The short answerAndrea says she drinks tap water and brushes her teeth with it in Cali, Bogotá and Medellín without problems. On the Caribbean coast, including Cartagena, Santa Marta and Barranquilla, and in Chocó, she drinks bottled water and skips street lemonades and juices made with water. She also says to bring mosquito repellent: she caught dengue in Cali.
Water by region
- Cali, Bogotá and Medellín: Andrea drinks the tap water and brushes her teeth with it.
- Caribbean coast and Chocó: use tap water only to shower and flush. Buy bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Andrea got sick from the water on a trip to Cartagena.
- Street drinks: skip lemonades and juices from big glass jars, since you can't know where the water came from.
Watch: Colombia travel warnings: safety tips you needAndrea on tap water by region and street drinks. Opens on YouTube.
Mosquitoes and dengue
Bring repellent, and not only for the coast. Andrea caught dengue in Cali, and she says dengue fever can mean a hospital stay.
What to eat
- Corrientazo: the cheap daily set lunch at local spots, usually soup then fish, meat or chicken with rice and beans.
- Regional favorites: bandeja paisa, tamales from different regions, pandebono, and in Cali, lulada and champús.
- Vegan or vegetarian: Cali has vegan spots, and Andrea says most restaurants will adapt a dish if you ask.
Watch: Colombia travel tips: food, safety and moreAndrea on food, repellent, insurance and street drinks. Opens on YouTube.
This is their experience, not medical advice. Check vaccine and health guidance for Colombia with your doctor before you travel.
Quick questions
Is street food safe in Colombia?
Andrea avoids drinks made with water from street stands. For food, she recommends busy local spots and a corrientazo, the cheap daily set lunch of soup, rice, beans and a protein.
Do I need travel insurance?
Andre and Andrea say they would get it for a stay of several months. A friend of theirs who got sick from seafood in Cali was covered by his travel insurance at the hospital.
Sources
- Andrea Wales TV: Colombia travel warnings, safety tips you need
- Andrea Wales TV: Colombia travel tips, food, safety and more
- Andrea Wales TV: Colombia tourist traps, avoid these scams
Shared from personal experience. Not legal, tax, immigration or medical advice.
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