Travel advisory · ColombiaSome governments advise against travel to parts of Colombia.The warnings cover only these areas: Arauca department, Buenaventura city, Caquetá department, Catatumbo region, Cauca department, Chocó department, Colombia–Venezuela border, immediate areas (no distance given), Ecuador border areas (no distance given), Norte de Santander department, Tumaco, Valle del Cauca department, Casanare department, Guainía department, Guaviare department, Meta department, Nariño department, Northern Antioquia, Putumayo department, Southern Bolívar, Southern Córdoba, Vaupés department, Vichada department.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- Arauca department · avoid all travel · Canada, Spain, New Zealand, UK, US
- Buenaventura city · avoid all travel · Canada, New Zealand
- Caquetá department · avoid all travel · Canada, Spain, France, New Zealand
- Catatumbo region · avoid all travel · Spain, New Zealand
- Cauca department · avoid all travel · Canada, Germany, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, UK, US
- Chocó department · avoid all travel · Canada, Germany, Spain, New Zealand, UK
- Colombia–Venezuela border, immediate areas (no distance given) · avoid all travel · Germany, France, New Zealand
- Ecuador border areas (no distance given) · avoid all travel · France, New Zealand
- Norte de Santander department · avoid all travel · Canada, Germany, New Zealand, UK, US
- Tumaco · avoid all travel · Canada, New Zealand
- Valle del Cauca department · avoid all travel · Canada, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, US
- Casanare department · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, New Zealand
- Guainía department · avoid non-essential travel · Canada, France, New Zealand
- Guaviare department · avoid non-essential travel · Canada, Germany, Spain, France, New Zealand, UK
- Meta department · avoid non-essential travel · Canada, Germany, Spain, New Zealand
- Nariño department · avoid non-essential travel · Canada, Germany, Spain, France, New Zealand
- Northern Antioquia · avoid non-essential travel · Germany, France
- Putumayo department · avoid non-essential travel · Canada, Germany, Spain, France, New Zealand
- Southern Bolívar · avoid non-essential travel · Germany, France, New Zealand, UK
- Southern Córdoba · avoid non-essential travel · Germany, France, New Zealand, UK
- Vaupés department · avoid non-essential travel · Canada, France
- Vichada department · avoid non-essential travel · Canada, France, New Zealand
Also named by one government: Brazil border areas (no distance given) (France), Cali–Popayán–Pasto–Ipiales highway (France), Cauca River banks (Sucre, Córdoba, Bolívar and northern Antioquia) (France), Colombia–Venezuela border within 10 km (US), Colombia–Venezuela border within 50 km, excluding Cúcuta (Canada), Communes immediately south of Cali (France), Darien Gap within Chocó (New Zealand), Ecuador border within 50 km, excluding Ipiales crossing (Canada), González and Río de Oro municipalities (Cesar) (Canada), Montes de María (Spain), Northwest zone around Panama border and Gulf of Urabá (Spain), Pacific coast (Chocó, Cauca, Valle del Cauca), excluding Nuquí and Bahía Solano (France), Panama border areas (no distance given) (France), Panama border within 100 km (Canada), Peru border areas (no distance given) (France), Amazonas department (France), Amazonas, within 20 km of Peru border west of Puerto Nariño (Canada), Antioquia department (New Zealand), Ariari region of southern Meta (UK), Bahía Solano, Capurganá and Nuquí (Canada), Bajo Cauca region (Antioquia) (UK), Cartagena del Chairá (UK), Colombia–Venezuela border within 5 km (rest of border) (UK), Cúcuta city (Canada), Earthquake-affected zone (Eje Cafetero and Suroriente) (Spain), Eastern Valle del Cauca (France), Ecuador border within 5 km (UK), Florencia city (Canada), Hillside communes of Medellín (France), Ipiales city and border crossing (Canada), Jamundí municipality (Valle del Cauca) (UK), La Montañita (UK), Northwest Antioquia, north of Buriticá and west of highway 62 (Canada), Orito (UK), Paramillo National Natural Park (Córdoba) (Canada), Paujil (UK), Popayán city (Canada), Popular districts of south Bogotá (Kennedy, Ciudad Bolívar, Altos, Cazucá, Soacha) (France), Puerto Asís (UK), Puerto Caicedo (UK), Puerto Carreño municipality (Vichada) (UK), Puerto Guzmán (UK), Puerto Leguízamo (UK), Puerto Rico (Caquetá) (UK), Quibdó city (France), San Jorge and La Mojana subregions of Sucre (New Zealand), San Miguel (Putumayo) (UK), San Vicente del Caguán (UK), Sanquianga region (Nariño) (UK), Santander department (France), South Pacific region (Nariño) (UK), Southern Sucre (France), Southern Tolima (Germany), Sur sub-region of Cesar (New Zealand), Telembí region (Nariño) (UK), Urabá region (Antioquia) (UK), Valle del Guamuez (UK), Western Valle del Cauca, including Buenaventura (UK)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | No advice against the whole country (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Reconsider travel | Mar 31, 2026 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Exercise a high degree of caution (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | Keine Reisewarnung für das ganze Land (regional advisories) | Oct 13, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Exercise increased caution due to violent crime and the threat of terrorism (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | Increased vigilance, with specific areas to avoid (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Bucaramanga
Bucaramanga is a base in the Colombian Andes for trips to the Chicamocha Canyon and for the food of Santander.
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Bucaramanga is the capital of Santander, a department in northeastern Colombia. The city sits in the Andean foothills, so its streets climb and drop with the slopes, and the air is warmer than in the high Andes around Bogotá. It has universities, business districts and many parks, which is why it is often called the City of Parks.
Bucaramanga works best as a base. The main draw is the Chicamocha Canyon, a deep gorge a short drive from the city. Santander is also known for its food, including hormigas culonas, roasted leaf-cutter ants eaten as a snack in season. Plan two to three days: one for the city, one for the canyon, and time for a slow lunch with local dishes. The dry spells from December to February and in July and August suit visits best. Visitors who want beaches or old colonial towns should look elsewhere, though Girón and Barichara are within reach.
Bucaramanga in five
- Get a Colombian SIM or eSIM on arrivalTaxi bookings, hotels and tour operators often work through WhatsApp, so set up a local number or eSIM before you leave the airport.Phones and eSIM
- Carry pesos for small shopsSome small shops and street food stalls take only cash, so keep smaller COP notes for the day.Money and costs
- Check entry rules before you book flightsVisa requirements depend on your passport, and Migración Colombia is the place to confirm them before you fly.Visas and entry
- Book the Chicamocha Canyon with a tour or taxiThe canyon is the main trip from the city, and the road to its viewpoints is steep and winding, so a tour or taxi is simpler than self-driving.Tours and tickets
- Ask for the meter in yellow taxisUse yellow taxis with a visible registration number, and ask for the meter or agree on the fare before you get in.Getting around
Things to do in Bucaramanga
See all attractions in Bucaramanga
Need to know
- Currency
- Colombian peso (COP)
- Entry
- Visa rules depend on your passport; check Migración Colombia before flying Read more
- Emergency
- 123 general emergency line (police, ambulance, fire)
- Tipping
- 10% service is commonly added to restaurant bills; check the bill before you pay
- Time
- UTC-5, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Rainy days
- Days with storms
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryRain18 rainy daysHigh25°Low16°Drier, warmJanuaryRain
Good
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 16°
- Precipitation
- 121 mm
- Rainy days
- 18
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Drier, warm
- FebruaryRain20 rainy daysHigh26°Low17°Dry, warmFebruaryRain
Good
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 17°
- Precipitation
- 137 mm
- Rainy days
- 20
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, warm
- MarchRain27 rainy daysHigh26°Low17°Rain returnsMarchRain
Mixed
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 17°
- Precipitation
- 259 mm
- Rainy days
- 27
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rain returns
- AprilRain28 rainy daysHigh25°Low17°Rainy seasonAprilRain
Poor
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 17°
- Precipitation
- 265 mm
- Rainy days
- 28
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rainy season
- MayRain29 rainy daysHigh25°Low17°Rainy seasonMayRain
Poor
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 17°
- Precipitation
- 328 mm
- Rainy days
- 29
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rainy season
- JuneRain28 rainy daysHigh25°Low16°Mixed, mildJuneRain
Mixed
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 16°
- Precipitation
- 311 mm
- Rainy days
- 28
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Mixed, mild
- JulyRain29 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh25°Low16°Dry spellJulyRain
Best
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 16°
- Precipitation
- 283 mm
- Rainy days
- 29
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 1
Dry spell
- AugustRain28 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh25°Low16°Dry, warmAugustRain
Best
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 16°
- Precipitation
- 270 mm
- Rainy days
- 28
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 1
Dry, warm
- SeptemberRain27 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh25°Low16°Rain, greenSeptemberRain
Mixed
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 16°
- Precipitation
- 262 mm
- Rainy days
- 27
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 1
Rain, green
- OctoberRain29 rainy daysHigh25°Low16°Rainy seasonOctoberRain
Poor
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 16°
- Precipitation
- 362 mm
- Rainy days
- 29
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rainy season
- NovemberRain29 rainy daysHigh24°Low16°Wet, cloudyNovemberRain
Poor
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 16°
- Precipitation
- 334 mm
- Rainy days
- 29
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Wet, cloudy
- DecemberRain26 rainy daysHigh24°Low16°Holidays, busyDecemberRain
Good
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 16°
- Precipitation
- 197 mm
- Rainy days
- 26
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Holidays, busy
Average daily high and low in Bucaramanga, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in Bucaramanga
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
25
- Feels like
- 29°
- Humidity
- 72%
- Wind
- 7 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 90%
Bucaramanga
05:01 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today27°19°90%Monday: Rain. High 27°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 90%.
- Tue27°19°90%Tuesday: Rain. High 27°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 90%.
- Wed26°20°87%Wednesday: Rain. High 26°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 87%.
- Thu25°19°92%Thursday: Drizzle. High 25°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 92%.
- Fri26°19°68%Friday: Rain. High 26°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 68%.
- Sat26°19°75%Saturday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 75%.
- Sun27°19°69%Sunday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 69%.
Updated 12:59 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 3,192 COP
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Chicamocha Canyonby tour or taxiThe canyon and its viewpoints, reached by a steep road or a tour.Read the guide
- Girónby car or bus, a short tripA colonial town with a historic center, a short trip from the city.Read the guide
- Baricharaby car, about 2 hoursA colonial village known for its stone-paved streets and views over the valley.Read the guide
Before you go to Bucaramanga
Plan around Bucaramanga
Neighborhoods compared for a city base
Read the guidePhones and eSIMSIM or eSIM for taxis, maps and bookings
Read the guideGetting aroundTaxis, buses and day trips from the city
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules by passport before you fly
Read the guideMoney and costsPesos, cards and typical daily prices
Read the guideTours and ticketsCanyon trips and day tours from the city
Read the guideBucaramanga FAQ
Is Bucaramanga worth visiting?
Yes for two or three days if you want the Chicamocha Canyon and a working Colombian city. It is a poor choice if you want beaches or a long list of colonial sights.
How do you get to Bucaramanga?
Fly into Palonegro airport, which lies outside the city and needs a taxi or transfer to reach it. Check schedules with the airline, since routes change.
Is Bucaramanga safe for tourists?
Use registered yellow taxis after dark, keep phones out on the street and stay in busy areas. Check your government's current travel advice before you go.
How many days do you need in Bucaramanga?
Two or three days covers the city and one canyon trip. Add a day for the nearby towns if you want a slower pace.
What is the best time to visit Bucaramanga?
The dry spells from December to February and in July and August suit day trips best. The wettest months are usually April to May and October to November, so check the forecast.
Can you visit the Chicamocha Canyon without a car?
Yes, by tour or by taxi from the city. Agree on the price and the return time with the driver before you set off.