very popular here) or street food.

Be sure to consider going on a traditional food tour while here if you want a great introduction to Paisa food.

The street food choices can be pretty good and definitely cheap, but it pays to ask for tips from someone in the neighborhood. What most locals do for dinner is to eat an arepa at home, but if they have to grab something, they will usually get an empanada or pastel (stuffed meat pies, basically) to eat with a coffee.

Lunch here is the biggest meal of the day and dinner is relatively modest.

Read more about what to eat with my guide to Colombian food .

Do You Need Spanish in Medellin?

Tourism in Medellin is still relatively new… This isn’t like going to Cancun or something where everybody at your resort speaks English. Now, do you need Spanish here? No, plenty of people get by. But you should try to have as much Spanish as possible before you arrive.

It will make your life here a lot easier in terms of getting around, getting what you need, etc. Not to mention the fact that the locals are friendly! People all over Colombia really like to chat with foreigners… If you’re open to it, they will chat with you.

Small talk is like a sport here, seriously. Expect people to spend five minutes greeting one another asking how they woke up, what’s new, and beyond, and another five minutes (at least) to say goodbye. It’s almost comical sometimes.

You will find that if push comes to shove, there are quite a lot of local Paisas that do speak English — often way better than your Spanish — but they are too shy or timid to use it until like 20 minutes into the struggling conversation.

In summary, you don’t need Spanish, but you should have at least the basics, and the more you have the better. Medellin is a great place to study Spanish , as well, in my opinion, thanks to the friendly locals and the relative clarity of the local accent.

Read more about the best resources to learn Spanish on your own.

About That Medellin Weather

Medellin has gotten the nickname “La Ciudad de Eterna Primavera” — the City of Eternal Spring. This nickname comes from the fact that the city is quite green, flowers are always in bloom, and the weather is supposed to be moderate thanks to its elevation of 4,905 feet.

I always joke though that it is more like the City of Eternal Summer. According to locals, the temperatures have increased quite a bit in recent years, and back in the day Medellin had truly incredible weather when it was never too hot or too cold, and that Eternal Spring name really made sense (although it still makes sense with year-round flowers).

Of course, the temperature and humidity here are nothing like it is on the Colombian coast, and for a city in the tropics, it is a pretty agreeable climate. But the daytime weather is more often between 80 and 90 degrees year-round… Those average annual temperatures of 72 or rarely exceeding 78 like you might have read online seem to be a thing of the past.

For me, as a fair-weathered Seattlite, the temperatures from about 11 am to 3 pm are way too hot and I try to avoid going out, or if I do, I stay in the shade while walking down the street. But the temperatures at night here are pretty much perfect. For reference, I basically always use t-shirts even at night and don’t sleep with anything more than a bedsheet and my underwear.

There are basically only two seasons here in Medellin: dry and rainy. They also used to be much more predictable, but have gotten a little more off-kilter and unpredictable lately. They should be:

December to March = Dry Season,
April to May = Rainy Season,
June to August = Dry Season, and
September to November = Rainy Season.

That being said, if you come to Medellin in the rainy season, it isn’t a deal-breaker, because the rain is fairly predictable, striking in the mid to late afternoon. More often than not, it rains really hard and goes away pretty quickly too. That means you can still usually get out in the evening for dinner or drinks after the rain.

Keep in mind that due to its location in the tropics, sunrise and sunset are basically consistent year-round. It gets light at about 6:30 am and dark at 6:30 pm. The early darkness can affect safety which we’ll discuss below.

Read more about the best time to visit Colombia for weather and tourist crowds.

What to Wear in Medellin

So, given the (mostly) beautiful weather here in Medellin, what should you wear? At first blush, it seems like perfect shorts and t-shirt weather… And it really is! But everyone says not to wear shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops here because no locals wear that and you will stick out like a sore thumb.

Honestly, unless you’ve got black hair and mestizo features, you’re probably going to stick out no matter what you wear.

Beyond that though, I think the whole No Shorts and No Flip Flops thing is totally overblown. Truth is, you’ll see locals wearing shorts and flip-flops here in their local barrios.

It’s almost a sort of game for me at times where I will count how many locals I see dressed like that when I’m out. The other day on the bus I counted nine people out and about in like five minutes…

That being said, locals do tend to dress up a lot more than your average traveler. There’s a big difference between shorts and flip-flops and someone dressed like an Argentinean busker with mangy dreads, dirty clothes, and filthy feet in sandals about to fall apart. Don’t go for the homeless look.

On the flip side, you also don’t want to dress up too fancy because if you look like you’ve “got money” then you can often become a target for thieves.

Your best bet is to go middle of the road… Bring along some nice shorts, wear t-shirts all the time if you want, bring along a pair of decent jeans or long pants. That’s all you need.

Women tend to dress up even more here, but you can most definitely wear open-toe shoes or sandals and wear those tank tops or similar shirts. Many local women do so as well, just with lots of accessories, make-up, and a little bit of plastic surgery.

It’s also important to note that the place or context is also important in terms of what you choose to wear. If you’re going out for a night on the town, yeah, shorts and flip-flops are under-dressed. Nice-ish restaurant, same thing. Fancy mall, you guessed it. Wandering around doing tourist things, who cares?

If you’re the type that tends to get cold easily, then you may also want a light jacket or sweater here to use at night time. On a rare occasion, I will use one, but I’m mostly a nice pair of shorts or pants and a t-shirt kind of guy in the daytime and jeans and t-shirt kind of guy at night time. I almost never need a long sleeve shirt or jacket here for the cold (I’m from Seattle, so it always seems super hot here).

Bring DEET?

You’re going to be heading to the tropics, not far from the Equator… That means jungles and mosquitoes and all sorts of communicable diseases… West Nile, Malaria, Chikungunya, and god knows what else…

Thankfully, mosquitoes are not a big problem here. Medellin isn’t the jungle, and indeed, mosquitoes are actually pretty rare here. I’ve spent years living in Medellin now, and I only see mosquitoes occasionally, usually after a heavy rain, and usually in sectors where there is heavy vegetation or water nearby.

When they do come around, it is usually just one or two coming through your window in the evening, and not like a swarm or never-ending nightmare like other parts of the world (I’m looking at you, Cancun). If you’re in a place where the windows shut completely or have screens, you’ll probably never even see a mosquito during your trip.

Even so, from all the research and accounts I’ve read, the mosquitoes here don’t pose a significant risk of communicable diseases… That is something more common on the coast or in the jungle. Those types of diseases in Medellin aren’t a worry thanks to its climate and altitude.

Here’s the CDC malaria map for Colombia , you’ll notice there is NO known risk in the entire area surrounding Medellin.

Don’t Drink the Water?

If there is one thing almost every traveler has heard about traveling to Latin America, it’s that you should NEVER drink the water because you will undoubtedly get sick. Having traveled through virtually all of Latin America myself, this is definitely a good rule of thumb.

But that’s just not true in Medellin. The water quality in Medellin is excellent and is one of the few destinations in Colombia where you CAN actually drink the water without concern.

I drink the water all the time, I drank the water when I first got here, and I’ve never had any problems. The tap water in the city is totally safe and quite good unless you are staying in some supremely run-down place with questionable pipes.

Ditch the plastic bottles or water bags for a while and drink the local water… It’s the rest of Colombia where you gotta be cautious. While traveling throughout Colombia and the rest of Latin America, I do keep on hand a small ultraviolet purification device called a Steripen which works great.

How to Handle Your Pesos

Cash is king here in Colombia, so you better get used to handling the Colombian Peso. A few helpful notes: the exchange rate has been around 4,400 pesos per $1 USD. Quick and dirty conversions can be done by dropping three zeros and dividing by three. So 50,000 pesos gives us 50/4, or about $12.

The rate has been getting even better lately, but I still do the above back-of-the-napkin calculations… But prices are actually even cheaper for you in the end! The current official rate for 50,000 is about $11.30 USD.

Money in Colombia

Paper bills are most commonly seen in denominations between 2,000 and 50,000 pesos. Keep in mind that 50,000 peso bills can be difficult to break in most small stores or with small merchants (even with taxi drivers). For one thousand and below, you’re likely to see coins (there is a 1,000 peso note, but it is increasingly rare).

Scams in Medellin

Overcharging or gouging tourists here in Medellin is NOT very common. I’d say that it’s rare, actually. As someone who has lived here for so long, I know prices, and I honestly never see any attempts to overcharge on the street. On the contrary, most local merchants here are overwhelmingly honest and will give you back money even if you accidentally overpay.

When people talk about “gringo prices” here in Medellin, they are generally referring to things like renting apartments or other things more associated with ex-pat life, which can be difficult and thus are made easier for foreigners by charging more.

The one group to watch out for is taxi drivers. They have a bad reputation all over the world, same for Medellin. Thankfully, there are taxi meters here in Colombia that display the price (unlike in other big cities in Colombia), and you can generally tell pretty easily if you are getting the run around in terms of the drive since the majority of most routes have to stick to the few main roads (the Regional, Las Vegas, Av. Poblado, etc).

If you are scammed in Medellin it will most likely be by a taxi driver. A good practice is to always pay with exact change (or as close as possible). If you have to pay with a big bill like the 50,000 peso note, try to get into the practice of holding it up to the light and acting like you are examining the bill before handing it over.

The most common scam is a quick switch of a legitimate bill with an obvious fake… Then they play nice guy showing you that you must have been duped, what is wrong with the bill, and how to avoid problems. Then they hand you the fake (when you really gave them a legit bill) and they get another big bill off of you for payment.

ATMs in Medellin

The best practice is to only withdraw money from ATMs inside big box stores or malls. It is best to avoid withdrawing money from the street. Malls are everywhere here, so it is pretty easy.

When you do so, be sure to withdraw a small amount from the ATM rather than carrying around big wads of cash. You get hit with ATM withdrawal fees each time, so that’s why I recommend a bank that will reimburse you for all external ATM withdrawal fees. I use Charles Schwab .

Withdrawing money on the street or taking out big wads of cash is an invitation to problems with robbers. I usually go to the mall, withdraw cash first thing, then wander around for a while.

Anytime you go to larger restaurants, major stores, or bigger hostels/hotels, you should be able to use a travel credit card rather than cash. Do this whenever you can to reserve your cash, just be sure that your credit card has no foreign transaction fees.

Read more about travel banking fundamentals and how I handle money.

Locals Hate Vice Tourism

I wish this one didn’t even have to be said, but there is an ever-growing amount of vice tourism here in Colombia, especially among people traveling to Medellin (when compared to Cartagena or Bogota , for instance).

This vice tourism is mainly from two groups: young dudes who want to engage in drug tourism and old dudes who want to engage in sex tourism. You can skip this section if it doesn’t apply to you.

It’s true that drugs can be cheap and readily found in Medellin, but they are not exactly legal here. Some people even go on tours to cocaine processing facilities, which is just a terrible idea. Prostitution, on the other hand, is actually legal here.

Regardless, both groups of vice tourists are generating increasing bad will or outrage by the locals. There are even public campaigns and signs around town lashing out against both. If you’re in one of those groups of people, you are better off staying at home because they don’t want you here.

First of all, if drugs or prostitutes are your primary motivation for travel, that’s pretty lame, to be honest. Medellin (and Colombia) has so much to offer and it goes well beyond those stereotypes.

Second, know that by doing so, you will dramatically increase your odds of running into big problems here in terms of getting ripped off, robbed, drugged, or even killed (the few foreigners killed here in Medellin are like 90% linked with drug or sex tourism, while the other 10% is resisting a robbery).

Scopolamine druggings (pretty much the most terrifying thing ever ) are almost entirely linked to both, although it does also happen while just out having drinks (so never leave your drink unattended).

Third, you give a terrible name to other travelers by doing this stuff. Honestly, I didn’t like Medellin much at first because I was surrounded by a bunch of these horrible tourists like the Russian chick who blew a hole in her nasal passage from doing too much cocaine in Medellin, or the American dude whose afternoon ritual was to go to the whorehouse before hanging out at the bar all night drinking dollar beers (the last part ain’t bad).

Once I got out of that shared living situation and started seeing more of the “real” Medellin, my opinion of the city changed almost instantly.

Look, if what you are wanting to do is illegal in your home country and something you don’t normally do, then Medellin is not the place to do it and certainly not the place to start. This isn’t Thailand or Amsterdam, stuff happens here, seriously.

Medellin is not a huge city, physically speaking… But there are nearly three million people crammed into the Valle of Aburra. The size of the city would suggest that you don’t really need to focus highly on trying to coordinate or optimize your visits to different parts of town because you should be able to easily go back or get around the city.

That’s kind of a mistake though, because while the city isn’t big, traffic here is terrible, particularly during rush hour. If you’re going to go explore El Centro or Envigado or wherever you should try to plan a solid itinerary to pack in everything you can in an individual place.

If you’re going by Uber or taxi and you get caught in the morning or early evening traffic, you can expect massive delays. The shape of the valley here and the general infrastructure basically funnels all the traffic into a north-south pattern along just a few roads. Traffic is only growing worse each year.

You’re better off taking public transport like the metro, although if you go at rush hour, you should expect tons of people and an almost sardine-like experience. Be sure to watch your pockets and belongings in those situations — pickpockets aren’t super common, but those are the situations to watch out for.

There are a ton of things to do in Medellin , so you shouldn’t be left bored, even if that just means exploring the many awesome restaurants and cafes. But if you’re looking for a more logical way to coordinate your activities, check out my suggested itinerary for 3 days in Medellin .

Organized Tours

I’d also encourage you to do a few organized tours in Medellin to give you a better perspective on the history and culture of this city. A few top choices are:

Medellin Free Walking Tour in El Centro
Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour
Barrio Transformation Tour
Exotic Fruits Tour

Pablo Escobar Tours

The one tour that you should not do, please, is the infamous Medellin Pablo Escobar tour … Locals hate Pablo and are growing ever more irritated with the tourists flocking to Medellin because of Pablo and the Narcos series on Netflix.

He was a terrorist and patronizing these types of tours only serves to glorify a hated man. You would never go on a Hitler tour so you can take happy selfies at his grave, so I’m not sure why people take Pablo tours in Medellin… Read more about this touchy and complicated subject .

Instead of a Pablo tour, maybe check out one of these other top Medellin tours instead? There are so many options that are much better!

Read more about the best Medellin tours .

Is Medellin Safe?

Medellin is a long way gone from the bad ol’ days of Pablo Escobar, FARC, kidnappings, and all the terrible ways it made the news in the 90s. I’m sure your parents almost fainted and your family told you that you were nuts when you said you were going to Colombia.

Look, things aren’t perfect here, but the bottom line is that Medellin is more or less safe.

Mas o menos…

Bombings and kidnappings and all that is long gone and not of concern, today the main concern is street safety and the potential for robbery.

That type of thing is honestly a concern here, but not overwhelmingly so… It is basically the same throughout all of Latin America. If you’ve traveled to any big Latin American city, you probably know the drill, but let’s rehash.

Safety Precautions in Medellin

Be very careful about showing valuables on the street, especially cell phones. This also applies while in taxis, as mentioned earlier. Cell phones are the biggest targets for thieves who are known to rob at gunpoint for a cell.
Never, ever resist a robbery. Give them what they want. Not doing so is what causes tourists to get killed here .
Be very cautious of motorcycles, they are most likely to rob you, rather than some guy on foot. Be especially cautious of two men on one motorcycle.
Don’t walk around in unfamiliar areas after dark, particularly if there is light foot traffic. Walking back drunk is also a recipe for trouble. This is what they call “dando papaya” or giving Papaya which is basically an invitation for someone to rob you — more on that in a second.
Unlike the US, it isn’t as simple as saying “avoid the bad neighborhoods” because you are actually probably more likely to get robbed as a tourist in Poblado rather than in El Centro — El Centro has higher crime figures overall, but Poblado is a popular target because that’s where the “rich people” are. To date, the only robbery I’ve witnessed here was on the corner of Parque Lleras at midday on a Sunday.
Don’t carry around more money than you need for the day.
Use ATMs only inside large malls or big box stores — avoid taking cash out from ATMs on the street. Take out small amounts of money rather than big withdrawals.

Colombia may not be the best destination for someone entirely new to Latin America, but if you are a bit streetwise and exercise common sense, you’re not likely to become a victim. Indeed, it is rare that something happens.

No Dar Papaya

In Colombia, they have a saying “No Dar Papaya” which means don’t give papaya… Basically, they are trying to say, never offer up papaya (which is anything, really, a cell phone, money, etc) because someone will take papaya if it is “offered” to them.

This is a bit of victim-blaming, unfortunately, but it is ingrained into Colombian life. Never Dar Papaya, else you make yourself an easy mark and a likely target for robbery. It’s better to always lean toward the cautious side here in Medellin or throughout Colombia.

On the whole, people here are very nice, honest, friendly, and want to make sure you have a good time, just don’t provide a window of opportunity to the bad apples that might be out there.

There is still a lot of poverty and huge economic inequality here… Just imagine, the price of the cell phone you are carrying in your pocket is basically a few months of income at minimum wage here (~$250/month for 48 hours of work per week).

Solo Female Travel

Obviously, this is a tricky thing for me as a guy to talk about, so I’ll refer you to this post about solo female travel in Colombia by Adventurous Kate .

I think she gets things mostly right in her article although there does seem to be some outdated or misguided things like the discussion of walking alone after dark as a woman (guys have the same concern since the bad things here are robberies, not sexual assault), or the whole “don’t travel by bus between places,” or “don’t travel by bus at night” thing. Although if your local knowledge and travel experience level is low, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to follow her more conservative advice.

I can speak a little bit about my perspective for female travelers here based on so much time living here, all that I’ve seen on the streets, talking with fellow travelers, and based on the perspective of my girlfriend who is a local Paisa…

Street Harassment: This is something that is generally quite rare. Men here will not hesitate to get a good, long look if they like what they see (leering), but I rarely see things escalate to even the catcall level. Not saying it doesn’t happen, but it happens way less than in places like Italy, for example. From my perspective as a Seattlite, the whole leering thing in Colombia borders on creepy, but what is acceptable differs from culture to culture.

Colombians speak much more affectionately than most may be accustomed to, so don’t mistake “ mi amor ” from the taxi driver as flirting… That’s just how many speak to women in general, whether it is an older lady or an attractive young woman. I can be sitting there right beside my girlfriend and locals will use terms of endearment like that (which at first struck me as weird). It’s no different than old ladies calling younger guys “ mijo ”.

Kisses on the cheek between men and women (or women and women, just not between men and men like Argentina), even among people that don’t know each other very well, are also super common. If you ever go to a family event, expect to kiss like a thousand tias on the cheek.

Purses: I would strongly recommend against using a purse at all here, especially the cross-body type. Just put your spending money for the day in your pocket (even get a money clip) as well as your cell phone. Purses can be easy targets for those motorcycle thieves and a grab-and-go theft (which can throw the victim to the ground, causing injuries) is not unheard of.

Travel Insurance for Medellin

I’ve personally never been the victim of a robbery, theft, or any violent crime in Medellin, and that’s after a number of years here and many instances where I was giving papaya (according to my girlfriend). My girlfriend, on the other hand, has firsthand experience this sort of insecurity a few times, but that’s with a lifetime living here.

In any case, it is a very good idea to purchase travel insurance for Colombia and Medellin in order to protect yourself against not just theft, but also illness and injury. I use and recommend World Nomads , and would encourage you to protect yourself while in Colombia, just in case. It’s cheap and offers peace of mind.

Traveling to Medellin?

In any case, I hope these comprehensive travel tips and this guide help you better understand the ins and outs of traveling to Medellin. It is truly a pretty incredible place, I’m excited that you’ve chosen to travel here, and I hope that I’ve helped you get a little more out of your trip.

Traveling to Medellin soon? Be sure to book your lodging today on Booking.com to save. Don’t forget to purchase your travel insurance to protect against illness, injury, and theft. I use and recommend World Nomads .

Did you enjoy this post about things to know when traveling to Medellin? Please take a second to share it on Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter. Thanks!

Colombia Travel Tips

Important tips and resources for planning an amazing trip to Colombia, based on my years of traveling and living in Colombia.

Colombia Trip Planning

Lonely Planet Colombia
Momondo Flight Search
ViaHero Itinerary Planning
Booking.com
SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Get Your Guide Tours

Instructions

Book a cheap fligh t to Colombia with Momondo , or better yet, start travel hacking so you can fly for free. Traveling between major cities is much better by flying, trust me.
Plan a rough itinerary and how long you will spend at each destination. Use an itinerary planning service for custom recommendations and pick up Lonely Planet Colombia .
Work a little every day to teach yourself Spanish , you'll want to know as much as possible before you arrive.
Book cheap accommodation in advance, at least for the first destinations -- For hostels use: Booking , for cheap hotels use: Hotels.com , for apartments use: Airbnb .
Reserve your on the ground tours and activities through Get Your Guide .
Purchase travel insurance for Colombia with SafetyWing to protect yourself from illness, injury, and theft while in Colombia. VERY important. And be sure to read my article: " Is Colombia Safe? " for my honest opinion and safety tips.
Sign up for my free emails about planning a better trip to Colombia, and be sure to check out my comprehensive guide about traveling to Colombia .
Learn more money-saving tricks with my top budget travel tips .
Put together your Colombia packing list .
Enjoy this incredible country!

I hope this helped you plan your travels in Colombia! I know it can be a struggle to find accurate and on the ground information when traveling to a new place like Colombia, which is why I started writing so extensively about it!

If you have any questions about Colombia, budget travel, or anything else shoot me an email at [email protected].

(I love getting questions! That is how I get ideas for my blog posts and what to write about!)

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Ryan, Awesome article. You are a life-saver.

Work and travel USA

Te asesoramos, programa work and travel usa.

El programa Work & Travel ofrece a los empleadores de los Estados Unidos la capacidad de adquirir personal adicional para cubrir puestos temporales en las zonas de alto turismo en Estados Unidos.

Te ayudamos programa Work and Travel USA Agentes disponibles

301 283 9481

Te asesoramos con el programa Work and Travel EE UU

Lo que tiene que ser del programa work and travel.

Work and travel USA es un programa oficial de intercambio que cada año permite a miles de estudiantes de distintas nacionalidades realizar una experiencia laboral en Estados Unidos

Este programa te permitirá conocer el estilo de vida estadounidense, a través de un trabajo temporáneo, tiene una duración de hasta 4 meses con opción de un mes más de viaje.

La mayor oferta de puestos de trabajo se concentra en el sector de servicios, como en áreas de hotelería y turismo .

Es ideal para quienes deseen experimentar unas vacaciones diferentes, interactuar con otra cultura e incrementar el dominio del idioma inglés .

Conoce el Proceso Work and Travel USA

Te mostramos los pasos para iniciar el proeso del programa Work and Travel USA

Se inicia con el pago de la Inscripción de $100USD (el valor de la inscripción no es reembolsable)
Debes enviarnos carta de presentación y hoja de vida estos dos documentos se envían a nuestra agencia sponsor en USA.
Luego se debe programar una entrevista con la agencia sponsor esta la hacen para verificar tu nivel de idioma, perfil, idoneidad e interés.
Posterior a esta entrevista se debe hacer un pago equivalente al 30% del valor total del programa. (Este valor es reembolsable si la visa es negada, pero no hay reembolso si se desiste del proceso)
Posteriormente la Agencia sponsor en USA se encarga de hacer el proceso para postularte dentro de las organizaciones con un posible empleador, hasta tener uno que le interese tú hoja de vida y perfil, luego se hace el proceso de entrevistas para que definitivamente te elijan o buscar un siguiente empleador así hasta que seas elegido (a) y contratado.
Posterior a ser elegido por una organización u empleador se debe hacer un pago equivalente al 70% restante del valor total del programa. (Este valor es reembolsable si la visa es negada, pero no hay reembolso si se desiste del proceso)
Luego se deben alistar los documentos pertinentes para realizar el proceso de visado.
Posteriormente hacemos la orientación y capacitación para el proceso de viaje.

Te asesoramos | programa Internship & Training USA Agentes disponibles 301 283 9481

Información adicional del programa Work and Travel USA

Tener entre 18 a 28 años.
Ser estudiante de un programa académico de educación superior.
Disponibilidad de fechas para viaje según el programa y la categoría seleccionada.
Nivel de inglés B1 como mínimo.
Capacidad y confianza en un ambiente de trabajo de habla inglesa.
Tiempo y Recursos disponibles
Atención al cliente.
Habilidades comunicativas
Relaciones públicas y marketing
Gestión de recursos humanos
Servicio de alimentos y bebidas
Gestión de eventos
Marketing digital
Gestión de proceso
Comportamiento organizacional
Nutrición y dietética

El programa podrá ser realizado por todos aquellos estudiantes inscritos en un programa profesional, que actualmente estén estudiando un PREGRADO ó POSGRADO y que al momento de realizar proceso puedan presentar una carta de la institución donde estudian que respalde su inscripción al siguiente semestre.

Para participar en el programa la visa requerida es J1, para solicitarla, el participante debe estar Inscrito a una Organización Sponsor Internacional en EE. UU y haber sido aceptado por la misma .

La mayor oferta de puestos de trabajo se concentra en el sector de servicios, como en áreas de hotelería, turismo y parques de diversiones

Podrá ser ofrecido por el empleador, no es obligatorio aceptarlo a menos que sea una condición explícita para el empleo, en caso contrario el participante podrá entonces buscar su propia vivienda y deberá pagar el valor mensual del arriendo a quien le brinda el servicio.

Como organización no ofrecemos el servicio de ubicación de vivienda, los empleadores informan en la oferta de trabajo si está o no disponible este servicio, en caso contrario el participante deberá ubicar por su cuenta la vivienda en USA.

Es cundo la agencia sponsor gestiona ante los diferentes empleadores la emisión de una oferta laboral en EE. UU para que el participante tenga la posibilidad de postularse, obtener una entrevista y ser escogido.

El participante ubica su propio empleo antes de viajar a los EE. UU y posteriormente necesita la ayuda de una agencia sponsor para la gestión de los documentos y asesoría para la obtención de la visa

Conoce Nuestros Aliados

Por mas de 10 años hemos trabajado de la mano con aliados, aqui te mostraremos algunos

Estudia y trabaja en el exterior CUMPLE TUS SUEÑOS EN EL EXTERIOR

Estudiar en el exterior brinda una experiencia única de crecimiento personal y académico. Permite sumergirse en nuevas culturas, ampliar horizontes, desarrollar habilidades interculturales y establecer redes globales. Además, se accede a programas educativos de renombre internacional y se aumentan las oportunidades laborales y el enriquecimiento cultural.

Somos una organización no gubernamental líder en programas de intercambio y estudios para jóvenes colombianos que desean vivir, estudiar y trabajar en el exterior como parte de sus proyecciones personales y profesionales.

Destinos Demi - Au Pair

Au Pair Alemania
Au Pair EE UU
Au Pair Holanda
Au Pair Bélgica
Au Pair Austría
Demi Au Pair Nueva Zelanda
Au Pair Irlandia
Au Pair Australia

Intercambios

Internship & Training USA
Internship & Training España
Internship & Training Argentina
Work and Travel USA
Work and Travel Argentina
Programa Teach USA
Voluntariados – STEP

Programas High School

High School EE UU
High School Francia
High School Bélgica
High School Agentina

Estudios en el Exterior

[email protected]
+57 301 2839481 - 316 744 4164
Kr 11 # 71 – 41 Oficina 601

Work and travel EE UU

El programa USA Work and Travel, tiene como objeto el intercambio cultural en los Estados Unidos, permitiéndole a estudiantes universitarios, viajar durante el período de vacaciones de verano (mayo -agosto) mientras trabajan legalmente en el exterior. El programa Work & Travel ofrece a los empleadores de los Estados Unidos la capacidad de adquirir personal adicional para cubrir puestos temporales en las zonas de alto turismo en Estados Unidos.

Work and travel USA es un programa oficial de intercambio que cada año permite a miles de estudiantes de distintas nacionalidades realizar una experiencia laboral en Estados Unidos

Este programa te permitirá conocer el estilo de vida estadounidense, a través de un trabajo temporáneo, tiene una duración de hasta 4 meses con opción de un mes más de viaje.

La mayor oferta de puestos de trabajo se concentra en el sector de servicios, como en áreas de hotelería y turismo.

Es ideal para quienes deseen experimentar unas vacaciones diferentes, interactuar con otra cultura e incrementar el dominio del idioma inglés.

Proceso Work and Travel USA

Se inicia con el pago de la Inscripción de $100USD (el valor de la inscripción no es reembolsable)
Debes enviarnos carta de presentación y hoja de vida estos dos documentos se envían a nuestra agencia sponsor en USA.
Luego se debe programar una entrevista con la agencia sponsor esta la hacen para verificar tu nivel de idioma, perfil, idoneidad e interés.
Posterior a esta entrevista se debe hacer un pago equivalente al 30% del valor total del programa. (Este valor es reembolsable si la visa es negada, pero no hay reembolso si se desiste del proceso)
Posteriormente la Agencia sponsor en USA se encarga de hacer el proceso para postularte dentro de las organizaciones con un posible empleador, hasta tener uno que le interese tú hoja de vida y perfil, luego se hace el proceso de entrevistas para que definitivamente te elijan o buscar un siguiente empleador así hasta que seas elegido (a) y contratado.
Posterior a ser elegido por una organización u empleador se debe hacer un pago equivalente al 70% restante del valor total del programa. (Este valor es reembolsable si la visa es negada, pero no hay reembolso si se desiste del proceso)
Luego se deben alistar los documentos pertinentes para realizar el proceso de visado.
Posteriormente hacemos la orientación y capacitación para el proceso de viaje.

Información Adicional del Programa

HABILIDADES
FORMACIÓN ACADEMICA
Alojamiento
Tener entre 18 a 28 años.
Ser estudiante de un programa académico de educación superior.
Disponibilidad de fechas para viaje según el programa y la categoría seleccionada.
Nivel de inglés B1 como mínimo.
Capacidad y confianza en un ambiente de trabajo de habla inglesa.
Tiempo y Recursos disponibles.
Atención al cliente.
Habilidades comunicativas
Relaciones públicas y marketing
Gestión de recursos humanos
Servicio de alimentos y bebidas
Gestión de eventos
Marketing digital
Gestión de proceso
Comportamiento organizacional
Nutrición y dietética

Para participar en el programa la visa requerida es J1, para solicitarla, el participante debe estar Inscrito a una Organización Sponsor Internacional en EE. UU y haber sido aceptado por la misma .

____________________________

La mayor oferta de puestos de trabajo se concentra en el sector de servicios, como en áreas de hotelería, turismo y parques de diversiones

Categoría asistida
Categoría independiente

IMAGES

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COMMENTS

Work and Travel in Colombia
VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR COLOMBIA. Most Westerners are able to enter Colombians for 90 days without a visa, including all EU countries, Russia, as well as other South Americans, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. South Africans, though, will require a visa even to visit as a tourist. However, visa-free entry doesn't ...
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El programa de Work and Travel USA le permite a los estudiantes Colombianos participar entre el 1 de mayo y el 30 de agosto, tiempo en el cual podrán trabajar legalmente en diferentes lugares de los EEUU y en empresas tales como parques acuáticos, parques de diversiones, resorts, hoteles, restaurantes, etc. Los estudiantes que participan en ...
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Colombia. Alongside being considered one of the best budget-friendly travel destinations in the Americas, Colombia is home to 10% of the Amazon rainforest, the start of the Andes Mountain Range, vibrant cities such as Bogota and Medellín and of course, Colombians - some of the warmest locals you will ever meet.
Programa
Tener una oferta laboral remunerada entre $10 a $14 USD por hora y un mínimo de 32 horas a la semana. 30 días adicionales para turismo en Estados Unidos al finalizar tu programa de Work and Travel. Conocerás nuevas personas y harás amigos de diferentes culturas y países. Puedes tener la opción de tener un segundo empleo, mientras no ...
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Diego Arroyo - Estudiante participante de Work and Travel usa con ISC Colombia. WORK AND TRAVEL USA. VIAJA, VIVE Y NO PARES DE SOÑAR. Alista tu maleta y prepárate para vivir una experiencia inolvidable. Tenemos más de 1.200 ofertas de trabajo en los mejores destinos de los Estados Unidos. Trabaja en Hoteles, Parques de Diversiones, Parques ...
Work and Travel Colombia
5 good reasons why a stay abroad in Colombia is something very special: 1. The crystal clear water. Whether Cartagena, Taganga or Santa Marta: enjoy the beautiful Caribbean Sea and the long beaches. A stay abroad in Colombia means that you can soak up the sun every day, swim and dive, or simply relax on the beach.
Quienes Somos
Nuestra Visión. En el ámbito nacional e internacional, la Asociación Work and Travel Culture Exchange Au Pair, para el año 2045, será reconocida como una prestigiosa entidad promotora y gestora de los intercambios culturales en Colombia, primera en apoyar a jóvenes de escasos recursos.
Programa Work & Travel USA.
Work & Travel USA es un programa oficial de intercambio que cada año permite a miles de estudiantes de distintas nacionalidades realizar una experiencia laboral en Estados Unidos a través de un campamento de verano (en vacaciones de mitad de año). Te permitirá conocer el estilo de vida y cultura norteamericana, a través de un trabajo ...
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Discover & join the best real-world travel experiences at the world's leading work & travel store. Work, Study, Tour, Fly + more! ... Colombia Uncovered. 18-100 y/o. 12 days. 0. Straight from the 'gram. rysys_world_tour. ethanharwood80. fivefootronna. timizle. laura_tierney98. chloegill30. aime_parker.
Work permits and visas in Colombia: an employer's guide
Colombia has a digital nomad visa called the Working Holiday (WHV) visa for employees who want to travel and work in Colombia for a brief period. Individuals who possess a WHV can legally live in Colombia for one year while continuing to work for their employer (or themselves). The one year period begins as soon as the individual's visa is ...
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Medellin and Bogota, the best cities for digital nomads. Medellin, Colombia, awarded in 2013 as "Innovative City of the Year" by The Wall Street Journal, is well known for its warm climate , beautiful mountains, lush nature, great transport system, low cost of living and unique culture. It's also known for its coworking areas and ...
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Job market in Colombia. Due to the increase in tourism in the country and an increasing emphasis on locals learning English, a great many expats in Colombia work as English-language teachers. These jobs are plentiful and are relatively easy to secure for native speakers. Teachers can work in government-sponsored programmes, in language schools ...
Work & Travel USA
Work & Travel USA is a cultural exchange program that allows university or tertiary students to learn about the American way of life through paid temporary work while perfectioning their English and meeting other young university students from all around the world. Duration: 3 or 4 months Departure date: December every year The largest job offer in the Work and Travel USA program focuses on ...
SEP Colombia
Vas a practicar y mejorar tu nivel de inglés conviviendo diariamente con personas de todo el mundo y nativos americanos. Vivirás experiencias increíbles y tendrás en tu hoja de vida experiencia laboral en el exterior que te ayudará a abrir puertas en grandes empresas o multinacionales.
Work and Travel USA
Con Work and Travel trabaja durante tus vacaciones de mitad de año. Elige tu oferta laboral libremente. ... Orientación y acompañamiento de tu proceso en Colombia y en Estados Unidos. Costo de transferencias internacionales para el pago de tu programa. El programa no incluye. Cita con la Embajada Americana: USD $185.
Top Tips for Foreigners Looking for Work in Colombia
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Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
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A scanned copy of a valid passport or travel document; A scanned copy of the entry stamp to Colombia, and copies of any previously held Colombian visas; Two recent 3×3 photographs, facing the camera, in color and against a white background ... Get a remote job and work from Colombia . To work remotely from Colombia, you will need a suitable ...
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Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to: Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism. The Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, and risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and ...
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Conoce el Proceso Work and Travel USA. Te mostramos los pasos para iniciar el proeso del programa Work and Travel USA. Se inicia con el pago de la Inscripción de $100USD (el valor de la inscripción no es reembolsable) Debes enviarnos carta de presentación y hoja de vida estos dos documentos se envían a nuestra agencia sponsor en USA. Luego ...
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Work and Travel in Colombia

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR COLOMBIA

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN COLOMBIA

SUMMER JOBS

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN COLOMBIA

Recent Contributors

Work and travel the world using your skills to gain work experience and references for a good job back home

Work and Travel USA

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Contar con la edad requerida

Tener el nivel de inglés necesario

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+57-300-7854951

¿Qué incluye?

Oferta de empleo

Certificado DS – 2019

Solicitud de visa J1

Preparación del viaje

Seguro médico

Registro en SEVIS

Pasos para iniciar mi programa

Si te inscribiste y pasaste la entrevista, prepárate para iniciar tu aventura.

Work and Travel Colombia

Unlock New Career Opportunities with Work and Travel Colombia.

Experience Colombian Culture and Improve Your Language Skills with Work and Travel.

Live Like a Local: The Benefits of Work and Travel Programs in Colombia.

Gain Valuable Work Experience Abroad with Work and Travel Colombia.

Enhance Your Resume with International Work Experience in Colombia.

Discover the beauty of Colombia: A must-visit destination for tourist

Make Lifelong Connections and Expand Your Network with Work and Travel Colombia

Improve Your Language Skills and Enhance Your Cultural Competency with Work and Travel Colombia

Experience the Beauty and Diversity of Colombia with Work and Travel

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Reino Unido

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¿Interesado en la Visa J1 Work and Travel?

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Work and travel Colombia opiniones

WORK AND TRAVEL USA

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