Honestly- do you think it would be dangerous for two 20 year old girls to visit Colombia?

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dgi_marin

I don't think it's dangerous...I've met several people (both girls and guys) who have come here and haven't had any sort of trouble. You just have to be smart with where you go, and who you talk to.

I strongly advice you to plan your travel in advance. If you can afford it, use a travel agency, since you'll always have a tour guide providing you useful information about the place you're visiting. If you can't, there are a lot of websites and forums where you can find other traveler's opinions about which places are better and safer to visit.

It's always better if you can get someone to show you around. You can call a relative, or maybe asking someone at the hotel you're staying at. Usually locals have enough experience to tell you what you should avoid (La Candelaria neighborhood in Bogota, for example, has a lot of places to visit, but I strongly advice you not to be in the area after 5-6pm). As a previous person said, Bogota, Santa Marta and Cartagena are the most popular destinations, and therefore, the safest places for tourists.

Just get as much information as you can before you actually go, be careful with your belongings, stay around mainstream areas, and always carry in your pocket the phone number of your hotel and of a cab company, in case you get lost, or something. Hotel staff are always prepared to answer your questons. Nowdays many young people are fluent in english, although I don't really advice you to ask for directions to a random person in the street. Upscale malls like Andino, El Retiro or Unicentro in Bogota, usually have english speaking information spots.

I hope you really come to Colombia. You just have to take some precautions, and you'll be fine. Have a nice trip!!

Obama is a socialist

Depends on where you go. Bogota is relatively safe. Dont dress flashy. Dont take a lot of cash. Dont carry a purse. Take your ATM card MOST ATMs in Bogota will work (Da Vivienda is my fave) The gold museum, Monserrate ONLY on the weekend (youll get robbed if you go during the week) Zipaquira is pretty safe (The salt cathedral) Cartagena is pretty safe. Stay in Boca Negra (The Hilton is there) and ONLY ONLYONLY take a taxi YOU Call or the white hotel taxis but they cost a lot. Do you speak spanish? That will help if you do.
DO NO go to choco. DO not go to bueanventura. DO NOT -no matter what anyone tells you - go to Cali.
My mother in law is an English teacher and Im betting shed show you around,. Email me, if i can help. I live in Colombia part of the year.. My wife is Colombian. I love Colombia. But you just have to be smart.

bobthegymgod

You should always seek advise from your foreign office before visiting other countries. e.g. British site is very helpful and gives advise on health care, vaccinations, entry requirements, local customs and laws.

Don't forget to take contact details of your Embassy should the worse happen.

British one reads:

* 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. See the Terrorism/Security and Crime sections of this advice for more details.

* 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. See the Terrorism/Security and Crime sections of this advice for more details.

* On 14 April 2008, the Nevado del Huila volcano in the Parque de los Nevados (to the west of Huila Department in southern Tolima) erupted. There is a probability of further eruptions within days or weeks which could also result in a melting of the ice cap and subsequent flooding in the region. All travel to the area should be avoided at the present time. You should pay careful attention to all warnings issued and follow the advice of the local authorities.

* There is a high threat of terrorism in Colombia. You should be vigilant, particularly when visiting or staying in public places used by expatriates and foreigner travellers, and in the vicinity of government buildings and military establishments. Roads, bridges and power supplies may also be targeted. There is also a serious risk of kidnapping in many parts of the country, including major cities.

* In 2005, more people were killed or injured in Colombia by landmines than in any other country in the world. When travelling in rural areas you should always follow local warnings about the presence of landmines.

* Around 18,000 visits are made by British nationals to Colombia every year (Source: Colombian State Security Department - DAS). Most visits are trouble-free. The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Colombia in 2007 was the theft of personal belongings, including passports. There is a serious risk of crime throughout most of the country, including major cities. You should avoid unnecessary travel to deprived areas of all Colombian cities.

Courtney C

Yes, there are some strange people there, but If you can be safe, and have cell phones with you at all times, you will be fine.

†đαгĸ ραиđoгα†(Sasori-Fan)†иω

Come on girl... I am from Venezuela, and I have been there (Colombia) and I can tell you for sure there is no place where you can be safe in this world...

Just try to go out with an adult... The insecurity is terrible in these countries

Good Luck

Bay.

no just when u get from the airport call a local taxi dont go on the bus (people stole mi sneakers like 3 times) dont go out alone at night, stay in crowded areas umm and dont go on the bus hehee. i realy hate the buses in bogota.

richardo941

Depends totally on where you go in Colombia, really. But generally the country is much safer now than it was 10-20 years ago, it's really a new place. Either way, be careful, be smart.

justin v

yes, just watch the movie taken and you will know why.

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