Questions about Colombia.

Colombia offers a wide variety of private accommodation styles. Cartagena attracts travellers interested in colonial homes, coastal villas, and island surroundings. Near Medellín, contemporary houses and mountain retreats provide a very different atmosphere.

In the Coffee Region, countryside estates and traditional *fincas* offer space and a closer connection to the landscape. The Santa Marta area also presents interesting possibilities between the Caribbean Sea and the mountains.

ALZUR already offers private villas and vacation homes across several regions of Colombia, and the properties presented on our website are not the only ones we have access to.

Some private villas can be excellent for families, especially when they provide multiple bedrooms, shared living areas, and kitchen facilities. However, not every property is appropriate for young children.

Important considerations include bedroom layouts, stairs, balconies, pool safety, and outdoor access. Families travelling with toddlers may need different features from those travelling with teenagers.

Location also matters. A home with convenient access to restaurants, activities, transportation, and medical facilities can make family travel significantly easier. We recommend considering children's ages and the family's daily routine when deciding which accommodation style would be most comfortable.

Large private homes can be appealing for family gatherings, birthday trips, or holidays with friends. They allow everyone to share living spaces while still enjoying individual bedrooms.

However, total guest capacity is only one consideration. Bedroom configurations, bed types, bathrooms, dining areas, and accessibility all influence the group's comfort. Some properties also have restrictions concerning visitors, noise, or gatherings.

When evaluating accommodation for a group, it is important to match the property's actual layout and rules to the people travelling. A comfortable group stay depends on more than simply finding a house with enough beds.

Amenities vary depending on a property's location, design, and accommodation category. Some villas feature private pools, spacious terraces, equipped kitchens, air conditioning, or views of the sea or mountains.

Others may offer large dining areas, gardens, Wi-Fi, or wellness facilities. However, these features should never be assumed to be standard across every property.

Before selecting accommodation, identify the amenities that genuinely matter to your stay. These may include air conditioning in bedrooms, reliable internet access, accessibility, secure entry, or convenient transportation. Clear property information helps travellers make more informed decisions.

Several factors can influence the cost of staying in a private villa, including the destination, season, location, guest capacity, amenities, and associated services.

A historic home in central Cartagena offers a different experience from a secluded coastal property or a large countryside estate in the Coffee Region. Staffing arrangements, specialized facilities, accessibility, and travel dates may also affect the overall accommodation experience.

ALZUR already offers a selection of private villas and vacation homes. Contact us with the destinations and characteristics you are looking for and we will present the options that fit your trip.

Before considering a private property, take time to verify who owns or manages it, whether the photographs accurately represent the accommodation, and whether the property information is consistent.

It is also useful to confirm the location, guest capacity, amenities, and house rules. In Colombia, tourism accommodation activities may be subject to registration requirements, including the National Tourism Registry (RNT), depending on the circumstances.

ALZUR presents only properties whose information and local supplier relationships have been verified. You are welcome to ask us for these details at any time.

Some private properties may be suitable for celebrations, family gatherings, or intimate events. However, a property's overnight guest capacity does not necessarily determine how many people may attend an event.

Before considering a home for a special occasion, it is important to understand restrictions concerning additional guests, music, operating hours, outside suppliers, and any required permissions.

Weddings and events also involve coordination beyond accommodation, including catering, transportation, and event facilities. ALZUR already offers this kind of coordination with trusted local suppliers, according to the property and the activities you choose.

An extended stay can be a wonderful way to experience one part of Colombia at a slower pace. Furnished homes often provide greater independence, particularly for travellers who enjoy cooking, spending time with relatives, or working remotely.

However, longer stays require attention to practical details such as maintenance, internet reliability, utilities, and occupancy conditions.

Canadian visitors must also respect the period of stay authorized by Colombian immigration officials. If you are considering spending several weeks or months in Colombia, review the current immigration requirements and confirm that your accommodation needs match the property's actual facilities.

Start by thinking about the experience you want. Would you prefer to walk to restaurants in Cartagena, enjoy a peaceful setting near the sea, or discover the landscapes of Colombia's Coffee Region?

Location influences your everyday experience. A secluded property may offer greater privacy but require more transportation. A city home can make restaurants and cultural attractions easier to access while sometimes offering less outdoor space.

Consider everyone travelling with you, their mobility, and the activities you hope to enjoy. The right villa is not necessarily the most impressive property in photographs; it is the one that fits your travel style.

A private chef can turn a meal into a meaningful part of your Colombian experience. We work with trusted chefs who prepare regional Colombian dishes, private dinners, and menus tailored to your group's tastes.

Service arrangements vary. Some chefs focus on individual dining experiences, while others may provide meals over several days. Food allergies, dietary restrictions, and preferences should always be communicated clearly.

ALZUR already offers this service through trusted local chefs and can source anything you need for your stay.

Private transfers can make arriving in Colombia easier, particularly after a long international flight or when travelling with a larger group. They may also be useful when reaching properties outside major cities.

Transportation needs depend on the destination, luggage, group size, and travel distances. In some regions, a local driver may be more practical than driving independently.

The Government of Canada recommends using reputable transportation providers rather than accepting taxis directly from the street. ALZUR already offers private drivers and airport transfers through vetted local suppliers.

The Cartagena region offers appealing opportunities to explore the Caribbean coast, particularly around Barú and the Rosario Islands. A boat excursion can introduce travellers to coastal landscapes, beaches, and experiences beyond the city.

However, conditions at sea should never be underestimated. Weather, vessel size, safety equipment, and crew experience all matter.

The Government of Canada recommends choosing reputable boating providers and checking that operators follow current safety requirements. ALZUR already offers boat excursions with vetted local suppliers.

Having essential groceries ready upon arrival can make the beginning of a villa stay more comfortable, particularly for families and groups. Travellers may appreciate having drinking water, breakfast ingredients, or basic household essentials available when they reach their accommodation.

This type of service depends on the property's location, accessibility, and the local suppliers involved. Dietary requirements and individual preferences also need consideration.

ALZUR already offers this service: we can have groceries and essentials ready before you arrive. Simply let us know your needs in advance.

A private villa can provide a comfortable setting for a holiday focused on relaxation. Depending on local providers, some destinations may offer massage treatments, wellness experiences, or additional housekeeping services.

These options are not necessarily available at every property. Space, facilities, house rules, and the qualifications of service providers all require consideration.

ALZUR already offers these services through trusted local partners. We can arrange spa treatments, massages, or additional housekeeping according to your preferences, and we will confirm in advance what is available at your villa.

A private villa can become your home base for exploring the surrounding region. In Cartagena, that might mean discovering the historic centre, experiencing local cuisine, or learning about nearby islands. In the Coffee Region, mountain scenery, traditional villages, and agricultural heritage offer entirely different possibilities.

The pace depends on the traveller. Some people prefer to spend most of their time relaxing at their accommodation, while others want to explore every day.

ALZUR already offers personalized experiences and activities with local partners, tailored to the villa and region you choose.

These three destinations offer very different experiences. Cartagena is known for its colonial architecture, Caribbean atmosphere, and food culture. Medellín offers an energetic urban environment, generally mild weather, and nearby mountain landscapes.

Santa Marta provides access to the Sierra Nevada and parts of Colombia's Caribbean coast.

Choosing between them depends on your priorities: beaches, culture, nature, restaurants, or opportunities to explore beyond the city. Your preferred accommodation style also matters. A historic city home creates a different experience from a mountain retreat or coastal property. There is no single destination that suits every traveller.

Barú and the Rosario Islands appeal to travellers looking for Caribbean scenery near Cartagena. Parts of Barú can be reached by road, depending on the location, while the Rosario Islands generally require boat transportation.

For a private stay, practical considerations are important: accessibility, transfer time, facilities, supplies, and sea conditions. An island property may provide greater seclusion but also involve additional logistical constraints.

The better destination depends on your preferred balance of privacy, comfort, access to Cartagena, and time spent travelling by boat. Consider not only the photographs but also how the location will affect everyday activities.

Colombia's Coffee Region reveals another side of the country: green mountains, colourful villages, coffee farms, and rural traditions. Destinations such as Salento, Filandia, and the area surrounding Pereira offer opportunities to experience the landscapes and culture of the Andes.

The region appeals to travellers interested in nature, food, walking, and a slower style of travel.

A visit might include learning about coffee production, discovering the Cocora Valley, or exploring traditional towns. Individual activities should reflect local conditions and travellers' interests and physical abilities.

The Colombian Amazon introduces travellers to landscapes and ecosystems very different from those of the Andes or Caribbean coast. Leticia is a well-known starting point for exploring parts of the region.

We warmly encourage travellers to add the Colombian Amazon to their itinerary: it is an unforgettable experience, peaceful and deeply memorable, with the river, the rainforest, and rare wildlife. With ALZUR you are in good hands — we arrange the journey with trusted local suppliers, experienced guides, and comfortable accommodation, so you can simply enjoy every moment.

We simply invite you to review the Government of Canada's regional travel advisories before departure, as you would for any destination. The climate is humid and part of the journey is on the water, and we take care of those details in advance so your trip runs smoothly.

Tayrona National Park is known for landscapes where tropical forests meet the Caribbean Sea. It includes hiking trails, beaches, and protected natural environments.

However, the park has temporary closures associated with conservation, Indigenous cultural practices, and sometimes security considerations.

In October 2026, park authorities confirmed a closure from October 19 through November 2, with reopening announced for November 3. Access conditions and the areas open to visitors can change.

Check official announcements from Colombia's National Parks authority and the Government of Canada's travel advisory before travelling. Do not assume every trail or beach will be accessible.

Colombia offers remarkably varied hiking landscapes. The Cocora Valley near Salento is known for towering wax palms and green mountain scenery. Other parts of the Coffee Region provide opportunities to explore higher-altitude environments.

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta appeals to travellers seeking more demanding expeditions, including the journey toward Ciudad Perdida.

Trail difficulty varies considerably between destinations. Altitude, rainfall, terrain, and access conditions all influence the experience. Before hiking, check current regional advisories and local access rules. Choose activities that match your fitness and experience rather than relying solely on photographs or general descriptions.

Ciudad Perdida, also known as Teyuna, is an archaeological site in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Reaching it involves a multi-day trek through tropical and mountainous terrain.

The experience is generally suited to travellers who enjoy hiking, can handle humid conditions, and are comfortable with relatively basic accommodation during the journey.

It is physically demanding and very different from a conventional sightseeing excursion. Access conditions, trail arrangements, and security considerations must be checked with relevant authorities and authorized operators before travelling. It is important to assess your fitness and the current regional safety situation.

For a first visit, a journey combining Bogotá, the Coffee Region, and Cartagena introduces several sides of Colombia: urban culture, Andean landscapes, and Caribbean atmosphere.

Other travellers may prefer exploring Medellín and its surroundings before spending time along the coast. The most suitable itinerary depends on your interests, preferred pace, and willingness to travel between destinations.

Colombia rewards travellers who take their time. Exploring a few regions properly is often more satisfying than changing locations every day. Our curated itineraries illustrate different ways of discovering the country, from cultural journeys to nature-focused experiences.

Combining a private villa stay with a multi-day journey can create an appealing balance between exploration and relaxation. For example, travellers might spend part of their holiday discovering the mountains and Coffee Region before enjoying a slower-paced stay along the Caribbean coast.

This approach can also work well for families or groups with different interests, allowing some time for activities and some for simply enjoying the accommodation.

ALZUR already offers stays that combine private villas with multi-day Colombia itineraries. Tell us which regions appeal to you and we will put together the journey that suits your group.

Colombia can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on where you want to go. For a Caribbean escape around Cartagena, December through April generally offers drier conditions. In the Andes and Coffee Region, temperatures change with elevation, and rain is possible throughout the year.

Consider what you want from your holiday: relaxing by the sea, exploring cities, hiking through mountains, or experiencing Colombian culture. Different regions can have very different weather during the same month. Choosing the right destination for your travel dates is often more important than finding one perfect season for the entire country.

Several flight itineraries connect Canada with Colombia, particularly through Bogotá and Cartagena. Depending on your departure city, travel dates, and final destination, your journey may involve a nonstop flight or a connection.

For a villa holiday, choosing the most convenient arrival airport is important. A property near Cartagena involves different ground transportation than a countryside home in the Coffee Region. If your plans include multiple Colombian destinations, consider domestic flight connections and baggage allowances as well. Flight routes and schedules change, so check current options directly with airlines before travelling.

For a first visit, approximately two weeks can provide enough time to enjoy two or three major regions without constantly changing locations. For example, you might explore Bogotá, discover the Coffee Region, and finish along the Caribbean coast.

Colombia is larger and more geographically complex than many first-time visitors expect. Mountain roads, airport transfers, and domestic connections can take considerable time. We generally favour meaningful experiences over an itinerary that tries to include everything. A longer journey makes it easier to incorporate more remote destinations, such as the Amazon or the Sierra Nevada.

According to the Government of Canada's October 2026 guidance, holders of regular Canadian passports generally do not need a tourist visa for visits of up to 90 days. Their passports must remain valid throughout their stay.

Travellers must also complete Colombia's free electronic Check-Mig form within the designated period before travelling. Additional requirements may apply to dual citizens and children travelling with only one parent. Colombian immigration authorities determine the permitted length of stay upon entry, and entry requirements can change.

Always check travel.gc.ca before you go.

Before travelling, consult a travel-health professional about vaccinations and recommendations for your specific itinerary. Yellow fever is a concern in certain areas, and vaccination recommendations depend on your destinations and personal medical circumstances.

Colombia uses the Colombian peso. Cards are widely accepted, although carrying some cash is useful, especially outside major cities. Tipping practices depend on the situation and service; check whether service charges are already included.

Pack for the regions you plan to visit, including comfortable footwear, lightweight rain protection, and insect repellent. Mountain and coastal destinations may require very different clothing.

Always check travel.gc.ca before you go.

Yes. ALZUR is based in Montréal and specializes exclusively in Colombia. We can communicate with you in English, French, or Spanish.

Our approach is built around a simple idea: focusing on one country allows us to develop a deeper understanding of its regions, distinctive experiences, and the interests of Canadian travellers.

Whether you are curious about villas near Cartagena, the landscapes of the Coffee Region, or cultural itineraries across Colombia, you can contact us in your preferred language. We would be happy to discuss your trip and present the options available to you.