Updated Sunday, November 1, 2026 · By Juan Reina · Prices are estimates per person and vary by season.
Quick answer
- Budget traveler: about US$45–70 per day (hostels, local food, buses).
- Mid-range: about US$100–150 per day (3-star hotels or Airbnb, sit-down restaurants, Uber/taxis, tours).
- Luxury: US$200–300+ per day (boutique hotels in Cartagena’s Old City, private boat days).
- The catch for 2026: the peso is strong (about 3,194 per dollar on Oct 30 vs. ~5,000 in late 2022), so your dollar buys roughly a third less than a few years ago.
Daily budget by city (per person, U.S. dollars)
| City | Budget | Mid-range | Mid-range hotel/night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bogotá | $45–65 | $100–140 | $90–130 |
| Medellín | $45–65 | $95–135 | $85–125 |
| Cartagena | $55–75 | $120–170 | $120–180 |
| Santa Marta / Tayrona | $45–65 | $90–130 | $70–120 |
| San Andrés | $70–100 | $140–200 | $100–200 |
Bolsa al Día estimates from published hotel rates, travel-cost guides and local prices, converted at ~3,200 pesos per dollar. December, Holy Week and late June–July are high season.
Sample 10-day trip: Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Round-trip flight from Miami/Houston/NYC | $350–700 |
| 2 domestic flights | $120–250 |
| 9 nights lodging | $900–1,350 |
| Food and drinks | $400–600 |
| Tours (Comuna 13, Guatapé, Rosario Islands) | $150–300 |
| Local transport and airport taxis | $80–150 |
| Total | ≈ $2,000–3,350 |
Flights from the U.S.
Colombia is a short hop from the U.S.: about 2.5–3 hours from Miami or Fort Lauderdale to Medellín, Bogotá or Cartagena, with nonstops also from Houston, Atlanta, Orlando, New York and others. Shoulder months (February, April, September–November) typically have the best fares.
The exchange-rate factor: Colombia isn’t as cheap as it was
In late 2022 a dollar bought about 5,000 pesos; on Oct 30, 2026 it bought 3,194. A 200,000-peso dinner that cost $40 then costs about $63 now. Colombia is still cheaper than most U.S. destinations, but the “everything costs nothing” stories online are out of date. Read why the Colombian peso is so strong.
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Cash, cards and ATMs
- Cards are widely accepted in cities; carry cash for beaches, islands, street food and small towns.
- Use ATMs inside banks or malls; local ATMs often charge 20,000–30,000 pesos per withdrawal, plus your bank’s fee.
- Always choose to be charged in pesos, not dollars, to avoid poor dynamic currency conversion rates.
- Airport taxi reference fares (2026): Cartagena ≈ 19,500 pesos; Bogotá ≈ 78,000 pesos; Medellín (Rionegro) ≈ 117,000 pesos.
FAQ
How much does a week in Colombia cost?
Roughly $700–1,050 per person on a mid-range budget, plus international flights.
Is Colombia still cheap for Americans in 2026?
Cheaper than most U.S. destinations, but about a third pricier in dollar terms than in 2022 because the peso has strengthened.
What is the most expensive city in Colombia for tourists?
Cartagena and San Andrés, especially in December and Holy Week.
Should I bring dollars or pesos?
Most visitors withdraw pesos from ATMs and pay with cards. Bring some dollars as a backup, but expect weak exchange rates at airports.
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