I want to hear opinions about how foreigners feel visiting Colombia

Andydg says on Jan 13, 2005, 21:04:

I've enjoyed each visit to Colombia Like most, I was aprehensive on my first visit there. All the stories that the media tries to shove into our minds is to say the least, 'offensive.' While there I found the people that I came into contact with were very friendly. I've never felt threatened in any way while there.
My wife is also a Colombiana, so she does most of the talking whenever something needs to be discussed or haggled. Like any country, a tourist does stand out, but the local economy there also depends on the influx of money that tourist brings in. I would say, don't let your fears keep you from enjoying yourself while you visit. Use common sense whenever you go somewhere.

with my family I have no time for friends......

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carldecolorado says on Jan 13, 2005, 21:25:

All the places you mentioned are great Hi there

I had the pleasure of visiting Cartagena as well as Armenia in July as well as December of last year.

Cartagena is a very beautiful city, the Architecture is amazing and the people there are so friendly. You will have a great time visiting Isla de Rosario as well. I went out there one day and went snorkeling with some friends for the day.

If you visit the coffe region I suggest spending a day at Parque de Cafe and also spend a day on a balsa ride down the river. Both are very memorable experiences.

All the places you have mentioned are very safe, you and your husband should encounter no problems what so ever.

Also try to visit the city of Solento near Armenia, and if you have the time try to also visit Santa Rosa near Pereira.

Carl

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umm says on Jan 13, 2005, 21:32:

Mot safe for vacations? all l Not safe for vacations? all lies.
But the these suckers go to Peru, Guatemala or Brasil where it is really not safe.
Most people who have made holidays in Colombia look forward to come back.

I have met a german group in El Rodadero. These guys, all around 50+ were in Medellin to install the metro there.
They all heard lots of bad things about Colombia and initially were scared to go there. Later they found Colombia such a nice place so that they regularly return to spend the holidays in Colombia, and nowadays its not even easy to travel from most European Cities to Colombia.

Most flights stop over in Caracas, another hell hole, and there you have to change your flight.

One of these days, when I had nothing to do, I went over to Venezuela. From santa Marta to the border it was smooth running, later it was pure chaos. Forget about Venezuela, Colombia is much better and also cheaper. I wouldnt want to go to Venezuela again, only if I have to.

UMM

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suzannyo says on Jan 13, 2005, 21:45:

Cartagena, Islas del Rosario, Bogota Hey there! I've traveled quite a bit to Latin America (Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, Mexico, and now Colombia) and I love Colombia much more than any other country I've been to.

I openly admit that I was VERY scared before heading to Cartagena the first time, but that was based on my STUPID decision to read the US government warnings and the fact that a Guatemalan friend had just been killed in Guatemala.

Anyway, when I arrived in Cartagena, I was instantly at peace and felt so at home and welcomed there. I was working in the marginalized areas of Cartagena and basically felt safe (I was always accompanied by a Colombian and sometimes with security). There were a couple times where I and the Colombians I was with were a little worried, but nothing ever happened. The tourist areas were totally fine.

We went to Islas del Rosario one day which was fun...WEAR LOTS OF 30+ SUNSCREEN!!!! I have permenant burn marks on my arms even after sunscreen! Permenant reminders of a wonderful country. :)

I now work/volunteer in Bogota and the surrounding areas, again in the poorer areas. I'm always with security there, but I've always felt safe (I think I'd feel pretty safe even w/o security). Like in any big city around the world, you need to use common sense and ask people if its safe to do things or go places if there's any doubt in your mind.

I think you'll quickly go from being aprhensive to falling in love with Colombia once you get there. Go for it. Cuidate mucho y Dios te bendiga.

Suzannyo

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pablo says on Jan 13, 2005, 21:46:

No preocupes señor Tell your husband that he will enjoy your planned trip so much he will want to retire in Colombia. About the only unpleasant experience you might have on your itinerary are those incessant pesky vendors that are in plentiful supply in Cartagena. I'm sure he will be glad he visited your lovely country.

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umm says on Jan 13, 2005, 21:59:

exactly, and stop listening to that Gringo governments rubbish they distribute about Colombia,
its all not true.

UMM

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Bruce V. Shrader says on Jan 14, 2005, 01:43:

Parque de Cafe & Armenia We have driven from Cali to Armenia and the Parque de Cafe
three times in the past few years and NEVER had any problems.
I admit, that there are some places you should stay away from.
This area is not one of them. You can fly to Armenia from
Bogota if you are concerned.

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stevens says on Jan 14, 2005, 02:53:

Fear In the last few years I've spent about two months each in Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Indonesia and The Philippines and experienced a bit of apprehension each time because I listened to somebody or read sonething. Especially on Guatemala. I read a series of about ten cases where foreigners had been robbed, and I two cases, killed. I then noticed the dates. These incidents were spread out over three years in a country that gets 500,000 visitors a year. Still, I'm careful and ask around as soon as I get in country, or ask on the Lonely Planet site. Mind you, I'm a six-foot-tall man, not a young pretty woman. Women need to take extra precautions, I believe.

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lpdiver says on Jan 14, 2005, 03:33:

MY visits to Colombia have all been good. As mentioned by prior posters there are some basic precautions to follow. One thing to consider that has not been mentioned in prior posts is that the media in most of the surrounding countries is government controlled and thus we get the picture of their country that they choose to paint for us. Also the vast majority of kidnappings are where you are driven to the ATM your account cleaned out and then released.

In my visits I had four negative experiences:

...while purchasing some jewelry in el centro in Medellin the shop owners advised us that we were being observed by some bad men known to snatch jewelry from patrons exiting the store. My wife asked them to discretely place our purchase in the back of the store and that we would return for it later. We had a nice lunch and picked up our items later.

...we had planned to visit a lake outside Medellin and our taxi driver (a friend of one of my sister-in-laws) advised us against it; but, offered to take us to an alternative location. We went to Rio Negro instead and had a great day

...in the mall in El Centro on my first "solo" trip to el bano I tried to pay the attendant with a counterfeit coin I had been given in some change; I think it was a 200 peso coin (quarter size silver coin with nickel sized brass insert). I was so embarassed I ended up giving her 5,000 pesos. Then the waiter gave us a lesson in spotting faux currency.

...at the airport in Bogota the taxi driver quoted us one rate and as we were getting into the cab; upon hearing our destination, he tried to jack it up. My wife told him in no uncertain terms where to go and we retrieved our luggage and called found another taxi. I doubt it was highway robbery but I always follow my wifes lead in her country.

As you can see these are very minor experiences and far less consequiental than some you have probably experienced on vacations in the USA.

Go for it!

Antony

"cook some rice!"

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brad216 says on Jan 14, 2005, 06:08:

Don't believe the papers. I have been to Colombia 5 times since September (Cali) and have had no problems. Not being able to speak spanish, i depend on my fiancee who lives in cali to do all the talking in taxis, etc.. If you believe all that is written in the US papers, you would think the worst of this country but once you get there, you will have nothing but great things to say. The people are warm and friendly and even if they don't speak english, they will try to speak the few words they might know to make you feel comfortable. Although my fiancee will be moving with me to the US, I look forward to the day when I will learn enough Spanish to be able to speak to more of the locals who have opened up their hearts, homes, and lives to me.

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umm says on Jan 14, 2005, 06:20:

I can teach you some costeño if you want :)

UMM

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gato-bandido says on Jan 14, 2005, 06:34:

Enjoy your trip Enjoying Colombia a lot every time I go, very friendly people, tons of great places to see, wanting to live/retire there, but also the need to be careful and use common sense, all of what you've read on this thread is true for me as well.

I've been to Cartagena and Islas del Rosario, and my flight to Armenia is in just 17 days!!!

In Cartagena take your husband to the ciudad amurallada and all the other tourist places. Also trips outside the city are worth it, if you like nature be sure to go to the manglares that they have along the coast. There are tours for two to five people on a pirogue. I didn't care for the beach in Cartagena, both the beach and the water are rather unclean, and vendors will bug you all day long, not worth your time. Outside the city the beach is a lot better though. I liked Islas del Rosario too, but my wife who had been there like ten years before thought they had been in a lot better shape back then.

In Armenia I will be sure to take the balsa ride and go to Solento, thanks carldecolorado for the advice!

Generally, while in Colombia I go everywhere with someone local, usually someone from the family, even though my Spanish is way above average, sometimes it takes people a while to figure out I'm not Colombian. Usual street smarts, being aware of the surroundings, and listening to locals advice should keep a foreigner out of trouble. I really don't think Colombia is more dangerous for a tourist than any other country in South America. In the more touristy places you will find plenty of people from Europe, Canada, even Japan, as well as all of South America.

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Crazy4Cali says on Jan 14, 2005, 09:14:

Consider the source.... Do bad things happen in Colombia? Of course. Unfortunately, bad things happen everywhere. Just look at your local newspaper. Bad things make for good newspaper filler, consequently that's all you'll see on the TV or the newspaper. But, does reading about bad things in your local town keep you from going into that same city or town? If so, then you should also stay out of Colombia.

But, if you understand that what you see in the paper is the exception and not the rule, then listen to all the other people who talk about the good things and you can form a more balanced view and make your own decision.

I think what you need to remember is keep your eyes open and listen to the locals. That way you'll not only be safer but you will not miss any of the gorgeous scenery nor any of the friendly people.

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Peter Miami says on Jan 14, 2005, 10:22:

Listen to your Wife I am an American who loves Colombia. I went there three years ago for the first time and since then a go two to three times a year. The food is excellent the people treat you good and with manners. Are there problems in Colombia of course but the same thing happen here in the United States. All you have to do is not to go to the bad areas. I go to Cali, Buga, Armenia, Pereida on every visit and have never had a problem. Other place I have gone is Medellin, Cartahena, Santa Martha, Calima, and Buenaventura. So go have fun and just be aware of you surroundings.

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dwmte says on Jan 14, 2005, 15:27:

maam, just tell your husband that his apprehensions are not really accurate. that he can safely vacation in colombia and not only enjoy himself immensely and see why you've talked so lovingly and excitedly of your homeland...but he will see it for himself. and then know why all who visit her have such fond and glowing memories.

where you're going is wonderful and not places to fear about bandits, armed groups or what ever. true there are areas where more caution is warranted and even some where not going is suggested. but to cartagena, the islas, and la zona caffetera...these are all wonderful and not to be worried about.

tell that fella, that i just went to medellin for a visit, fifteen years ago, ended up staying for 2 1/2 years, married (a paisa) and have a 12 yr old daughter (also born in medellin) and have even returned and lived another 2 + years. he will never regret the trip and like a poster above said, he just might want to leave wherever he is and go there and live out the rest of his days. si o no?

we're in florida at this time, but we'll finally be moving back to colombia permanently in the coming year.

your husband will learn about the areas to avoid in colombia and the situations which require caution when he comes to vacation. that way he'll have a real reference point. and the places he/you've chosen to vacation in are--albiet worlds apart--as far as safety is concerned, like a vacation in hawaii.

go, enjoy and maybe we'll see ya'll when he decides to move there permanently.

regards,

douglas w martin and family. (by the way, that's luz stella and laura julianna martin.)

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 14, 2005, 18:51:

Last year my Colombian wife was going to sell me to the FARC but I promised that I would limit El Chiquito to once a week, so she relented.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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isaactraveler says on Jan 14, 2005, 22:22:

UC she must be an imposter no way she could be a colombianita if she takes the little cowboy for a ride weekly. I'm betting you roped yourself a Peruvian. Tell her that you think she must be from Peru, but do this while you are fluffing the pillows on the sofa. expect to be there a while.

Hey UC.... did I tell you that I was trying to be silly in spanish recently, to an older colombian lady (roommate of a friend of mine) and when I noticed that she liked pork rinds a lot, when she was telling me about how she recently went on a diet and lost 10 pounds, I told her I see.... it must be the Chorizo diet. I must have said that she liked the chorizo about 7 different ways... and I never reacted or asked my friend why she was kicking me under the table.

WHOOPS!!! I had meant to say.. CHICHARONES

El Chicharon que se duerme se lo come el golozon

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durango says on Jan 28, 2005, 10:54:

I just came back from my first trip to Cali My experience was great. The people were friendly, the food and music were excellent, and the trip was a bargain. I think that a lot of the hype about the danger of Colombia is undeserved. Sure there is crime, but as long as you are careful you should be OK. I live in Houston and there is always reports of murders everyday on the news, so no one has a monopoly on crime. I enjoyed it so much I'll be going back in a couple of months.

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ARMacleod says on Jan 28, 2005, 13:57:

Be cool I initially was mesmerised by the history. When I got to Bogota and its environs I became mesmerised by the reality. It proved to be everything I had hoped for.

Lets face it, it is only the horrific and sensational that sells newspapers or is worthy of the TV time.

I can say without fear of contradiction that I at no time felt unsafe.

My novia says that I am like Mr Magoo, whatever. I am sure that I will become frightened when I find something to be frightened of, like when she started to talk about the patter of tiny tots feet. When I came round I found that the children of her niece had come to stay for the weekend.

In short, I would definitely rather walk through Bogota at night before I would venture into some places in East London, south of Paris anything east or south of Rome and even parts of Spain. Camden in USA frightened the c$%£ out of me. Bogota? A playground, if you are sensible.

Being of unsound mind and dubious disposition, I cannot be held legally liable for any indiscretions."¡El diablo me hizo hacerlo!" But don't worry, be happy.

The brain is like a parachute, it only functions correctly when it is open. Pax vobiscum.

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andril says on Feb 9, 2005, 02:32:

Thank you everyone for all your opinions about foreig. in Colomb I really appreciate your comments and advice. My husband now feels more confident about our trip to Colombia. I will let you know how our vacation was overthere.

Gato Bandido please explain me with more datail how to do the balsa ride in Armenia. Where should I go?

THANK YOU everyone. You all have been great!

Andril

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