09 Jan The Best Apps & Websites for Traveling in Colombia
Looking for resources to help make your trip through Colombia seamless? I recommend downloading and bookmarking the following best apps and websites for traveling in Colombia. These are perfect for planning, finding cool destinations, communication, and on the go needs.
*This post includes affiliate links and I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. By using my links you’re merely supporting what I love to do: write this blog! I only recommend products/companies that I use myself all the time.
Uber
In most places you’ll need to rely on local taxis but in bigger cities like Bogota and Medellin, Uber is a super convenient way to get you around.
Download Uber here
Google Translate
While in Colombia, practice your Spanish! Some locals may know English, however most of the time that won’t be the case and it’s best not to assume. Plus, attempting to speak the country’s language is always the respectful thing to do while traveling and locals appreciate the effort.
Google Translate can help you. My favorite features of this app are the ability to speak into the microphone to translate, the camera scan option (useful for documents, signs, etc.) and the ability to download a chosen language so you can translate offline even when you don’t have WiFi or data.
Download Google Translate here
Currency App
The Currency app is an easy way to check prices in your home currency and works offline. XE Currency is also a great option.
Download the Currency App here
Rome2Rio
Coordinating travel through Colombia is made easy with Rome2Rio which can tell you all the modes of transportation available to take to your destination. For example, if I wanted to take a bus from Santa Marta to Medellin, Rome2Rio could give me a list of bus companies I can purchase a ticket through. The time tables aren’t 100% accurate but you can always click on the provided websites to double check.
Search Rome2Rio here | Download the app here.
Skyscanner & Google flights
With little luggage, flights throughout Colombia can be pretty affordable and sometimes worth it to skip long bus rides.
Search on Skyscanner here | Search Google Flights here
BusBud
If you do happen to take buses in Colombia rather than flying, then BusBud is a really great platform to make the booking process simple. The platform is all in English, which makes reservations easy for tourists, and you can compare various bus companies available.
Use BusBud here
Rappi
Rappi is the local food delivery app which operates the same as UberEats and Doordash. You can order food, coffee, groceries, and pharmaceutical items through the app. If you’re staying in Colombia awhile and order frequently, I suggest signing up for Rappi Prime which is 30,000 COP (~ $7 USD) a month and includes unlimited orders without delivery fees. I’m warning you though – it’s dangerously addicting!
Download Rappi here
Hostelworld
If you’re not already hip, Hostelworld is a great app and website to find cheap accommodation and dorm style hostels for backpackers, solo, and/or budget travelers. You’ll find lots of hostel options in Colombia which is a backpacker favorite destination.
Search Hostelworld here | Download Hostelworld here.
Booking.com
I love Booking.com because to me it’s the all-rounder accommodation search website. You’ll find hostels, hotels, and sometimes even Airbnb-type listings. Unlike Hostelworld and Airbnb though, Booking.com often offers free cancellations (double check on every reservation) which means you don’t have to swallow money when plans change.
Search Booking.com here | Download the app here
Airbnb
If you’re looking for unique stays or long-term accommodation then Airbnb is the perfect website to search.
Search Airbnb here | Download the app here
TravelSpend
Keep track of your spending and stay on your backpacking budget by inputting all your expenses into TravelSpend. Not only will the app automatically convert currencies and keep record of spending, it will also tell you how much is available to spend per day in order to stay on your goal budget. This is super, super helpful for those long trips.
Download TravelSpend here
Get your guide
If you’re looking for day tours, GetYourGuide is a great starting point for all kinds of activities whether it be in nature, a city tour, or cooking class.
Search on GetYourGuide here | Download the app here
Google Maps
Google Maps is amazing not only for figuring out which direction to walk, but for navigating public transportation. I also suggest downloading offline maps so you can use it when you don’t have data or WiFi.
Download Google Maps here
Call and text family and friends back at home for free using WhatsApp. It’s also great to keep in contact with friends you meet from around the world. As a long term traveler, WhatsApp is my permanent and main source of communication!
Download WhatsApp here
Another way to keep in contact with those you meet while traveling is through Instagram. In fact almost every time you meet someone in passing while at a hostel, I guarantee they’ll ask for you IG! Instagram is also a great resource to find destinations in Colombia.
Download Instagram here
And make sure to follow me @carolinerosetravel
Tik Tok & Pinterest
Tik Tok & Pinterest are also great ways to find destinations in Mexico utilizing their search bar. I also love using Tik Tok in other countries because you’ll see a shift in your FYP and may get to enjoy some local humor.
Download Tik Tok here
and follow me @carolinerosetravel
Download Pinterest here
and follow me @carolinerosetravel
Facebook groups
FB Groups are amazing for asking questions, networking, and for staying up to date with what’s going on in Colombia.
You can always search on your own the name of a country or city followed by keywords like ‘travel’ or ‘digital nomad’ then Facebook will produce a list of groups. In Colombia, some popular ones are Digital Nomads in Medellin and Backpackers Colombia.
My blog!
Check out my blog posts for Colombia. Especially in my destination guides, I really go in depth for everything you need to visit including how to get there, things to do, where to stay, transportation available and all the links you need.
Did I miss something? If you have a favorite app or website you’ve used to while traveling in Colombia, let me know in the comments!
More Resources for Your Trip to Colombia
Planning your own trip? Here’s some resources I used to book and coordinate my itinerary through Colombia along with some recommendations:
Hostels
If you’re a budget traveler or looking for an easy way to meet others, Hostelworld is the best place to search. Below are some of my recommendations, click to search for availability!
- Medellin: Hostel Rango Boutique OR Los Patios
- Cartagena: Life is Good Hostel
- Santa Marta: Viajero
- Minca: Mundo Nuevo Eco Lodge OR Masaya Casas Viejas
- Salento: Coffee Tree Boutique
- Bogota: Cranky Croc Hostel
- Cali: Viajero Hostel & Salsa School
- Palomino: Casa Chapolin
Hotels
Booking.com is the way to go when search for hotels in Colombia because they typically offer free cancellation with plenty of affordable to more luxurious stays.
Flights
Flights to Colombia from the U.S. are typically the most affordable in South America to Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, or Cali. Domestic flights within Colombia also tend to be pretty affordable especially if traveling light. To find the best deal & prices I recommend using Skyscanner.
BUSES
The easiest way to search for and book buses in Colombia is with BusBud where you can easily compare options and use a platform in English. Check it out here.
Insurance
Travel insurance is a must for every trip, especially when coming to a destination like Colombia where you may be doing adventurous activities, taking a lot of buses, and theft is a higher risk. Make sure you’re covered! My go to is always WorldNomads which has a generous coverage and is made for backpackers. You can search for coverage here. However if you’re looking for a cheaper option for travel medical emergency insurance, I suggest Safety Wing.
Tours & Experiences
There’s a lot of free thing to do in Colombia or experiences you can do on your own. I always recommend checking blog posts for inspiration. If you’re interested in tours though like a boat tour of Rosario Islands, a day trip to Guatape from Medellin, or a trek to the Lost City then I suggest checking on GetYourGuide & Viator.
Know Before You Go
Check out my Colombia Destination Page here for information on visas, health requirements, currency, outlets, and more.
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