Budget travelers can easily get by on about $17 per person per day, including the occasional national park visit and meal at a fancy restaurant. With a bit of an eye on expenses, though, you could survive on $15 per day. In much of the country, basic lodging can be had at $6-8 per night. Set meals of the day cost $2 on average. Transportation is the major expense. See our special Tips for Shoestring Travelers for ways you can travel for less money in Colombia.

Mid-range travelers should allow $40-50 per day for basic expenses. Inn rooms in this class cost $20-25 per night (less per person for couples), and have private bath (with hot water in cold climates, with only cold water in hotter parts of the country), cable TV and air conditioning. Meals usually cost about $8-10, including a drink.

Luxury travelers will find Colombia to be quite a bargain, especially if you are from Europe. Very nice hotels can be had for $70 on up. Count on having private bathroom with hot water in all climates, air conditioning, swimming pool, sauna and other amenities. You can enjoy a dinner with wine for $20-30, at the least. Be sure to add to your itinerary an Amazon jungle lodge, a Llanos hotel campestre and national park accommodations at Tayrona, Gorgona or Amacayacu.