Problems on Hiking Trails near Bogota

Atrevido says on Dec 7, 2007, 19:43:

For those in Bogotá right now here is a bulletin from the US Embassy.

"December 6, 2007

The U.S. Embassy in Bogota wishes to alert U.S. citizens in Colombia to recent violent armed robberies against U.S. citizens while hiking on wooded trails in and around Bogotá. As a result of these robberies, the U.S. Embassy has restricted official American employees and their family members from hiking on trails above Avenida Circunvalar in Bogotá or on trails at Rocas de Suesca in Cundinamarca Department. Armed robberies against U.S. citizens have occurred at both locations in the past two months.

If you plan to hike on wooded trails in and around Bogotá, we encourage you to do so only in large groups, and to consider hiring private security to accompany you. While we do not have any indications that the perpetrators are targeting U.S. citizens specifically, Americans and other tourists are often vulnerable to this type of crime because of their perceived affluence."

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Portena says on Dec 7, 2007, 19:53:

I have a map of Bogota, but I'm not sure where Avenida Circunvalar is. North? South? East? West? Don't see it. Probably just a crummy map.

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webmanco says on Dec 7, 2007, 20:20:

I very much doubt robbers will ask for passports and rob only USA citizens.

East Cerros Orientales.

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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Mr. Hollywood says on Dec 7, 2007, 20:32:

Portena, it's the last major road that runs along the base of the mountains. It's above La Septima. A beautiful way to get from the N. of Bogota to Candelaria or El Centro. Also dangerous at night. Periodically robbers roll big rocks into the road and take cars away from their owners at gunpoint.

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Portena says on Dec 7, 2007, 20:45:

I think I've been on that road. Got a really nice photo of Bogota from a road from N. Bogota to Candelaria.

Yep. Now I see it on the map.

Thanks, Hollywood!

I've been in Suesca too, but didn't go hiking there. Might have been where I stopped with my friends to buy a soda.

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Waterdawg says on Dec 8, 2007, 05:19:

.. " Periodically robbers roll big rocks into the road and take cars away from their owners at gunpoint."

Really ? When is the last time that happened ? I have not heard about that !

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webmanco says on Dec 8, 2007, 07:38:

Not often enough :-)

Actually robbers are a little more original, they simulate an accident and voila!! you stop and they take your belonnis, not always the car.

But in reallity I don`t think this happens so often maybe twice a year, late (at night ) most people don`t give papaya.

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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Gator says on Dec 8, 2007, 07:59:

Not a common occurrence, that is a route we often take.

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

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nine inch nails says on Dec 10, 2007, 13:41:

.. " Periodically robbers roll big rocks into the road and take cars away from their owners at gunpoint."

Is exactly why I paid for a reputable tour guide this past May. He mentioned this and pointed out one area south on the way to see the Sal Catedrals where they do this. Just don't travel at night and take as safe a ride as you can.

Regarding the trails they also mentioned that hiking down from the Montserrate not safe either, lots of robberies there also. Hey they have to eat too.

"They know nothing, they know nothing." J. Cramer

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Mr. Hollywood says on Dec 10, 2007, 13:47:

There was an article in El Tiempo within the last year about a series of robberies up there. I imagine they have all kinds of lovely techniques including rocks, fake accidents and probably, hot naked Colombianas by the side of the road.

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