Just how dangerous is Colombia outside of Bogota ?

Grateful Dead says on Oct 2, 2007, 17:51:

Very dangerous , seriously rebels set up their own road blocks looking for prime kidnapping
trophies.Or just bandits with a wild hair up there ass looking for trouble.

There's no Highway patrol there dude.

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juancegomez says on Oct 2, 2007, 18:30:

It depends entirely on the area and, yes, the roads involved. I won't make a sweeping statement.

Grateful Dead's description would have been more generalized at a certain point in time, but now I'd say that's not nearly as common. Not impossible at all, but not something around every corner.

There may not be "highway patrols" in the U.S. sense, but there are military and police convoys who do patrol the roads, including but not limited to the holiday seasons. Even when they aren't present, some roads are safer (safer, not safe) than others. You need to do specific research.

Can't speak for Río Guatapurí or La Paz Colombia.

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Gator says on Oct 2, 2007, 18:38:

I would head for the Coffee Country(Eje Cafetero) The Departmentos (states) of Quindío, Risaralda and Caldas, Couple of cities would be Manizales , Armenia, the Parque Nacional del Café close to Montenegro, Termales de Santa Rosa de Cabal (hot springs). IMHO one of the most beautiful parts of Colombia.

A trip to Bucamaranga or Villa de Leiva out of Bogotá, would be worth it. A little out of the way would be Popayán south of Cali

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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lpdiver says on Oct 2, 2007, 19:11:

I would add El Penol and the near by city of Guatepe to Gators list. I just posted some pics of the termales in another thread and will post some of el Penol and Guatepe soon.

t

"cook some rice!"

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Bill Turley says on Oct 2, 2007, 19:17:

I live in the Valle de Tenza, a signicant distance from Bogota. I have felt that this area is even safer than Bogota and the roads are also safe. One factor in buying land here was the safe nature of the area. In addition to the lack of problems with rebels the general crime level is very low, The local church has both computer equipment and a large PA system used for community news and information. The usually don't lock the doors. I invite you to check out the area and see for yourself. Come for a visit.

Mr. Bill Somondoco

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Bill Turley says on Oct 2, 2007, 19:19:

Additional comments, I am very pale with blue eyes and very little Spanish. I am known as the Gringo in this area. No hassles or problems, just open friendliness and welcome to town

Mr. Bill Somondoco

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Robert Jorge says on Oct 2, 2007, 19:33:

Peso player, just don't go down to Villavicencio. The women are ugly, it is extremely dangerous, there is nothing to do there, the people are not friendly, and it is a long drive from Bogota.

Of course everything I said is the opposite of my actual opinion or facts. Villavicencio is on the north edge of the Meta department. The northern Meta is relatively safe ... even if you venture out a few hours. However, the south Meta is still fairly lawless from what I hear and it is not advisable to go there - especially as a gringo. But if you want a short day trip or a weekend away from Bogota, consider Villavo. 2.5 hour drive south. I am not taking away from the other suggestions, just adding another possible option.

Before Rubito jumps all over me, according to stats that Rubi has posted, Villavo proportionally is more dangerous than Bogota. Much more dangerous.

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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christobeldawg says on Oct 2, 2007, 19:52:

greatest threat I have run into was in what those lovely chikas can do to my credit card statement. I would think my credit card would be safer outside of Bogota. I can't take anymore of that north Bogota Parque 93\Zona Rosa overpricing.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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john_stark says on Oct 2, 2007, 21:31:

Just get on a bus and travel around the country. Sure maybe you'll get kidnapped or killed but those are the breaks. If you don't have the huevos for it try Bermuda.

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Gator says on Oct 3, 2007, 08:18:

¡Hay! Just being alive has an element of risk. 10.000 years ago when you went to the river for a drink or to fish a bear jumps out and eats you.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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viajero says on Oct 3, 2007, 08:28:

You will not get kidnapped in colombia. Contrary to everyone's advice, I only took buses to all over colombia on my last 10 day trip (last week). I went from bogota to bucaramanga through the dangerous curvy roads up the andes mountian range. Not for faint hearted people at all. I took all my buses at night and then went from there to barranquilla and then to cartragena and then back. All night trips with day travel as well. We were stopped at road to be checked by the military. They collected everyone's cedula and when they came to me, I simply handed him my US passport. He immediately returned my passport and seemed totally uninterested in me. He checked everyone and within 15 mins we were back on the road. I traveled 24 hours each way on buses and more on other side trips. The roads are in good condition, the buses are safe and comfortable and the women are simply irresistible outside of bogota. Bucaramanga is the best kept secret in colombia. All you guys have to do is simply meet girls via internet first and I don't mean those marriage introduction webpages where you have to pay a fee to meet girls. I mean pages like latinchat.com, hi5.com and badoo.com. You will be surprised to see how many lonely beautiful girls are simply waiting for guys like yourselves. This is the prime method of meeting decent classy colombian girls without even having to spend time and money in bars.
Viajero

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lpdiver says on Oct 3, 2007, 08:32:

Gator...being eaten alive is the primary reason for journeying to Colombia...no?

"cook some rice!"

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El Polo says on Oct 3, 2007, 08:36:

Viajero were you stoped in between Bquilla and Cartagena?

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Gator says on Oct 3, 2007, 09:09:

Idiver,

Since Mrs. Gator is in attendance I have no comment!

PS

Repost later


viajero

In early August, when my daughter visited, we drove from Cali (Jamundí) to Silvia/Popayan
and passed at least 8 or 9p military check points and were stopped at three-passports, cédulas and papers on the car were checked.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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El Polo says on Oct 3, 2007, 09:13:

"being eaten alive is the primary reason for journeying to Colombia...no?"

LP I must agree with you.

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Man Tequila says on Oct 3, 2007, 09:33:

I think Peso Player needs to post more chica pictures and talk less about never having gone to the Valle...

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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Mr. Hollywood says on Oct 3, 2007, 09:58:

I'd actually love to see a comparative statistic of the number of people killed in car accidents and bus crashes in Colombia vs. kidnappings and murders.

Personally, I find the driving in Colombian cities much more scary that the crime and, for the record, I'm not one of the people who downplays the danger of crime.

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moondance says on Oct 3, 2007, 10:04:

Head north, towards the Atlantic.......Cartagena, Barraquilla.....away from the mountains......safer and beautiful countryside.....incredible people, incredible chicas

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moondance says on Oct 3, 2007, 10:04:

Head north, towards the Atlantic.......Cartagena, Barranquilla.....away from the mountains......safer and beautiful countryside.....incredible people, incredible chicas

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viajero says on Oct 3, 2007, 11:56:

El Polo says on Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 8:36:
Viajero were you stoped in between Bquilla and Cartagena?

No, I was stopped closer to bogota, on the way from bucaramanga.
Guys, colombia is not dangerous at all if you don't go looking for trouble. I stayed in nicer areas and minded my own business. I didn't take out my expensive cell phone on the streets of bogota to talk to people or took out a wad of cash to pay a 3 thousand peso bill.
The only gringo I saw in bogota was a sleazy looking drunk type gringo with 2 hookers in his arms. Now if he gets robbed at night while he is sleeping, then he might have asked for it. Just use common sense and you will be just fine. Of course if you speak proper spanish, your life will go a lot smoother. I have met gringos in cartagena, living there for 4-5 yrs and yet don't speak 5 words of spanish? Helloooo, whats up with that?
I have met nothing but good, down to earth colombian who made my trip worth while.
Viajero

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El Polo says on Oct 3, 2007, 12:09:

Sounds like a good deal Viajero glad you had fun..

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Gator says on Oct 3, 2007, 14:03:

viajero ,

That was me but I don't think Mrs. Gator looks THAT sleazy, especially when she wears shoes.



lpdiver

¡¡¡YES!!!!

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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la campiña says on Oct 3, 2007, 16:46:

most cities are safe here now but Bogota is the most dangerous

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Mr. Hollywood says on Oct 3, 2007, 19:46:

Gator, was that your suegra on the other arm?

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Gator says on Oct 3, 2007, 20:12:

I will never tell so that I might live to f another day. Wrong, f stands for fight

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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morphus says on Oct 4, 2007, 05:33:

Its better to stick with Mcdonald's. Those banditos don't play games. They'll tape a bomb to your balls and send you to take money out of an ATM every day until its empty. They'll detonate the bomb by remote controll if you don't cooperate. If you don't have have any money they just chop you up and feed you to the pigs.

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viajero says on Oct 4, 2007, 07:47:

I walked up and down bogota in the centro de ciudad at day and night and never felt in danger. The best place to take a stroll with your girl is the north side of bogota, in zona rosa area. Totally safe.
I personally feel the best place outside of bogota is bucaramanga, its a small bogota, smaller than medellin, cheap and nice weather. The girls are prettier than in Bogota and food is great all around you. If you feel you need more adventure, then stay a couple of days in a small pueblo called san gil. I hear the night life never seizes even on week nights. Its cheap and quieter than many cities yet still maintains it beauty and charm.
Viajero

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Gator says on Oct 4, 2007, 08:11:

I have heard of have them so big they clanked when you walked but that's ridiculous.

Never heard of this happening in Colombia.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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morphus says on Oct 4, 2007, 10:01:

They can just put a gun to your head and get the pin number but taping the bomb to your balls is more fun.

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dwmte7 says on Oct 4, 2007, 19:54:

i've been stopped and shaken down by both the police AND insurgents in everyplace imaginable...from the barrios of medellin to the out back of eastern antioquia ( an area i don't recomment for the nutless) and for the grace of GOD, nothing ever happened...both the good guys and the bad guys just cut me loose. an interesting note...the farther you get out in the hinterlands, the good guys and be just as bad as the bad guys...count on it. don't put your eggs in the police/military's basket, hoping they're safe. por que? por que, alli en el campo, no alli diferencias.

dwmte

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viajero says on Oct 5, 2007, 06:23:

dwmte7, were you stopped while traveling in a bus, private car, taxi or simply walking around in the bushes? Please explain.
Viajero

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dwmte7 says on Oct 5, 2007, 09:48:

traveler...just about all forms of transport...hitchhiking, taxi, private cars, but not on buses.

one of the places i lived in the mountains while trying to get my daughter back, was crawling with insurgents. i tought english to the kids of the campesinos as a bit of an insurance policy. instead of fuckin with me, they spoke good of me and actually covered my ass from other problems...especially a jeffe in the***brigade who was pissed at me. the campesinos work their fingers to the bone during the day, then, when nightfall comes, they dawn their camos and go bomb peajes and torres de inergia.

dwmte

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bradk says on Oct 18, 2007, 00:20:

i didnt feel in danger in villavicencio and was there for 3 weeks

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goin_south says on Oct 18, 2007, 00:30:

very dangerous, especially in Bogota at this (election) time, and maybe Medellin/Cartagena; I think there were some stories in El Tiempo yesterday of some fires on city buses..... hace mucha caminara, si viajara a Locombia

I read, that many people running for elections have been either threatened or snuffed... because they may have been 'Uribistas'.

“ I would rather be a conservative nut job rather than a liberal with no nuts and no job.”

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vicshere says on Oct 18, 2007, 05:56:

many snuffed??????

listo

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Rob77 says on Oct 19, 2007, 05:46:

They said the buses were bombed in Bogota for not paying extortion payments. All 3 buses belonged to the same company.

Yeah, a lot of candidates for election were killed this year, just to eliminate the competition. Election day has a history of violence here. Good day to stay in and watch a flick if you're not voting.

BOYCOTT CITGO - CHAVEZ SUCKS!!!

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