It’s fun and helpful to try your hand at the local language, Spanish! Try out some of these popular words and phrases:

• Hello: Hola
• How are you? ¿Cómo estás?
• Goodbye: Adiós
• Thank you: Gracias
• Please: Por favor
• I’m (your name): Soy (your name)
• I’m from (country of residence): Soy de (country of residence)
• How much? Cuánto cuesta?
• Where is the..?: Dónde está...?
  • the bathroom: el baño
  • the bus stop: la parada del autobús
  • the pharmacy: la farmacia

You may be familiar with Colombia’s violent past, but it has made great efforts to move away from that history and focus on its endless cultural offerings. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about its history on guided tours and enjoy the modern paradise it has become today. Locals in Colombia are laid-back and friendly. Music is playing in every restaurant and on every street corner. Aromas of fresh arepas are floating through the air. Color is everywhere. Read on for more local tips!

• When members of the opposite sex or two women meet it is customary to exchange a single kiss on the right cheek. Men shake hands.
• It's polite to greet everyone in the room when entering with a simple "Buenos dias" or "Buenas tardes". This also applies when approaching someone on the street for directions or information.
• Be considerate when taking photos of locals, and know that some people might not want their photo taken at all, or will ask for a payment in return for the photo. When in doubt, just ask the person if you can take a photo of them.
• Nightlife in Colombia doesn’t typically begin until 10 or 11pm. You’ll find lots of locals and tourists in the same places, dancing to reggaeton, electronic, and more!
• “Hot water” really means temperate water in Colombia. Prepare for lukewarm showers!

You’ll sample a variety of other local dishes on your trip, but read on for all the tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try.

• Coffee: Where else to drink coffee than in Colombia, the country with one of the world's largest productions? Colombians usually drink coffee called tinto, a small, cheap and sweet cup you can buy along the road.
• Empanadas: A perfect on-the-move snack! Empanadas are stuffed pastries with choice of chicken, beef, cheese, or veggies.
• Ajiaco: Popular in Bogota, this is a warm, hearty stew that compliments the surrounding chilly mountainous city.
• Arroz Con Coco: A specialty in Cartagena, this is coconut rice, typically served with a veggie salad and grilled fish.
• Ceviche: Raw seafood ‘cooked’ in lime and chili - trust us, try it!
• Sancocho: A traditional Colombian stew. The heartiest is made with tripe.
• Chocolate con queso: Chocolate and cheese. Insanity? Or brilliant? Try it for breakfast or an afternoon snack and decide for yourself!
• Cazuela de mariscos: A hot seafood soup made with coconut milk, veggies, spices, prawns, and more! We recommend you try it as a beach treat… seriously.
• Fruits & Veggies: Bananas, passion fruit, avocados, tomatoes, pineapple, lychee, these aren’t the fruits and veggies your mom told you to eat. They’re 1000x better.
• Mango Biche con Sal y Limon: Mango with salt and lemon. A popular street food in Cartagena!