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Roundtrip Colombia, what is safe?

Hi guys, I'm planning to bring a group of tourist on the following roundtrip next year. Could you guys please check the programme from a safety point of view? Are there anything in this programme that we should'nt do?
Hope all friends of Colombia helpme out, we do not want to growing tourism to be affected by bad publicity, do we?

Thank you all for your effort,
Andersson

Program Colombia 17 days/16 nights.

DAY ONE: ARRIVAL IN BOGOT�?
Arrival in Bogotá, welcome by the bilingual travel guide and transfer to a pleasant and well located hotel. Three -3- nights including American breakfast.

DAY TWO: BOGOT�?
Half a day’s tour through Colombia’s capital city. We begin with a walk around Bogota’s main square, the Plaza de Bolívar, and the government buildings around it, including the presidential palace, before entering the nearby “Candelaria�? old town, the colonial centre of the city. We follow this with visits to the impressive San Francisco and La Tercera churches and to the world-famous Museo del Oro, which contains more than 30.000 pre-Columbian gold artefacts. We end with a trip by cable car to the summit of Monserrate hill, Bogota’s best-known landmark, from which there is a wonderful view of the whole city and the savannah beyond.

DAY THREE: VILLA DE LEYVA
Early morning departure from Bogotá northwards along the Autopista. After roughly 2 hours, we arrive at one of the most significant national monuments in Colombia: the “Boyacá Bridge�?. It was over this bridge that Simón Bolívar fought and won his most decisive battle against Spanish settlers. Trip to Tunja with a short visit to Villa de Leyva, one of the most beautiful colonial small towns in South America. After a quick stroll through the town, lunch will be served within the colonial surroundings of one of Villa de Leyva’s hotels. After lunch, we continue our trip with a visit to La Ráquira, a village of quaint and colourful small houses, famous for its pottery and ceramics; and then through the pilgrimage location of Chiquinquirá, before returning to Bogotá

DAY FOUR: BOGOT�? – PASTO
In the morning, flight from Bogota to the south of the country and the city of Pasto. On arrival, welcome from the local guide, and transfer to a good medium-range hotel. During the afternoon a half-day tour through this city situated in the fertile valley at the foot of the Galeras Volcano. 2 nights including breaksfast.

DAY FIVE PASTO

In the morning trip south towards Ipiales, city on the border with Ecuador. Visit to the “Las Lajas�? Sanctuary, a church constructed in the Gothic style over a bridge that spans the spectacular Guáitara Cannyon. Throughout the year pilgrims from all over the country, and abroad, come here to pray. In the afternoon, overland return to Pasto.

DAY SIX PASTO

After breakfast, visit to “La Cocha�? lagoon. Considered one of the most beautiful in the country, it is situated at an altitude of 2760 meters. It is surrounded by green, wooded hills. We will hike around a lake and take a boat across it, giving us ample opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the place.

DAY SEVEN PASTO- NEIVA

During the day, transfer to airport and flight to Neiva over Bogotá Arrivla in Neiva and transfer to a pleasant hotel in a small town near to the city.

DAY EIGHT NEIVA- TIERRADENTRO

overland trip of approximately 5 hours to San Andrés de Pisimbala (Tierradentro). Once there, transfer to a pleasant hotel. One -1- night, including American breakfast in basic accomodation. Remaining part of the day will be free to relax and to walk around the village. In the afternoon visit to “Tierradentro Archaeological Park�? exploring the subterranean funeral chambers located near the “Alto Segovia�? and “Alto del Duende�? archaeological relics.

DAY NINE TIERRADENTRO – SAN AGUST�?N

After breakfast, 6 hour overland trip through the beautiful mountainous landscape to San Agustín. Once there, transfer to Hotel Anacaona. 2. Two nights including American breakfast.

DAY TEN SAN AGUST�?N

After breakfast, visit to “San Agustín Archaeological Park�?, to “Mesitas�? A-B-C- and D, to “Fuente Ceremonial de Lavapatas�? and the “Archaeological Museum�?. In the afternoon, horseback ride to “El Tablón�? and “La Chaquira�? archaeological sites or alternatively, a trip to the dramatic straits of the Río Magdalena.

DAY ELEVEN SAN AGUST�?N – SANTA ROSA DE CABAL

After breakfast, trip to the nearby village of Isnos to see the “Parque Arqueológico del Alto de los �?dolos�? and “Alto de las Piedras�?. Following this, a tour over the spectacular landscapes surrounding the “Salto del Mortiño�? and “Salto de Bordones�? cascades. Early afternoon, return to Neiva and flight to Pereira. On arrival, you will be welcomed by the local travel guide and escorted to the hotel located near Armenia. Two -2- nights with half board.

DAY TWELVE SANTA ROSA DE CABAL

After breakfast, whole day’s driving through the municipalities of Barcelona, Pijao, Buenavista and Génova in order to get a real impression of the culture and way of life in the coffee zone. There is almost no need to mention that the scenery is spectacular. We then pay a visit to the “Guadua and Bamboo Experimental Centre�?, where we can see the construction of a range of different objects using bamboo, an ecologically and economically sound possibility for the 21st century. Trip continues towards Armenia, with a visit to the city and the Quimbaya Museum, with its interesting collection of precolumbian gold and silver artefacts.

DAY THIRTEEN SANTA ROSA DE CABAL- SANTA MARTA

In the afternoon, visit to a coffee farm where you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about the process of coffee cultivation and production. Transfer to airport to take the flight to Santa Marta over Bogota. Transfer to the hotel and 2 nights including American breakfast.

DAY FOURTEEN: SANTA MARTA

We leave Santa Marta in the morning, going east along the Caribbean coast till El Zaino, main entrance to Tayrona Park and 1 hour away from Santa Marta. After another minutes drive, arrival at Cañaveral beach, one of the wildest and at the same time most beautiful spots in Tayrona Park. From the top of a small hill we will be able to see a spectacular view of the Atlantic Coast. Following this a 1-hour hike through the Sierra Nevada tropical forest to Arrecife, another of Tayrona Park’s marvellous beaches. Time to have lunch, swim and relax.

Duration: 10 hours approximately.

DAY FIVETEEN SANTA MARTA - CARTAGENA

After breakfast overland trip to Cartagena. In the afternoon half day city tour through one of the most fascinating cities in South America due to its Caribbean charm and well conserved colonial architecture. A defensive wall surrounds the old city, which overlooks the sea and its well-preserved colonial architecture makes Cartagena deserving of the title UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trip continues with visits to the modern El Laguito and Bocagrande districts before returning to the old city. Complete tour of the old city, with extensive visits to the most important historical sites and buildings. Next, visit to “San Felipe Castle�?, and “La Popa�? monastery. Duration: 3 hours approximately. 2 nights including American breakfast.

DAY SIXTEEN CARTAGENA

Free day to enjoy the city

By andersson_s on Mar 21, 2008, 08:56 in Travel tips.

msaucey says on Mar 21, 2008, 09:26:

Okay, you need a bump.... But, I'm going to let you know the areas that I'd be weary of are Pasto.. Others will help you out shortly with there feedback...

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

ColombianoGringo says on Mar 21, 2008, 09:32:

Be careful in Pasto and in rural areas of El Huila outside of Neiva. There has been a lot of combat and other farc related activity in the Huila department. Where will you be staying outside of Neiva? Yaguara, Rivera, Palermo? A tour group of Europeans will attract a lot of attention.

RAAAY says on Mar 21, 2008, 09:36:

WHAT...??????..............No Medellin...??.......por que..??

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

beisbollover says on Mar 21, 2008, 09:46:

Any information you get today could be complete different a year from now when you go. Things change quickly.

Gator says on Mar 21, 2008, 09:48:

PASTO (Suggest substitute Popayan)
NEIVA

IMHO, not enough time in Cartagena or in the area of Villa de Leyva/Ráquira/Chiquinquirá.
Not enough time in Bogotá and I would add a trip to the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá (if you are in Bogotá over the weekend consider the tourist train to Zipaquirá.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

ColombianoGringo says on Mar 21, 2008, 10:06:

This itinerary reminds me why I never take tours or cruises. The last thing I want while on vacation is to be on somebody else's schedule.

El Huila is not going to be any safer in a year. It is one of the areas with most guerrilla activity. I am Colombian and half my family is from there and I am still very careful outside of Neiva in particular. Still, I would be more concerned with common street crime than the guerrillas, but I wouldn't go anywhere near that area if I was an obvious foreigner.

Portena says on Mar 21, 2008, 10:07:

I agree with beisbollover that the situation could be totally different a year from now - better or worse. I personally like the uk travel warnings page since it is specific for region and updated fairly frequently. Currently it reads as follows:

You should be aware that the security situation in Colombia is constantly changing and that you could be at serious risk in all parts of the country. If it is essential for you to travel, you should make arrangements for your security throughout your visit.

We advise against all travel to the departments of Putumayo, Arauca, Nariño (excluding Pasto), and Norte de Santander (excluding Cucuta). To the towns of Buenaventura and San José del Guaviare and the areas surrounding them; and to the Parque Nacional Natural de La Macarena in the department of Meta.

We advise against all but essential travel to the rural areas of Cauca, Huila (including to San Agustin and the Parque Arqueologico San Agustin), Caqueta, Guaviare, southern and western Valle de Cauca, southern Tolima, southern parts of Meta, Chocó (except for Bahia Solano), north western Antioquia, north-eastern Boyacá, Córdoba, Sucre, southern Bolívar and southern Cesar departments; the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (including the ‘Lost City’); and the border areas of Cesar and La Guajira.

I would monitor the situation until I leave, and be sure you have a trustworthy tour guide. On some occasions tour guides appear to have been colluding with kidnappers. Also, as pointed out above a group of Euro-Americans or Europeans may attract a lot of attention in some areas of the country.

I feel better! I can smile at it now, I feel better. Ohhhh, better! Gnarls Barkley

Catfish35 says on Mar 21, 2008, 10:08:

You will have a great time no doubt, however, upon your return you feel as though you'll have hole in the pit of your stomach. Sorta something missed or left unfinished, a yearning, a loss.
This feeling you will be experiencing will be due to the fact that you did not visit Medellin.
You'll be ok and have fond memories, but you will still feel like you missed something!
Seriously, cannot speak on the locations you have specified others can give you better tips on those places!
Good luck and have a great time!
Don't forget your big red maple leaf baseball caps!

"I refuse to have a battle of intelligence with an unarmed person, therefore I will just speak as the simpleton you have come to love"

ColombianoGringo says on Mar 21, 2008, 10:11:

"due to the fact that you did not visit Medellin."

Oh please, Medellin is nice, but from the look of the itinerary, it sounds like they are more interested in seeing nature and archaeological sites. It sounds infinitely more interesting than looking at high rise apartments, malls, chain restaurants and chicks with boob jobs. I love Medellin, but this trip really goes through the "heart" of Colombia.

Portena says on Mar 21, 2008, 10:11:

I think Medellin would be a great city to add to the list. Wish I had had time to go there! With that itinerary I think I'd substitue Medellin for Parque Arqueologico San Agustin since the park is currently listed as a risky area.

I feel better! I can smile at it now, I feel better. Ohhhh, better! Gnarls Barkley

lpdiver says on Mar 21, 2008, 10:11:

I would add a trip to El penol. But as others have pointed out you not going to Medellin,

t

"cook some rice!"

andersson_s says on Mar 21, 2008, 10:41:

Love you all, I don't want to be pathetic but it really impresses me that people within a few minutes take their time to help others out in a world that I sometimes fell is full of people that couldnt care less.
You have made this day much better,
Thank You guys and Happy Easter

robi666 says on Mar 21, 2008, 10:48:

I agree, CG. Medellin is a great place to live in, not a touristic destination.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

guacharaca says on Mar 21, 2008, 10:53:

"Complete tour of the old city, with extensive visits to the most important historical sites and buildings"

Traffic is pretty jammed up in Old Centro in the afternoon unless it is a Sunday.

adrimm says on Mar 21, 2008, 11:16:

If I were a tourist I'd rather be taking a tour planned by someone who knows those areas well, someone local......not someone who has to ask a random group of strangers online about safety.

In fact I'm pretty disturbed that you might think a random group of opinions on the internet can substitute for personal experience and research.

One thing to ask for yourself, but when this knowledge applies to a group of clue-less tourists, that's something else.

RAAAY says on Mar 21, 2008, 11:42:

adrimm........................" In fact I'm pretty disturbed that you might think a random group of opinions on the internet can substitute for personal experience and research."

I'm sure that asking a question here, was part of the research. I find it quite professional that a tour operator would make the effort to get many different opinions.

And just because the question was asked here, does'nt mean that this operator has'nt done all sorts of other research.

.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

lpdiver says on Mar 21, 2008, 11:48:

Actually a random group of opinions is an EXCELLENT way of making decisions.Read up on it in the July 2007 issue of National Geographic.

However, perhaps the 17 people who post on PBH unders tens of thousands of screen names does not constitute a proper "swarm".

t

"cook some rice!"

RAAAY says on Mar 21, 2008, 11:49:

It's up to 17 now......??

When did membership double..?

.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

adrimm says on Mar 21, 2008, 11:56:

Well then if we are part of a larger survey/research it would be good to know that. Personally if it came to the care of other people I would be responsible for I wouldn't weigh what is said here much compared to personal experience and directly-referenced voice of the industry in those areas.

I'd probably hook up with a local guide for each city.. kind of like what cargo ship pilots have do when entering certain bodies of waters, they have a local pilot navigate or co-navigate for them. Human cargo is precious.

andersson_s says on Mar 21, 2008, 12:03:

"I'm sure that asking a question here, was part of the research. I find it quite professional that a tour operator would make the effort to get many different opinions. And just because the question was asked here, does'nt mean that this operator has'nt done all sorts of other research."

You could'nt be more right! This is only a part of the research about safety but since there are just s many opinions about safety in Colombia as people I wanted to here your opinion. It's very valuable to me to hear someones opinion who knows the area like ColombianoGringo. Don't worry I will use a local operator and local guides, but even they could be over-enthusiastic now when Colombia is trying to promote tourism. I think I'll ask DAS also and of course at the time when the tour is taking place I'll will check again. So again thank you for all your opinions!

Catfish35 says on Mar 21, 2008, 12:48:

Oh Please is very right CG!
If they wanna ride horses, travel in the Jungle and look at lakes ocean, ruins and still feel safe there are a lot better places than Colombia all together!
Now if they they want to come to Colombia to "tour"? Than I still think Medellin would be worth their while.
I guess your right that they are going thru "the heart" only by way of the azzhole to the armpit!

"I refuse to have a battle of intelligence with an unarmed person, therefore I will just speak as the simpleton you have come to love"

Mononoke28 says on Mar 21, 2008, 13:18:

I agree, if they're staying in Bogotá that long, they can also stay in Medellín. What's not to love, El Peñol as someone else had mentioned, the Museo de Antioquia with the Botero statues, a finca in Rionegro, and El Hueco. XD

Diana

Catfish35 says on Mar 21, 2008, 14:08:

My sentiments exactly MONO...I say let them get the most "bang" for their buck!
Its their trip and and their money but just stands to reason that if they come all the way to Colombia maybe they should get to see other things. Seems they stagnate in places.
But really I was only kidding about them having a whole in their stomach. I mean they are not really going to have a literal "hole in the pit" of their stomach. I mean I don't think pits have stomachs.
They won't feel really that bad, they have a nice trip planned and sure they will have a great time.
It was only a mere suggestion and a little kiddin! They will be ok without Medellin!

"I refuse to have a battle of intelligence with an unarmed person, therefore I will just speak as the simpleton you have come to love"

getting better says on Mar 21, 2008, 14:09:

As someone who also helps organise tours in some remote parts of Colombia, I send you my best wishes for a successful trip. I'm sure it makes sense to gets lots of opinions about security of different areas, though there's a risk of the trip participants reading it which looks a bit amateurish even though its not.
We certainly visit at least one area regularly that is against the UK government advice quoted by Portena, but we are pretty confident about it as we have someone based locally there.
Once we have changed an itinerary at short notice for security reasons, with hindsight it was perhaps overcautious but better that way.
Most of our tourists feel safe after the first day or two and go home very happy, and the main problems we have really had have been when vehicles break down, which happens surprisingly often to due the poor state of the roads, and increases security risks. Make sure the firms who are hiring you vehicles are reliable because many are not, and allow plenty of room as your clients may be larger and need more space than the average Colombian.

ColombianoGringo says on Mar 21, 2008, 14:13:

g_b is right about the road situation. This is a major problem in El Huila in particular. There is a great deal of deforestation and at this time of year with the heavy rains they've had, a lot of roads are getting washed out or covered by mudslides. This is particularly true in the mountainous areas of Huila East and South of Palermo.

rumronrum says on Mar 22, 2008, 08:40:

Stop by Medellin and visit Parke Llares and Mangos Disco. You won't be disappointed!
www.medellinvisitorguide.com

RumRonRum

ColombianoGringo says on Mar 22, 2008, 14:02:

I hope your site gets a lot of visitors before you get banned for spamming. Why bother with Mangos? Better to direct them to a whorehouse. It would be less hassle and cheaper.

Juanes says on Mar 25, 2008, 09:53:

mr anderson, feel like i am the agent off the matrix movie..

you intinery sounds great, just a few helpful hints cos i went to all those places in 2007 too and you can see from my travelblog site that it is safe and beautiful.

numero uno....consider visiting a place called 'Desierto de Tatacoa' , you can get there from Neiva and it is the place where the dinosaurs used to rome apparently but the formations of grey and red/orange clay are magnificant...it is very hot though...you guys can get a bus to the local village where there is a small museum and get a local guide from there to drive you, he lets you out for 15 minute walks and stuff in the heat and it is truly worth going to give some money back to people who dont really get much tourists, this is the place they have the telescope building thing to look at the stars too ....

numero dos....popayan is better than pasto really to hang out for a few days, but is a good location for san augustin, try and get to see the cascades in the surrounding countryside and they take you to a sugar type plantation also.

Ipiales is great and i went to las lajas but it was funny seeing the militario unload a truck engine illegally stuffed with countless bottles of ron de medellin when i got to the border with ecuador.....

sounds as though you got everything else covered though....take the people on the chiva up in santa marta o cartagena.....maybe visit parque nacional tayrona near santa marta...

how is the business going anyway parsero ?, i have another friend here in london who is setting up something similar with tours...

mucho suerte

http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Juanes/

cali373 says on Apr 23, 2008, 09:00:

What is an american breakfast? two eggs on a bagel?

Smile if you are a thinker!

docwilliam says on Apr 23, 2008, 12:40:

an american breakfast is anything that will stop your heart before you make it out the door

"There's no time to panic"

Juanes says on Apr 23, 2008, 16:23:

mcdonalds breakfast is american or pancakes & maple syrup i suppose along with OJ & cawwwwwwwfeee in NYC..

http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Juanes/