Flights in Colombia

angelitabogota says on May 20, 2008, 17:12:

Why don´t you try traveling by bus? the landscape from Bogota to other cities like Cali is beautiful, and this way you could get to know more from Colombia. It is safe to travel by bus, cheaper and confortable.

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fujiman says on May 20, 2008, 19:47:

Angelita
Thanks for the input. I was reading some of the other forums and they were saying that travelling by bus is dangerous. What about this bus company is it safe? www.Bolivarino.com.co

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huskie says on May 21, 2008, 00:27:

Use Aviatur, they can help you, They are a travel agency.
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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fujiman says on May 21, 2008, 04:34:

Thanks for the information.

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Bill Turley (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on May 21, 2008, 06:02:

fujiman says on May 21, 2008, 06:26:

Bill,
thanks a million for the info. I was wondering about the length of time on the bus. I am not going to be in Colombia long so I think I will fly. Have you used the driver service to get around? I really appreciate the information you guys have provided.

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on May 21, 2008, 07:37:

Aviatur has actually been excellent for me. I have bought two tour air/hotel packages (Cartagena and San Andres) with them in the last year and been very satisfied. My family and I have used them since I was a little kid and have NEVER had a problem with them.

As far as airlines, you should check out Aires(www.aires.com.co). They are running a lot of specials right now and their online reservation system works well. I just bought a ticket yesterday at a good price and their system allowed me to pay in pesos with a US debit card.

Be careful when buying tickets with Avianca from the US. Even if the flight you are purchasing is a Colombian domestic flight, they will charge you the dollar price when buying from the US and it is usually significantly more. Aires does not do this.

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romy says on May 21, 2008, 07:41:

we use aviatur a lot too and never had a problem...
Flying Bogota-Cali I would do it on aerorepublica
For flying into or out of Medellin I like Satena

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on May 21, 2008, 07:45:

BTW, Aviatur will also allow you to pay in pesos with a US card. They will have you fax or email them a permission form for the transaction. They do not charge a dollar premium either. Keep in mind that it is primarily for the Colombian market, so most agents probably don't speak fluent English.

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jaramillo says on May 21, 2008, 12:30:

It looks like you want to fly this time, but in case you want to use the bus, it can be fun to see the real country. Bolivariano (as well as many others like Berlinas del Fonce, Rapido Ochoa, Flota Magdalena, etc.) are safe and comfortable.

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angelitabogota says on May 21, 2008, 15:31:

I do agree with you jaramillo. The Bolivariano, Brasilia or Berlinas are good confortable buses. I have traveled so many times in bus with my american boyfriend and nothing has happened to him.We have traveled to the Coast, Meta, Santander.... The trip from Bogota to Cali is about 8 hours, and the landscapes you can see are amazing. This is a good way to see more of this beautiful country. Do not worry about safety. It is well known that those big buses companies pay a tax to the "bad guys" so they do not mess with them anymore ;)

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fujiman says on May 21, 2008, 19:26:

All,
Thanks for all the information. I am sure I will make another trip later this year and I will be sure to use the bus.

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