Search for tattoo prices in Colombia and you will get confident numbers with no source behind them. We looked for something better and could not find an official or systematic survey. So instead of making up an average, here is every useful public price point we found, with where it came from.
Published tattoo prices in Colombia
| Where | Published price | Type of source |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Marta | About $59, one-hour small tattoo | Activity listing on Expedia |
| Santa Marta | About €166, 3-hour session | Activity listing on Expedia |
| Medellín | COP 300,000 to 1,800,000, small to medium, one studio | Directory estimate |
| Medellín | $200 to $1,000+ USD per day across the market; $550 to $750 for its own artists | Booking service |
| Colombia | COP 2.5M per day, standard rate | Booking service |
| Cartagena | €80 to €200 small; €150 to €300+ per hour for larger custom work | Directory estimate |
| Bogotá | Often 25 to 40% below U.S. prices, no absolute figure | Tattoo travel writer |
Listings were checked in November 2026. Prices change, and the estimates above are not quotes. Read them as a sense of the range, not a price list. Note that one booking service’s two pages use different day rates, in different currencies, so confirm which applies.
Why the range is so wide
These figures are measuring different things. A $59 flash piece on a tour listing and a $1,000 day with a realism specialist are not the same product at two prices. Four things usually drive the gap:
- Artist demand. Well-known artists with long waiting lists charge accordingly.
- Style and detail. Style, experience, size and session length all change the rate.
- Pricing model. Some artists charge by piece, others by hour, others by the day. Compare total cost, never the headline number.
- Who is selling. Tourist packages and agencies may include services beyond the tattoo itself. Ask what is included.
How much cheaper than home?
The most specific independent comparison we found is that tattoos in Bogotá are often 25 to 40 percent cheaper than the United States. We did not find a comparable independent figure for Europe, so be cautious about any site that gives one.
Do the whole calculation before deciding to travel for savings. Flights, lodging, extra days and a return trip for touch-ups can absorb a discount quickly. Colombia makes the most sense as a tattoo destination when you are already going, or when you want a specific artist.
How to get a real quote
Good artists can quote much more accurately when you send:
- Your idea and two or three reference images
- Exact body placement, with a photo of the area if possible
- Approximate size in centimeters
- Color or black and grey
- Your dates in Colombia, and how many days you can give it
Then ask for the following in writing: the price and its currency, the deposit, what happens to the deposit if either of you cancels, the number of sessions, and whether touch-ups are included.
Paying and tipping
Agree the payment method up front and confirm whether card surcharges apply. Tipping customs vary, though one tattoo travel writer recommends tipping generously in Colombia. Do not hand over a deposit through a channel you cannot trace, or to anyone who cannot show you who the artist is.
Common questions
What is the average price of a tattoo in Colombia?
We could not find a reliable national average. Public listings run from about $59 for a small one-hour tattoo to over $1,000 USD per day for top artists.
Should I pay in pesos or dollars?
Confirm in writing which currency applies to the quote. Rates quoted in pesos change in dollar terms as the exchange rate moves.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
Deposits are a common way to hold an artist’s calendar. Before paying, confirm the amount, refund terms and how the payment is traceable.
Keep reading
- How Long After a Tattoo Can You Swim? Ocean, Pool and Hot Tub
- Getting a Tattoo in Colombia: The Complete Guide for Travelers
- Colombia Tattoo Ideas: 9 Designs With a Real Story Behind Them
Sources
- Expedia, small tattoo activity in Santa Marta
- Expedia, 3-hour tattoo session in Santa Marta
- Tattoos Wizard, studio listing
- Global Inked, How much are tattoos in Medellín, Feb 2026
- Global Inked, How much do tattoos cost in Colombia
- TatScout, Cartagena top 10
- Tattoo Vagabond, Tattoos and Piercings in Bogotá, Oct 2025
Checked November 5, 2026. Spot an error? Tell us and we will correct it.