Colombia Travel Health Guide

Colombia Travel Health Guide: What You Need to Know

Stay healthy during your solo trip in Colombia with our in-depth travel health guide, including important information on common health issues, vaccines, remedies, travel insurances and more. 

FAQs

Common health issues in Colombia & Remedies

Most common health issues while traveling in Colombia are diarrhea (“diarrea” in Spanish) and altitude sickness (“mal de las alturas” in Spanish).

Travel Diarrhea & Food Poisoning

Colombia is a foodie haven and it’s a great travel experience to taste all the different variations of delicious regional dishes!

If you have a sensitive stomach, like me, it’s better to observe some basic food safety guidelines, though. Personally I still get food poisoning even after 5 years of living in Colombia every now and then when I get too imprudent.

Here are my food safety tips:

  • Stick to busy food stalls and restaurants with high customer turnover. This usually means the food is fresh. Avoid buffets.
  • Avoid salads and raw vegetables, which might not be properly washed.
  • Make sure that food is served hot.
  • Avoid any meat or fish that is not fully cooked. Rare or medium done steak for me is a guarantee for falling sick. I also had issues with trout, but strangely not with ceviche.
  • Avoid unclean places where the same oil is used allover for frying.
  • Avoid ice cubes and tap water, even in places with safe tap water.

Remedies

If you already have diarrhea or are vomiting, it’s important to compensate for your electrolyte loss. Go to a local pharmacy and ask for an electrolyte drink (“suero” or “Pedialyte”). The taste is something to get used to, but “Flor de Jamaica”, “Manzana” and “Maracuya” from the brand Electrolit are not too bad. Actually mixing Electrolit Maracuya, water and a grain of salt is quite tasty and some Colombians use it to prevent hangover when drinking…

electrolyte drink - colombia travel health

Photo by Travelhapp, Electrolyte drink – Colombia travel heath

Altitude Sickness

In high altitude cities like Bogotá (2,640 meteArs) and Villa de Leyva (2,149 meters), or during mountain expeditions, you may experience altitude sickness, especially if you just arrived to Colombia. 

Altitude sickness (mal de las alturas) typically occurs at elevations above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). If you experience symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or headaches, it’s crucial to rest and, if needed and possible, descend to a lower altitude.

Here are some tips to minimize altitude sickness:

  • Allow your body to acclimatize during the first few days in high altitude regions and don’t engage in high energy activities, like hiking up steep mountains.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water!
  • Avoid heavy meals and alcohol, which can exacerbate symptoms.
 

Remedies

Coca tea is very effective for alleviating symptoms of altitude sickness. While in Colombia it is not sold in normal supermarkets like in Bolivia, you can find it in tourist-oriented shops or in shops specializing in natural remedies.

Cova leaves, coca tea Colombia

Photo by Logga Wiggler, Coca leaves (mod.)

Colds and flu

Due to the big temperature difference between day and night in cities like Bogotá, or between air-conditioned rooms and buses and the outside air, it’s not unlikely to catch a cold.

Remedies

As a remedy for almost anything Colombians recommend “aguapanela con limón” (or “agua de panela con limón”), hot sugar water with lemon. Panela is a traditional raw organic brown sugar that has been used in Colombia long before refined white sugar. You should try it no matter if you feel sick or not, because it is delicious. We love agua de panela with ginger and cinnamon (agua de panela con jengibre y canela)!

Aguapanela con limón Colombia

Photo by Travelhapp, Aguapanela with ginger, cinnamon and lemon

Mosquito Bites

In lower-altitude tropical regions, such as the Amazon and jungle or coastal areas, mosquito bites can be a concern since they can cause  illnesses such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever, zika, and chikungunya. 

Initial stage symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, muscle and back pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. While most infections are typically not life-threatening, they can cause strong discomfort and require medical attention.

To protect yourself, it’s important to take preventive measures:

  • Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants to reduce skin exposure.
  • Use a good insect repellent on exposed skin.
  • Sleep under a mosquito net.
  • Choose accommodations with air conditioning or screened windows.
  • Use malaria prevention, if you travel to malaria risk regions (e.g. Amazon, Chocó) and/or carry rescue medicine
  • Consider getting a yellow fever vaccine, if you travel to risk regions (jungle areas)

Do I need vaccination for Colombia?

Regarding necessary travel vaccines and the potential need for Malaria prophylaxis, please consult your local institute for tropical medicine before traveling to Colombia. ⁣The need for vaccinations depends, among other things, on the length of your stay and your exact travel destinations in Colombia (jungle, rural areas, etc.). 

Here are some potentially useful Colombia travel vaccines:

  • Measles-mumps-rubella (generally recommended basic vaccination)
  • Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (generally recommended basic vaccination)
  • Varicella/chickenpox (generally recommended basic vaccination)
  • Polio (generally recommended basic vaccination)
  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Yellow fever (if you’re traveling to areas below 2,300 meters/7,500 feet elevation).
    • If you are doing a round-trip involving several countries, please also check if the other countries you want to enter require you to have a yellow fever vaccination if you have been to Colombia.⁣
    • Also some National Parks in Colombia may require you to have a yellow fever vaccination.  

Sunscreen and Hydration

With Colombia’s varied climates and altitudes, sun protection and hydration are essential, especially at the coast and in high altitude regions and cities, like Bogotá. 

Here’s are some tips to stay safe:

  • Wear sunscreen: Use a high SPF (30 or higher) and reapply it when necessary, especially after swimming or sweating.
  • Drink a lot of water: In the coastal areas the heat and sun can lead to dehydration; in high altitudes the body generally needs more water. 
  • Eat and drink enough during physical activities: If you’re hiking or engaging in other physical activities, remember to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy up. 
sun screen - sun protection Colombia

Photo by Dimitris Vetsikas, Sun cream

Is tap water safe to drink in Colombia?

In many parts of Colombia it is not advisable to drink tap water. Tap water is considered safe in Bogotá, Manizales and a few other major cities. Please ask your local hosts for details. Be aware that your organism might react differently than the one of locals, so in case you notice gastrointestinal problems, better don’t continue drinking tap water, even if you are in a “safe city”.

Pharmacies and Medicines in Colombia

There are a lot of pharmacies allover Colombia, offering over-the-counter medications for common ailments like colds, headaches, or gastrointestinal issues. 

You can often even get medicines that require a prescription in other countries without any problems – for example, Levothyroxine, in case you forgot it at home. If it doesn’t work, try another pharmacy (or go to the doctor to get a prescription).

In my experience, the people working in pharmacies are not always health experts and if you have serious health concerns, I recommend to directly ask a doctor instead of the pharmacist. 

Medical Assistance & Emergencies

In case you need to see a doctor or go to a hospital, medical service in Colombia is usually good, especially in the bigger cities.⁣

Major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali have well-equipped, modern public and private hospitals and clinics, where you may even find English-speaking staff. It’s also a good idea to have a translation app on your phone to help with communication if you need to explain symptoms.

Colombia’s general emergency number is 123 for medical, police, and fire services. The one for health emergencies specifically (24h) is 125 and the one for the ambulance (24h) is 132⁣⁣.

Mental Health & Wellbeing while traveling

Traveling alone can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but it’s also completely normal to feel down at times. Jet lag, culture shock, homesickness, and moments of loneliness can affect your mood.

Finding your own strategies to cope in these situations is key. For some, it’s taking a walk; for others, it’s talking to a friend or family member, practicing mindfulness or yoga, or engaging in sports or creative activities. Prioritizing self-care while traveling is essential.

If you’re facing more significant challenges, don’t hesitate to seek support from local mental health professionals. In Colombia, private therapy may be much more affordable than in your home country. You can use platforms like Doctoralia to find psychotherapists.

I’m a trained psychologist and art therapist, as well as a member of the Colombian Art Therapy Association. If you’d like to explore how your innate creativity can support your well-being, feel free to drop me a line at arteterapia@nicoleneuberger.com.

Wellness Retreats Colombia

Photo by Eliana Reyes, Art Therapy Colombia

Health Tourism & Dental Care

Colombia has become a popular destination for health tourism, particularly for dental care and plastic surgery, due to its high-quality services at a fraction of the cost found in many other countries.

Whether you need a routine check-up, dental cleaning, fillings, or more complex procedures like implants, you’ll find very skilled dentists in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. (In my personal experience they are much gentler than in Europe, and standard procedures hurt far less…)  

Staying safe and healthy during Adventure Activities in Colombia

If you plan to go engage in extreme sports or outdoor and adventure activities like mountain/jungle trekking or diving, inform yourself about the specific health risks and safety guidelines related to these activities. For example, it’s not recommended to drink alcohol the day before diving or take a plane within 24 hours after the dive. When going trekking, make sure you wear appropriate footwear that you have tried and tested before.

Official tour providers in Colombia are very committed and there are strong legal regulations regarding the protection of traveler safety. Make sure your tour provider or guide is registered in the National Tourism Registry (RNT) and also read traveler reviews carefully checking for any comments on safety standards. 

Canopy in the Lost City of Falan Ecological Park, Tolima Colombia

Photo by Travelhapp, Adventure activities in Colombia

Do I need travel insurance when traveling in Colombia?

Travel insurance is always a good idea when you travel – no matter where. In this way you take precautions for any unexpected events and travel with peace of mind.

Insurance providers offer policies suited to travelers, with prices varying depending on your age, trip duration, the level of coverage you choose, deductibles, etc. Comprehensive travel insurances typically include medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency evacuations. There are also partial insurances, for example a travel health insurance only that does not cover trip cancellation. Costs typically range from about 25 EUR/USD to over 100 EUR/USD per month or trip.

Double-check the exact coverage and included activities, as well as limitations and exclusions, before signing anything, no matter if online or in-person. Once an insurance guy tried to sell me a travel insurance for Indonesia. Only after I explicitly asked for exceptions, he mentioned that it does not apply if I’m anywhere close to a volcano. Well, that makes sense for a country like Indonesia… Not! In general, I prefer using online insurance comparison portals to find the right package for me.

Good to know: Many tour providers in Colombia include insurance related to the activities they offer in their tour packages.

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Last Update: January 30, 2025

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Nicole
Curious Solo Traveler – living in Colombia

Image Credit: Title image on top by Ernesto Rodriguez, Mosquito (mod.)

More things to know About Colombia

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  • Barranquilla
  • Bogotá
  • Bucaramanga & Santander
  • Cali & Valle del Cauca
  • Cartagena
  • Chocó
  • Coffee Triangle
  • General
  • Ibagué & Tolima
  • La Guajira & Valledupar
  • Los Llanos & East
  • Medellín
  • Norte de Santander
  • Pasto & Nariño
  • Popayán
  • San Agustín & Huila
  • San Andrés & Providencia
  • Santa Marta
  • Villa de Leyva & Boyacá

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