Please use this website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html You do not need a Visa as a US Citizen to go to Colombia. Please make sure your passport doesn't expire before 8/13/22. With COVID, everything has been delayed. and it's recommended you start the process to renew your passport at least 3-4 months before you need to take an international trip
Right now, you do not need a negative COVID test to get into Colombia but you do need a negative COVID test to get back into the US. We will make sure everyone knows where the testing sites are located or what that process looks like if that's still a requirement in August. This all of course is subject to change but we'll make sure to update everyone who RSVPs yes when it gets closer to the date. Our preference is that all guests are vaccinated for the safety of everyone attending and our vendors. *UPDATE* In March 2022, when we went to Colombia, we were asked to show proof of vaccination before immigration let us through so we believe you need to be vaccinated in order to enter Colombia.
Colombia is generally safe. Just like any city, there are mostly good parts but some areas you'll want to avoid. As Americans, we're very spoiled by the safety we feel in our country, and whenever we travel outside of the US, there are extra precautions we have to take. These extra precautions are normal to local people but may seem out of the ordinary, and even alarming, for us. Colombia unfortunately has been painted in a very negative light by the media since the 90s. While we would love to celebrate with everyone, we want everyone to feel comfortable and respect our guest's decision if they chose not to attend the wedding. There is a saying in Colombia, "no dar papaya" which essentially means, don't make yourself a target. Michelle and her family have followed the guidelines in the FAQs below their entire lives and have always felt safe in Colombia.
Colombia is one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world. Colombia has been deeply influenced by Spanish colonization that began in the 16th century and lasted for almost 300 years. Though the country has been independent for nearly 200 years (since 1819) the colonial impact on the ethnic make-up, religious landscape and culture of society remains very visible. Colombians are generally seen as very positive people, very welcoming to visitors, and always the life of the party! They tend not to linger on negative aspects and are often animated, charismatic, and cheerful. In Santa Marta, you will be enjoying a laid-back, beach-style city that many local Colombians choose to experience as well. Cartagena will be slightly more "touristy" and Bogota will feel more like a big city (and is colder). All cities will likely be different than what you're used to in the US. The country is not as developed as the US, but offers tremendous culture and beautiful sights.
Arepa, arepa de huevo, empanadas, patacon, all the natural fruit juices (jugo de guayanaba)! In Santa Marta, you should try pargo rojo (red snapper), robalo (bass), and ceviche. When Michelle and Marcus travel to Colombia, they avoid drinking tap water or raw vegetables that have been washed by tap water, stick to cooked vegetables, and eat fruits that are covered by a shell (for ex: eat bananas but avoid eating apples)
Tropical Formal For women: Floor-length dresses leaning more on the formal side. Brightly colored dresses are encouraged because that's typically what wedding guest attire looks like on the coast of Colombia. Some women choose to wear dark colors but the length is always floor length. Jumpsuits are appropriate as well. For men: Guayabera, AKA white linen shirts and khaki-colored pants. No suit jackets. For the shirt- most Colombian men buy a long-sleeved linen shirt and roll it into a 3/4 sleeve. It might seem strange to have the contrast of women in formal, long dresses and men in what most Americans consider to be a casual outfit. However, guayaberas are formal in Latin American and are typically only worn for weddings, business meetings, and other formal events. The shirt is particularly popular in warm locales (like Santa Marta) where its traditionally lightweight, light-colored design is most appropriate.
It's recommended to only get a taxi if it's called from your hotel or restaurant. The benefit of getting a taxi from your hotel is traceability and higher-quality drivers. The hotel writes the license plate down, only calls to an approved taxi company, and writes down your room number. You can also hire a taxi driver for your entire stay. "Nos puedes llamar un taxi por favor?"
You will be able to use your card at most restaurants and most credit cards don't have international transaction fees (it's worth confirming this with your CC beforehand). However, you'll need cash for taxis and if you want to buy souvineers from the street vendors. Right now, $1 USD equals $3,800 Colombian pesos (COP) and your money will go a long way. For a week-long vacation, you would probably be covered with $200-$500 total. Do not take money out at street ATMs, please only take money out in malls, grocery stores, hotels, or the airport.
In Colombia, everyone has a national ID with a number associated to it, called "celula." If a store, restaurant, or hotel asks your for your celula or ID number this is normal. You can either give them your passport number.
Not by US standards. People drive aggressively in Colombia and the road lines are more of a guideline than a law. Motorcyles will also weave in and out of traffic. People driving fast and not staying in lines is normal. If you're walking, please always look both ways before crossing even if the crosswalk is green for you. We do not recommend renting a car.
Ignore them or say "no gracias." Please do not engage in conversation with anyone you don't know- no matter their age. Additionally, please do not give beggars money. They may follow you a couple of steps, if this happens, a firm "no" will do the trick and send them away. If there's a street artist performing music and you feel inclined to give them money that's fine.
It goes without saying but please stay away from drugs and illegal activities. All drugs (marijuana included) are illegal in Colombia and participating in illegal activities increases your likelihood of becoming a crime victim. Please do not make jokes about illicit drugs or drug consumption. Colombians do not like to be stereotyped as ‘narcotraficantes’ (drug traffickers) and feel constant frustration from having to defend themselves to the world. A very small percentage of the population is involved in such activity, the comments are insulting to Colombians and specifically, Michelle's family. If you'd like to approach the topic, please take it seriously, not lightheartedly.
We recommend a crossbody bag that you can position in front of your body and keep an eye on. When you're in a public place (like a restaurant), it's recommended to not take your crossbody off. In the US, we can hang our bags on the back of the chair and not worry- this is not a good practice in Colombia.
Because Colombia is right on the equator, the temperature stays the same year-round in each individual city. In Santa Marta, the temperature typically varies from 75°F to 89°F and is rarely below 73°F or above 92°F.
If you don't speak Spanish, we recommend you travel with at least one other person at all times.
Have the cash you're willing to spend ready, don't pull out your full wallet. Negotiation is typically accepted. Do NOT accept "free" samples. These are not free and they will likely charge you once you accept the samples.
You can likely get your point across in all situations without speaking Spanish, especially in Bogota or Cartagena. Of course, it's recommended that you travel in a group with at least 1 person who speaks Spanish or at least knows the basics if possible. Most people will likely greet you with Spanish (grocery workers, hotel employees, taxi drivers, restaurant waiters, etc.) but you may be able to communicate what's needed through phones or physical communication. Speaking Spanish is a bonus but is not necessary. Google translate is also surprisingly accurate and you can always use that if needed.
You'll need to check with your cell provider if they offer international service. We have T-mobile and they have an international plan automatically but it's worth checking with your provider what kind of specific plan they offer. If it's not included with your current plan and want to make sure you always have cell service you should be able to upgrade for a month. Regardless, you'll be able to connect to wifi where it's available and use your phone then.
Most hotels will have hotel coordinators who will be able to set up the excursion at a seperate cost. Let them know what you're interested in (or if they have recommendations) and they'll be able to set it up with transportation included.
Transportation will be provided from Irotama Hotel and Mercure Hotel.
The venue is on a Colombian Finca. It is all outdoors and most of it will be on grassy areas. I would recommend women avoid wearing stilettos to avoid sinking into the ground. Michelle will be wearing a block heel.
Coming soon