07_ShelbyGT500
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No visa required.
The big cities are all safe. If you are visiting people down there, they should know which places in the countryside are safe as well.
Bogota is just like any other large, cosmopolitan city in the world. Many great museums, parks, stores, clubs, bars and restaurants. Make sure to try some of the restaurants in "Zona G" G is for gastronomic. Astrid y Gaston is my favorite, but there are many other world class restaurants here.
Definitely go to Museo del Oro and Museo Nacional, which will both provide good insights into the native people of Colombia. Also go to La Candeleria, which is the oldest part of Bogota, with many narrow streets and quaint buildings and houses in the Colonial style. Of course, no trip to Bogota is complete without a visit to Monseratte (ok, sorry if my spelling is off, even though I'm half Colombian, I'm not a native spanish speaker). From Monseratte, you'll get a full view of the entire city of Bogota. Take the cable car up and down, it's generally not advised for tourists to take the footpath up or down.
Oh, and also, on that note, Bogota is about 8,000 feet above sea level, so you will need a few days to get used to the altitude. No strenuous exercise or activity the first few days there.
Just go and have a good time. Don't act like a loud tourist and you'll be fine. |
baq2cali
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As a U.S. citizen you only need a passport to travel to Colombia. It's always advised that an American stay within the big cities, near crowds and never near dark alleyways etc. after dark. The Carribean coast (Barranquilla, Cartagena, Santa marta) is considered much safer than the interior. If you're an American latino you shouldn't stick out at all, if you're American Caucasian you may or may not pass since the population of Bogota is largely Caucasian as well (but if you look really American i.e. "white legs" like Pres. Clinton you'll be pretty obvious) and if you're black you can always play Jamaican. Doomsdayers will tell you Colombia is so dangerous and if you wander around the interior countryside by yourself or at night alone this can be true. But if you have friends there, stick to your wits and don't do anything overly foolish you'll be fine. |
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