Top Colombia hotels
Police Bogotá
1 Review I found myself in several situations with the local police. If your caught running a light, everyone does this in Colombia but if your light skinned those guys stop you immediately and the only way...
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Taxis Cartagena
1 Review Although l felt safe enough in Cartagena, l did have the added advantage of having friends who live here. They were very specific on not taking a taxi alone. Never hail one from the street, what...
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Vendors Cartagena
1 Review If this is your first trip to Cartagena you will be amazed at the amount of street vendors trying to sell you beer, water, braid your hair, massage, tee-shirts, jewels, lotto tickets etc. It can wear...
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tours Cartagena
1 Review If you fancy a trip to the Rosario islands my advice would be to find a small boat to take you. I did the trip from the port and the first stop was the Aquarium which was of no interest to me. We had...
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The civil war is confined mainly to rural areas and scarcely in urban areas. But Don´t panic!! This is not Afghanistan or Sierra Leone. Try to be wise and use your common sense: avoid war areas, poor negihbourhoods and late night walks in town centres. Sadly very friendly people or sexy young women in big cities approaching you might be suspicious. But colombians are mainly humble and helpful.
Money is a problem... (isnt it always..) I am used to travel all over the world with my Visa card. Dont expect the ATM's to work. I tried several cards and all the machines in the city, but they doesnt seem to be connected with the rest of the world. You need to visit 'Banco de Colombia' during the opening ours to get money from your Visa account (closes at 3.30 p.m.). Tip: Bring a Mastercard. Most of the ATM's accept them.
Old City is surrounded by ancient city walls, and feels pretty safe as long as you use basic safety precautions for traveling in any unfamiliar major city. The road to LaPopa Monastery goes past some pretty poverty ridden areas and I would travel by there only with a local cab/guide.
There are more warnings and dangers for Colombia than for any other country I have visited. The guerilla makes overland travel in many parts of the country prohibitive. Bogota has got one of the highest crime rate in the world (I had be back to my apartment by 6:00 pm to be safe).There are earthquakes (see my Cali page) and hurricanes, too.The picture shows a mild-mannered Anaconda, the world largest snake, at the zoo in Leticia.
Colombia has been rated the most dangerous country in the world for several years running now. There are kidnapping (and violent ones) every day. I can't imagine it is safe for anyone to travel in Colombia if they appear foreign or propserous. If I were to go back, I would certainly 'dress down' and carry no identifying 'tourist badges' while walking aorund the streets. Even three years ago (when it was still rated the most dangerous country) I travelled to Barranquilla. My hosts told me that I need not worry about safety at all in Barranquilla. However, when I arrived at the airport, I was met by a bodyguard who was to escort me to the hotel. This bodyguard was armed with a 9mm handgun and a sawed-off shotgun across the front seat of his Suburban with bullet proof windows. When I asked why, if Barranquilla was so safe, did he arm himself in this way -- he answered it was 'just in case.'...
Don't drink too much, otherwise you would see like this. Colombian working on a gas station.The main danger in Colombia now is to leave the main cities, try not to travel in roads, specially at night.
In Cartagena de Indias:The city is safe, just don't walk at night on the city walls or in the seediest parts of Getsemani. The latter suburb can even feel scary because of all its bustling activity during the day but I always felt quite safe there.There worst danger in Cartagena is the heat: up to 38 degrees in October. I warmly (pun) recommend to go in January when the weather is much more bearable, at least for a European :)
Due to crime, violence, and kidnapping, Colombia is one of the most dangerous countries on earth. Be sure to read the latest travel warning before you buy those tickets!
in Columbia you'll always have to be alert. There are a lot of weird dudes walking around and I must admit I didn't feel comfertable at all, except for Cartagena and San Agustin. The latter though you have to be carefull on the bus heading north.
For general safety information have a look at my Bogotá page.Outside the cities long-distance travels are not recommended due to recent guerrilla and paramilitary activities. Foreigners are on the top of the guerrilla's kidnapping list. You should always fly between the cities. An exeption is between Cartagena and Santa Marta, but ask about recent activities...Don't leave your passport in a certain place while flying around in the country...it must be shown at check-in due to security reasons.
Embassy Suites Hotel Bogota-Rosales Bogotá
2 Reviews and 86 Opinions Hotel location was perfect. 30 minutes from airport, Great location, with Great reaturant accross...
Casa El Carretero Cartagena
109 Opinions
Cali Plaza Cali
8 Reviews and 66 Opinions My husband and I stayed at Cali Plaza Hotel while visiting family in Cali. We enjoyed the hotel an...
Reviews and photos of Colombia attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Colombia sightseeing.
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Q: Hola Travelers - I'm planning a three week trip to Colombia. What is the cheapest way to fly from Bogota to Cali, from Cali to...
A: bookmarking
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