Traveling to the US during this Holy Week will, for many Colombians, be a more accessible opportunity than in recent years. Although ticket and accommodation prices عادة rise during peak seasons, 2026 brings an unexpected factor working in travelers’ favor: the drop of the dollar against the peso.
According to recent estimates, a typical trip may cost around 11% less than if it had been planned a year ago. In a context where every expense in foreign currency weighs on the wallet, this reduction becomes a clear incentive for those still deciding whether to leave the country during the holiday period.
In this way, the U.S. remains the main destination for Colombian tourists, with places like Miami and others in Florida consolidating year after year as top vacation spots during such significant dates.
Holy Week travel from Colombia to the US is 11% cheaper than last year
The main reason behind this lower cost is the depreciation of the dollar against the Colombian peso. While in March 2025 the representative market exchange rate stood at around COP 4,168, today it hovers near COP 3,700, implying a drop of more than COP 460 per dollar.
This movement has a direct impact on the total cost of an international trip. Expenses such as lodging, food, local transportation, and shopping, which are paid in dollars, automatically become cheaper for Colombians. In practical terms, a four-night stay in the United States can be 11% less expensive than last year, even under similar travel conditions.
Recent market volatility has not altered that underlying trend. Although the dollar has fluctuated in recent weeks, it remains clearly below the levels observed in 2025, maintaining the appeal of traveling abroad.
The outlook, however, is not entirely linear. Holy Week remains one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, putting upward pressure on ticket and hotel prices. Demand can cause fares to change even from one day to the next, with significant variations within hours.
Even so, the exchange rate effect manages to offset part of that seasonal increase. In other words, although base prices rise due to high demand, the cheaper dollar reduces the final impact in pesos. This creates a kind of balance: traveling is not necessarily “cheap” in absolute terms, but it is more convenient than a year ago.
This phenomenon is also reflected in overall tourism trends. The United States continues to be the main international destination for Colombians, accounting for nearly 29% of outbound travel, confirming that any fluctuation in the dollar has immediate effects on travel decisions.
Main destinations chosen by Colombians in the US
Within the United States, certain cities concentrate most of the demand. Miami leads by a wide margin, thanks to its geographic proximity, direct connections from several Colombian cities, and its appeal as a shopping and leisure destination.
Orlando is another favorite, especially for family trips, due to the presence of world-class theme parks. New York, meanwhile, attracts travelers interested in culture, business, and urban tourism.
Other relevant destinations include Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, which have gained ground as more affordable alternatives within Florida, as well as Houston for those combining tourism with family or work visits. This diversification reflects a Colombian traveler who is increasingly experienced and willing to explore new routes.
Beyond lower costs, the strong bilateral relationship reinforces this flow: while the United States is the main source of tourists to Colombia, it is also the most important destination for Colombians abroad, demonstrating a solid and consistent tourism exchange.
A context driving international travel
The relative affordability of traveling abroad adds to other factors boosting tourism in 2026. Greater air connectivity, the recovery of demand after years of adjustment, and competition among airlines have helped expand supply and, in some cases, moderate prices.
In addition, industry data show that Colombians are increasingly willing to travel abroad. Lower costs, partly driven by the exchange rate, become an additional incentive at a time when many families are once again prioritizing experiences such as vacations.
However, experts warn that savings are neither automatic nor uniform. Factors such as booking in advance, choosing travel dates, and payment methods can make significant differences in final expenses. In some cases, paying directly in dollars may even avoid extra costs associated with unfavorable currency conversions.
In this scenario, Holy Week 2026 appears as a window of opportunity to travel to the United States under better conditions than last year. The lower dollar provides some relief from the traditionally high costs of international travel.
Still, the context remains dynamic. Exchange rate volatility and demand pressure can quickly alter market conditions. Therefore, rather than guaranteeing savings, the current moment represents a favorable situation that is best taken advantage of with careful planning.
For those running the numbers, the message is clear: traveling remains a significant expense, but today—at least in exchange rate terms—it goes a bit further.