Is Colombia really safe to visit these days?

I was in Ecuador last year and met a couple of Colombians in Quito. While they were enthusiastic about their country, they did remark that the 'security situation' in Ecuador was much better than in their country. They said you still need to be careful in the cities. If you stay at a resort in Cartagena and don't leave it, you're fine.

My partner and I are actually going to Colombia for 10 days on Friday. To Bogota and Zona Cafetera. From what we've heard, like many other big South American cities, if you heed certain common sense safety precautions, you'll be fine, which means not going to sketchy, crime-ridden areas, sticking with safe, upscale neighborhoods at night, taking taxis, etc. I'm more concerned about credit card fraud, so we're taking enough cash to pay for restaurant meals, some hotels, etc.

It must not be if Alex Trebek got cancer from working there for so long.

Sounds like it’s much much safer than Brazil now. A good choice if you want South America without a 10+ hour flight.

I was in Cartagena a few months ago and wasn't robbed, but the street merchants/beggars are unreal. Couldn't do a damn thing without them shadowing you and continuously trying to get your money. I won't exactly be rushing back there anytime soon.

[quote]If you stay at a resort in Cartagena and don't leave it, you're fine.

But doesn’t that defeat the purpose of going?

Depends what you want R6. Caribbean beach vacation, or to see a country.

Spent three weeks down there in 2017. Cheap, friendly, safe, gorgeous. Piece of cake. Just get out of Cartagena and you'll be fine. There are kinds of retreats and groups you can join if you're feeling trepidation.

I’m aware of my demographics.

The Upper, Upper West Side has been perfectLy safe for decades now, truly gentrified. Be sure to stop into the Hungarian Cafe across the street from St. John the Devine on Amsterdam, the pastries are heavenly. Though you may want to avoid Morningside Park after that unfortunate incident that occurred there last year.

[quote]Just get out of Cartagena and you'll be fine.

That is interesting. I’ve heard the opposite: that Cartagena is relatively gentrified and you need to be extra careful elsewhere.

r2 It's a great idea to bring wads of cash to Colombia! That will in no way put a target on your back.

I've traveled back-to-back summers in Colombia by myself -- to Bogota and then northward up to the Caribbean coast; and then Medellin and the coffee region -- and did not have a single security concern. Just heed practical, common-sense big city guidelines in the large cities. The only concern I ended up having was that I didn't want to leave!

I thought this book was based in Columbia but it is actually Venezuela, It's the kind of book you can't put down.

[quote] It's a great idea to bring wads of cash to Colombia! That will in no way put a target on your back.

Duh. You only carry on you what you'll be spending that evening in pesos. The rest you keep locked in the hotel room safe.

I feel like it might be low priced sex tourism paradise.

TBH that is the main attraction R16. Anyone with knowledge ?

Be sure to make arrangements to hook up with your favorite Chaturbate models!

A nicely barked Apártate will tell those chasing or shadowing you to stop it.

Was in Colombia last year. Stayed in Medellin and Cartagena. Was all over Medellin and never worried about my safety. Food was delicious and cheap. People are very friendly. We were there to check it out to move there. Lots of modern high rise condos and apartments. Not a lot of people speak English so a working knowledge of Spanish is helpful.

Cartagena on the other hand was hot and humid. The walled city is fun but as an earlier poster mentioned, you’re jumped by vendors trying to sell Panama hats or water. After walking 20 feet inside the walled city and be hit up to buy a hat or water by 10 vendors I blew it and yelled if I wanted a hat or water I’d buy them. The one vendor who spoke English said, hey man calm down. These people are just trying to make a living. I turned around and said, I’m just trying to see your city! So, after that I wore my cap and carried a small bottle of water with me. Problem solved. Three days is plenty of time to visit Cartagena. The water at the beaches is not clear, think the beach in Galveston. I never worried about my safety in Cartagena, but it very rough around the edges...lots of trash, potholes, poor barrios.

I did Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena last year. Never had any issues. I was offered cocaine within 20 minutes of landing in Cartagena. Just a stern shake of the head and a curt “gracias” and the street vendors left me alone. Cartagena was great to do nothing but drink and not move due to the humidity. I’m hoping to get back to Medellin this year or next.

OP, have fun. Bogotá is one of the great, fun, no-holds-barred gay cities of the world at the moment, IMO. Even beyond the gay scene, I was charmed by the museums, restaurants, art galleries -- it's a sophisticated, chic place.

If cities aren't your thing, the countryside and coasts are beautiful, peaceful places to just relax.

[quote] I was offered cocaine

So was I, lol. Quite a few times when entering the bars. Guess enough tourists partake that it's a common assumption in the bigger cities.

Cartagena seems fun.

Where are the hot black dudes?

There was a two parter about Colombia and the hot, sweaty, hung mens there. A lot of travel information among the sex discussion as well, OP. Here is part one:

Oooh Mylanta, why everytime I think of Colombian men, I get all flush and whoozy. Someone fetch me a mint julep!

R25, Cartagena, Cali, both coastal areas.

I picture the cities in Colombia having the same kind of decay as Naples, Italy. Which I hate. Accurate?

R29, only Cartagena has that decaying feel/look to it. Bogota is more modern metropolis with skyscrapers, sprawl, urban density, and all of the pros/cons associated with that.

Medellin is the cleanest and most modern/forward-thinking -- their public transportation system is excellent, they've transformed what were once some of the world's most dangerous neighborhoods into clean, safe spaces filled with art, schools, and walking tours for tourists.

Hubby and I just arrived in Cartagena yesterday. It's nice so far, definitely laid out for tourists, but you still find lots of places that are authentic. I think Cartagena was always considered safe, even with unrest coming back in other places of the country. Not sure how much of the true Colombia I get to see. We'll see.

Juan Valdez says, "Come on down!"

R31, have fun! Visit Isla Baru if possible

How Medellin turned it around to become the emerging, ascendant Silicon Valley of South America.

Has anyone been to the Rosario Islands or any of the other beautiful more pristine beach spots that are within a day from Cartagena? I haven’t found much helpful information so it would be nice to hear whether any gay men have stayed in any of the islands nearby and what were the best places to stay.

Bump for Medellin. Medajin

R35, I didn't spend much time in the Cartagena area because I was running out of vacation days -- and I'm more inclined towards Medellin or Bogota climates than tropical weather -- but I did enjoy a day visit to Isla Baru. Beautiful beaches and good food. I wish I had been able to stay at least overnight.

I did get to Parque Tayrona, which I recommend, but it's a bit more of a time commitment if you're coming from Cartagena. There is a gay end of Colombia's only nude beach there. The water is rough though -- only a few portions of the park actually allow swimming.

Yes, but stay away from Hudson University.

R35, how is your trip in Cartagena going?

it's wonderful

One place I really liked along the Colombian coast was the small coastal town of Palomino. I stayed at a nice lodge with massage and spa, excellent food, and dangerously cheap maracuya mojitos -- pretty much checked off all of the things I would ever want at a beachside vacation spot.

Bogota and Medellin look kind of modern and drab in photos. Are they better in person?

You know, I went to Cartagena with my gal friends a few years ago...

Can I be honest - it wasn't that great.

I got stuck in a elevator.

No one seemed to listen anything I said - no matter how loudly I yelled at them in English - so rude!

(Then I got a parasite from some food we ate - and I couldn't stop shitting, for days and days!)

P.S. I don't like to gossip but the Countess shit the bed!

Agree R42. They look like third world cities with concrete block buildings and nothing architecturally attractive. And the food is just another variation on rice and beans. Not sure what the attraction is - other than the Chauturbate whores.

[quote] Bogota and Medellin look kind of modern and drab in photos. Are they better in person?

Bogota tends to be overcast and drizzly for much of the year, so I can see why it looks drab in photos. Cloudy temperatures hover from the lower 60s to the upper 60s almost year-round. It's a huge, sprawling city -- at least 80% of which I didn't see, and which no tourist will either. It has its cute parts -- the Candelaria neighborhood with its colonial buildings and narrow cobblestone streets; the areas abutting the lush green hills of Monserrate with its funicular. There are some seriously swank, big money neighborhoods which I didn't see. I stayed in the gay neighborhood of Chapinero which is accessible to good restaurants, gay bars, shopping, etc.

Mostly I liked Bogota because of all the things there are to do. Live music, libraries, museums, restaurants, botanical gardens, good-looking men, and a gay club and sauna scene which makes most American cities look staid in comparison. I ended up wanting to stay there longer than I had the chance to.

I thought Medellin was pretty. I like the red-brick buildings contrasting against the greenery. The weather is perfect -- like spring in LA. The public transportation is reliably excellent. And it's close to many of the cute, small towns which have more of the traditional Colombian feeling and pace of life.

Writing this from near Armenia in Zona Cafetera. We spent several days in Bogota and loved it. It’s actually a rather sophisticated city with great museums, restaurants, art galleries, shopping , etc. Before leaving for Colombia, I had some apprehensions, safety being one of them. In that regard, Bogota surprised me in a very positive way, no street scams, no taxi fare ripoffs, nothing. Yes, there are street vendors that’ll try to sell you something but a polite “No, gracias” and a smile was invariably sufficient. Overall, we felt much safer than, say, in Mexico City or Brazil, maybe even Buenos Aires. Bogota and Colombia seem to be experiencing a rapid expansion of middle class. The only things that stood out a bit were many members of private security companies and a police officer with a sniffing dog would inspect bags when entering places such as Centro Andino. We even rented a car in Zona Cafetera, drove around,and had no issues whatsoever.

This is OP. I didn’t leave yet. Still gathering information on the different Cartagena beaches. Thinking to possibly go to the Rosario Islands, but some people say the boat ride home can be rough and bumpy. So also looking into other beaches north of Cartagena.

R48 Um, no. You are not the OP. I am. Block me and look at my post history if you insist otherwise.

Op did you like Cartagena?

LOL! Why would R48 claim to be OP?

I tried to get my daughter in there but they wanted a million. No way, Jose'

Not sure why R2 is worried about credit card fraud

AmEx will not hold you responsible for fraudulent charges. Worst case scenario is someone steals your card number and AmEx has to overnight you a new one

Yeah - AmEx is awesome about fraud. It’s worth the annual fee just for their security in situations where there is a high risk of fraud.

One of the benefits of going to Medellin is you're very close to some of the most picturesque small towns in Colombia -- including my favorite, Jardin.

[quote]Yeah - AmEx is awesome about fraud. It’s worth the annual fee just for their security in situations where there is a high risk of fraud.

Many AmEx cards have no annual fee.

Whoops. Meant this picture. The pace of life is so slow and relaxing.

The cable cars in Medellin are fantastic. A must-do.

My husband's from Medellin, so I had an insider's view of everything, and I had a great time. Excellent food. And those fruit juices...

R58, lucky you!

I loved the exotic fruits tour in Medellin! I sampled fruits and juices I had never even heard of before.

Did anyone do any good jungle tours near Cartagena.

R60, I did some jungle hikes in Parque Tayrona. Beautiful but oppressively hot -- for hiking at least.

If you plan to venture into the jungles of South America, you'll need to go to your local travel clinic for two inoculations:

1. against malaria, and

2. against yellow fever.

Anti-malarial medication is essential since those jungles are swarming with insects, including mosquitos. Plus, bring some insect repellent with you - even if you're protected against malaria, you still run the risk of being covered in insect bites, harmless but very annoying and itchy.

Hmm maybe I’ll skip the jungle hikes to escape all those insects.

R63, I only saw a portion of the jungle in Colombia -- tropical humidity is just not how I like to roll -- but I've been to various parts of the Amazon in other South American countries, and the bugs can be pretty agitating and fearsome. Take a strong repellent if you do go.

I'm seeing a guy who grew up in Colombia and he says it's better but still messed up.

R65, just out of curiosity, which area in Colombia did he grow up in?

I don't actually know, now that you mention it. I know he grew up semi-rural. I'll ask.

Cali?

R68, I never visited Cali, but sort of wish I had.