General FAQ Questions

  1. When is the best time of the year to travel to Colombia?
  2. Is Colombia safe?
  3. Will the altitude affect me?
  4. What is the quality of transportation?
  5. Which type of accommodation you use of accommodation?
  6. How many people will be in my group?

Before Your Trip

  1. How far in advance should I book my trip?
  2. How do I pay for my trip?
  3. Do I need travel insurance?
  4. Can I obtain travel insurance with Boogaloo Travel?
  5. Can I book extra nights before or after my trip?
  6. Should I bring my electronic devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop)?

During Your Trip

  1. When should I arrive and depart?
  2. When will I meet my local leader?
  3. Which meals are included in my trip?
  4. How can I pay in Colombia?
  5. What is the best way to carry money?
  6. What is the common tipping rate in Colombia and is it included?
  7. Is the Colombian water safe to drink?

General Questions

1. When is the best time of the year to travel to Colombia?
Because of its location in the tropics, visiting Colombia is rewarding year-round. The variety of the weather makes it possible to enjoy sun and cold throughout the year. Take into consideration that high seasons, which are in January, parts of April, June, July and December, gets very busy and more expensive.

2. Is Colombia safe?
In the past, Colombia used to generate negative news. Fortunately, those times are long gone and safety in Colombia has improved significantly over the past decade years. The Government implemented a successful security strategy which sustained the peace. Today foreign investors and tourists are speeding Colombia’s rapid growth. Few regions are slower to adapt to this positive change and are therefore not listed in our itineraries. Read more about Colombia’s development as a tourist destination on International Policy Digest and Wharton.
As with all travel destinations tourists are targets of pickpockets which is why you should always take good care of your valuables and avoid exposing them in public, especially at night.

3. Will the altitude affect me?
High altitude can affect anyone and unaccustomed persons can experience altitude sickness as a result. The highest altitude you will experience in a city in  Colombia is 2.600 meters in Bogota. It is a good idea to buy altitude tablets in advance just in case!

4. What is the quality of transportation?
Taxis, local buses, most of which offer Wi-Fi, TV, toilets and reclaimable seats; occasionally buses are not equipped with toilets but there is an adequate number of bathroom stops. (Used in budget Tailor Made Trips)
Private (mini) buses with comfortable seats; no toilets, but we stop whenever is required to use the bathrooms. (Used in Adventure Travel and Tailor Made trips.

5. What is the quality of accommodation?
Selected 3 & 4 star hotels with and individual style in great locations with Wi-Fi, private bathrooms and hot water. Unique 4 & 5 star boutique hotels in the best locations, Wi-Fi, trendy restaurants.
Please note that in Tayrona Park and the Lost City Trek the unique experience of sleeping in hammocks is part of the experience as hotels are not an option in this area. Be assured that we select the best accommodation available according to you budget!

6. How many people will be in my group?
On our group trips, we have a record of minimum 4 people and a maximum of 15 people. Most of our daily trips can be done with a minimum of one and maximum of 20. Tailor Made trips can be done with as many people as you wish and a minimum of one!

Before Your Trip

1. How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend booking it with at least four weeks in advance. If you decide to book within less than four weeks before the trip begins we will do our best to fill you in the group as long as we still have space. In this case we may need to ask you to transfer the full payment of your trip at once. Be aware that last minute bookings also affect your flight prices.

2. How do I pay for my trip?
We ask for an international bank transfer of 25% of the trip costs when you book. The bank details will be provided after you start the booking process. Once we receive this initial payment we can start to make bookings and reservations. We will forward their confirmations to you. As described in the terms and conditions the remaining 75% of the trip cost are due no later than 60 days before your trip starts.

4. Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory. You must have adequate travel insurance for the entirety of your trip with Boogaloo Travel to be able to commence your trip. Please read the section ‘Insurance’ very carefully for all details.

5. Can I obtain travel insurance with Boogaloo Travel?
We don’t offer travel insurance. Previous travellers have used these websites that offer interesting deals (disclaimer: we are not associated with any of these companies).
Travel Guard
Columbus direct

6. Can I book extra nights before or after my trip?
Yes. If you would like to extend your trip to Colombia in any destination before or after your trip we can help arrange accommodation for you.

7. Should I bring my electronic devices?
You are welcome to bring your electronic devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop, camera, etc) on your trip. Wifi is easy to find throughout the country and stunning landscapes are waiting to be photographed! Most of the hotels have safe boxes in the rooms and those that don’t, offer to keep your valuables at reception.

During Your Trip

1. When should I arrive and depart?
Our pre-departure meeting is on the first evening of each trip. It is an essential event so it is important that you attend. Many of our travellers choose to arrive at least one day early in order to recover from travel fatigue after their inbound flight. With Tailor Made trips, it all depends on your time availability.

2. When will I meet my local leader?
You will meet your local leader / guide at the pre-departure meeting on the first evening of the trip. If necessary, you can contact your local leader beforehand through the hotel. Your local leader will be accompanying you during the entire trip.

3. Which meals are included in my trip?
In most of our trips, breakfast is included except during the Tayrona Park excursion and the daily trips. Breakfast, lunches and dinners during the Lost City trek and some day activities. Please refer to the Included and Not Included section in each trip page on our website for more detailed info.

4. How can I pay in Colombia?
The local currency is the Colombian Peso COP. Most stores, restaurants, bars and nightclubs accept popular credit cards (e.g. Visa, Mastercard) and debit cards (e.g. Maestro). The majority of extra activities must be paid in cash. There are ATMs in the majority of the places we’ll visit and we’ll let you know in advance if there is a location coming up that doesn’t have an ATM so you are prepared. We recommend that you inform your bank of your upcoming trip to Colombia so your card will not be blocked (a security measure of some financial institutions to prevent fraud in an unknown location). Money exchange is possible in all of the big cities and rarely in smaller towns.

5. What is the best way to carry money?
We advise you to bring one credit card and one security credit card and store them in two separate locations. Money can be withdrawn on-demand so you don’t carry excess cash. We recommend you store your cash in a money belt. Many travel gear companies offer thin models that you can hide under your clothes and some travel shops sell clothes that have secret pockets. Tourists are the primary target of pickpockets and while incidences are very rare, it can happen in any place. Please be conscious about the safety of your cash and valuables.

6. What is the common tipping rate in Colombia and is it included?
In Colombia the common tipping rate on your consumption (restaurants, taxis, etc) is 10% and it is normally not already added onto your bill.

7. Is the Colombian water safe to drink?
In some places like Bogota and Medellin the water is potable. In others, such as Cartagena it’s advisable not to drink the water. To be sure that you are healthy throughout your trip we recommend that you always purchase bottled water. You can also buy water cleansing tablets before your trip to be sure.