When we told people we were taking our children to Colombia, the reaction was often the same. People would ask if it was dangerous, whether Colombia was safe for families, and why we’d choose it over more traditional family destinations. After spending several months travelling through the country, visiting places like Cartagena, Minca, Palomino, Santa Marta, Medellín and Bogotá, we came away with a very different perspective. Not only did we feel welcomed almost everywhere we went, but Colombia ended up becoming one of our favourite countries in Latin America for family travel.
From colourful colonial cities and Caribbean beaches to mountain towns, cable cars and some of the friendliest people we met on our travels, Colombia surprised us in all the right ways.
In this guide, we’ll share our honest experience travelling Colombia with kids, including where we went, what we loved, what we didn’t, safety considerations, suggested itineraries and practical tips for planning your own family adventure.
Whether you’re considering a two-week holiday or a longer trip through South America, here’s everything we learned travelling Colombia as a family.
Don’t have time to read? Start here:
Here’s the short version.
✔️ Yes, Colombia is a great destination for families.
✔️ We spent several months travelling through Cartagena, Minca, Santa Marta, Palomino, Medellín and Bogotá with our children and generally felt welcome everywhere we went.
✔️ Our favourite destination was Medellín thanks to its parks, cable cars, excellent food, family-friendly atmosphere and comfortable climate.
✔️ Palomino was one of the most interesting places we visited, although living there for a month taught us that beach life isn’t always as idyllic as Instagram makes it look.
✔️ Colombia is significantly more affordable than many family holiday destinations in Europe and North America.
✔️ The biggest challenges were long travel days, occasional safety awareness in larger cities, mosquitoes on the Caribbean coast and the intense heat and humidity in some areas.
Don’t Forget The Boring Stuff
Whether you’re renting a car, whale watching in Uvita, exploring national parks, or travelling between destinations, things don’t always go to plan.
We’ve used SafetyWing throughout our travels because it gives us flexible coverage while travelling long-term as a family.
Recommended Family Travel Resources
Travel Insurance
Never travel to Colombia without insurance. We use SafetyWing for long-term family travel.
Accommodation
We book most accommodation through Booking.com and compare options before every stay.
Tours & Activities
GetYourGuide is our preferred platform for day trips, city tours and family-friendly experiences.
eSIM & Mobile Data
We recommend using an eSIM before arrival so you have data from the moment you land.
Rental Cars
For family road trips and comparing prices, we use Discover Cars.
Would We Recommend Colombia For Families?
Absolutely.
While Colombia isn’t the easiest destination in Latin America, it offers an incredible mix of culture, nature, adventure and value for money that makes it one of the most rewarding countries we’ve visited as a family.
Is Colombia Safe for Families?
This is probably the question we were asked most before visiting Colombia.
The short answer is yes, we found Colombia safe enough to travel with our children, but it isn’t a destination where you can completely switch off and ignore your surroundings.
Like many countries, Colombia has safe areas, less safe areas and places that are best avoided altogether. Most family travellers will spend their time in tourist-friendly destinations such as Cartagena, Medellín, Minca, Santa Marta and Bogotá, where millions of visitors travel every year without problems.
The reality is that Colombia’s reputation is often shaped by events from decades ago. While safety issues still exist in some parts of the country, the Colombia we experienced was very different from the image many people still have in their minds.
Is Colombia Safe to Travel With Kids?
In our experience, yes.
We spent several months travelling through Colombia with our children and never experienced any serious safety issues.
We walked around Cartagena’s historic centre, explored Medellín using public transport, stayed in beach towns along the Caribbean coast and visited mountain destinations such as Minca.
Throughout our trip, locals were incredibly welcoming towards our children. In many situations, having kids actually seemed to break down barriers and lead to more positive interactions.
That said, we always followed common-sense precautions.
We avoided walking around unfamiliar areas late at night, kept valuables out of sight and used registered taxis or ride-hailing apps when appropriate.
Is Colombia Safe for British Tourists?
The vast majority of British visitors to Colombia have trouble-free trips.
However, like many destinations in Latin America, petty crime is more common than in the UK. Pickpocketing, phone theft and opportunistic crime are generally bigger concerns than violent crime for most tourists.
Before travelling, it’s always worth checking the latest Foreign Office travel advice and understanding which regions are recommended for visitors.
Why Does Colombia Have a Dangerous Reputation?
For many people, Colombia is still associated with the drug wars and cartel violence of the 1980s and 1990s.
While those events were undeniably part of Colombia’s history, the country has changed enormously over the past few decades.
Cities such as Medellín have undergone major transformations and are now popular destinations for tourists, digital nomads and families.
That doesn’t mean Colombia is risk-free, but it does mean that many perceptions of the country are based on an outdated image.
Common Safety Concerns in Colombia
The most common issues affecting tourists are:
Phone theft
Pickpocketing
Taxi scams
ATM scams
Opportunistic theft in busy areas
These are generally the same types of issues travellers face in many large cities around the world.
The biggest lesson we learned was simple: don’t make yourself an easy target.
Being aware of your surroundings, avoiding flashy displays of wealth and keeping valuables secure goes a long way.
Our Honest Experience as a Family
If we’re being completely honest, there were destinations where we felt more relaxed than others.
Medellín felt surprisingly modern and family-friendly.
Minca felt peaceful and laid back.
Palomino felt safe but had more of a rustic, off-grid atmosphere.
Cartagena was beautiful but required a little more awareness due to the number of street vendors and tourists.
Bogotá felt like a large capital city where common urban precautions made sense.
At no point did we feel the need to leave Colombia early or change our plans because we felt unsafe.
In fact, by the end of our trip, we found ourselves wondering why so many families overlook Colombia when planning trips to Latin America.
Our Verdict
Would we take our children back to Colombia?
Absolutely.
Colombia isn’t a destination where we’d recommend being careless, but it’s also nowhere near as intimidating as many people imagine.
With sensible precautions and a well-planned itinerary, we believe Colombia can be an incredibly rewarding destination for families.
Is Colombia Child Friendly?
Yes, in our experience, Colombia is one of the most child-friendly countries we visited in Latin America.
Colombians genuinely seem to love children. Throughout our trip, locals regularly interacted with our kids, smiled at them, helped us when needed and made them feel welcome.
We noticed this everywhere from restaurants and cafés to buses, parks and accommodation.
A few things that make Colombia particularly family-friendly:
Children are welcomed almost everywhere.
Family is an important part of Colombian culture.
Many public parks have playgrounds and green spaces.
Restaurants are generally relaxed about children.
Domestic travel is easy thanks to affordable flights and buses.
Family attractions range from beaches and waterfalls to cable cars and wildlife experiences.
Of course, travelling with kids in Colombia still comes with challenges. Some destinations have uneven pavements, limited pedestrian infrastructure and long travel days between regions.
However, if you’re wondering whether Colombia is a good destination for families, our answer is a definite yes.
In fact, it ended up being one of the easiest countries in Latin America for us to travel with children.
Our Colombia Route
We spent several months travelling through Colombia, moving from the Caribbean coast to the mountains and eventually finishing in the capital.
This route gave us a great mix of beaches, jungle, mountain towns, big cities and family-friendly attractions.
Cartagena
Our first stop in Colombia. Cartagena is colourful, historic and packed with character. The walled city is one of the most beautiful places in South America, although it can be hot, humid and busy.
👉 Read: Cartagena with Kids
Minca
A small mountain town above Santa Marta surrounded by jungle, waterfalls and coffee farms. Minca offered a welcome escape from the heat of the Caribbean coast.
👉 Read: Minca with Kids
Santa Marta
A practical base for exploring northern Colombia, with beaches, family-friendly resorts and easy access to nearby attractions.
👉 Read: Santa Marta with Kids
Palomino
We spent a month living in Palomino and experienced both the highs and lows of beach life in Colombia. It became one of the most memorable parts of our trip.
👉 Read: Living in Palomino for a Month
Medellín
Our favourite destination in Colombia. Medellín surprised us with its modern infrastructure, green spaces, cable cars and family-friendly atmosphere.
👉 Read: Medellín with Kids
Guatapé
An easy day trip from Medellín and home to the famous Piedra del Peñol. Colourful streets, beautiful scenery and plenty of activities for families.
👉 Read: Is Guatapé Worth Visiting?
Bogotá
Our final stop before flying home. Colombia’s capital offers museums, parks, excellent food and a very different feel to the rest of the country.
👉 Read: Bogotá with Kids
If you’re planning your first family trip to Colombia, we’d recommend combining Medellín, Cartagena and either Minca or Palomino for a well-rounded itinerary.
Best Places to Visit in Colombia with Kids
After several months travelling through Colombia as a family, these are the destinations we’d recommend most.
Medellín
If we could only recommend one destination in Colombia for families, it would be Medellín.
The city is clean, modern, surprisingly green and packed with things to do. Kids will love riding the cable cars, exploring the parks and visiting nearby attractions such as Guatapé.
Best for: First-time visitors, city lovers and families wanting the best all-round destination.
Cartagena
Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most iconic destinations.
The colourful streets, historic buildings and Caribbean atmosphere make it a fantastic introduction to the country, although the heat and humidity can be intense.
Best for: History, culture and short family trips.
Minca
Nestled in the mountains above Santa Marta, Minca offers a completely different side of Colombia.
Think waterfalls, jungle views, chocolate tours and cooler temperatures than the coast.
Best for: Nature-loving families and slower travel.
Palomino
Palomino is a laid-back beach town popular with backpackers, digital nomads and long-term travellers.
While it isn’t perfect, it offers a unique glimpse into Caribbean beach life and was one of the most memorable places we stayed.
Best for: Beach lovers and families looking for a slower pace of life.
Guatapé
One of the easiest and most rewarding day trips in Colombia.
The colourful streets and famous Piedra del Peñol make this a great family adventure from Medellín.
Best for: Day trips and incredible views.
Bogotá
Colombia’s capital often gets overlooked, but we enjoyed our time here.
There are excellent parks, restaurants, museums and plenty of green spaces for children.
Best for: Families who enjoy large cities and cultural attractions.
Our Top Three Family Destinations
🥇 Medellín
🥈 Cartagena
🥉 Minca
If you’re visiting Colombia for the first time with children, we’d start with these three destinations.
Colombia Itinerary with Kids
One of the things we loved most about Colombia was the variety. In a single trip, you can experience Caribbean beaches, mountain towns, modern cities and colonial history.
Here are a few itinerary ideas based on different trip lengths.
10-Day Colombia Family Itinerary
Days 1–4: Cartagena
Explore the Walled City
Visit local beaches
Enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere
Days 5–7: Minca
Waterfalls
Chocolate tour
Jungle views
Days 8–10: Medellín
Cable cars
Parks
Comuna 13
Family-friendly neighbourhoods
2-Week Colombia Family Itinerary
Days 1–4: Cartagena
Days 5–7: Minca
Days 8–12: Medellín
Days 13–14: Guatapé
This is the itinerary we’d recommend for most families visiting Colombia for the first time.
3-Week Colombia Family Itinerary
Days 1–4: Cartagena
Days 5–7: Minca
Days 8–11: Palomino
Days 12–17: Medellín
Days 18–21: Bogotá
This gives you a great mix of coast, mountains and cities without feeling rushed.
1-Month Colombia Family Itinerary
If you have a month, you can travel at a much slower pace.
Week 1: Cartagena
Week 2: Minca and Santa Marta
Week 3: Palomino
Week 4: Medellín and Guatapé
Optional: Finish in Bogotá before flying home.
Our Recommended Route
If we were planning our first family trip to Colombia again, we’d choose:
Cartagena → Minca → Medellín → Guatapé
This route offers the best balance of culture, nature, family-friendly activities and ease of travel.
How Expensive Is Colombia for Families?
Compared to many family holiday destinations in Europe and North America, we found Colombia to offer excellent value for money.
Accommodation, food, transport and activities were generally far more affordable than what we’d expect to pay back home in the UK.
Accommodation
Colombia has options for almost every budget.
You can find:
Budget family apartments
Mid-range hotels with pools
Beach resorts
Luxury city hotels
We often found good family accommodation for less than the cost of a standard hotel room in the UK.
Food
Eating out was usually very affordable.
Local restaurants and cafés offered excellent value, while international restaurants in areas such as Medellín and Cartagena were still reasonably priced compared to Europe.
Our children particularly enjoyed:
Fresh fruit juices
Empanadas
Arepas
Bakery treats
Ice cream shops
Transport
Domestic flights can be surprisingly cheap when booked in advance.
We combined:
Flights
Long-distance buses
Ubers
Taxis
Uber was particularly useful in larger cities such as Medellín and Bogotá.
Activities
Many of Colombia’s best experiences are inexpensive.
Some of our favourite activities included:
Exploring Cartagena’s Old Town
Swimming in Minca’s rivers
Visiting parks in Medellín
Walking around Guatapé
Beach days in Palomino
Is Colombia Good Value for Families?
Absolutely.
One of the reasons Colombia appeals to long-term travellers and digital nomads is that your money generally goes much further than it does in Europe, North America or Australia.
While Cartagena and some tourist areas can be more expensive, we found Colombia offered some of the best overall value of any country we visited during our time in Latin America.
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a destination that combines culture, adventure, beaches, cities and family-friendly experiences without the price tag of many traditional family holiday destinations, Colombia is hard to beat.
Practical Tips for Visiting Colombia with Kids
A little planning goes a long way in Colombia. Here are the things we found most useful during our trip.
Get an eSIM Before You Arrive
Having mobile data from the moment you land makes life much easier, especially when ordering Ubers, finding accommodation or navigating a new city.
👉 Recommended: Best eSIM for South America
Don’t Skip Travel Insurance
Healthcare in Colombia is generally good in major cities, but unexpected illnesses, accidents and travel disruptions can happen anywhere.
👉 Recommended: SafetyWing
Use Uber in Major Cities
We regularly used Uber in Medellín and Bogotá and found it affordable and convenient for travelling with children.
Carry Some Cash
Cards are widely accepted in larger cities, but smaller towns, markets and local businesses may still prefer cash.
We found it useful to always carry a small amount of Colombian pesos.
Pack for Different Climates
One thing that surprised us about Colombia was how much the weather changes.
During the same trip, we experienced:
Hot Caribbean beaches
Humid jungle conditions
Cooler mountain temperatures
Spring-like weather in Medellín
Layers are your friend.
Expect Long Travel Days
Colombia is a large country.
While domestic flights are often affordable, travel days can still take longer than expected, especially when transferring between airports, bus stations and accommodation.
Learn a Few Basic Spanish Phrases
You can get by with English in some tourist areas, but knowing a few basic Spanish phrases will make your trip much easier and often leads to friendlier interactions.
Book Accommodation Early During Peak Seasons
Popular destinations such as Cartagena, Medellín and Minca can book up surprisingly quickly during holidays and peak travel periods.
If you’re travelling with children, securing family-friendly accommodation in advance can save a lot of stress.
What We Loved Most About Colombia
What We Loved About Colombia
After travelling through multiple countries in Latin America, Colombia ended up being one of our favourite surprises.
The people
Colombians were some of the friendliest people we met during our travels. Our children were regularly greeted with smiles, conversations and genuine kindness. Family clearly plays an important role in Colombian culture, and we often felt welcomed rather than simply tolerated.
The variety
Few countries offer so much variety in such a relatively compact area. Within a single trip we experienced Caribbean beaches, jungle-covered mountains, colourful colonial cities, modern urban centres and rural mountain towns. Every destination felt completely different from the last.
Medellín and Minca
If we had to choose a favourite destination, Medellín would probably be it. The city felt modern, green, walkable and family-friendly. We loved exploring different neighbourhoods, taking part in Ciclovía and using it as a base for day trips.
Minca wasn’t far behind. The combination of mountain views, rivers, jungle surroundings and a slower pace of life made it one of the most relaxing parts of our trip.
Value for money
Compared to many destinations in Europe, we found Colombia offered excellent value. Accommodation, food, transport and activities were generally affordable, making it easier to travel as a family without constantly worrying about the budget.
The moments we’ll remember
Some of our favourite memories weren’t famous attractions at all. They were the simple moments: watching the kids play on the beach, swimming in rivers near Minca, exploring neighbourhood parks, discovering new cafés and meeting other travellers and locals along the way.
Those are often the memories that stay with us longest.
Things We Didn't Love About Colombia
No destination is perfect, and Colombia certainly had a few challenges.
The Heat and Humidity
The Caribbean coast can be incredibly hot and humid, especially around Cartagena, Santa Marta and Palomino.
There were days when simply walking around felt exhausting, particularly during the middle of the day.
Mosquitoes
If you’re travelling to coastal or jungle areas, bring insect repellent.
We encountered plenty of mosquitoes, particularly in Palomino and Minca.
Beach Town Infrastructure
One of our biggest lessons came from living in Palomino for a month.
While the beach lifestyle initially sounded like a dream, the reality included:
Power outages
Water issues
Heavy rain
Flooding
Humidity
Mosquitoes
It wasn’t necessarily bad, but it reminded us that life in a tropical beach town isn’t always as idyllic as social media makes it appear.
Street Vendors
Cartagena in particular can feel quite intense at times.
Around the tourist areas, you’ll often be approached by street vendors, tour sellers and people offering services.
Most are harmless, but it can become tiring if you’re not used to it.
Would These Things Stop Us Returning?
Not at all.
Every country has its challenges, and none of the issues above would stop us from visiting Colombia again.
They simply form part of the reality of travelling through a fascinating and diverse country.
Would We Recommend Colombia for Families?
Absolutely.
Before visiting Colombia, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. Like many families, we’d heard mixed opinions about safety, transport and whether the country was suitable for children.
After spending several months travelling through Colombia, we can confidently say it became one of our favourite destinations in Latin America.
It offers an incredible mix of culture, beaches, mountains, wildlife, modern cities and outdoor adventures, all at a price that remains affordable compared to many family holiday destinations.
No, Colombia isn’t perfect.
You’ll encounter long travel days, hot and humid weather on the Caribbean coast and the occasional infrastructure challenge. But those small inconveniences are outweighed by the warmth of the people, the diversity of experiences and the memories you’ll create along the way.
If you’re looking for a destination that combines adventure, culture and family-friendly experiences, Colombia deserves a place on your shortlist.
We certainly wouldn’t hesitate to return.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colombia with Kids
Is Colombia safe for families?
Yes, we found Colombia safe enough to travel with our children. Like most destinations, some areas are safer than others, and basic precautions are important. We spent several months travelling through Colombia without experiencing any serious issues.
Is Colombia child friendly?
Very much so. Colombians were incredibly welcoming towards our children throughout our trip. Family plays an important role in Colombian culture, and kids are generally welcomed in restaurants, parks, attractions and public spaces.
What are the best places to visit in Colombia with kids?
Our favourite destinations were Medellín, Cartagena, Minca and Palomino. Each offers something different, from beaches and culture to mountains, wildlife and family-friendly activities.
Is Medellín or Cartagena better for families?
If we had to choose one, we’d recommend Medellín. We found it more comfortable, easier to navigate, less humid and packed with family-friendly attractions. Cartagena is beautiful, but Medellín suited our family travel style better.
How many days do you need in Colombia with kids?
We’d recommend at least two weeks to experience a few different regions. However, three to four weeks allows for a much more relaxed pace and gives families time to enjoy both the Caribbean coast and inland destinations.
Is Colombia expensive for families?
No. Compared to many destinations in Europe and North America, Colombia offers excellent value for money. Accommodation, food and transport were generally affordable throughout our trip.
Can you drink the tap water in Colombia?
Tap water is generally considered safe in Bogotá and Medellín. In many other areas, especially smaller towns and coastal destinations, we preferred to drink filtered or bottled water.
What is the best time to visit Colombia with kids?
Colombia can be visited year-round thanks to its varied climates. However, December to March is often considered one of the best periods for family travel, particularly along the Caribbean coast.
