Colombia has transformed from a hidden gem into one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in Latin America.
Known for its colonial cities, Caribbean beaches, coffee region landscapes, music culture, and biodiversity, the country continues to attract millions of international travelers.
In 2023, Colombia reached a record 5.8 million international tourist arrivals, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time — and the growth continued into 2024.
Key stats: Colombia Tourism
- About 6.2 million visitors in 2024 — Colombia hit a major milestone and exceeded its annual target, signaling strong recovery.
- Up to ~6.7 million non-resident visitors in 2024 — depending on the source, making it one of Latin America’s fastest-growing tourism markets.
- 5.87 million visitors in 2023 marked a surge of 24% from the year before — showing the rebound momentum post-pandemic.
- 4.36 million passengers on regular flights in April 2025 alone — a 27% increase vs April 2023, reflecting rising connectivity and travel demand.
- ≈ 17.98 million passengers Jan–Apr 2025 — 3.4% more than same period in 2024; the upward trend is sustaining.
- Tourism receipts in 2023: ~USD 8.55 billion, with an average spend per international visitor around USD 1,632 — showing growing economic value per tourist.
How Many Tourists Visit Colombia Each Year?
Colombia welcomed ~5.8 million international tourists in 2023 and an estimated ~6.2 million in 2024.
| Year | International Visitors |
|---|---|
| 2019 (pre-pandemic) | ~4.5M |
| 2020 | ~1.1M |
| 2021 | ~2.3M |
| 2022 | ~4.6M |
| 2023 | ~5.8M |
| 2024 | ~6.2M |
| 2025 (forecast) | ~6.6M |
How Many Tourists Visit Colombia Each Day?
On average, Colombia receives ~17,000 international visitors per day.
During peak holidays (December–January, Easter, and June–July), the number can exceed 25,000 per day.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Colombia?
Tourism contributes over $9.4 billion USD annually to Colombia’s economy.
- Average visitor spend: $720–$1,320 USD per trip
- Tourism accounts for ~5.5% of national GDP
- One of Colombia’s top 5 economic sectors for jobs and foreign currency inflow
Which Countries Visit Colombia the Most?
Most foreign visitors come from North America, Europe, and neighboring South American countries.
| Country | Visitors (2024 est.) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | ~1.6M | 26% |
| 🇵🇦 Panama (hub flights) | ~620K | 10% |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | ~540K | 9% |
| 🇪🇨 Ecuador | ~460K | 7% |
| 🇵🇪 Peru | ~420K | 7% |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | ~380K | 6% |
| 🇨🇱 Chile | ~340K | 5% |
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | ~300K | 5% |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | ~280K | 4% |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ~230K | 4% |
What Are the Most Visited Cities and Regions in Colombia?
| City / Region | Visitors (annual est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bogotá | ~2.3M | Capital, historic & modern culture |
| Cartagena | ~1.9M | Beaches, colonial city, cruise port |
| Medellín | ~1.7M | Innovation, events, nightlife |
| Cali | ~900K | Salsa and cultural festivals |
| Santa Marta / Tayrona | ~850K | National park + Caribbean coast |
| Coffee Region (Armenia / Manizales / Pereira) | ~750K | Rural tourism + coffee farms |
| San Andrés & Providencia | ~700K | Island beaches |
| Barichara & Santander region | ~300K | Adventure tourism |
| Medellín Comuna 13 Tours | ~600K group visitors | Urban culture & street art |
What Are the Top Tourist Attractions in Colombia?
| Attraction | Annual Visitors (est.) | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Walled City & Old Town Cartagena | ~1.9M | Cartagena |
| Tayrona National Park | ~600K | Santa Marta |
| Comuna 13 Art District | ~600K | Medellín |
| Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) | ~500K | Bogotá |
| Cocora Valley (Wax Palm Forest) | ~450K | Coffee Region |
| Monserrate Hill & Cable Car | ~480K | Bogotá |
| Rosario Islands | ~400K | Off Cartagena |
| Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá | ~380K | Near Bogotá |
| Guatapé & El Peñol Rock | ~350K | Antioquia |
| Caño Cristales (“Rainbow River”) | ~20K (limited access) | La Macarena |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Colombia?
Colombia has two dry seasons, which align with peak tourism.
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dec–Feb (Dry) | Very High | Best weather nationwide |
| Mar–May (Rainy) | Moderate | Lush landscapes, fewer crowds |
| Jun–Aug (Dry) | High | Popular with U.S. & Europe visitors |
| Sep–Nov (Rainy) | Low–Moderate | Good prices, fewer tourists |
What Are the Major Festivals That Attract Tourists?
| Festival | City | Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival of Barranquilla (Feb) | Barranquilla | ~1.5M | UNESCO cultural event |
| Flower Festival (Aug) | Medellín | ~800K | Parades, music, culture |
| Feria de Cali (Dec) | Cali | ~700K | Salsa capital celebrations |
| Rock al Parque (Jun/Jul) | Bogotá | ~400K | Free outdoor rock festival |
| Cartagena International Film Festival (Mar) | Cartagena | ~40K | Oldest film festival in Latin America |
How Busy Are Colombia’s Hotels?
Hotel occupancy across the country averaged ~63% in 2024, with major cities performing higher:
| City | Occupancy (avg. 2024) |
|---|---|
| Cartagena | ~75% |
| Bogotá | ~67% |
| Medellín | ~65% |
| Cali | ~58% |
| Coffee Region | ~52% |
FAQ – Colombia Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Colombia per year?
Around 6.2M international visitors in 2024.
Which country sends the most tourists to Colombia?
The United States.
What is the most visited city in Colombia?
Bogotá, followed closely by Cartagena and Medellín.
When is the best time to visit?
December–February and June–August.
Is Colombia cheap to travel?
Yes — accommodation, food, and transport are relatively affordable compared to Europe and North America.
Is Colombia safe for tourists?
Tourism zones in major cities and coastal regions are generally safe, but common-sense precautions are recommended.
Sources
- Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo (MinCIT) — Estadísticas oficiales de turismo 2023–2024
- Migración Colombia — Reporte de movimientos migratorios internacionales (2023–2024)
- ProColombia — Datos de mercados emisores y tendencias de promoción turística
- DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística) — Indicadores de turismo y gasto turístico
- World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) — UNWTO International Tourism Data – Colombia Profile
- Statista — Tourism in Colombia — Market & Visitor Statistics 2024
- OECD Tourism Outlook — OECD Tourism Trends and Policies — Colombia Overview
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