Route at a Glance
Two carriers compete directly on this route — this tool compares Avianca against Wingo's lower base fares on the same dates.
Avianca vs. Wingo: Which Should You Book?
Avianca is Colombia's flagship carrier and a Star Alliance member — full-service, more flexible, and better for anyone earning or redeeming Lifemiles. Wingo is Avianca's low-cost subsidiary: lower base fares, but baggage, seat selection, and most extras cost separately. Full Avianca fare-class breakdown lives on the dedicated airline guide →; Wingo specifics are below since no other page covers it.
| Factor | Avianca | Wingo |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare | Higher | Lower |
| Baggage included | Varies by fare tier | Personal item only |
| Seat selection | Included or low fee | Extra fee |
| Loyalty program | Lifemiles + Star Alliance | None — bookable with Lifemiles occasionally |
| Changes/cancellation | More flexible | Limited |
| Best for | Frequent flyers, checked bags | Light packers, budget-first |
Compare total cost, not just the base fare — a Wingo ticket that looks cheaper can end up pricier than Avianca once a checked bag and seat selection are added back in.
What to Expect on Board
Avianca
Airbus A320/A319, 3-3 Economy layout at 29–31" pitch, extra-legroom seats available for a fee. Free streaming entertainment to your own device on most aircraft (download the app beforehand). Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and a snack on this ~2-hour route; Wi-Fi availability varies by aircraft.
Wingo
Boeing 737, single Economy cabin, no assigned perks beyond your fare tier. Buy-on-board snacks and drinks only — nothing complimentary. No seatback entertainment; bring your own device and download content beforehand.
Fares & When to Book
Getting to & Through El Dorado
Getting There
At the Airport
Connecting Through Bogotá
El Dorado is Avianca's primary hub, feeding this route from across South and Central America. Allow at least 1.5 hours for a domestic-to-international connection, or 2–3 hours international-to-international. Colombia offers sterile international transit — you don't need to clear Colombian immigration if staying airside, though you'll need the right entry documents if you do plan to leave the airport.
| From | 1st Leg | Total Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Medellín | ~1h to BOG | ~5–6 hours |
| Cali | ~1h to BOG | ~5–6 hours |
| Cartagena | ~1.5h to BOG | ~5–6 hours |
| Quito | ~2h to BOG | ~6–7 hours |
| Lima | ~3h to BOG | ~7–8 hours |
Combining Colombia and Curaçao
The short flight time makes this route a natural add-on rather than a trip of its own — Cartagena plus Curaçao gives you two distinct Caribbean experiences back to back; Bogotá plus Curaçao pairs city culture with beach time; Medellín travelers can connect through Bogotá or take a quick domestic hop first. Worth building a few extra days into any of these combinations rather than treating the flight as a same-day connection.
Entry Requirements for Colombian Citizens
Passport valid 6+ months beyond your stay. No visa required for tourist stays up to 90 days. The digital ED Card is mandatory for everyone, completed online within 48 hours of departure — bring proof of onward travel and your accommodation details.
Currency Note
Colombian pesos are not widely accepted in Curaçao — exchange to USD before you go, or rely on cards and ATMs. Local currency is the guilder (NAf), pegged at roughly 1.79 to the dollar; US dollars work almost everywhere tourists go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roughly 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours nonstop — one of the shortest international routes to the island, on either Avianca or Wingo.
No — Colombian passport holders can visit visa-free for tourist stays up to 90 days. You still need a passport valid 6+ months beyond your stay and a completed ED Card before you fly.
Curaçao is 1 hour ahead of Bogotá, consistently year-round — neither location observes daylight saving, so this never shifts by season.
February–March and September–October consistently offer the lowest fares — outside both the December/January holiday surge and the June/July mid-year travel bump.
No — there's no passenger ferry service between Colombia and Curaçao. Flying is the only practical way to make this crossing.