Colombia Info
Joined: 23 Nov 2006
Posts: 17
Home Country: columbia
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 Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2006 11:26 am Post subject: GETTING AROUND IN COLOMBIA / COLOMBIA TRANSPORTATION GUIDE |
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GETTING AROUND IN COLOMBIA
AIR
There is an excellent internal air network connecting major cities, including those in the Caribbean coastal area. There are also local helicopter flights. There are flights between the mainland and the islands of San Andrés and Providencia operating from most major Colombian cities. Services are offered by Avianca, SAM and Aires. San Andrés is a regular stop for Avianca, Lacsa and Sahsa airlines.
Avianca-Colombia Airpass
This must be bought with an international air ticket and includes travel to all Colombian domestic points served by Avianca, SAM and Aires. It excludes travel to Leticia and San Andreas Pass. Air passes are valid for a maximum of 30 days if longhaul flight is with Avianca and 21 days if longhaul flight with with any other carrier.
Departure tax: peso6800-8500, usually included in the ticket price.
SEA/ RIVER
There is a ferry service between the mainland and the islands of San Andrés and Providencia, leaving from the Muelle de los Pegasos. The journey is long (72 hours) but cheap. Information about other sailings to San Andrés can be obtained from the Maritima San Andrés office.
The Magdalena River is the main artery of Colombia. Some cargo boats take passengers, though this is a slow way to travel. It is possible to hire boats for particular trips. Paddle steamers no longer run services up and down the river and hiring can be expensive. From Leticia, on the Peruvian border, a number of operators run sightseeing tours and jungle expeditions up the Amazon. It is necessary to make enquiries in situ, and wise to shop around before booking on any one trip.
RAIL
Although trains still carry freight, inter-city passenger services are virtually non-existent. Services have been frequently suspended during recent years owing to operators’ financial difficulties. The main route is between Bogotá and Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast, east of Barranquilla. Because of the distances, it is easier to take a plane if speed is important.
ROAD
A good highway links Santa Marta in the east with Cartagena, and passes Barranquilla en route. The Trans-Caribbean Highway has placed Barranquilla only five hours away from Venezuela. Northeast of Santa Marta, in the Guajira Peninsula, roads are usually passable except during rainy periods. There is highway transportation between the coastal cities and the capital and other cities of the interior, but much of the highway is rutted. Travelers are advised against driving in rural areas as guerilla and paramilitary groups have a strong presence.
Bus
The long distances make air travel advisable. However, the best bus lines are said to be the Flota Magdalena, Expreso Bolivariano and, especially, the Expreso Palmira. Approximately 40 companies with modern buses and minibuses provide transportation between coastal towns and cities. There are also collectivos (taxi-buses) for shorter distances which can often be a cheaper alternative.
Car Rental
Avis, Budget, Hertz and National have car rental offices, but driving in cities is not recommended. Traffic drives on the right. Seat belts in the front two seats are mandatory; however, car seats for children are not compulsory. Children under ten years of age cannot sit in the front seat. The urban speed limit is 28-37mph, and the rural speed limit is 50mph.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.
URBAN TRANPORTATION
Bogotá has extensive trolleybus, bus and minibus services, and a funicular railway; flat fares are charged. There are also shared taxis (buseta) which are not expensive and stop on demand. Drivers are authorized to add a supplement for out-of-town trips and to airports. At hotels, the green and cream coloured taxis are available for tourists. They are more expensive than the others, but some of the drivers may have a working knowledge of English. Passengers should insist that meters are used. For those without a meter the fare should be agreed before starting a journey. |
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