CARE Board Meeting - Colombia

CARE focuses its response on some of the most at risk forcibly displaced and host community members, especially women, girls, and young men.

CARE has been present in the Latin America and Caribbean region since 1954. CARE has been responding to the Venezuela migrant and refugee crisis with an approach sensitive to women and girls’ voice and leadership. CARE has been implementing emergency response interventions directly and through partners (in particular, women’s organizations) in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. CARE focuses its response on some of the most at risk forcibly displaced and host community members, especially women, girls, and young men.

In Colombia, CARE focuses on protection, health, and early recovery. This includes providing vouchers for protection, humanitarian transportation, legal and psychosocial counseling, and strengthening institutional and community protection systems. CARE also offers reproductive health services, particularly for pregnant women who have never had access to prenatal support. Additionally, CARE supports women’s entrepreneurship to reinforce their livelihoods. In every intervention, CARE aims to include up to 30% of hosting communities in order to bolster social cohesion.

Colombia receives the highest number of Venezuelan refugees and migrants in the region. Currently, over 2.8 million Venezuelans live in Colombia. The mass exodus of people has overwhelmed the country’s health and education systems, among others, and has fueled rising xenophobia in the country.

Dear all,

CARE has been operating in Colombia for six years, since its launch in 2019, scaling its efforts and working to address poverty and achieve women and girls’ equality in the country. With teams committed to transforming structures and partnering with local organizations, particularly those led by women, we aim to ensure the impact and sustainability of our actions.

Despite the multiple vulnerabilities and diverse challenges faced by communities, such as the internal conflict or the regional migration crisis, we also have some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world and resilient, entrepreneurial women who strive to change the reality of their families and surroundings. Additionally, there is an organized and committed civil society working to uphold the rights of those who are still unable to exercise them. In this context, notable social movements include indigenous groups, youth, and Domestic Workers’ Unions, which stand out for their actions and influence in our country.

On behalf of the entire national team, and our local partners, it is my pleasure to welcome your visit and ensure that it is a space for learning and understanding the context, as well as an exchange of experiences that enriches our work and motivates us to highlight field actions.

Sincerely,

Catalina Vargas Villamarin
Country Director
CARE Colombia

All day: Guests arrive in Bogotá and check into the Four Seasons Hotel. Free afternoon followed by optional group gathering or dinner on your own at the hotel.

8:00 am: Welcome Breakfast at the hotel and meeting with CARE Colombia’s staff and partners for a brief on Colombia, programmatic strategy, and security.

10:00 am: Cultural visit of downtown Bogotá with highlights like Monserrate and Museo Botero.

1:00 pm: Lunch in downtown Bogotá.

2:00 pm: Free afternoon to rest.

6:00 pm: Welcome Dinner.

6:00 am: Breakfast at hotel followed by check out.

7:00 am: Transport to the airport for a flight to Cúcuta.

12:00 pm: Lunch in Cúcuta with brief context on the migration crisis.

1:30 pm: Meeting with domestic workers, women entrepreneurs, and women leaders in emergencies.

4:30 pm: Departure for Women’s Day Fair: a cultural and gastronomic fair by women’s enterprises.

7:00 pm: Group Dinner.

7:00 am: Breakfast at hotel followed by check out.

8:30 am: Meeting with UN and governmental stakeholders followed by field visit to CARE projects.

10:00 am: Community Resilience Field Visit.

1:00 pm: Travel back to hotel.

2:00 pm: Lunch with Mayor’s Office of Cúcuta and the Department of Norte de Santander and meeting with local government.

3:30 pm: Transport to the airport for a flight to Cartagena.

8:00 pm: Dinner on your own in Cartagena.

8:00 am: Breakfast at hotel.

10:00 am: Board Meeting inclusive of lunch (Board Members).

10:00 am: Departure for downtown tour of Cartagena (Guests).

4:00 pm: Free afternoon to rest.

7:00 pm: Closing Dinner.

All day: Breakfast at hotel followed by check out and departure for return flights.

In mid-March, Bogotá, Cúcuta, and Cartagena each offer distinct climates. Bogotá, located at a high altitude, experiences mild temperatures ranging between 48°F (9°C) and 68°F (20°C). Mornings and evenings can be cool, and light rain is possible, so visitors should bring light layers and a rain jacket.

Cúcuta, in contrast, has a warmer climate, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 75°F (24°C) to 88°F (31°C). The city experiences dry conditions during this time, so light clothing and sun protection are recommended.

Cartagena, on the Caribbean coast, is hot and humid in March, with temperatures averaging between 77°F (25°C) and 88°F (31°C). Visitors should be prepared for the heat and humidity, especially during outdoor activities.

Clothing​

• 2-3 light fabric long-sleeved shirts (breathable material for warmer afternoons)​
• 1-2 light fabric short-sleeved shirts​
• 1-2 pairs of lightweight pants ​
• 2 cocktail attire outfits for formal events
• 2 sweaters or sweatshirts for layering during cooler evenings​
• 1 waterproof/windproof jacket for potential rain showers​
• 1 warm jacket, as Bogotá can be chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings​
• 1 hat with a wide brim or visor for sun protection during daytime activities​

Footwear​

• 1-2 pairs of comfortable, sturdy walking shoes (shoes may get muddy during field visits)​
• Several pairs of lightweight socks for varying conditions​

Miscellaneous​

• Sunglasses, sunscreen​
• Camera, battery charger​
• Snacks: Trail mix, energy bars (snacks will be available throughout the trip)  ​
• Hand sanitizer, hand wipes  ​

We advise you to work directly with your healthcare provider or a travel specialist to determine your personal vaccination and medication needs. Below are vaccines and preventive measures for travel to Colombia, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Routine Vaccines: Ensure you are up to date with standard vaccinations, including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), chickenpox, flu, and shingles.

Travel-specific vaccines

• Hepatitis A and B: Recommended for most travelers.
• Typhoid: Especially recommended for those staying with locals or visiting rural areas.
• Rabies: Consider if you plan to engage in outdoor activities or will be in areas with animals.
• Yellow Fever: Recommended for certain regions, particularly if traveling to areas outside of Bogotá, Cúcuta, and Cartagena.
• Malaria: Malaria is not a risk in Bogotá or Cartagena, but it may be a concern in rural areas surrounding Cúcuta. Travelers to these regions should consider taking malaria prophylaxis. The CDC advises consulting with your healthcare provider for the most appropriate prevention strategy.

One Hundred Years of Solitude
by Gabriel García Marquez (1982 Nobel Prize in Literature)

Love in the Time of Cholera
by Gabriel García Marquez

María
by Jorge Isaacs

Liveforever
by Andrés Caicedo

The Making of Modern Colombia: A Nation in Spite of Itself
by David Bushnell

Colombia is in northwestern South America, bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. It has a complex history shaped by indigenous cultures, Spanish colonization, independence movements, and periods of internal conflict.​

Before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the region was inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Muisca and Tairona. Spain established settlements and eventually created the Viceroyalty of New Granada, which included present-day Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. Colombia gained independence in 1810, becoming part of the Republic of Gran Colombia under the leadership of Simón Bolívar. This union dissolved in 1830, leading to the formation of Colombia as a separate nation.​

The country experienced a series of civil wars and political conflicts throughout the 1800s and 1900s. In the latter half of the 20th century, Colombia faced significant challenges due to guerrilla warfare, drug trafficking, and paramilitary violence. The government reached a historic peace agreement with the largest guerrilla group, FARC, in 2016, although violence related to armed groups and narcotrafficking still affects some regions.​

Colombia’s economy relies on energy and mining exports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices. It is Latin America’s fourth largest oil producer and a leading exporter of coal and coffee. Despite its economic potential, the country continues to face issues related to poverty, inequality, and rural development.​

Source: CIA, The World Factbook​

Population and demographics​

• Nationality: Colombian.​
• Population: Approximately 53.4 million as of 2025.
• Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Mestizo and White (87.6%), with notable Afro-Colombian (6.8%) and Amerindian (4.3%) communities.​
• Languages: Spanish is the official language, but Creole and English are also officially recognized in some territories; ~64 additional regional languages
• Religion: Predominantly Christian (90%), primarily Roman Catholic.

Economy​

• GDP per capita: Estimated at $7,914 (2024, nominal).​
• Major exports: Crude petroleum, coal, coffee, gold, and refined petroleum.​
• Exchange Rate (as of 9/12/2025): 3,908.45 Colombian pesos (COP) per U.S. dollar.​

Geography and natural resources​

• Area: Colombia has a total area of 1,138,910 sq km.​
• Terrain: The country’s geography includes coastal lowlands, central highlands, and eastern lowland plains.​
• Natural resources: Colombia is rich in petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, and hydropower.​

Government​

• Government type: Presidential republic.​
• Executive branch: The President serves as both head of state and head of government, currently Gustavo Petro (since August 2022).​
• Legislative branch: Bicameral Congress, consisting of a Senate (108 seats) and a Chamber of Representatives (188 seats).​

Colombia has a diverse landscape that supports various agricultural activities, and it is known for its production of coffee, sugar cane, bananas, and other crops. The country has a well-established mining and energy sector, and it is one of the world’s leading producers of emeralds.​

Source: CIA, The World Factbook​

What is the security situation in Colombia?​
Colombia has seen meaningful improvements in security over the past decades but remains a country where travelers should stay alert. Most visitor-facing risks involve petty crimes like theft, scams, or bag-snatching, while armed conflict typically remains confined to rural and border regions.

The upcoming 2026 elections are contributing to some uncertainty in the security environment, with a rise in political tensions and high-profile incidents in both rural and urban areas. Authorities in Colombia are increasing security in advance of the 2026 elections, and the CARE security team will continue to track developments, provide timely updates, and adapt plans as appropriate.

In Bogotá, the most common risks remain street-level theft and occasional scams, particularly in crowded or poorly lit areas and on public transit. Staying near well-traveled neighborhoods, avoiding displays of wealth, and using trusted transportation are prudent measures. The CARE security team will select safer venues and manage movements to reduce exposure to potential risks.

Cúcuta, near the Venezuelan border, faces elevated risks including organized crime and the presence of armed groups. CARE has no plans to include high-risk locations in the trip itinerary and will actively avoid volatile areas.
Cartagena is considered the safest of the three cities, with risks typically limited to petty crime such as pickpocketing, overcharging, or opportunistic theft in nightlife areas. By focusing activities in well-known zones and maintaining situational awareness, risks will be kept low.

The CARE security team is working to ensure that this trip takes place in more secure sites and will be constantly monitoring conditions and working with the Country Office team to adjust plans as needed for safety.

Do I need a visa for Colombia?
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Colombia. However, please check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. For non-U.S. travelers, please use a reputable government site for guidance.

Can I extend my stay in Colombia after the board meeting? 
Absolutely! If you’d like to arrive to Bogotá early or extend your stay and explore more of Cartagena, we’d be happy to help. Our team can liaise with the hotel to arrange additional nights for you. Please reach out in advance with your travel dates, and we’ll assist with accommodation options to ensure a smooth extension to your trip.

What currency is used in Colombia, and what is the exchange rate?​
The Colombian Peso (COP) is the official currency in Colombia. As of September 2025, the exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 3,900 COP, but it is advisable to check the current rate closer to your travel date.

What are the power outlets used in Colombia?​
You will need an adapter for your electrical devices. Colombia uses power sockets of types A and B.​

Will my cell phone work while traveling in Colombia?​
Contact your cell phone provider to ensure international roaming is set up before your trip. Mobile service is generally reliable in urban areas, though coverage may vary in rural regions. For local calls, dial ‘0’ before the area code.​

Will we have access to safe drinking water?​
Bottled water will be provided throughout your trip. It’s recommended to drink bottled or filtered water, as tap water quality may vary.​

What is standard food in Colombia?​
Common staples include rice, beans, arepas (corn cakes), plantains, and a variety of meats, especially chicken and beef. Traditional dishes often feature fresh ingredients and local spices.​

What is the appropriate way to handle tipping at restaurants, hotels, and on tours?​
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. A 10% to 15% tip is appropriate in restaurants, and small tips for hotel staff and tour guides are appreciated. ​

Can I take photos during field visits?  ​
CARE staff will assist you with determining when it is acceptable to take photos and of which subjects.