Colombia safety guide

kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Feb 7, 2005, 06:22:

YEP says on Feb 7, 2005, 10:05:

No he should just have a guide-link in the top like there's
Links for

HOME / discussions / Pictures.

He might throw it to the right though.






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Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America

------------------------------------------------------------------- Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America

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salamandra says on Feb 22, 2005, 15:59:

Check this out ... Travel advice for Colombia on the British Embassy Bogotá website

http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1097485952887

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jjhill says on Apr 23, 2005, 13:58:

don't forget about the paramilitaries While you need to be careful of the guerrillas, don't forget about the right-wing illegal militia, the paramilitaries, or "paras". The paramilitaries work hand in hand with corrupt sectors of the Colombian army and gov't. They have committed horrible human rights atrocities, mostly to their own people, but foreigners need to be aware of them as well. They are all over - both in rural areas and cities.

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jjhill says on May 8, 2005, 14:23:

has anyone volunteered in bogota for human rights organizations? I have been to Colombia twice; once on a human rights delegation where we met with different grassroots organizations that help displaced people in the cities. they help "peace communities" meaning those communities who do not support any armed group, the guerrillas, paramilitaries, or the army. i now have the opportunity for a couple weeks this summer to work with kids, etc. through a couple of these organizations but now since i will go alone and not with the protection of a delegation, i'm a liitle worried. has anyone done such work?

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Lionheart says on May 8, 2005, 15:00:

do a search here there are many threads here with the topic NGO

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MeLoNa says on Aug 3, 2005, 14:43:

for your safety just try to follow this rules:
in cities like bogota :
try not to walk alone at night in streets... that doesn't mean everytime ur going ut at 7 pm you have to call a friend no!don;t exagerate!
NO DEN PAPAYA, talking with your celphone in the streets where you know many opf those strange people that sell things walking aroung might steal it!
if you are in the T zone or near ANDINO, some guy might come over to you and ask if youwann buy some bracelets, you might not want to...actually they are not very nice but anyway just say NO and don't demostrate you'r scared or something because you ESTAS DANDO PAPAYA! So try to just say NO THANKS (don;t forget the thanks)...if he insists then say NO again! he might go...however some of those guys might then say...then let me give you this little braceles...it ahs the colors of the colombian flag...(yellow, blue and red)...do not accpet that bracelet cause even though it seems it doesn;t cost a cent! he will alter tell you after he has put the bracelet on your wrist what can you give me for that and you obviously have to give him something coz the damn bracelet is already in your wrist! So...don;t be dumb! and jsut tell then !NO if your walking ignore them! some of them are even drugged...you know they are hippies so... sometimes they even make a show and begin liek hey look i can touch my balls with my feet! and it happened to me and a freind and we were like o good for you bye and walked away..anyway don;t worry cause those people would not do anything to you they just want money but they won't kill u or anything!

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Hunter says on Aug 4, 2005, 05:28:

Lionheart Is alive.

Hunter

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batman29 says on Aug 26, 2005, 05:45:

no-go areas Hi!

Colombia is the only country in South American that has ‘guerrillas’ and ‘paras’. In this situation there is no comparison with Ecuador and Peru. I am able to cope with thieves, pickpockets, and petty offences to foreigners, but the uncertainty of the guerrilla and bandits activities is too much to enjoy the beautiful countryside of Columbia.

The Colombian government web site publishes that the only secure route is the so called RUTA SEGURA COSTA CARIBE for 2004. There is no information for 2005 which may show that the situation is getting worse.

My wife and I would like to travel to Colombia in our car a 4x4 cheap Hyundai SUV with a USA number plate. We are still very optimistic to visit Colombia and we are doing some enquires to freight our car from Panama to Cartagena and from there make our way to Ecuador and Peru.

Can somebody give us some clues of how to travel through the Pan-American high way? Is it safe to travel with your own car (instead of the bus) in the day light and avoid travelling in the night? What could be the best route to take to Ipiales?

B

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carlos1102 says on Aug 29, 2005, 12:56:

peter the highest country for kidnappins is mexico and the highest and the highest country for crimes is the united states. the guerrilas only kidnap very rich people they don't go to the strees and pick somebody to kidnap so if you are not avery rich person don't worry about it.they don't care if you work for a large or small company it is all about the money like i say you are only if you have money i mean millions. colmbia is a very safe place to travel. be carefull were you go not only in colombia but every where. if you go to south central in los angeles you wont get out alive. colombia has a bad reputation that don't deserve.

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anclaisa says on Sep 2, 2005, 11:57:

Travelling by land Pan-American Hwy B:
I've lived most of my life in Colombia and believe that the plan you have of freighting your car from Panama (Colon City) to Cartagena is the best. However, check other ports of arrival in Colombia such as Barranquilla or Santa Marta (each 1 hr away from Cartagena) since they have competitive rates. Personally I would enter through Santa Marts (first Colombian city) and then go to Cartagena (must see city) and then head south to continue your trip through the PanAm Hwy. The colombian ministry of transportation conduct a series of caravans during long holiday weekends. These are called "Vive Colombia viaja por ella" routes and you can access an updated highway report at their website http://www.mintransporte.gov.co/seguridad_vial/.
As a pointer, it's easier to wake-up really early and start your journey at five in the morning and stay off the highways after dawn. This being said, at a good 70-80 miles per hour, you can make it from Santa Marta to Bogota during daylight (I did it in December). If you want to go slowly, there are a couple of small cities you can stay at and prices would not be more than US$50 per night for the two of you. So let me know if this info was useful.Good trip! I know you will enjoy it.

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dioi says on Nov 2, 2005, 14:55:

buses in the city Hi there,
I am curious whether the buses in Bogota are safe. Are there ever incidents to be concerned about using the bus there? Also, how much does it cost?

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olafgypsy says on Nov 8, 2005, 14:58:

What do I tell my parents? I'm considering visiting my boyfriend in January. He is native Colombian, and we would stay in Bogota with his parents and have no plans to leave the city. The only problem is that my parents are dead set against the idea of my traveling to this country at all. Are they right to be concerned? Is there anything I can tell them to comfort them? Please help!

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Rock Holmes says on Nov 8, 2005, 15:08:

hola Just going to check this is working before I write more.

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Rock Holmes says on Nov 8, 2005, 15:33:

mas informacion Ok heres my 2 pence about safety for all its worth.I,m a firm believer in use it or lose it your 3 most important things are 1, passport 2, money 3, camera.A money belt goes without saying but if in doubt you can always put 1 and 2 in a plastic money bag from the bank and then put it under a new insole down your shoe.No 3(camera) always rides up front which is easy if its cool enough to wear a jacket if not wear a shirt with a front pocket so the cameras under your nose,better still Learn how to SAW then you can keep it inside and always feel it against your skin.Another trick is to put plastic money bags around the camera then patch it up with sticky tape(make sure you can reload film) making an expensive camera look crap.Carry a glass water bottle to double as protection,as its not deemed by law as an offensive weapon, only an idiot would carry a knife.Most important to me is try to speak the lingo eat the cuisine and do their cultures and be nice.If your going to the NYC,s or Londons then stock up big time on postcards and even tack like keyrings.Cheap as chips to westerners,but its polite and sentimental to the Indiginios people.You can make a great 1st impression and its better than giving money to take photos of them which I think is patronising.Ok stay safe salud.Burnley Rock

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Rock Holmes says on Nov 8, 2005, 16:55:

flight costs How much would a return/single Flight from La Paz to Bogoto cost around December 17-23.Also how well policed are the cities?

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Precortesiana says on Nov 16, 2005, 12:30:

road from Bogota to Paipa I am visiting Bogota and Colombia for the first time, arriving this Friday 11/18/05. My girlfriend and her family, from Bogota, want to take me up the termales in Paipa on Saturday. They have their own car. Based on the above map, it looks like a reasonably safe road to travel. any additional thoughts?

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Lionheart says on Nov 16, 2005, 14:11:

a reminder Please create new topics in the appropriate forum so people see them and reply to them.

This thread is for basic information only. Normal everyday posters don't look in here anymore.

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CTina70 says on Nov 19, 2005, 19:43:

Taxis in Bogota A rule of thumb for taxis, don't take them off the street. If you are in a resturant, have them call one for you. The cab dispatch will give you a pin number or "clave" and when you get in the cab you give them the last 2 of the phone number you called from. When you are at a mall, they have taxis that when you get in the mall attendent will write down where you are going. Don't get in a cab alone.

These are the saftey rules the embassy gives to their people when they go to Colombia.

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carlos1102 says on Nov 20, 2005, 08:47:

bogota is a very safe city they have a lot of police and the police is not corrupted like mexican police. there is no guerrilas in the main cities of colombia. you have nothing to worrie about.

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carlos1102 says on Nov 20, 2005, 08:52:

i don't have the exact price but if you can travel on or before the 15 you will pay up tp 50% less. there is a lot of police in the city. very safe city

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Rock Holmes says on Nov 22, 2005, 17:03:

gracias carlos I,ll hopefully go earlier than 17th then from Bolivia(as i,m working here as a teacher in Cochabamba)if my boss lets me I might make my way up to Trujillo in Peru by bus then fly from there.I had no problems in la Paz,Panama city and Lima athough I only really stuck to Miraflores.Scams I can deal with if you dont wanna go cause your scarred of scams don,t go anywhere simple as that.If the Colombians are more hospitable than Bolivians then it,ll be a mind blowing experience.I might not get a chance to be this close again I,m making plans now to go.Rock.

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CuriosJoe says on Nov 22, 2005, 18:27:

To Rock Holmes Rock Holmes, what do you mean by "If the Colombians are more hospitable than Bolivians then it'll be a mind blowing experience" ?
Thanks

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adviceplease says on Nov 22, 2005, 20:16:

Plastic Surgery Advice Hi there Peter ! Excellent post! I would also like to add that people should always call for there cabs when possible.

I'm the girl who is involved in the case against the phony doctor who disfigured my face.I'm still in the long in tedious process of trying to work things out here with the Fiscalia - however I've become an expert when it comes to doctors, and plastic surgery.

I would like to post and share it here. Not so much about what happened to me in my particular case , but advice to people who travel down here who are thinking about going under the knife in order to avoid a horrible outcome such as the one I had.

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Rock Holmes says on Nov 29, 2005, 08:26:

answer for Joe. I,ve been in Bolivia for 5 months now and when drinking at weekend in crowded bars/clubs hasta 6am I,ve haven,t seen any obnoxious behavior or fights.Unlike England where the town centres are becoming no go areas on a saturday night.My Bolivian teens in class are superb i enjoy my job.They all tell me that the Colombians are the freindliest in sur america if so then a trip to Colombia must be an unforgettable experience just for the people alone.Add that to the sights and smells and it should be a mindblowing(incredible)experience. Rock.

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muggles_101 says on Dec 2, 2005, 09:40:

Safety in Colombia Hi,
i'm travelling to colombia for the first time. i will go to cali to improve my spanish and my salsa dancing. my parents and government tell me that i will be kidnapped if i go to colombia. my colombian friends tell me, however, that i should be cautious and aware, like i would in australia. 1. I don't speak spanish well (yet); 2. I will be staying in a homestay, with a local family.

has anyone got anything to add about safety or any tips?
M.

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aztec says on Jan 5, 2006, 02:25:

"Myself" is on the way of shutting this message board down!

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edward leonel says on Jan 11, 2006, 01:22:

Don't know where carlos1102 gets his info Carlos1102 don't have any idea where you get your facts, but sadly, Colombia has the distinction of the most kidnapings per capita than any other country in the world, and our country is one of the most violent countries in the Americas. Such is the violence in our country that it kills almost 30,000 Colombians every year.

If you don't believe, check the web site of the Organización Panamerica de la Salud.

Our country is beautiful, unfortunately the violence in our country is just to much. So sad!

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edward leonel says on Jan 11, 2006, 01:40:

Note from 'La Fogata Digital' online web site from Argentina Un Plan de Seguridad anunciado por el gobierno de la provincia de Buenos Aires, el distrito más poderoso de este país, prevé enviar agentes de la policía bonaerense a Colombia. Es para entrenarlos en la Escuela Antisecuestros que Estados Unidos creó y financia en el marco del Plan Colombia.

El problema de la inseguridad en Argentina tiene su epicentro en la provincia de Buenos Aires. Con la mayor concentración de población del país –14 millones de habitantes-, es el distrito con mas delitos cometidos –más de 24 mil denunciados en lo que va de 2005-, alcanzando gran relevancia en la opinión pública los casos de secuestros extorsivos y "express".

En Colombia, por otro lado, se registra un promedio de 2.500 casos de secuestros por año, cifra que ubica al país latinoamericano como el más afectado en el mundo por esta problemática. Este hecho preocupa a Estados Unidos en tanto afecta sus inversiones en el área, a la vez que sirve como justificativo para su intervención directa en el sistema de seguridad de este Estado.

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Those kinds of distictions just boils my blood!!

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cattrax_xk8 says on Jan 11, 2006, 08:43:

Turbo I don't know where Rossi went, as I was reading about an obsured idea of going back to Turbo. You lived thru it once so you are full of yourself...You were just lucky -- I don't care how much traveling you've done. Don't go back there!!!!

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Wastelandlive says on Jan 11, 2006, 10:30:

Which distinctions Edward? You mean the distinctions between Argentina's problems and Colombia's?

Or the editorialist's unfailing ability to paint US efforts to assist in the most cynical and evil light possible?

Wasteland

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ladeeda says on Jan 15, 2006, 16:14:

MITU I am seeking information on Mitu. Mitu is a town in Vaupes, south eastern colombia, in the amazon. Has anyone travelled here? How active are the FARC in this area?

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litost says on Jan 15, 2006, 16:25:

Very active.

Why interested in Mitu?

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AlejandroMoreno says on Jan 18, 2006, 12:12:

Mistake with "Facts to Get Started": Kidnapping rates Mexico has now surpassed Colombia in this statistic. Regardless, it's still too high. However, it's easily avoided.

Alejandro Moreno Saldarriaga

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werowe says on Jan 27, 2006, 11:41:

delete me

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australiandude says on Apr 27, 2006, 02:50:

Where to go in Latin America? Hi, I'm a university student from the Netherlands interested in going to Latin America for 6 months. I've been offered jobs in several places so far: Bucaramanga (Colombia), Maracaibo and Barquisimeto (Venezuela), Manta and Loja (Ecuador), Panama City (Panama), and in São Paulo (Brazil). The job in all of these cities would be that of an English teacher, teaching children, teenagers and/or adults. My question to y'all is: where would you go if you had a choice between these destinations? I'm really doubting between Bucaramanga and Barquisimeto, as they both appeal to me a lot and seem to be similar. The only thing that worries me about Bucaramanga (and the rest of Colombia, for that matter) is my personal safety. Which of the two cities are most interesting in terms of culture, going out, friendliness of people, weather, and safety? I really hope you can help me out!

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KaReN_larolita says on Jul 15, 2006, 17:10:

Well... I would say Colombia is a wonderful place to go .. as many people know is not the safest but in this world what is.. you only have to be cautious.. I believe if you go to colombia your going to have a great time. Colombians are known because of our hospitality and friendliness, and most deffinitely you're a bound to have fun. I know if you go you're going to have a great experience and probably end up wanting to stay.

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bridjo says on Oct 9, 2006, 10:41:

Florencia We will be travelling to Florencia this December to adopt our 2nd child from Colombia. Can anyone tell me how things are in Florencia at the moment and if it is dangerous to go there right now.

Bridjo

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rrivas says on Nov 2, 2006, 15:46:

Very Safe There is absolutely no guerrilla or paras or thieves in that road if you're going with colombians don't worry it is well tansted band has several poice checkpoints. It has some trucks but there are places safe to overpass. It is a wonderful lanscape unlike A US highway which only has grass in the median. From Tu ja to Paipa there are some repairs so tere might be a short delay. The journey is 2 1/2- 3 1/2 HRS DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC AND STOPS.

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goin_south says on Nov 2, 2006, 21:11:

rrivas "... unlike A US highway which only has grass in the median."

rrivas, in Louisiana, we also stock the medians with 14' alligators; be careful when traveling I-10. WTF are you from? Even sometimes in America, we construct such things as the Colorado River on the side.

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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schnizzl says on Nov 7, 2006, 11:24:

Bogota-Cartagena by Bus? Hi,
my name is Chris, I'm from Germany and am studying here in Bogota at the moment. In december I'd like to visit the coast (Cartagena, Santa Marta,...) and had planned to go there by bus. But the actual events made me to think over again. Since the carbomb here in Bogota went off and the peace between Governement and FARC is cancelled, I'm afraid the security on the roads is decreasing.
What do you think about that. Is going by bus still a possibility? Because I prefere going by bus, since it's cheaper and you got to see something of the country.
Kind regards
Chris

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juancegomez says on Nov 8, 2006, 09:44:

schnizzl Hello Chris.

As of yet, travelling by bus doesn't seem to have been directly affected by recent events, provided that the standard precautions are taken (try to avoid night buses as much as possible, and try to find out about official caravans and safe routes in advance).

Also, there never was any "peace" between the government and the FARC, though I understand that you are referring to the contacts between both parties as far as a possible humanitarian / prisoner exchange is concerned (there was indeed talk of "something more" in the future, but nothing more than talk, in fact, and the war itself was never silenced).

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cowboysteve says on Nov 30, 2006, 00:18:

to rock holmes what do you mean only a fool would carry a knife? you had better carry a knife or gun what hell is wrong with everbody, this is war and only a fool would be caught without a knife or gun. but i like that old texas justice eye for eye if you're a wimp stay out of colombia, or if you have fear that you can't defend yourself, i have lived in colombia cali off and on for the last 8 years, have car 4X4 drive it all over colombia. live in not to good of place,close to 14 calima its ruff there, fear no evil.oh yes about knives and guns i would rather be tryied by 12 than carried by 6 have nice trip.

YES IAM A GRINGO HAVE LIVE OFF AND ON IN COLOMBIA FOR EIGHT YEARS IAM LOOKING FOR SOMEONE THAT WOULD LIKE TO GO INTO BUS. SHIPING CARS FROM USA TO CALI THERE IS A BIG PROFIT MAR. ON USED SMALL 4X4 IF INTERESTED CONTACT. ME THANK YOU. STEVE

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cowboysteve says on Nov 30, 2006, 00:37:

jjhill about the paramilitaries they have been given a bad rap by the good old USA and the guerrillas jjhill sounds like you have never been to colombia if you had it proably was under some type of protection,but don't believe everything you read about who your friends are and the enemy, sound like you would'nt take anyside you had better stay home there you can set back in some little college dorm, makeing judgement calls about people, that you don't know, could hurt you. i was here in cali when the guerrillas were fighting us in the streets. if it wasn't for the paramilitaries we would'nt be able to travel in the country at all.i have known few paras, they have been nothing but frienly, to me well good luck maybe i will see you somewhere it is safe and sound thanks to the paras.

YES IAM A GRINGO HAVE LIVE OFF AND ON IN COLOMBIA FOR EIGHT YEARS IAM LOOKING FOR SOMEONE THAT WOULD LIKE TO GO INTO BUS. SHIPING CARS FROM USA TO CALI THERE IS A BIG PROFIT MAR. ON USED SMALL 4X4 IF INTERESTED CONTACT. ME THANK YOU. STEVE

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ralph1 says on Dec 28, 2006, 04:15:

Love Scam in Colombia Does anyone know anything about a scam where a very attractive woman seeks and meets by accident of cause a wealthy gentleman in the states. They fall madly in love, quickly (few months). She then convinces him to go visit in Colombia only to be then held for ransom.

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larryrn says on Mar 5, 2007, 18:39:

It seems possible as does any scam. Nothing against Colombia - as this can happen anywhere with any country..

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Larry Snyder, www.rn.org
Coral Springs, FL USA 954-816-5060
Medellin (Pablado), Colombia, SA (57) 316-2948618

Your Source for Nursing CEUs - www.RN.ORG - www.RNCE.US - www.EnfermeriaSite.com - www.Enfermeria.US

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larryrn says on Mar 5, 2007, 18:44:

Colombia 2007 Do not freak out guys... I have been to Colombia many times..

I have driven through the mountains and villages, passing the guys on horses and donkeys.. Drinking beers in bars with no electricity. I have walked into villages where they are frying food on the street. I have been in churches with more horses and donkeys in the parking lot than cars..

Colombia is very different - but if you act cool you will be fine. Buy clothes at Exito -- do not wear Cuba Vera (I did in Santa Fe and all these kids were following me around with their mouths open). The key is to blend into the environment -- not stick out. Don't wear anything that makes others look at you. Act like the locals. Watch them and see what they wear and do. Learn and you will have an incredible time..

Larry
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Larry Snyder, www.rn.org
Coral Springs, FL USA 954-816-5060
Medellin (Pablado), Colombia, SA (57) 316-2948618

Your Source for Nursing CEUs - www.RN.ORG - www.RNCE.US - www.EnfermeriaSite.com - www.Enfermeria.US

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Renae says on Mar 12, 2007, 16:38:

Safty in Colombia We are going to Colombia this year and I don't think anyone should try to tell me colombia is any more unsafe than anywhere else if you use your brain and don't get around like some arrogant rich Yanky.We travelled through Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and ecuador lasy year for 6 months and had no problems. In rio we did see other people have problems (including one dead tourist on the beach) but I would still go back as it is a beautiful country with so much to see. Guayaquil was a bit dangerous as we had 2 people on the same street pull a knife on us. They try to scare us but we keep walking as though we don't notice and they left us alone. Just act nonchalent and you'll be right. We also loved Lima. We stayed there twice in the centro. People were so friendly. Lima is not a dangerous place for the alert and if you show no fear and a bit of nouse you'll have no trouble.

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