Air Travel

International airports in Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena, Medellín, and San Andrés regularly serve destinations in the United States and Europe. Regular flights connect all major Colombian cities. Since the country is fairly large—almost twice the size of Texas—it's usually more practical to fly to far-flung destinations, especially between the Caribbean coast and Medellín and Bogotá. LATAM is South America’s best, most reliable airline, and usually the cheapest choice. Viva Colombia is Colombia’s budget airline, and in low season, flights can compete with bus prices, but beware of extra baggage costs and expect budget-level service. To reach the farthest-flung corners of the country, state-owned SATENA is the only option; its most popular route is undoubtedly between the islands of San Andrés and La Providencia. COPA and Avianca reliably hold the middle ground with decent service.

Airlines in Colombia

Avianca. Carrera 13 No. 93 - 42, Centro Internacional, Bogotá, Bogota D.C.. 571/401–3434; 800/284--2622.

COPA Airlines. Edificio Universa, Calle 100 No. 7A - 81 , Office 3, Bogotá, Bogota D.C.. 571/320--9090; www.copaair.com.

LATAM. LAN (LATAM) Torre Amadeus , Carrera 11 No. 84-09, Local 8, Bogotá, Bogota D.C.. 571/593--1010; 866/435--9526; www.latam.com.

Satena. Satena. Calle 65 No. 10 - 27, Bogotá, Bogota D.C.. 571/605–2222; 571/606–2727.

Viva Colombia. El Dorado Airport, Bogotá, Bogota D.C.. 571/489–7989; www.vivacolombia.co.