🐾 Traveling to Colombia with Pets
Pet-Friendly Colombia
Colombia is increasingly welcoming to pets, particularly dogs, with growing pet-friendly options in cities like Bogotá and Cartagena. Beaches, parks, and rural areas offer great spaces for pets, though urban areas may have restrictions. It's a vibrant destination for pet owners exploring diverse ecosystems.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Health Certificate
Dogs, cats, and other pets need a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, confirming no contagious diseases.
Certificate must include details on vaccinations and treatments for parasites.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination required, administered at least 30 days before entry and valid for the duration of stay.
Puppies under 3 months are not allowed entry due to vaccination requirements.
Microchip Requirements
Pets must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before vaccination.
Bring proof of microchip implantation and ensure the number matches all documents.
Non-US/EU Countries
Pets from high-risk rabies countries may need a rabies titer test and 90-day waiting period after vaccination.
Check with ICA (Colombian Agricultural Institute) for specific country requirements in advance.
Restricted Breeds
Certain aggressive breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers may face restrictions or require special permits and muzzles.
Local municipalities in cities like Bogotá enforce breed-specific legislation; verify before travel.
Other Pets
Birds, fish, and exotic animals require additional permits from ICA and may need quarantine.
CITES documentation is mandatory for endangered species; contact authorities for specifics.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Colombia on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Bogotá & Medellín): Urban hotels like Movich and JW Marriott welcome pets for 50,000-100,000 COP/night, with nearby parks and pet amenities. International chains are often reliable.
- Finca Stays & Rural Lodges (Coffee Region): Coffee fincas in Quindío and Risaralda allow pets at no extra fee, offering gardens and trails. Ideal for relaxed pet holidays in lush surroundings.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Vrbo options in Cartagena and Santa Marta frequently permit pets, especially beachfront homes for more space.
- Eco-Lodges (Amazon & Tayrona): Nature lodges near national parks welcome pets with resident wildlife interactions. Perfect for adventurous families with animals.
- Campsites & Glamping: Sites in Los Llanos and Sierra Nevada are pet-friendly with dog areas and river access. Popular for eco-tourism with pets.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: Resorts like Decameron in Cartagena provide pet services including spas, menus, and walking areas for premium travelers.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
National Parks & Trails
Colombia's parks like Tayrona and Los Nevados offer pet-friendly hiking trails with leashed dogs.
Check park rules for wildlife protection and keep pets on paths to avoid fines.
Beaches & Coastline
Caribbean beaches in Cartagena and San Andrés have dog-friendly sections for swimming and play.
Respect seasonal restrictions; many areas allow pets outside peak tourist hours.
Cities & Parks
Bogotá's Simón Bolívar Park and Medellín's botanical gardens welcome leashed pets; outdoor cafés often allow them.
Historic centers like Cartagena's old town permit dogs on leash in public spaces.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Colombian coffee culture includes pet-friendly patios in cities; water bowls are common.
Ask before entering indoor areas; rooftop cafés in Medellín are popular with pet owners.
City Walking Tours
Outdoor tours in Bogotá's La Candelaria and Cartagena welcome leashed dogs for free.
Avoid indoor sites like museums; focus on street art and colonial architecture walks.
Cable Cars & Eco-Tours
Medellín's cable cars allow small pets in carriers; fees around 20,000 COP.
Book eco-tours in advance; some Amazon boat trips accommodate pets with restrictions.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Buses (National): Companies like Avianca Bus allow small pets in carriers for free; larger dogs need tickets (20,000-50,000 COP) and must be leashed/muzzled. Avoid crowded routes.
- Urban Transport (Bogotá & Medellín): TransMilenio and Metro systems permit small pets in carriers; larger dogs may require taxis. Fees around 3,000 COP with leash.
- Taxis & Rideshares: Uber and InDriver often accept pets; inform driver in advance. Standard taxis charge extra 10,000-20,000 COP for pets.
- Rental Cars: Agencies like Localiza allow pets with deposit (100,000-200,000 COP refundable). Opt for SUVs for comfort on long drives to regions like Coffee Triangle.
- Flights to Colombia: Check airline policies; Avianca and LATAM allow cabin pets under 10kg. Book early and review requirements. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: Avianca, Copa Airlines, and American Airlines accept in-cabin pets (under 10kg) for 100,000-200,000 COP each way. Larger pets in cargo with health certs.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics like Clínica Veterinaria El Campín in Bogotá and VetSalud in Medellín offer urgent care.
Travel insurance should cover pets; consultations cost 50,000-150,000 COP.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Chains like PetCenter and Tiendanimal in major cities stock food, meds, and accessories.
Pharmacies carry basic pet treatments; bring prescriptions for specialized needs.
Grooming & Day Care
Urban pet spas and daycares in Cartagena charge 40,000-80,000 COP per session.
Reserve in advance during holidays; hotels often partner with local services.
Pet-Sitting Services
Apps like PetBacker and local services in Bogotá provide sitting for day trips.
Concierge at resorts can arrange trusted sitters; rates 50,000-100,000 COP/day.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in cities, beaches, and national parks. Rural areas may allow off-leash but control near livestock.
- Muzzle Requirements: Large or restricted breeds need muzzles on public transport and in crowded areas like Bogotá's markets.
- Waste Disposal: Carry and dispose of waste properly; bins are available in parks. Fines up to 100,000 COP for violations.
- Beach & Water Rules: Designated dog beaches in Cartagena; avoid swimming areas during peak times (9am-5pm). Respect local signage.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Pets allowed at outdoor tables; keep quiet and off furniture. Indoor entry varies by establishment.
- National Parks: Leash required year-round; some areas restrict pets during wildlife breeding seasons (varies by region).
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Colombia
Colombia for Families
Colombia offers diverse family adventures from urban museums to Caribbean beaches and Andean hikes. Safe, colorful cities and natural wonders engage kids, while family-oriented culture provides stroller access, play areas, and kid menus in most spots.
Top Family Attractions
Parque Mundo Aventura (Bogotá)
Theme park with rides, water slides, and animal exhibits for all ages.
Tickets 40,000-60,000 COP adults, 30,000 COP kids; open weekends with seasonal events.
Santuario de Fauna y Flora (Otún Quimbaya)
Wildlife sanctuary with monkeys, birds, and interactive nature trails near Pereira.
Entry 20,000 COP adults, 10,000 COP kids; great for educational family outings.
Castillo de San Felipe (Cartagena)
Colonial fortress with cannons, tunnels, and sea views that kids adore.
Tickets 30,000 COP adults, free for kids under 12; includes guided tours.
Maloka Interactive Museum (Bogotá)
Hands-on science center with experiments, planetarium, and tech exhibits.
Tickets 25,000 COP adults, 18,000 COP kids; ideal for rainy days.
Chocolate Museum (Bogotá)
Interactive chocolate factory tours with tastings and making workshops.
Entry 20,000 COP; fun, educational experience for sweet-toothed families.
Adventure Parks (San Gil)
Rafting, zip-lining, and paragliding in Santander's adventure capital.
Family packages from 50,000 COP; suitable for kids 6+ with safety gear.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Colombia on Viator. From Cartagena city tours to Amazon explorations, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Bogotá & Cartagena): Chains like Hilton and Sofitel offer family suites (2 adults + 2 kids) for 300,000-500,000 COP/night with cribs and play areas.
- Resort Stays (Caribbean Coast): All-inclusive resorts in Santa Marta with kids' clubs and pools. Properties like Zuana Beach Resort focus on family entertainment.
- Finca Holidays (Coffee Region): Rural estates with animal farms, pools, and activities for 150,000-300,000 COP/night including meals.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering options in Medellín with kitchens for family meals and space to relax.
- Hostels with Family Rooms: Budget stays in hostels like Masaya in Cartagena for 100,000-200,000 COP/night with shared facilities.
- Eco-Lodges: Family cabins in Tayrona National Park for immersive nature experiences with guided kid activities.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Bogotá with Kids
Maloka museum, Gold Museum, Monserrate cable car, and Ciclovía bike Sundays.
Street food tours and planetarium visits make the capital exciting for children.
Cartagena with Kids
City walls walks, boat trips to Rosario Islands, chocolate workshops, and beach days.
Colorful colonial streets and pirate history tales captivate young explorers.
Medellín with Kids
Arvi Park cable cars, butterfly farm, interactive museums, and Comuna 13 tours.
Urban innovation centers and parks offer modern fun with mountain views.
Coffee Region (Pereira & Manizales)
Coffee farm tours, hot air balloon rides, wax museum, and easy nature hikes.
Willie the whale park and rural adventures suit families seeking culture and scenery.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Buses: Kids under 3 ride free; ages 3-12 get 50% off (10,000-30,000 COP). Family seating available on long routes with space for strollers.
- City Transport: Bogotá's TransMilenio offers family passes (20,000 COP/day). Systems are stroller-friendly with ramps.
- Car Rentals: Child seats mandatory (20,000-40,000 COP/day); book ahead. Family vans ideal for regional trips.
- Stroller-Friendly: Major cities have improving accessibility; cobblestone streets in historic areas may challenge strollers.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Restaurants serve arepas, bandeja paisa portions for 15,000-25,000 COP. High chairs common in family spots.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Casual sodas and plazas with play areas; Cartagena's waterfront has diverse options.
- Self-Catering: Éxito and Olímpica supermarkets stock baby food and diapers. Local markets for fresh fruits.
- Snacks & Treats: Obleas, churros, and fresh juices keep kids happy; street vendors offer affordable treats.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: Found in malls like Unicentro Bogotá and airports with nursing areas.
- Pharmacies (Farmacias): Carry formula, diapers, and meds; staff assist with English in tourist areas.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels arrange sitters for 50,000-80,000 COP/hour; services like Nannybag available.
- Medical Care: Pediatric clinics in cities; hospitals like Fundación Santa Fe in Bogotá. Travel insurance recommended.
♿ Accessibility in Colombia
Accessible Travel
Colombia is improving accessibility with ramps in cities and adaptive tours. Major attractions in Bogotá and Cartagena offer wheelchair access, though rural areas vary. Tourism boards provide info for inclusive planning.
Transportation Accessibility
- Buses: Long-distance buses have limited accessibility; choose companies like Expreso Bolivariano with ramps. Assistance available on request.
- City Transport: Bogotá's TransMilenio has low-floor buses and elevators; Medellín Metro is highly accessible.
- Taxis: Wheelchair-adapted taxis in Bogotá via apps; standard ones fit folding chairs with notice.
- Airports: El Dorado (Bogotá) and Rafael Núñez (Cartagena) offer assistance, ramps, and priority services.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Sites: Gold Museum and Maloka in Bogotá have ramps, elevators, and audio guides for visually impaired.
- Historic Sites: Cartagena's walls and castle offer partial access; guided accessible tours available.
- Nature & Parks: Selected trails in Tayrona are wheelchair-friendly; cable cars in Medellín provide views.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers, wide doorways, and ground-floor options.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (December-March) for coast and cities; wet season (April-November) greener but rainy in Andes.
Shoulder months (January-February, July-August) balance weather and fewer crowds.
Budget Tips
Combo tickets for attractions; Bogotá Pass includes transport discounts.
Street food and markets save costs; family apartments for self-catering.
Language
Spanish official; English in tourist spots and with youth.
Basic phrases help; Colombians are warm and patient with families.
Packing Essentials
Light clothes for tropics, rain gear, insect repellent, and altitude meds for Bogotá.
Pet owners: familiar food, leash, muzzle, waste bags, and vet papers.
Useful Apps
Moovit for transport, Google Translate, and PetBacker for pet services.
InDrive and Rappi for rides and deliveries in cities.
Health & Safety
Colombia safe for tourists; drink bottled water. Vaccinations for yellow fever recommended.
Emergency: 123 for police/medical. Insurance covers family and pet needs.