I will add a few other comments here that might be useful for travelers to Colombia:

1) If you plan to use your US credit cards there, call the credit card company at least 4 business days in advance to let them know. If you don't, their fraud department will often suspend your card after the first use in Colombia.

2) I have been having trouble using my regular bank ATM card in Colombia except at Citbank locations, which are rare outside of big cities. Many of the Colombian banks left the Plus network, which is the one my bank uses. Therefore, I often use my credit card at an ATM to get cash. You may want to make sure that option is set up on your card(s). In my experience, using travelers' checks or dollars and exchanging them at a bank or change office is costly and time consuming.

3) The local currency is pesos, which trade right now at about 1833 to the dollar. You will need small bills (1,000, 2,000, and 5,000) for tipping. Keep in mind that tips are generally not as expected there. In taxis, 1,000 to 2,000 is a good tip - most Colombians do not tip taxis at all. In restaurants they add a 10% tip automatically (though it is voluntary). Unless I get super service, I pay the face amount on the bill that includes the 10%.