According to forum posts, popular travel routes in Colombia often include major cities and tourist spots such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Santa Marta. Travelers have called out routes that connect these destinations with scenic spots like the Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero), Tayrona National Park, and the Amazon.

Some travelers have noted using buses for intercity travel, such as from Bogotá to Salento and Salento to Medellín. However, for longer distances or to save time, flights are preferred, especially for routes like Medellín to Santa Marta. Buses are generally used for shorter, more accessible routes or where flights are not available.

According to forum posts, Medellín and Bogotá are popular cities for families visiting Colombia. Medellín offers attractions like Parque Explora and guided tours of the city, including Comuna 13. Bogotá is favored for its botanical gardens and various museums, including the Botero Museum and the Gold Museum.

For families who enjoy nature and outdoor activities, Salento in the coffee region is highly recommended. Travelers have called out hiking in the Cocora Valley and visiting nearby coffee farms as must-do activities. Additionally, the region around San Gil offers opportunities for adventure sports, which are ideal for families with older children.

Some users have suggested coastal areas such as the Rosario Islands and San Andrés Island for families looking to enjoy beaches and marine life. These locations offer beautiful beaches and are suitable for children interested in snorkeling and exploring marine biodiversity.

For a cultural experience, Cartagena's historical tours and pirate scavenger hunts are highlighted as engaging for children. The city's rich history and vibrant street scenes provide a lively environment that can be educational and entertaining for younger visitors.

According to forum posts, popular outdoor activities in Medellin include paragliding in San Félix, climbing Cerro Tusa, and visiting the waterfalls in Envigado. These activities offer a mix of adventure and nature exploration.

Travelers have recommended taking a free city tour to familiarize oneself with Medellin. Additionally, visiting the gardens of El Castillo for an afternoon picnic is suggested for a more relaxed experience.

Some users mentioned that the Feria de las Flores is a notable event to experience in Medellin. However, attendees should be cautious of pickpockets during the event.

For those interested in socializing and cultural immersion, participating in language exchange nights and visiting local Spanish schools are enjoyable activities mentioned by past visitors. These provide opportunities to meet locals and other travelers while improving Spanish language skills.

According to forum posts, regular bus services are available between Cartagena and Santa Marta. Travelers have noted that these buses depart frequently from the main bus terminals in both cities. The journey duration is typically mentioned as around 5 hours.

Some travelers mentioned using shuttle services like Marsol and Berlinastur, which offer more direct routes and potentially quicker travel times compared to regular buses. These shuttles are noted for their convenience, often leaving from points closer to city centers or popular tourist areas.

For those preferring a more comfortable and private option, hiring a private driver or taking a taxi has been suggested by forum users. This option allows for a direct journey between the two locations but at a higher cost.

According to forum posts, some travelers have used taxis for transportation from Bogota airport to nearby towns, though finding a taxi for long-distance travel directly at the airport can be challenging. It is suggested to arrange transportation from the main bus terminal in Bogota instead for distant destinations.

Travelers have called out the availability of bus services as an effective way to navigate from Bogota to nearby areas. Buses depart frequently from Villa de Leyva to Bogota, dropping passengers at a terminal close to the airport. From there, a taxi can be taken to the airport, which is a convenient option especially outside rush hours.

For many users, the general consensus is that navigating through Bogota airport for transfers, especially for connected flights, is straightforward. The airport layout facilitates smooth transitions between international and domestic flights, with clear indications for moving through customs and security checkpoints efficiently.

According to forum posts, driving from Medellin to the coffee region can be challenging due to significant roadworks that may cause extensive delays. Some travelers reported that a journey could extend by several hours, turning a typical 5-hour drive into an 8 or 9-hour ordeal.

For many users, flying is recommended as a quicker and less stressful alternative to driving. Flights from Medellin to key airports in the coffee region, such as Pereira and Armenia, are frequently mentioned as viable options, reducing travel time significantly compared to road travel.

Travelers have called out specific considerations when choosing between driving and flying. For those opting to drive, it's advised to plan for potential delays and consider the condition of the roads, especially near areas like La Pintada where major road works are ongoing. For air travel, travelers suggest checking the reliability of regional flights, particularly concerning weather conditions that might cause delays or cancellations.

According to forum posts, travelers must complete the Check-Mig form before entering or leaving Colombia. This form is mandatory and needs to be filled out within 24 hours prior to departure. Some users have reported difficulties with the original Check-Mig form and recommend using the Check-Mig Contingency form, which sends a confirmation email with a QR code almost immediately after submission.

Travelers have called out several issues with the Check-Mig system, including problems with the flight number entries and country selections. The system often does not recognize certain flight numbers or the correct names of countries, requiring inputs to be adjusted (e.g., using numeric parts of flight numbers or selecting Estados Unidos for the USA).

For many users, the form does not always send an email confirmation, leading to confusion and potential boarding issues. It is advised to take screenshots of the confirmation page or download the PDF provided at the end of the form submission as proof. The confirmation or the QR code must be shown at the airport before boarding.

For entry by land, such as from Ecuador to Colombia, some travelers suggested indicating entry by air if the form does not allow specifying land entry, although this might need to be explained upon arrival.

According to forum posts, the preferred currency for transactions in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). Travelers have called out that U.S. dollars are generally not accepted, especially in smaller, rural establishments where cash in pesos is essential.

Some travelers mentioned that major cities and tourist areas in Colombia accept credit and debit cards. However, smaller vendors, street markets, and remote areas predominantly require cash. Issues with foreign credit cards on Colombian websites have also been noted, suggesting limitations in their acceptance online.

For sending money within Colombia, services like Efecty are recommended by users for their convenience and ease of use. This service allows for cash transfers between parties, which can be helpful for payments to individuals who do not have access to traditional banking facilities.