Need help fast, my travel partner getting cold feet over Colombia safety

Gary Hall says on Jan 11, 2005, 21:29:

have fun Go to colombia, enjoy the beauty of a wonderful country. Enjoy the people, the food and the history. Tell your friend that when his or her time comes it will come no matter where you are, what city your in or what country you visit. I would rather be in the heart of Colombia the the west end of Dallas Texas.
The people are friendly, caring and kind. I might make one suggestion however. If you walk around with a lot of money in your hand, down a dark street after midnight you could see someone you would rather not .
Just act normal, be yourself, use good judgement and have a wonderful trip.

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Sam Salmon says on Jan 11, 2005, 21:29:

Ha Ha Ha I doubt that the 'experienced traveller' has ever been in Colombia nor have the others he's talked to-does he know old 'GIB'?
Myself I felt safer in Colombia than ever I did in Ecuador-ain't been to Peru.
Colombian women are much better looking than those stubby little Indians in Ecuador, the food is many times better and cheaper too.
I'd go back to Colombia tomorrow if I could right now but I can't imagine the circumstances that could cause me to revisit Ecuador-altogether too dodgy/downmarket a place.
If your friend is so easily swayed then you're better off on your own-timorous people never make good travelling companions.

' a la orden!'

' a la orden!'

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andrews says on Jan 11, 2005, 21:57:

its not him he's just listening to people that have seen all the media, but what I need is more anecdotal evidence

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caslug says on Jan 11, 2005, 22:20:

Just go w/o him.. Every one here can tell you they went, they saw, they came back in on piece, BUT i think you buddy needs to talk w/ people HE knows and trust. Otherwise, he's not going to buy into whatever a stranger said. I mean, if you can't convince him, how can a person he doesn't know or respect hope to accomplish?

Beside, maybe he's just using that as an excuse to go to Peru or Ecuador. Depends what you guys are into, parting, hiking, shopping, boozing, flirting, etc., I would say for outdoors stuff(ie, going to natural or historic sites, then Ecuador(gallopos islands) or Peru(machu pichu, naz lines, etc.,) MAYBE better from a safety piece of mind stand point. BTW, i've been to COL twice and heading to peru next week.

Now, if you into partying then I would say has to be better than Quito and maybe the same as Lima. CTG is just as safe or not safe as Ecaudor or Peru. Because if you stay in the big cities, the only safety issue you have to deal w/ is petty criminal element, which i suspect is the same in all those countries. Read lonely planet forum on Peru or Ecuador, they also talk about muggings and such. So those places are no more or less safe than COL in terms of street crime on tourist.

That said, CTG tourist area bocagrande, old fort is very safe because those are MAJOR tourist places. Cruise ships routinely stop by drop off senior citizens to tour the city, so you know it better be safe.

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Neonovo says on Jan 11, 2005, 22:25:

Anecdotal evidence http://home.comcast.net/~rudavis98/rootdir/places/colombia/index.htmlOn the link are my vacation pics from last September, 2004. This weekend I should have posted my Cartagena pictures from last November. I fell in love with the place so bad, I'm going back again Feb 12, but this time to San Andrés y providencia.

Neo

ps; Pls drop a note on my blog if you're so inclined.

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piquemacho says on Jan 11, 2005, 23:20:

Enjoy your trip I have spent several months in each of those countries (and also in Bolivia). Of course on this site, everyone will be telling you that Colombia is the best. Actually I think that you can have a great time in any of these places.

From your itinerary I assume that you are most interested in visiting the coast and beaches. Certainly the beaches on the northern coast of Colombia are nicer than you will find in Ecuador or Peru (although they are more crowded). The safety concerns in the places you mention are the same as those in any other large South American city.

If you are at all interested in trekking through the jungle/climbing mountains/hiking for days to find lost civilizations, then I would recommend Ecuador/Peru/Bolivia rather than Colombia. There remain major safety issues in the remote places of Colombia where you might consider these activities. This is an unnecessary risk when there are plenty of safer options in the other countries - and there is a lot more to visit in Peru than Machu Picchu!

There are many beautiful women in Ecuador and Peru as well (the current Miss World is from Peru, and there is nothing wrong with her). Depending on what you're looking for, I don't think there is a big difference in the partying between these countries. Perhaps travellers to Colombia tend to interact more with locals (since there are fewer other foreigners) so they report better experiences than those who visit Ecuador or Peru and just hang out in "gringolandia".

One thing that I miss in Colombia is the indigeneous culture(s) - sure you get it in the museums and in a few villages, but it just doesn't permeate the society in the same way that it does in Peru or Bolivia.

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elmodefoque says on Jan 12, 2005, 08:18:

You are going to the three safest cities in all Colombia, and the only cities I travel to, not due to safety reasons but because I have family and friends there. My wife is fighting tooth and nails to get me back to Medellin but is difficult to get a hot costeño away from his environment of loud music, drunks and total chaos. Some find that unpleasant I see it as heaven on earth.

any colombianita willing to date me, IS UP TO NO GOOD

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andrews says on Jan 12, 2005, 11:29:

thanks I'm gonna do my danmdest to get there, then I can say for myself. And gringo, thanks for the story, what I really got out of it was 1- don't go workin on any oil rigs 2- pull over for banditos 3- work on my best see no-speak no-hear noevil looks. Also, I would like to see some smaller places around the coast, suggestions?

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andrews says on Jan 12, 2005, 11:33:

oh yeah gringo I'm from Chicago, I think your from the area. so I'm ok w/ keepin my head up... and oh yeah, I hate to disagree, but Gino's asucks, absolutely no reason to go downtown for pie, as usual the mom and pops are the best (if you ever get back Pete's pizza at around 4400 north western ave- thin or stuffed, ask for slightly well done and easy chees_

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COLDK says on Jan 12, 2005, 12:42:

Places around the coast I really recomend you to visit Islas del Rosario, you can get a tour for one day or stay there more time if u like. All the hotels in Cartagena have info about it. On the way (via al mar) between Cartagena and Barranquilla you can visit Volcan del Totumo (here u can read about http://ricolombia.com/). In Santa Marta go to El Rodadero. For Diving go to Taganga...
For Transportation ask for Transportes La Costeña. They have big buses from bus stations but ask for their door to door service between Cartagena-Barranquilla-Santa Marta. They pick you up at the hotel (or any other place you stay) till the place u say in the other city for this service they use mini vans... you dont need to go to bus station which are quite outside of the cities.

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 12, 2005, 13:58:

I recommend Los Cedros at the toll booth on the road south out of Monteria. Try not to run over the free range hogs.

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 12, 2005, 17:02:

here is what you do..... hire three big ugly guys to kick his ass, and mug him and threaten his life, all within one week. make sure one of them kicks him in the cajones.

everyplace else will seem like peaches and ice cream after that.

'If you really care for someone, it's ok to hire people to beat them up'~F.Shakespeare (Fred Shakespeare, 4th grade recess)

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william_andrew_channell says on Jan 13, 2005, 05:48:

Just go to Colombia without your friend take lots of pictures (especially with girls), call him late at night when you're drunk and let him hear music and girls over the phone, have a blast and go back and show him all the great stuff he missed.

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umm says on Jan 13, 2005, 06:08:

chicken ha?
tell your travel (chicken) friends to avoid the USA, there its really dangerous.

UMM

My Forum

Gomezman5 says on Jan 13, 2005, 07:54:

HEY GIB (Gringoinbogota) I told you that I like Lou Malnatis the best. By the way, Andrews, is correct about Pete's Pizza Is off on the address though. It' actually 3700-38-- block of N. Western Ave. About 5-6 blocks from Lane Tech. Anyway, I just had a pizza delivered from them on Sunday.
They have some of the best sausage (they make it there) I have ever had...and they put plenty on the pizza. That with mushrooms, green
pepper and onion,,,and you have a great pizza

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juanalejo says on Jan 13, 2005, 08:07:

andrew It is difficult Andrew to say what is better and what is worse, the area you are planning to visit is something you are simply not going to find in Ecuador or Peru, the Caribbean has a completely different mood that the Pacific, and the atmosphere here is not easily matched in most places much less in Peru or Ecuador. Now if your adventure is just to find indigenous places, that is another story you are better off heading south, but if you are looking for nice beaches, good nightlife and a bit of history, then Colombia is the place. About gringoinbogota, do not worry about his stories, he comes up with a new scary one every time somebody asks a question on this site. Truth is that you will remain away from any danger if you avoid areas outilined by the local government or local people, and for petty crime you will feel much safer in Colombia than in any of the other countries in the area.

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Mark Antony Turner says on Jan 13, 2005, 08:23:

Safety in Colombia travel I go to Cartagena once every 3 months, it is my home away from home if you need any information about the social sketches, demographics, culture, dating feel free to call me at 330-501-0352 or e-mail me at mturner02 at sceinet.com, if you stay in the city you will be safe the jungle and rural areas are paranthetihcal to our urban areas where there is crime , violence and kiddnapping, Cartagena is the safest place ont his earth

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Mark Antony Turner says on Jan 13, 2005, 08:23:

Safety in Colombia travel I go to Cartagena once every 3 months, it is my home away from home if you need any information about the social sketches, demographics, culture, dating feel free to call me at 330-501-0352 or e-mail me at mturner02 at sceinet.com, if you stay in the city you will be safe the jungle and rural areas are paranthetihcal to our urban areas where there is crime , violence and kiddnapping, Cartagena is the safest place ont his earth

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YEP says on Jan 13, 2005, 08:47:

Mark why not put some facts on the table right here ;-)
Then more people could benefit from it

TIA

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

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

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KirkWest53 says on Jan 13, 2005, 09:17:

Colombia is a wonderful place Andrew, I have travelled to Colombia, Ctg, BAQ, and Santa Marta every month for the past two years. If you use your head and don't do things to call attention to yourself, you will be fine. Don't wear obvious jewelry, flash a lot of cash, ect.

My wife's family won't let me go some places because it is indeed too dangerous for foreigners, but these places you are going should be fine.

But most of all, enjoy it. The Colombian people are very friendly and warm. Don't be afraid to talk to them and they appreciate trying in Spanish.

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Miguel says on Jan 13, 2005, 09:59:

GO! The hell with your buddy. Go to Barranquilla then directly to La Troja and tell them "Elmo sent you". Buena suerte.

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andrews says on Jan 13, 2005, 13:21:

yeah gringo they're still there. I haven't been down there in ages though. I'm more of a shot and a beer joint, although I was in the Cubbie Bear, right next to Wrigley last night. The place sucks, lotta attitude, but the beers were $1.

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Gomezman5 says on Jan 13, 2005, 13:32:

Hey Andrews.... I live less than 5 minutes from the Cubby Bear and Wrigley----just east closer to Lake Shore Dr. You live in the area?

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andrews says on Jan 13, 2005, 14:23:

GM5 I thought I sent you a pm / I live around Fullerton and Sacramento Palmer Sq. Just north of Humboldt Park

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Gomezman5 says on Jan 13, 2005, 14:42:

Andrews....never got it !! By the way, Desi, when she lived in Chicago about 10 years ago,lived near there too.

So, that means you are destined to live in Colombia, and then Sweden, just like her!

By the way, Colonbia does NOT have pizza anywhere as good as Chicago.

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Mark Antony Turner says on Jan 14, 2005, 20:56:

facts on the table I apologize , I have been to Cartagena various times and I have a tendency to speak from practical or experiential knowledge, please be specific about what kind of facts would be benifical to this particular discussion and I will try to accomadate

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mojoj1224 says on Dec 29, 2005, 11:27:

Don't Chicken Out I've been to Barranquilla 6 times. If I can do it, so can you. Don't chicken out, you will enjoy Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta. Don't be too cheap when visiting the beach, you will be treated better if you spend some money with the vendors at the beach in cartagena and santa marta and the people will keep an eye out for you. You can also get some cool things at the beach in santa marta. Remember, these people at the beaches rely on tourists and want them to have a good experience. Don't forget to tip the hotel people and maids or give them gifts (all electronics easly cost 2x more here). Cartagena is a tourist city and I noticed that the street people tend to solicit more there, which gets annoying and a little hairy at night if you are out walking. Take your basic precautions, don't travel between cites too late after dark. Steer clear of the homeless and strange looking walking street vendors and other people that try to solicit you or are overly interested in you, especially at night... just say gracias, ignore them, and keep walking. Be more careful at night and stay close to the locals when out at night as they can assist you if anyone starts bothering you and step in to defuse the situation. And most important, take lots of pictures with you and the women you meet.

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charliewatson says on May 12, 2006, 14:04:

south of medellin how safe is it to travel south of medellin?? from catagena i hope to fly to medellin and then make my way to the border with ecuador.... could you advise me on travel?? buses too dodgy? not worth the risk? i am a spanish speaking blond gringo travelling solo. want to see colombia but dont want to take stupid risks, crossing on the border by bus.....anyone can help?!!!

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PennilessBliss says on May 12, 2006, 15:12:

my $0.02 USD I would strongly recommend you avoid traveling from medellin to ecuador by bus... it's quite a distance to cover, and although colombian roads have become fairly safe over the past 3 or 4 years, my logic says the longer the distance you'll travel, the greater the risk.

Medellin is a pretty safe place, with the only major threat (as in most latin american cities and even some western cities) being petty theft/street crime.

As to reaching the border by land, I have, on two separate ocassions, flown into the Pasto airport and driven (with local friends) over to ecuador (about two hours drive)... the view is stunning (in fact, most of Colombia is visually astounding) and there were plenty of Colombian Army troopers along the way, which by local standards pretty much means it's safe.

My humble advice, based on my experience, is stay off the roads if you're traversing half the country. Otherwise enjoy.

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juanalejo says on May 12, 2006, 15:20:

Travelling by bus The only area I would suggest for security reasons to just travel by day is between Popayan and Pasto, the rest is quite safe. Use large bus companies, which have really nice buses. Travelling by road in Colombia is very nice, as sceneries are fantastic so day travel is recommended for scenic views.

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adrimm says on May 13, 2006, 08:25:

Um- This thread is from last november!

That said, a great source of info for the travellin' crowd is the Lonely Planet thorntree.

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