Tips for traveling in Colombia as an introvert or HSP

Traveling through Colombia as an introvert (or highly sensitive person (HSP)) can be quite a challenge. Colombia is an extrovert-oriented country full of stimuli. Where ‘the more the merrier’ and making as much noise as possible is the norm. And that doesn’t always make it easy, I know from experience. That’s why in this article I gladly give you tips to have a great trip through Colombia as an introvert and/or HSP.

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When are you introverted or highly sensitive?

You are introverted if you recharge by being alone. Many social stimuli actually drain your energy. Introversion is a personality trait you are born with.

Extroverted is the opposite: you gain energy from being with people, interaction, and activity.

HSP (highly sensitive person) refers to how strongly stimuli are perceived: you process sensory and emotional signals more deeply and become overstimulated more quickly. Think of smells, sounds, details, environmental stimuli, and emotions. It doesn’t matter whether you are introverted or extroverted.

Being both introverted and HSP does not mean you are not social or that you are shy. I am social and not shy, but I quickly become overstimulated and tired from a lot of noise and people. I enjoy being alone, both at home and while traveling. Of course, I also occasionally go to fun events or parties, but afterward, I need more time to recover.

No one is 100% introverted or extroverted. Neither am I. I can be quite extroverted at certain times, and over the years I’ve learned when that is useful. HSP is also not so black and white: one person experiences it to a lesser degree and another to a greater degree. High sensitivity is also not a disorder or diagnosis, but a personality trait.

There is so much written about these topics, if you want to know more, I gladly refer you here:

What the introvert says: “I can’t, I have other things to do in the coming days.” What the introvert thinks: “I need to sleep in. Read four newspapers. Rearrange my tea box. Think about painful memories. Rearrange my blankets on the couch. Order pizzas. Write a letter. Finish that book. Knit a scarf. I hope I can manage it all in one weekend…”

From the book ‘I need to check if I can’ by Liesbeth Smit (in Dutch).

What to expect as an introvert or HSP in Colombia

Colombia is an extrovert-oriented country with many (especially sound) stimuli. Which is a challenge for people who are introverted or highly sensitive. Also for me.

How many Colombians are introverted or HSP?

There are no figures on how often introversion and high sensitivity occur in Colombia. Worldwide, about 15% to 30% of people have the personality trait HSP. These figures also apply to introversion.

In Colombia, you see clear differences in social norms and the amount of stimuli per region and even per neighborhood. For example, people from Bogotá are generally more introverted and calmer than people in Medellín and surroundings (the Paisas), people in the coastal regions (Costeños), and people in Cali and surroundings.

What to expect in Colombia as an introvert

Colombians are super nice people. Warm, friendly, and hospitable. That’s also one of the reasons why I find living here so pleasant. At the same time, Colombians are also busy, noisy, and not punctual. Depending on the region and the person, of course.

I myself have nice Colombian friends and contacts with whom I feel comfortable. But generally, you can expect the following.

Here is a list of what to expect in Colombia (of course, this doesn’t apply to ALL places and ALL people, but generally you can expect this):

Colombians love noise. It sometimes seems as if silence is perceived as scary. There is noise everywhere. How much noise is produced obviously depends on the person and the region. For example, the Costeños (the people in the coastal areas) and Paisas (people from Medellín and surroundings) are much noisier than people from Bogotá.
Dogs bark everywhere. At the neighbors, on the street, in the middle of the night. If you’re lucky, you’ll stay somewhere where you don’t have this nuisance.
Traffic is extremely busy and noisy in some places, such as in Bogotá and Medellín. Traffic jams in your home country are nothing compared to this.
Privacy is quite scarce in Colombia. People are often together. Personal space is also much smaller than you might be used to; people often stand close to each other.
People talk a lot and loudly. And they are together for long periods. A birthday? It’s not from 12 to 4. Or maybe until 4 the next morning. If you’re already tired of it, the Colombians are just getting started.
The day starts early in Colombia. With loud talking, music, and other noise early in the morning (read: 5 a.m.). For example, I regularly wake up when the grass is mowed at 6 AM.
Music is a big part of society. It’s everywhere. Which is great, but not if you get overstimulated by it. Additionally, the music is preferably at ear-damaging volume. Even at children’s celebrations. Also at the neighbors, in the taxi, or in a restaurant.
Many things happen at the last minute, appointments are changed without hesitation and life is as unpredictable as the climate.
The motto of the average Colombian is “the more the merrier“.
It’s never quiet on public transport either. If you travel by bus, there’s always someone talking loudly for hours or has the phone volume turned up high. And then there’s the cold in the long-distance buses…

These are just a few examples. Depending on where and how you live, much more is possible. For example, 1.5 kilometers from my house, a new open-air theater for concerts has been built. It’s in such a bad location in the middle of a residential area, and the sound is so loud that I can literally sing along to the songs from my apartment.

And as an introverted traveler in Colombia, even more can be added:

Constantly being approached by taxi drivers or street vendors.
Hostels that are too busy. A little research beforehand is therefore not a luxury for an introverted traveler.
Traveling with a group. For some, it’s great, everything organized, but for me as an introverted traveler, it’s not fun. Just like chaotic group activities.

How I personally deal with this hustle and bustle

As an introvert and HSP, I’ve had to learn to have a pleasant life in Colombia. By adapting, letting go of control, and setting clear boundaries. And no, that’s not always easy.

In recent years, I’ve invested a lot of time to make life in Bogotá pleasant for myself. Here’s how I did it:

I found hobbies where I can be quietly with nice music together with others. Here you can read which activities in Bogotá those are. At these moments, I can relax, unwind, and be social with people who want the same as I do.
Setting boundaries. It’s difficult, especially when you’re with people who think something is wrong if you leave a party early. While I had a great time, but just don’t have any energy left. It’s sometimes annoying, but necessary for myself.
Bring something to do. In the taxi and sometimes also to family gatherings or places where I know I’ll have to wait a long time. I always bring something to be physically present but still isolate myself. Usually, it’s my crochet work. I enjoy crocheting a sweater while still being among other people.
Order yellow taxis instead of an Uber, Didi, or Cabify. In the latter three, you often have to sit in the front and the driver asks you all sorts of questions. I often don’t have the energy or desire to ‘have to’ talk about nothing, so I order a yellow taxi where I can sit in the back and crochet or quietly look outside.
I never travel in Colombia during the high season or to too busy destinations. I plan that well: I’d rather have a bit more rain on my trip than the hustle and bustle and people around me.

Where I’ve actually adapted

Social norms in Colombia are different from those in many western countries, so you really have to adapt to some things. And I’ve done that. For example, I hug a lot (I actually enjoy that now), give a kiss at every greeting and farewell, make a lot of small talk on the street, and I’m no longer as structured as before.

I even go to social activities much more than I ever did in the Netherlands. But only to activities that I’ve carefully selected myself and that really suit me. With calm music, silence, or nice conversations. Something I even miss when I visit the Netherlands.

Traveling in Colombia as an Introvert or HSP: 11 tips for a pleasant trip

Are you introverted and/or HSP and going on a trip to Colombia? That can be quite overwhelming. These tips will help you have a good time.

1. Travel outside the high season

I know it’s not possible for everyone, but especially as an introvert, you really benefit from discovering the country outside the Colombian high season. The high season is very busy, noisy, and crowded, mainly due to Colombian tourists. But also more and more foreign tourists.

Outside the high season, you have little to no mass tourism, less noise, more peace in hotels, and it’s cheaper. But the latter applies to everyone 😉 Read all about the high season in Colombia here.

2. Ensure a good balance between cities and nature

Three days of group activities in busy cities is quite exhausting for us introverts. Therefore, plan somewhat what you want to do and with whom. Bogotá is a busy city, going straight to Medellín or Cali afterward might not be the best idea. Alternate cities with nature or quiet villages. That helps a lot.

3. Choose your hotel, hostel, or apartment wisely

Do you want a quiet stay? Then don’t stay in a party hostel or a too busy dorm. I often travel alone, but I never sleep in a dorm. Read the reviews of the hotel or hostel you have in mind carefully. I often enjoy social interaction, but in a calm way. I don’t want to be bouncing in my bed from the noise until 2AM. Or talk to other people all evening. And believe me: there are many incredibly busy hostels in Colombia. Therefore, read up well before booking a room or bed.

4. Look at the neighborhood where you stay

The neighborhood where you stay is also important. In Colombia, the type of neighborhood is quite determining for the noise produced. The more expensive the neighborhood, the quieter it usually is. And the cheaper the neighborhood, the busier, more chaotic, and noisier it is.

In Bogotá, for example, you can find more peace in these neighborhoods:

El Chicó (but not at Parque 93 or Zona T)
Chapinero Alto (HAB hotel for example is well located if you want to stay central but still quiet)
Usaquen (but not at the central square)

5. Find quiet places in Colombia in nature

You can expect a lot of stimuli, people, and noise if you travel to the busiest destinations. Think of Cartagena, Palomino, Salento, Santa Marta, and Medellín. Fortunately, there’s so much more in Colombia, beautiful places where you can get to know the country and that are introvert- and HSP-proof.

These hotels, for example:

Soplo del Tambo in Cocorná. If you want peace and want to experience Colombia in the beautiful mountains near Medellín, then Soplo del Tambo is your place.
Finca San Vicente in Barichara. This is my favorite place in Colombia, I’ve been there often. In the middle of nature, but still close to Barichara and many hiking trails.
Jardín Colibri in Sopó/Guatavita. If you want to get completely away from the inhabited world, then this is your place. Close to Bogotá but completely in nature.
Uuttaaka Eco-hotel between Palomino and Riohacha. Wow, what a beautiful place this is. A long way outside the busy village in a place where you have the beach to yourself. Sleep in a honeycomb and completely relax.
Glamping Jardín in Jardín. This place is in the middle of nature, but close to the village of Jardín. From here you can do all kinds of activities, relax, or work quietly.

And there are many more beautiful places in Colombia where you can get to know the country and stay quietly.

6. Arrange your own trip through Colombia

By arranging everything yourself, you maintain control over your trip and you somewhat know what to expect. You can travel on a whim, but read up and book hotels in big cities in advance. That saves a lot of stress.

If you don’t want to figure out and arrange everything yourself, but also don’t want to travel in a group, then Miramundo Travel is a good solution. Everything is arranged, but you still have a private trip.

7. Bring your hobby

Isolating yourself or retreating is best when you can do something you can completely lose yourself in. Like reading or crocheting. I always bring my e-reader and where possible my crochet supplies. Soon I’m going on a trip and for the first time, I’m bringing my watercolor supplies. The way for me to relax and isolate myself.

8. Take your time traveling through Colombia

As an introvert, you need a lot of quiet moments, especially if you do many activities and have to make long bus rides. Colombia is an enormous country, and traveling by road takes a long time. Buses are often cold, and there’s always someone making noise. And if you’re a bit unlucky, the driver has the music blaring for 8 hours. It’s nice if you don’t have to make such a long trip again after seeing a destination for just one day.

Therefore, take your time for your roundtrip. You can see the highlights of Colombia in two weeks, but that will cost you a lot of energy as an introvert. It’s better to choose fewer destinations and stay a few nights longer. You can always return to Colombia to see more.

9. Bring earplugs

Earplugs are absolutely essential in Colombia if you can’t sleep with noise around you or wake up easily. I personally use Macks earplugs. These are silicone earplugs that don’t go into your ear, but only seal it off. This means they don’t hurt, unlike other earplugs I’ve used. I sleep with these earplugs, but you can also use them for concerts or during a noisy bus ride.

10. Travel with noise-cancelling headphones

My noise-cancelling headphones are my lifesaver in noisy situations. I use my Sony WH-1000XM4 during work, when I want to relax, or in moments with a lot of ambient noise. Think of long bus rides and on airplanes.

11. Set your boundaries

And importantly: clearly set your boundaries. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’. Are you doing a free walking tour with a large group and then need some alone time, while the rest want to go for a drink? Choose for yourself and enjoy the city or village on your own. Then you’ll be ready for the next excursion or trip the next day.

Are you an introvert or HSP and have you been to Colombia? Share your best tips!

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Tips for traveling through Colombia as an introvert or HSP