Book cheap flights to Medellin

December to March is the peak tourist season in Columbia. High temperatures and beautiful sunny days are awesome for going into town and exploring the colourful streets or an excursion through the Aburrá Valley, part of the Antioquia mountain terrain. This time of the year, traditional bull fights take place in January and February at the Macarena Arena and the “Medellin is a bargain” sale takes place in February. More than 1000 shopping centres and outlets mark down clothing, furniture, household items, jewellery and many more items you can take home with you. August is a great month to visit Medellin as the beautiful and famous Flowers Festival takes place. The months between September and November are low season in Medellin and Columbia as a whole. This means less crowds in the streets and better accommodation deals and air fares.

South African passport holders do not need a visa to enter Columbia and can stay for a maximum of 90 days, which can be extended to 180 days within a one-year period. Ensure your South African passport is valid for at least six months beyond date of return and has at least two blank pages available for stamps.

Further information can be sourced from the Colombian Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. The embassy is located at 177 Dyer Road, Hillcrest Office Park, Woodpecker Place, 2nd Floor, in Hillcrest, Pretoria.

Tel: 012 362 3106

Email: esudafrica@cancilleria.gov.co

Website: sudafrica.embajada.gov.co

Make sure your routine vaccines that include the MMR vaccine, DPT, Chickenpox, Polio and yearly flu shots are updated before travel. A Yellow Fever vaccination and medication to prevent Malaria is recommended. Visitors to Medellin must obtain a yellow fever certificate to be allowed back into South Africa. The Zika virus is a risk in Medellin and it is recommended that you protect yourself from mosquito bites with mosquito nets, repellents etc. Sexual transmission of Zika is possible and infection in pregnant women can cause serious birth defects, it is therefore recommended that you do not travel to Medellin if pregnant.

Colombia has turned its reputation for military conflicts and drug wars completely around and is now considered a safe tourist destination. However, you should still practice normal safety precautions such as keeping your valuables and important documentation safe and watching out for petty crimes like bag-snatching or pick-pocketing. Avoid travelling alone, especially at night, and avoid taking drugs or going out with complete strangers.