Bus Safety for Gringos to Sant Marta

toneloc24 says on Jul 12, 2007, 13:22:

Where would you be originating from in Colombia?

Bogota? Cartagena? Barranquilla? Other?

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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kfc2801 says on Jul 12, 2007, 13:38:

Hello,
That would help. I will be originating from Bogota to Santa Marta.

Thanks
KFC

Gringo from Georgia USA who is married blissfully to Colombian Lady.

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robi666 says on Jul 12, 2007, 13:42:

No problem for you.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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toneloc24 says on Jul 12, 2007, 14:41:

Loooooonnnnggggg ass trip. I've heard approx. 16 hrs from an ex. I just fly.

You'll be safe, but can probably connect in Bogota to Santa Marta for $200-250 r/t on Avianca. Assuming you're taking Delta, even if you layover in Bogota that night, grab a hotel to sleep, then catch the 1st flight to Santa Marta, you'll still beat the bus to Santa Marta and save $$$$. The BOG-SM flight is approx. 75-90 mins.

Or, you can connect to Barranquilla that night. Grab a hotel, then catch a bus/van/taxi up to Santa Marta in the morning. Either way, you'll be safe and won't waste 16 hours in a cold-ass bus.

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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robi666 says on Jul 12, 2007, 16:44:

GIB, the real problem is not the bus... Santa Marta is having one of its worse moment. Killing everyday. Two main gangs of paracos fighting for territory. Innocent people shoot almost daily (few day ago, a 13 years old girl, whose only fault was witnessing two guys shooting a taxi driver). It's a war, literally.
I have my place there, I planned to go, but i don't go there these days... no me gusta dar papaya... I wait here in Medellin a month or two that they decide who's gonna keep control.
My advice to KFC: it's not a good moment, stay in El Rodadero and take good care. I am sure that you'll be safe but take good care.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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kparamas says on Jul 12, 2007, 17:06:

Damn! i am in Cartagena and planning to make a trip tomorrow to Tayrona parque through Santa Marta - presumably transiting through santa marta should not be a problem? Tayrona itself is pretty safe isnt it? Would appreciate some advice!

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robi666 says on Jul 12, 2007, 17:32:

You'll be safe, and you may be lucky and see a shooting passing through 11 Novembre barrio on your way to Tayrona. Today there was one.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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Azul says on Jul 12, 2007, 18:39:

From what I hear about what's going on in Santa Marta right now I'd be more concerned about safety when I was there than I would be about the bus ride. At one time I considered riding the bus from BQ to Bogota, but it's a LONG trip....I've heard of some rides taking as long as 20 - 24 hours. That's a long time to be sitting on a hot uncomfortable bus while the maniac driver tries to keep the bus on the road through the mountains. If you still go, do yourself a favor and fly!

las cosas caen por su propio peso

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robi666 says on Jul 12, 2007, 18:51:

Azul, the bus is not hot. If you don't wear a good jacket, you'll literally freeze!

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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Azul says on Jul 12, 2007, 19:05:

Sorry, I was just thinking about BQ because that is where I would leave from....you are right, the majority of the trip it would be wise to have a jacket.

las cosas caen por su propio peso

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robi666 says on Jul 12, 2007, 19:19:

Azul, from BQ take Costena or another company which have small buses (sorry i cannot remember the name). It will cost you 3000 more than wayhuu (10.000 instead of 7.000), but, hell, you'll have a good trip with AC, TV and toilette!

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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Azul says on Jul 12, 2007, 20:21:

Thanks for the tip! That does sound a lot better, well worth the 3000 extra.

las cosas caen por su propio peso

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