Van Life Colombia: A Complete Guide to Campervan and Overland Travel

Colombia remains one of our favorite van life destinations in South America and a place we can’t wait to get back to explore further.

Before we arrived, we were nervous about Colombia’s reputation as a dangerous part of the world to travel. However, driving through Colombia, what we found were some of the friendliest locals, the most delicious food, and the most beautifully distinct landscapes we experienced during our year traveling South America. We also found that by being well-researched and prepared, we were able to travel with confidence through Colombia.

Why Choose Colombia for Van Life

Traveling Colombia by van allowed us to get well and truly off the beaten path and take in the true breadth of experiences on offer.

Colombia has plenty to offer travelers, from the warmth of its people to the endless diversity of its environments, such as the lush green coffee region, the urban jungle of Medellin, and the warm waters of Colombia’s Caribbean Coast.

Beyond the landscapes, Colombia’s rich cultural heritage, from the rhythms of salsa and cumbia to the criminally underrated food scene, invites travelers to dive into its vibrant traditions.

For van lifers, this means an endless array of destinations to discover and experiences to unearth.

Moreover, while taking safety precautions is still important, with proper planning, Colombia is more accessible and welcoming to tourists than ever before.

Preparing for Your Colombia Van Life Trip

Embarking on a van life adventure in Colombia requires some preparation to ensure a smooth experience.

Travelers from many countries can enter Colombia without a visa for stays up to 90 days (with a possibility to extend to 180 days), but it’s essential to check the latest visa requirements and consider any necessary extensions. If you’re coming from certain countries in South America, a yellow fever vaccination card may also be necessary.

Campervan Hire in Colombia

If you’re planning to hire a van in Colombia, there are several rental companies specializing in equipped vehicles for road trips. While campervan rental has not been common in Colombia in past years, more and more independent companies now offer travelers the opportunity to hire campervans custom-designed for Colombian adventure.

Popular companies include:

• Maway Campers – Bogota
• Chivitas Travel – Pereira / Bogota
• On the Road Colombia – Bogota

Traveling Colombia with Your Own Van

Colombia is a popular destination for van lifers and overlanders traveling the Pan-American Highway.

Vehicles can be shipped or brought over across land borders.

Once travelers clear immigration, they can present themselves, their documents, their vehicle, and vehicle documents to customs (aduana in Spanish), who will issue a temporary import permit for the vehicle valid for the length of their own visa.

Travelers will need:

• Passport of the registered owner (original and one copy)
• Vehicle registration (original and one copy)
• Driver’s license (original and one copy) – we traveled with an IDP, but it was not required when we crossed the border from Ecuador.
• Third-party vehicle insurance for Colombia, known as Seguro Obligatorio de Accidentes de Tránsito or SOAT, can usually be purchased at the border.
• Direccion De Investigacion Judicial (original and one copy) from office in Panama City. (If coming from Panama)

Camping and Campervan Facilities in Colombia

Campervanning is not a wildly popular pastime among locals in Colombia and is still relatively off the radar of most international visitors. As such, you won’t find many dedicated facilities or services for van life enthusiasts. On the other side of the coin, without hordes of campervanners, wild camping and free camping are widely tolerated, and locals are often curious and welcoming to travelers looking to park up for the night, as long as you are polite, ask permission, and don’t make a nuisance of yourself.

Wild Camping and Free Camping in Colombia

We found it relatively easy to find wild camping and free camping opportunities throughout Colombia.

In wild places, there were plenty of opportunities to find quiet pull-offs out of the way where we could stay for the night.

We also often stopped overnight at petrol stations after seeking permission from attendants.

In cities and towns, we camped on streets near well-lit parks or busy areas. Where possible, we’d ask local security guards if the area was safe and to keep an eye on us, which they were usually happy to do, and we would leave a small tip in the morning to say thanks.

Private Campsites in Colombia

When it comes to private campgrounds in Colombia, you won’t find dedicated campervan or RV parks, but there are private campgrounds, hostels that allow campers to stay overnight, and private farms (fincas) that host vans, scattered throughout the country, particularly in tourist areas.

Private campsites usually had basic facilities like toilets, showers, water, and often a communal kitchen. Camping fees for basic campsites generally ranged from around $5 USD – $10 USD per night.

Finding Campsites in Colombia

iOverlander website and app is the best way to find established campsites and free and wild camps. iOverlander is a user-driven mobile app and website designed for campers and overlanders. It provides an extensive database of campgrounds, off-the-grid camping spots, service areas (like water refill stations, mechanics, and laundries), and local tips and up-to-date safety warnings shared by fellow travelers.

Top Destinations for Van Life in Colombia

Colombia’s vast landscapes offer van lifers an array of destinations, each with its unique charm and beauty. Here are some top picks that should be on every road adventurer’s itinerary:

Caribbean Coast

One of the highlights of our experiences traveling Colombia, though we were not prepared for the heat!

• Cartagena: This historic city blends colonial charm and modern vibrancy. Park your van and wander through the colorful streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the coastal views and Cartagena’s bustling nightlife.
• Tayrona National Park: A bit further east from Cartagena, Tayrona beckons with its lush jungle and stunning beaches. While vehicles can’t enter the park itself, nearby camping spots allow easy access to explore Tayrona’s natural beauty on foot. Tayrona definitely suffers a bit from over-tourism, and there are some environmental problems here, but it is possible to escape the crowds if you stay away from the communal campsites here.
• Palomino: A sleepy surf town. With beautiful jungles, surf, and a laid-back vibe, this is a great destination for campervaners to come and unwind.

More destinations on Colombia’s Carribean Coast

The Colombia Coffee Region

• The Towns of the Coffee Region: In the heart of Colombia’s coffee region, towns offer colorful architecture, coffee tours, and activities like paragliding.
• The Cocora Valley: Towering wax palms create a surreal landscape. The region’s mild climate is perfect for camping.

Discover the Towns of Colombia’s Coffee Region

The Pacific Coast

• Nuquí: For those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, Nuquí on the Pacific Coast offers lush rainforests and whale-watching opportunities (July to October). Access is more challenging, but nearby parking and eco-lodges cater to van lifers looking to explore the area.

Cities & Towns

Colombia’s cities were one of the surprise highlights of our trip. We mostly stayed in hostels while exploring cities; however, we did do some overnight stealth street camping without any problem.

• Bogotá: As Colombia’s capital, Bogotá offers a mix of modern city life and rich cultural heritage. Its altitude provides cooler weather, making it ideal for exploring its vibrant street art, museums, and nearby natural parks like the stunning páramos. However, traffic can be intense, so plan for slow travel around the city.
• Villa De Leyva: A small colonial town a couple of hours from Bogota, Villa De Leyva is well worth checking out.
• Medellín: Medellín’s transformation from its tumultuous past to a hub of innovation and culture is apparent throughout its eclectic barrios. It is also a great base for exploring coffee plantations, nature reserves, and nearby towns like Guatapé, which have colorful streets and dramatic landscapes.
• Cali: Known as the salsa capital of the world, Cali offers a vibrant cultural scene, lively nightlife, and warm weather year-round. The surrounding countryside is ideal for exploring coffee farms and sugarcane fields, while nearby natural reserves provide opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventures. The city itself has a laid-back vibe, though driving can be tricky due to traffic and narrow streets in some areas.

Places to Avoid when Travelling Colombia By Van

Unfortunately, there are some areas of Colombia where travel is still not recommended due to high crime rates and civil unrest.

While many have successfully traveled to and enjoyed these areas, we opted to stick to areas where travel was not actively discouraged. We found there was plenty to see and do without increasing our risks.

Areas around the borders of Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama are generally considered unsafe for travel, and areas in eastern and western Colombia are often flagged as high-risk areas for travel.

Of course, traveling by van means that you may indeed need to drive through some areas considered unsafe. We traveled through these areas during the day, stopping only to get fuel.

It’s important to stay up to date with your own country’s travel advice, as this could impact access to consular services. Traveling to areas flagged as unsafe can also affect your insurance.

Navigating Colombia by Van

Traveling through Colombia by van offers an immersive experience of the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures. However, navigating this terrain comes with its own set of challenges:

• Road Conditions: Colombia’s road network varies widely in quality. Major highways are generally in good condition, but rural and mountainous areas may have unpaved or poorly maintained roads. Always check local travel advisories and plan your route accordingly. Carry basic tools and repair kits as well as spare parts that may be difficult to source on the road.
• Safety Tips: While Colombia has made significant strides in safety, it’s important to stay informed about the areas you plan to visit. Avoid driving at night, keep valuables out of sight, and stay in well-reviewed camping or parking areas.
• Police Interactions: It is common to be pulled over for documentation checks or occasionally searched (as we were in the north of Colombia). However, it was our experience that police in Colombia were friendly and honest, something that was not true of all countries we visited in South America.

Living the Van Life in Colombia

Van life in Colombia means not just navigating the roads but immersing yourself in the rhythms of daily life on the move. Here’s how to make the most of this unique country:

Daily Life on the Road

• Cooking and Eating: Colombian markets (mercados) are a treasure trove of fresh fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies. Utilize your van’s kitchen to experiment with local ingredients. Roadside eateries, known as “comedores,” also offer affordable and delicious options. Menu del dia is a daily lunchtime special where diners can choose a main meal, usually served with soup, a drink, and postre (or dessert).
• Sleeping: The diversity of climates in Colombia means preparing for warm coastal nights and cooler Andean evenings. Ensure your bedding is versatile, and definitely consider a fan or heater, depending on your route and the timing of your expedition. Be aware the north can be incredibly hot and humid all year round. Make sure your van is properly equipped for hot environments. Mosquitoes can also be fierce in Colombia, utilize bug screens and DEET.
• Leisure Time: Colombia’s natural landscapes provide ample opportunity for hiking, swimming, and bird watching. Urban exploration offers city walking tours, museums, galleries, and cultural events. We occasionally stayed in hostels to meet other travelers. Some bars and clubs offered free salsa lessons to patrons, which was another fun and low-cost activity. Adventure sports are popular throughout Colombia; we went paragliding in Jardin and tubing and surfing in Palomino for an affordable price. Traveling by van allows you to enjoy these activities at your own pace.

Connecting with Locals and Other Travelers

• Community Engagement: Colombians are known for their warmth and hospitality. Engaging with local communities can enhance your experience; try attending local events or markets (beware, the gringo tax is sometimes applied to purchases by market vendors). Language exchange with locals can also enrich your travel experience.
• Van Life Community: Use social media and van life forums to connect with fellow travelers. These communities can offer advice, route recommendations, and meet-ups.
  • Van Life Colombia on Facebook
  • Overlanding South America on Facebook

Budgeting

• Managing Expenses: Van in life in Colombia can be cost-effective, especially if you cook your own meals and use free camping spots. However, make sure to budget for fuel, maintenance, occasional accommodation for showers or rest, and entrance fees for national parks such as Tayrona or attractions. We found traveling to Colombia by van was very affordable and spent around $350 per week as a couple.

Must-Know Tips for Van Life in Colombia

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable van life experience in Colombia, keep these tips in mind:

• Respect Local Customs: Colombia has diverse cultures and traditions. Showing respect and openness towards local customs will enhance your interactions and experiences.
• Environmental Consciousness: Practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the places you visit. This includes proper waste disposal and respecting wildlife.
• Check-in with the Locals: As always, it’s best to ask locals if an area is safe to stay overnight and if they mind. Our experience with locals in Colombia was almost completely positive, and in some cases, locals even brought us coffee and bread or just stopped by for a chat around our campfire.

Staying Connected

• Mobile Data and Wi-Fi: Purchasing a local SIM card is the most efficient way to stay connected. Local carrier CLARO offers the widest coverage. Many cafes and public spaces also offer free Wi-Fi.
• Use the Nperf Map to find coverage and internet speeds throughout the country.

We recommend using a VPN when traveling. We trust and use Nord VPN

Emergency Preparedness

• Health and Safety: Keep a first-aid kit in your van and know the location of hospitals or clinics along your route. In case of vehicle trouble, have a list of mechanics or service centers, especially if traveling in remote areas. After falling really ill, we had to visit the Hospital in Cali, where there was an international department where doctors spoke English.

We use and trust SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Read more about health insurance for van life here.

Final Thoughts on Van Life in Colombia

Van life in Colombia offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the country’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and warm communities. With the right preparation and a spirit of adventure, travelers can navigate the diverse terrains of Colombia, from its lush jungles and towering mountains to its warm beaches and bustling cities.

Hopefully, we’ve answered most of your questions about a Colombian road trip, but if you have more, let us know in the comments below.