Colorado

United States

Colorado is a diverse state offering stunning mountain landscapes, vibrant city life, and endless outdoor adventures. From world-class skiing to hiking, biking, and exploring national parks, it appeals to nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$75/day
Mid-range$150/day
Luxury$400/day

Known For

DenverRocky MountainsAspenBoulderVailColorado SpringsGreat Sand DunesMesa VerdeTelluride

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington
CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)
LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian
Phone Code+1
Electricity120V (Type A, B)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
  • )
  • Restaurant waitstaff: 15
  • 20% of the bill
  • Bar staff: $1
  • 2 per drink or 15
  • 20% of the bill
  • Taxi drivers: 15
  • 20% of the fare
  • Hotel housekeepers: $2
  • 5 per day

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available
  • Credit cards are widely accepted
  • Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
  • No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
  • Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
  • Punctuality for appointments is expected
  • Personal space is generally respected
  • Shaking hands is a common greeting
  • Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
  • It is common to make small talk with strangers
  • "Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Legal drinking age is 21
  • Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
  • Federal law prohibits marijuana use
  • Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

  • It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
  • Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
  • Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)
YesYes (YES)
HelloHello (huh-LOH)
PleasePlease (PLEEZ)
Excuse meExcuse me (eks-KYOOS mee)
Thank youThank you (THANk yoo)

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Rocky Mountain Oysters must_try

A classic Western dish often found in Colorado, these are deep-fried bull or pig testicles, usually breaded and served with cocktail sauce. Despite th

Colorado Craft Beer alcohol

Colorado is a major hub for craft brewing, with a large number of breweries producing a diverse array of styles. From light lagers to strong IPAs, cra

Green Chili/Pueblo Chilies regional_speciality

A popular regional ingredient, these chiles are often incorporated into stews, sauces, and burritos, providing a spicy, earthy flavor. Pueblo Chilies,

Palisade Peaches seasonal

Grown in Palisade, Colorado, these peaches are highly celebrated for their incredible sweetness and flavor. They are typically available in late summe

Colorado Lamb regional_speciality

Colorado is known for raising high-quality lamb, often praised for its lean and tender texture and rich flavor. It is featured in various sophisticate

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Colorado State Parks Camping Reservations Accommodation
Book exactly 6 months in advance

Campsites in popular Colorado State Parks can be reserved up to six months in advance and fill up quickly, especially during summer weekends and holidays.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Ski Resort Lift Tickets Attraction
Book 1–6 months in advance

Ski lift tickets and passes are significantly cheaper when purchased well in advance, and some passes sell out before the start of the season.

High-Demand Denver Dining Reservations Dining
Book 2–8 weeks in advance

Popular or high-end restaurants in Denver, such as Matsuhisa or Tavernetta, book up quickly, especially for prime weekend dining slots.

Fun Facts

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