Ciudad Perdida , Is the area more or less safe right now?

JustoXT says on Jan 23, 2008, 15:12:

I guess my boyfriend already asked this more or less but any other comments would be appresiated

durito says on Jan 23, 2008, 15:25:

Safety is always a relative issue, especially here. Thousands of tourists have done this trip the last 5 years without any issue. You will be traveling in an area that has many different armed groups, it's impossible to say if you will be safer today, last week, or next month.

I'd talk with the tour operator and see what they think, though they will most likely tell you that it's safe.

Gator says on Jan 23, 2008, 16:43:

It would only be fair to point out to you all three of Colombia's illegal armed groups operate in the Sierra Nevada mountains, often taking advantage of easy access to the Atlantic Coast as a drug-smuggling route. Back in mid 2003 eight foreign tourists were kidnapped from Lost City,
Believed to be the work of the FARC/ELN-that question is still being debated. There were all released. This was a very rare instance and thousands have made the trip with NO problem. I will tell you this it is NOT and easy six days. No guarantee what wouldl happen when you make the trip.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

RUV says on Jan 23, 2008, 17:59:

Gator,

Thanks for the info. I was thinking about this trip myself. I guess If I decide to go, you would not recommend a New England Patriot Jersey and a Boston Baseball Cap.

Thanks again.

lpdiver says on Jan 23, 2008, 18:00:

RUV...it really won't matter what you wear. They will know where you are from before you arrive.

t

"cook some rice!"

durito says on Jan 23, 2008, 18:03:

I met an Australian guy in Cartagena in 2004 that was heading to do the trek. He'd heard that when they kidnapped those tourists they released the one that was only wearing sandals, so he was only taking sandals.

lpdiver says on Jan 23, 2008, 18:23:

Security is just a state of mind anyways. His reasoning is as good as any found here.

t

"cook some rice!"

RUV says on Jan 23, 2008, 18:46:

Actually lpdiver, my parents are from Mexico, I kind of blend in. My Spanish sometimes gives me away.

lpdiver says on Jan 23, 2008, 18:49:

That may be true RUV but, my paisa wife is always tagged as not from around here in Narino and Sonson where she grew up. Believe me...you may not be a desirable target...but, they know where you are from. Trust me.

t

"cook some rice!"

RUV says on Jan 23, 2008, 19:04:

Why? Is it her skin color (no sun tan)? The way she talks? The way she behaves or is it that you are with her? What is the difference between her and say a local?

In a way I understand. I get the same thing when I go to Mexico.

Thanks,

lpdiver says on Jan 23, 2008, 19:45:

Basically it is her lack of a Paisa accent. Trust me they know. And me not having a local cedula...believe me word travels faster than the internet down there. As a foreigner travelling my 'azul pasaporte' pretty much kills any hopes I ever have of discretion.

t

"cook some rice!"

Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 23, 2008, 20:16:

There are people here much more qualified to give specific advice about that trip, but my understanding has been that the area was under the control of a particular group of Paramilitaries for many years. They more or less ensured the security of tourists on that route, took protection money from the tour operators and dealt harshly with those who messed with their good deal.

The situation with the paras has changed dramatically in the last couple years and I wouldn't bet on the status quo being maintained. You're going into the lion's den, but the odds are always in your favor to NOT be kidnapped. Only you can ultimately make the decision.