Travel Health in Colombia

Here is a collection of tips about how to stay healthy when traveling in Colombia.

It sounds strange to people who have been traveling throughout Latin America, but the tap water is actually safe to drink in some cities. In Bogota, Medellin, Manizales and Pereira, travelers can safely drink from the tap. In some smaller cities in the mountains the tap water is safe too, be sure to ask locals before you try it though. Remember that even though locals drink tap water in some smaller towns and on the Caribbean Coast, it may have bacteria your stomach isn’t used to.

Check out restaurants before you eat in them. The sanitary standards can vary greatly.

The sun along the Caribbean Coast can be fierce. Wear protective clothing, hats and sunscreen.

Roads in the mountains wind back and forth. Travelers who tend to get car sick, should ask for front seats in buses and use anti-motion sickness medicine such as dramamine, or acupressure bands.

There is a risk of mosquito borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever in certain parts of Colombia. Travelers should take steps to protect themselves from mosquitoes including wearing protective clothing, using mosquito repellent and a mosquito net.

All travelers should look at the Center for Disease Control website for further information on travel health and vaccinations.

Travelers talk to a local nurse about health risks in Cartagena

Colombia Travel Guide

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