Major city · Colombia
Melgar
A weekend pool retreat from Bogotá: go for 2 nights if you want hot weather and swimming; skip if you prefer mountain scenery or coffee farms.
Melgar is a low-altitude resort town 98 km southwest of Bogotá, known for its 5,000+ swimming pools and warm climate (28–35°C year-round). It's a popular weekend escape for Bogotanos escaping the capital's cold. The town offers pools, parks, restaurants and nightlife, but little cultural or natural sightseeing. Best for a short, relaxed stay with family or friends.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- COP
- Best months
- Dec–Mar, Jul–Aug (dry season)
- avoid Apr–May, Oct–Nov (rainy season)
- Airport
- BOG
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Colombia ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Migración Colombia or a Colombian consulate; some travellers must complete an online migration form before arrival.
- Colombia ↗Security advice lists specific departments and border areas: check your own government's advice for every place on your route, including coastal roads.
- Colombia ↗Never accept drinks, food or cigarettes from strangers, and be careful with people met on dating apps: drugging (including with scopolamine) followed by robbery is a known risk.
- Colombia ↗Fill in Check-MIG only on the official Migración Colombia site; it is free, and lookalike sites charge a fee.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Melgar123 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Melgar, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Colombian peso (COP, $).Colombia-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckClaro (best coverage), Movistar and Tigo SIMs in malls and at airports; passport required and IMEI registration may apply for longer stays — check.Colombia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Bogotá and Medellín; drink bottled on the coast and in rural areas.Colombia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% propina voluntaria offered on the bill.Colombia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Colombia-wide
- SafetyMelgar is generally safe for tourists, but watch for pickpocketing in crowded areas and negotiate taxi fares in advance.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin in most places; bring tissues for bus stations.Colombia-wide
- Emergency numbers123 police · 123 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays; Monday holidays (puentes) move almost half of public holidays.Colombia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBOG El Dorado International Airport (About 2 h by bus or car from Melgar; no direct flights to Melgar.).
- Getting aroundTaxis and mototaxis are the main options; most sights are within walking distance in the centre.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (tinto)COP 1,500–3,000
- BeerBeer (local)COP 3,000–5,000
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi ride within townCOP 5,000–10,000
- Metro or bus rideBus Bogotá–MelgarcheckCOP 25,000–35,000
- Museum or sight ticketPool entry (public)checkCOP 5,000–15,000
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCOP 30,000
- Mid-range bedDouble room (mid-range hotel), a night, per roomCOP 150,000
- High-end bedDouble room (mid-range hotel), a night, per roomCOP 250,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget COP 80,000 · Mid COP 150,000 · High COP 300,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BOG El Dorado International Airport (About 2 h by bus or car from Melgar; no direct flights to Melgar.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Feb
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Mar
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Apr
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Dec
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Best: Jul–Aug, Dec–Mar. Avoid: Apr–May, Oct–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) low), wettest May (18 rain days), driest Jan (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Melgar: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8 rd
Feb
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9 rd
Mar
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
16 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
18 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
18 rd
Nov
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
16 rd
Dec
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Taxis and mototaxis are the main options; most sights are within walking distance in the centre. Buses connect the terminal to nearby towns.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 2 h
Bus from Melgar terminal, about 1.5 h
Ibagué is a larger city with some cultural sights; not a must-see.
Door to door: About 3.5 h
Bus via Armenia, about 3 h
Too far for a day trip; better as a separate stop in the Coffee Region.
Salento
skipDoor to door: About 4 h
Bus via Armenia, about 3.5 h
Too far for a day trip; stay overnight in Salento.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (near the terminal)
Close to restaurants and pools; most hotels and hostels here.
Outskirts (villas and fincas)
More space, private pools, quieter; need a taxi or car.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- COP 80,000–120,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- COP 120,000–200,000 excl. bed
- High
- COP 200,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room (mid-range hotel)1 × 2 nights × COP 150,000 | COP 300,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × COP 150,000 | COP 600,000 |
| Bus Bogotá–Melgar, one way2 × COP 25,000 · check | COP 50,000 |
| Pool entry (public pool)2 × COP 10,000 · check | COP 20,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × COP 30,000 | COP 60,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | COP 103,000 |
| Trip total≈ COP 283,300 per person per day, bed included | COP 1,133,000 |
2026 estimate in COP; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (tinto) | COP 1,500–3,000 |
| Lunch (menu del día) | COP 12,000–20,000 |
| Beer (local) | COP 3,000–5,000 |
| Taxi ride within town | COP 5,000–10,000 |
| Bus Bogotá–Melgarcheck | COP 25,000–35,000 |
| Pool entry (public)check | COP 5,000–15,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Weekend crowds from Bogotá: book accommodation and bus tickets in advance.
- Heat and humidity: carry water and sunscreen.
- Some pools may have entry fees or be private; check before you go.
- Mototaxis can be unsafe: negotiate the fare before getting on.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 123
- Fire and ambulance
- 123
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
MelgarMelgar
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police123
- Fire and ambulance123
Embassy
Most embassies are in Bogotá; the US Embassy is in Bogotá (check address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Bogotá → Melgar: about COP 25,000–35,000, about 2 h (check)
- Taxi from terminal to centre: COP 5,000–10,000
- Mototaxi short ride: COP 3,000–5,000
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (oh-lah)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much does it cost? (KWAHN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Dónde está la piscina? — Where is the pool? (DON-deh es-TAH lah pee-SEE-nah)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-see-ahs)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Melgar. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Mar, Jul–Aug (dry season) · avoid Apr–May, Oct–Nov (rainy season) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Pool and villa pages with verified entry fees and booking links.
- Restaurant pages with typical Tolima dishes (lechona, tamales).
- Transport page with bus schedules from Bogotá and nearby towns.
- Safety page with local emergency contacts and common scams.
Sources
Ask about Melgar
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