How it works:
- Opening: after you alight from a ferry, you may encounter touts offering cheap day tours with grand claims and promises.
- Set-up: after you pay however, you will be brought to a range of shops where they receive a commission. They will also neglect to take you to any of the attractions you want to see.
Places to beware:
- Bogota: cruise ships docks
- Cartagena
What to do:
- Get a licensed, reputable tour operator:
- Offline operators: ask – is the operator licensed? Is there a website, office and working phone number? Are there real online reviews? What does the price cover – is it too cheap?
- Reputable operators: some reputable local names to consider include Gran Colombia Tours (be led by bilingual locals with extensive knowledge and understanding of Colombian culture and history), Bogotravel Tours (tours mainly in Bogota and Colombia operated by local staff with customized service), etc.
- Online platforms: GetYourGuide (leading day tour platform globally) also has some popular tours (e.g. Bogota East Hills hike, Medellin nature tour and waterfall hike, etc).
- Paying: avoid paying in full upfront (unless reputable operator) or off the (online) platform.
