Is Colombia Safe To Travel: My Best Safety Tips
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Is Colombia safe to travel to? Should you take the risk when everyone says you’re out of your mind?
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure when I first arrived in Colombia in 2015—for the same reasons you likely have. Now, I live there!
With this guide, you’ll benefit from my experience to avoid dangers in Colombia and travel more safely.
Edit 08/2024: We’ve completely redesigned this article.
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Is Colombia Safe: The Truth
I’ve been in Colombia for years, and here’s my perspective.
Is Colombia Dangerous to Travel Now?
The situation in Colombia has significantly improved since 2007.
You’ve probably heard about cocaine and Pablo Escobar on TV.
Even though there is still significant production of white powder in Colombia (due to high demand from wealthy countries), the cartels no longer rule the country. The era of Pablo Escobar and Co. is long gone.
If you don’t seek to buy drugs, you won’t face any trouble on that front.
Colombia has significant social inequalities, which drove some individuals to take up arms to fight “against the system.” Consequently, wealthy families hired mercenaries (paramilitaries) to fight back. It was a violent period.
The situation has greatly improved since 2007 (under President Uribe). In 2016, a peace agreement was signed with the largest guerrilla group: the FARC.
The presence of these illegal armed groups is now greatly reduced and restricted to areas with dense vegetation where tourists don’t venture.
To put it simply, no one will try to kidnap you, and you won’t encounter any bearded men with AK47s during your trip to Colombia.
Petty crime is the only real danger for tourists. There is poverty in Colombia, and some people simply choose to steal to get by.
Pickpocketing and snatch thefts are the most common crimes. While you don’t need to be overly paranoid, it’s crucial to stay aware of your environment and follow some basic safety rules.
These incidents mainly occur in big cities (you’re safe in the smaller villages).
Your insurance likely doesn’t cover international trips. So, it’s important to get travel insurance to protect yourself in case of accidents, delays, cancellations, or theft.
Sometimes your credit card provides enough coverage, but often it doesn’t. Discover the travel insurance we’ve used in Colombia.
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Best safety tips for the street
Keep these safety tips in mind when you’re exploring a large city in Colombia.
Thieves try to optimize their time. To avoid catching their eye, don’t flaunt your iPhone or wear a gold watch.
Additionally, it’s wise to blend in with the locals. In Cartagena, shorts and flip-flops are fine. However, in Medellin, men should wear closed shoes and pants.
Here’s a handy tip I find useful. There’s nothing worse than losing your passport and ruining your vacation. Leave it in your hotel bag and carry a photocopy with you. Generally, you won’t be stopped by the police, but if you are, the photocopy will suffice.
Uber is quite cheap in Colombia. When you need to get around in a non-tourist area, especially during the evening and the streets are empty, take an Uber. It’s the best way to stay safe in a large city.
You can use your phone on the street or take photos. The important thing is to be aware of the people around you. Do things properly and swiftly. It’s also essential not to leave your belongings unattended, whether on the edge of a restaurant table on the street or in your back pocket.
If, unfortunately, someone tries to rob you in the street (with or without visible weapons), don’t resist. Your assailant might be on drugs, angry, or frightened, and things could go badly. It’s better to hand over your money than to risk your life.
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Best tips to keep your money
How to avoid getting scammed.
You will need cash in Colombia. The easiest way to get it is from an ATM. However, prioritize those located in banks, airports, or shopping centers. You’ll be sure they’re not “hacked,” and there are always security guards.
Aside from the Caribbean coast, I find that locals are usually fair with prices. Still, some vendors might increase their prices if you’re a foreigner. Here are two ways to avoid this issue:
- Always ask for the price before paying.
- Check with your hotel to know the standard prices (especially for taxi rides and souvenirs).
I always check the amount on the terminal and the total amount of the bill before paying by card. When paying with cash, I make sure to verify the change.
If there are mistakes, they are usually unintentional (many Colombians aren’t great at math). It doesn’t cost anything to double-check ;
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Best safety tips for going out
Be cautious if you’re living the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle.
Colombian women are stunning, and you might arrive here as a single guy on the prowl. The problem is that you can be an easy target for thieves—some like to drug their victims with scopolamine and then rob them.
It’s best to avoid dating apps like Tinder (try flirting in person instead) and be wary of super sexy young women who approach you on the street or in a club (unless you look like Cristiano Ronaldo).
Most incidents happen when tourists get dead drunk at night and become careless. Enjoy the amazing nightlife in Colombia, but do so in moderation.
It’s common sense, but it’s important to highlight since some travelers come to Colombia for the wrong reasons. Drugs are illegal in Colombia, and trying to buy them on the street can easily put you in a bad situation (or get you arrested by the police).
Scopolamine is a drug that can be slipped into someone’s drink, turning them into a kind of “obedient zombie” who will answer all your questions and have no memory of it the next day. To avoid this, don’t leave your drink unattended, and don’t accept drinks from strangers.
During the day, I’m fine with taking a taxi from the street. But if I’m out late at night, I prefer using Uber—they’re always available in the major cities.
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Safety in major Colombian cities
Each city varies in terms of safety.
The tourist districts of Cartagena, especially the historic center, are some of the safest in Colombia—but be mindful of pickpockets.
All the tourist attractions are close to each other, and you can walk between them without any problem. In the evening, there are usually lots of people around, so you can safely go from bar to bar or to your restaurant.
When you see the streets starting to empty (particularly around Getsemani or Bocagrande), it’s best to take an Uber.
Be careful if you plan to party at night, especially if you’re out flirting—read our previous section.
Cartagena is where you’ll find the most price scams. Always ask for the price before buying or eating, and remember that NOTHING is free here.
Yes, Medellin is safe to visit, but the increase in tourists has also led to more thefts. So, you should be more cautious with petty crimes.
Apart from the busy areas in Poblado and Laureles (where there are always people), I recommend taking an Uber at night. It’s also essential to stay in good neighborhoods.
The locals here are generally honest, and there are fewer price scams. However, it doesn’t hurt to ask for the price first.
Once again, be prudent if you plan to use dating apps and when you go out late.
Cali is known for its safety issues among travelers, particularly at night.
The city is poorer than its peers, but that’s not a reason to skip it. Avoid the east side of Cali and book your stay in one of these neighborhoods: San Antonio, San Fernando (Parque del Perro), Granada (Zona Rosa – party area), or El Peñon.
I love going out in Cali to dance salsa. However, always use an Uber to get home.
Yes, Bogotá is also safe (though less than Medellin or Cartagena), but many neighborhoods become sketchy at night, like la Candelaria. It’s the old downtown of Bogotá. During the day, many students and workers walk the streets. But after 9 PM, most restaurants close, and the poorly lit streets empty out.
Additionally, there are many poor neighborhoods around La Candelaria. Stay alert to avoid theft.
The wealthier neighborhoods are located above Avenida El Dorado. Here is a list of the safest neighborhoods if you want to find accommodation:
- Usaquen
- Chapinero Alto
- Zona G
- Quinta Camacho
- El Retiro
- Zona T (Zona Rosa) – This is the party district. You can walk around safely at night but take an Uber to get home.
- Chico Norte
I’m not particularly fond of the vibe in Santa Marta. You can walk around the city center during the day, but always take a taxi at night if you’re not in the restaurant area. Avoid straying too far from Parque Los Novios.
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Best Transportation Safety Tips
Traveling by bus and car is much safer now than it used to be.
For long-distance buses, you’ll need to put your large bag in the luggage hold. The major companies usually give you a ticket that you need to keep to retrieve your bag, so it’s generally safe. But for added security, I recommend putting all your valuables in a day bag that you’ll keep at your feet.
This also applies if you rent a car or take private transport. Always keep your small bag with your important belongings.
I’ve taken nearly a hundred night buses in Colombia (3 months on a bus, lucky me! haha) without any issues—except for surviving the intense cold from the air conditioning.
Don’t hesitate to take night buses in Colombia to optimize your itinerary.
Colombians drive fast and overtake on curves, and traffic signs are just roadside decorations. This chaos works pretty well for them but might surprise you if you’re not from here.
I also avoid driving at night. The roads are usually in poor condition, and you might pass through unsafe areas when there’s no one else on the road.
One important thing to remember: pedestrians have no rights on the street. Crosswalks mean nothing, so always be on the lookout when crossing the street—especially since the use of turn signals is nonexistent.
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Best health advice
Don’t be a mosquito feast, and it’s best to stick to bottled water.
Generally, there’s no problem with the food.
The juices are made with potable water and the meat is cooked for a long time (the cold chain is not always maintained in Colombia). Don’t hesitate to try the street food (which is often fried). Book a street food tour or ask locals to find the best spots.
That said, I’d steer clear of small roadside food stands in the middle of nowhere. I’ve tried it, and it didn’t end well 😉
Be sure to bring aspirin and Imodium with you. They’re always useful.
Tap water is usually potable in the major cities, except on the Caribbean coast. In small villages, I recommend not drinking it—unless your lodging guarantees it’s safe.
Yellow fever can happen in Colombia and can be prevented by vaccination, which is highly recommended. Vaccines are free at El Dorado/Bogotá Airport and available at Red Cross offices.
Other mosquito-borne diseases include Zika, malaria, dengue, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis.
Use repellent and wear protective clothing to avoid bites when you go hiking in the jungle.
In Colombia, the sun is strong even if the sky is cloudy because the country is close to the equator and many destinations are at high altitudes, like Medellín at 1500m and Bogotá at 2400m.
Remember to wear a hat and apply sunscreen to protect yourself from UV rays.
The Andes mountain range splits into three as it enters Colombia. This means there are numerous trekking opportunities, but at altitudes you might not be accustomed to.
Before tackling peaks of 3,000-5,000 meters, make sure to acclimate for a few days and avoid consuming alcohol. For these treks, I prefer to go with a local guide, as they have the training and experience to handle headaches or other warning signs of altitude sickness.
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Will you survive?
The answer is yes.
My first year traveling through Colombia was as a solo backpacker. And everything went well.
Usually, you’ll meet other travelers easily, and Colombians are always very helpful if you ask them questions. Just be extra careful at night when you go out because no one is looking out for you.
From my experience, I feel that female travelers have fewer problems than men because they tend to do fewer reckless things at night.
Colombian culture is Machista, and you’ll most likely get hit on several times during your trip. Occasionally, it can be a bit much (though less than in France), but nothing more. Colombians are generally protective and smooth talkers.
They’ll also want to know if you’re married with children. Don’t hesitate to say yes 😉
Yes, as the majority of issues in Colombia occur at night—unless you plan on hitting nightclubs with your children.
Be cautious of vehicles when crossing the road and consider taking tours with local guides for a more organized trip.
If your kids are small, you should also consider destinations that aren’t too remote, so you have easy access to a good hospital if needed.
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Is Colombia Safe To Travel: My Best Safety Tips
Okay, you now know the basic safety rules. However, feel free to continue reading this article if you’d like to understand the safety situation in the country better and read about my experiences in Colombia.
TOM’S TIP
For a quick glimpse of Colombia, check out our guide on what Colombia is known for. Be sure to read our tips for planning your trip to Colombia and our travel insurance guide.
Understanding Colombia’s safety situation
Let’s be real: Colombia doesn’t have a great reputation in the media or in people’s minds. More than once, people have looked at me like I’m crazy when I tell them I live there, and my grandmother nearly handcuffed me to the radiator when I decided to take my first backpacking trip there.
But where does this “James Bond’s vilain” reputation come from? Why do government websites often present it as a “Are you sure you want to go there?” destination?
Let me explain it all to you.
Colombia’s Armed Conflict
Colombia is a relatively young country, born in the 19th century, but deeply marked by enormous social inequalities inherited from colonization. For example, 0.44% of landowners own 40.1% of the land.
Add to that extreme tensions between the conservative and liberal parties over the first 150 years—so intense that conflicts were often settled with machetes. The assassination of political figures, particularly on the liberal side, like Jorge Gaitán, fueled these tensions and sparked a civil war known as “La Violencia.”
And that’s where everything went off the rails.
Colombia’s armed conflict officially began in 1964 when the FARC and ELN guerrilla groups were formed. These groups, inspired by leftist ideologies, sought to challenge the government and the country’s socio-economic disparities. The conflict escalated with the emergence of paramilitary forces in the 1980s, who were supported by landowners, business leaders, and even elements of the Colombian Army. The violence became widespread, with both sides committing severe human rights abuses.
Cartels and cocaine
But that’s not all! In the late 1970s, Colombia witnessed the massive arrival of cocaine and the birth of two powerful cartels: Medellín and Cali. Coca cultivation took place in remote areas, often controlled by guerrillas or paramilitaries, creating a complex web of alliances and rivalries. Territorial wars became the norm.
By the late 1980s, the Colombian government decided to take serious action against Pablo Escobar and signed an extradition agreement with the United States. In response, the Medellín cartel reacted violently, assassinating police officers and orchestrating bombings across the country. This escalation of violence plunged Colombia into a new phase of chaos, adding another layer of complexity to an already intense conflict.
After Pablo Escobar
Paradoxically, after Pablo Escobar’s death in 1993, the situation worsened. The serpent lost its head, but the drug market became a battlefield for those vying for control. The guerrillas continued to finance their activities through kidnappings, targeting the wealthy.
In 2002, Álvaro Uribe became president and launched a ruthless offensive against the guerrillas. The latter were given free rein to commit atrocities, marking a dark period with massive human rights violations, until the so-called “demobilization” of the paramilitaries in 2005.
Starting in 2007, the situation began to improve gradually. Violence decreased, no more bombs and kidnappings, and the first tourists began to discover the natural and cultural treasures that Colombia has to offer.
So, where did the bad guys go? What happened to the guerrillas, the paramilitaries, and the traffickers? And what about the cocaine?
Where are the bad guys now?
It would be misleading to say that the guerrillas and paramilitaries have vanished, but their presence has significantly diminished.
Nowadays, they prefer to operate quietly, focusing on drug trafficking, which remains prevalent in Colombia. The state’s military presence has strengthened, and since the 2016 peace accords with the FARC, many regions have opened up to tourism.
As a traveler, you won’t notice anything about this underground economy, and it won’t impact your vacation at all. The guerrillas, paramilitaries, and drug traffickers have no interest in you. In fact, they prefer to avoid drawing attention and ensure that everything remains calm in their territory, which indirectly protects you.
My only advice: don’t venture alone into areas with no tourist appeal, as you might look suspicious.
Safety travel tips: my experiences
Alright, you’re not at risk of being kidnapped, but that doesn’t mean you can wander the streets of Colombia without thinking. It’s still a South American country, so there are a few precautions to keep in mind.
No dar Papaya
In Colombia, there’s a saying you’ll hear often: “No dar papaya.” Literally, it means “don’t give papaya.” Essentially, it’s about not inviting bad luck by making yourself a target or getting robbed.
For a traveler, this means not attracting unnecessary attention. For example, if you’re blonde and tall, you’ll naturally stand out. But don’t worry—just avoid showing that you’re a “juicy papaya” full of money. Leave your jewelry at home and don’t flash your latest iPhone around all the time. Keep it tucked away in your pocket and only use it when necessary.
If I need to take photos or check Google Maps, I like to look around first and make sure I hold my phone securely to avoid snatch-and-grab thefts. This often happens from motorcycles, so it’s better to step away from the street a bit.
I also avoid walking down side streets once night falls, unless I know the neighborhood well. This rule even applies in wealthy areas because thieves know that’s where the best “papayas” are—and these streets are often empty since they’re residential. If it’s a zone with bars and restaurants, like Poblado, La 70, or Primer Parque in Medellín, then it’s fine as long as the businesses are still open.
Another option is to only go out with cash and an old phone (you can buy a local SIM card for a few dollars to get internet). That way, if anything happens, you won’t lose much.
But honestly, the best way to get around in a big city is to use UBER. It’s cheap, easy to use, and it’s what I usually do when I’m in a large city.
How much is it?
Now, let’s take a look at some of the most common scams.
First, I always ask the price before ordering anything, because prices are often not displayed in Colombia.
This is especially true for taxis without meters (like in Cartagena or Santa Marta) and restaurants that don’t give you a menu.
That’s why you should at least learn the phrase “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (how much) and the numbers + a few amounts (10, 20, 50, 100, 1000, 1000000).
You’ll use big numbers, so it’s easy to get confused—or be tricked.
As for souvenir shops, you can try to haggle a bit: “¿Y a cuánto me lo dejas?” (How much will you let it go for?). You might get a 10-20% discount sometimes.
Should you take this taxi?
Another issue is with taxis.
I’ve taken hundreds of street taxis in Colombia without ever having a problem—except occasionally getting overcharged.
However, there are fake taxis that pick up passengers only to rob them.
For added safety, I recommend taking official taxis (if available) when leaving airports, especially in Bogotá. Alternatively, you can simply book private transportation.
And I always use Uber when heading home after a night out.
But the simplest option is to avoid taking street taxis altogether (even though in 99.99% of cases, nothing will happen). Use an app or ask your restaurant or hotel to call a cab for you.
In villages, apps don’t work. Luckily, there’s no problem with taking taxis there, and you can safely hail them on the street.
It’s too good to be true
This rule applies to tours as well as to flirtatious Colombian women.
Colombia is an affordable country, but that doesn’t mean everything is free or cheap. A quality tour requires logistics, a guide, a company with proper paperwork, and a well-organized team.
In short, my advice is not to go for the cheapest agency (especially if it’s a vendor who approaches you on the street with an amazing deal). They’ll sell you a dream, but the reality will be very different; groups of 30-50 people, a lower-quality experience, and nothing included.
And what about Colombian women?
Some criminals have figured out that it’s easy to rob tourists by putting a sexy, smiling girl in front of them. The scenario is simple: you bring her home, she slips some scopolamine into your drink, and you wake up penniless. What’s worse, this drug is dangerous, and an incorrect dosage can be fatal.
To avoid falling into this trap, stay alert when swiping on Tinder. Girls in sexy outfits who send you a “hola handsome” right from the first message are suspicious. Stick to those who seem more normal, and consider using a less popular app like Bumble. Meet them in a bar rather than at your place—besides, many hotels don’t allow guests.
The same caution applies in bars and clubs, especially trendy and upscale spots, where thieves hunt for “golden papayas.” Be wary of overly flirtatious girls, and always keep an eye on your drink.
You’ll have much more peace of mind in villages
That’s where you can finally let your guard down a bit—though it’s always a good idea to ask your accommodation for advice first. Personally, I love the atmosphere of villages in Colombia. Everyone knows each other and lends a hand, you can walk around easily, and use your phone without worry.
I find these villages much safer than the big cities.
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Are Americans allowed to visit now !?
Hey Anthony,
Yes, there are flights to Colombia! However, you won’t be able to dance salsa or visit a National Park (still closed until further notice).
Is an old iPhone safe to take? Like an iPhone 5 or 6/6s? They are about the same price used on eBay as cheap new android phones so my loss wouldn’t be any different, but is having any iPhone a much bigger risk?
Hey James!
No, don’t worry. Actually, many Colombians also have an iPhone. The general idea is to keep it in your front pocket (never the back pocket) and be cautious when you use it in big cities. 🙂
Good article, but a PCR test alone will get you sent out of the country. I know from experience. 🙂
Hi Shane, Thanks for passing by. Could you tell us more about your experience? Do you mean that a PCR test wasn’t enough to enter Colombia?
I’ve traveled a lot of the world and in every country there’s an “avoid this place.” Usually, it’s really overblown and I’ve never had a problem…. in Columbia this place to avoid seems to be CALI… is it really that bad and should I avoid it in Dec 2022?
Hi Lance. Personally, I love Cali. However, it is true that it is a city that you can avoid if you don’t like to dance salsa. The city has no real tourist interest (except for the surrounding nature)
I see that the travel advisory for Colombia from the United States Government is a level 3, reconsider travel. When I bought my tickets it was at a level 2. Is there a reason for the increased risk within the last few months?