Colombia
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From Drive the Americas
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[edit] Basic Facts
- Population: 44,660,000
- Capital: Bogota
- Fun Fact: While Spanish is the official language of Colombia, the constitution stipulates that the languages and dialects of ethnic groups are official in their territories. [1]
[edit] Border Crossing Information
[edit] Entry Requirements
[edit] Procedure
If crossing by water from Panama to Colombia, the captain of your ship should be familiar with the border crossing technicalities. When you arrive in Colombia by ship, the captain will arrange for a customs official to process your passport and any other paperwork. For information on boats sailing from Panama to Colombia, see the crossing the Darien Gap page.
For detailed instructions on how to ship your car around the Darien Gap, see shipping instructions
You will also be required to buy SOAT, the obligatory insurance for all vehicles in Colombia. Costs vary depending on the value of your car and how safe they consider your car to be, but for 3 months coverage it ranges from $20-$50. Once you have your car import paperwork, bring your title, import permit, registration, and several copies along with you to any Previsora Segura Office branch (office locations). They are the only ones who will sell short term SOAT for out of country vehicles. See SOAT contact information for websites and locations.
[edit] Exit Requirements
[edit] Necessary documents
- Passport
- Vehicle Import Permit
[edit] Procedure
Quick and painless border crossing. First go to DIAN to return the vehicle import permit, then to migracion. They will scan your passport and you're good to go.
[edit] Roads and Driving
Hallelujah honest cops! If you're driving south down the Pan American Highway, Colombia will be a real treat. While there are few big (more than 2 lane) highways that go through Colombia, in general the roads are in very good condition. They are extensively patrolled by the National Guard. Thanks to these folks, in the last 5 years it has become very safe to drive around many parts of Colombia. While the soldiers sure look intimidating with their camo, bulletproof vests, and automatic weapons, they are there to help. We were frequently stopped by them to check our paperwork and ask us some questions, but were very friendly and professional every time we interacted with them. Smile - you might make some new friends.
[edit] Camping and Hotels
Tayrona National Park
Located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, this national park isn't to be missed. It is quite expensive though - entry fees, parking fees, and camping fees will quickly add up to about $15/person/day! If you enter through the gate's main entrance in El Zaina (35 km east of Santa Marta), follow the road for about a mile till it runs in to a parking lot. It's a 5 minute walk to the beach from the campsite (but this beach does not have safe swimming). From there it's a 45 minute hike through the jungle to Cañaveral, a beautiful tropical beach where it's safe to swim.
Santa Marta
The Bahia de Concha is about a 20 minute drive away from Santa Marta. While technically in Tayrona National Park (we think) you will have to pay a separate entry fee (about $5/person) and camping on the beach is $5/person as well. It is very arid and different than the other beaches of Tayrona, but be warned, the winds on the beaches can be fierce at night.
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[edit] Notes
- ↑ Constitution of Colombia, 1991 (Article 10)
