Trip to Valledupar, Is it safe?

Greetings all! Heading back to wonderful Colombia in August. Just a minor detour prior to my trip. Total left knee replacement July 2. As always, I will use Barranquilla and the wonderful Hotel Majestic as my jump off point. My last trip over one year ago, we tried to drive from Santa Marta to Valledupar. Unfortunately the military had the road closed due to Farc activity in the area. Are things any better? Also, can you fly to Valledupar from Barranquilla or do I need to go through Bogota?

By b bruce on Jun 9, 2008, 13:54 in Friendly Talkzone.

gimmedub says on Jun 9, 2008, 14:15:

you can fly in fact I recommend it - 45 minutes compared to 6 hours on a bus - www.aires.aero - my wife (to-be) es una vallenata and I spend months down there - no problems whatsoever... things are quiet though but for a few days - why not...

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robi666 says on Jun 9, 2008, 15:39:

"Unfortunately the military had the road closed due to Farc activity in the area. "
I guess you got it wrong...

"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."

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huskie says on Jun 10, 2008, 05:34:

I have heard Valledupar is beautiful
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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hongo_joe says on Jun 10, 2008, 06:26:

I went from Baq to Valledupar by bus about a month ago without problem. It took about 4 hours. Valledupar was a pleasant little city - many tree lined boulevards.

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tigredelnorte2 says on Jun 10, 2008, 07:49:

I was there over the Christmas holidays. It was tranquillo. Like anyplace, be careful at night until you get a feel for the place. My general rule is arrive at least 2 hours before sundown.

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b bruce says on Jun 10, 2008, 11:37:

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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