How Safe is Neiva?

ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Nov 26, 2006, 18:37:

It seems fairly safe My girlfriend lives in Neiva so I go rather frequently. I have been a few times this year and I will be there for New Years. However, I am not a normal gringo in that my parents are Colombian and I speak perfect spanish. In fact, my mom is from Neiva. Even so, I normally meet my GF in Bogota as there isn't tons to do in Neiva. I would not venture too far outside of Neiva other than maybe Betania reservoir and a few other nearby places.

There have been some "terror" incidents this year. A car bomb was diffused a few months ago and there was a grenade attack this last week in one of the poorer neighborhoods. The papers claim this was criminal gang related instead of a FARC attack. The local and national police and the armed forces will be undertaking a massive security operation through the entire Huila department during the holidays, but I don't know if it will continue through february.

I do know of a German aquaintance who was there for two weeks back in March and he had no problems.

Also, where will you be staying (what neighborhood)? That will make a huge difference as to the safety level.

I am pretty familiar with Neiva, so let me know if you have any more questions.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ssanchez83 says on Nov 26, 2006, 18:58:

neiva the depatment of huila in general is not recommended for travel by americans however i visited there with my husband, who is from there, this past april and may and honestly it did not seem any more dangerous for me than for the people who live there if you go and are with some one from the area you will be fine but do be careful in general you need to be aware of your surroundings. while your there though i would recomend a trip to san agustin which is not too far away

s.sanchez

0 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on Nov 26, 2006, 19:43:

For what it's worth, this article appeared... in the El Pais newspaper of Cali website today:

Explosión de granadas deja 27 heridos

www.elpais.com.co-EFE

Al menos 27 personas resultaron hoy heridas, algunas de gravedad, al estallar dos granadas lanzadas a un comercio de Neiva, informaron fuentes policiales.

Desconocidos lanzaron desde una motocicleta los artefactos al interior del local comercial y huyeron.

Las fuentes no descartaron a periodistas que los terroristas puedan pertenecer a "milicias urbanas de las Farc.

Los heridos fueron trasladados a varios hospitales, mientras la policÍa y el Ejército dispusieron una operación para tratar de detener a los autores del atentado.

BillyB

0 funny, 0 helpful.

LanceK says on Nov 27, 2006, 10:21:

Visit to Neiva I met this girl from Neiva back in January. We have been developing a relationship ever since. Back in August, her & I took a week and a half vacation together in Cartagena because she felt Neiva could be dangerous for me. Although I always kept aware of my surroundings I felt rather safe in Cartagena and we had a blast.

I'll be in Barranquilla at the end of February and I was thinking of taking a side trip for a few days to visit my friend in Neiva. My thought was to stay in a hotel in the city (mind you, I know absolutely nothing about this city). She lives in "BARRIO LOS MARTIRES". I don't know anything about that place either but I have seen pictures and it looks very poor.

What are your thoughts on a safe hotel to stay in? I could always have her meet me in Bogota but that would suck because I'd like to meet here mother in Neiva.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Nov 27, 2006, 13:29:

You should be fine. You would definitely attract some attention. Neiva is not like Bogota or Medellin where foreigners are very common. However, you will most likely be safe. I would worry more about petty crime than anything life threatening.

I asked my girlfriend about that neighborhood and she said it isn't bad. It is near the university she attends. She said it is safe, but might be a little sketchy at night. Also, there is a popular night club there called Manhattan. It is close to the city center and near most of the stuff worth doing.


As far as hotels...

I have stayed at the Hotel Sulicam. It is the only hotel in Neiva with a website(although it is seriously screwy as of late). The phone number is 011-57-8-8713068.


It was clean and comfortable, but I would prefer something better. I'm going to try the Hotel Chicala(011-57-8-8726710) over New Years. I have heard it is nicer and they have suites.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Chuck says on Dec 6, 2006, 22:24:

Neiva is just like visiting Neivayork! Lo importante es no dar papaya.... read about papaya in another post.

0 funny, 0 helpful.