Colombia is a paradise for many people looking for a fun and interesting vacation. You will likely want to spend some time in Bogota. The La Candelaria is the colonial part of the city center, and you can see some historic architecture here. In Cartagena, you could visit Plaza de Bolivar, a park dedicated to the city’s liberator. Some of the other locations of interest include the Presidential Palace, the Gold Museum, and the National Museum in Bogota. You could also head to the Nevado National Park for a hike. There is always plenty to see and do.
Take a rental car
There are many things to see and do in this country, and having a rental car to use makes it much easier. It is more comfortable and convenient, and you can travel on your own schedule.
Road conditions and safety
The roads in Colombia are in good condition, and those in the most populated areas, as well as the highways, are paved. The roads are often patrolled by the National Guard. There are a number of tolls on the roads, and some roads will have multiple tolls. They do not generally have non-toll alternatives available. The cost of the tolls varies – between $3 and $6 typically. Some of the rural roads are dirt, and to go to these areas would require a 4WD. It is a good idea to consider where you will be traveling so you can choose the right type of rental vehicle.
Vacationers who are visiting Colombia are allowed to drive with their country’s driver’s license and an international driving permit. If they are in the country and driving for more than a month, they will need to get a Colombian driver’s license.
The driving is on the right side of the road, and the minimum age to drive is 18 years old. When you rent a vehicle, you will need to have liability insurance and a medical policy. You can get these through the rental agency. When you rent the vehicle, also make sure you have the agency’s phone number and emergency contact information so you can get in touch with them if needed.
It can be dangerous to drive in Colombia because of the aggressiveness of the other drivers. In many cases, they do not obey the traffic laws. You need to pay attention to what the drivers around you are doing and try to anticipate what they might do. It is a good idea to keep your headlights on when you are driving on the highways during the day.
The speed limits
You should always obey the posted speed limits when you are driving in Colombia to avoid problems with the police and to curb the chance of an accident. The speed limits are as follows.
- Highways and Connecting Routes – 100 km/h
- Rural Areas – 80 km/h
- Urban Public Roads – 60 km/h
The speed limit signs and the distance signs are all given in kilometers.
Colombia is a large country, and there is quite a bit to see and do. Your best option if you want to make the most of your vacation is to look for a rental car.
