Hi,
I am planning to visit Medellin, Cartagena and Bogota in Colombia next month. I wanted to ask if anyone has any advice, recommendations or suggestions about places that I must visit and must not miss and anywhere to eat at or just any general recommendations and suggestions?
Thanks
The travel threat in Columbia is currently at a Level 3, (reconsider travel) and some areas are at a Level 4 (do not travel). My recommendation is to consider that.
The first thing we should do when planning an international trip is check: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html. Click on International Travel > enter Colombia in the Learn about your destination field. Medellin, Cartagena and Bogota are not in the level four regions.
Years ago, a co-worker was kidnapped in Bogota for 48 hours. He refused to talk about it but probably what happened is the kidnappers took his ATM card and forced him to withdraw money.
A different co-worker grew up in Bogota and when he visits, he wears two pairs a pants. The first pair is where he stores his phone and wallet. The second pair is a shieled to prevent theft.
With that said, I suggest not going out at night. You should also enroll in STEP: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step.
Trip Report: Colombia, February 2024
Executive Summary: Don’t be afraid. It’s a great place for any experienced traveler who has some common sense. The images you have of the Bad Old Days are long out of date, use your head and you’ll be just fine. A fascinating country, I loved my short trip there and was impressed.
Have fun.
I don’t have specific recommendations for the three cities you mentioned since it has been over 10 years since I visited them. Since that trip I have visited twice more, the last time being in May - to different areas of Colombia. Visited Cali, Popayan, San Agustin and that area 3 years ago and visited the Coffee belt (Manizales, Salento, Pereira) this year without any issues or safety concerns.
I would assume that Bogota requires greater awareness but it wouldn’t stop me from going.
We have only visited Cartagena, while on a cruise and used a local tour company that was excellent. Sorry, don't remember the name.
I wouldn't do Colombia unless on a group tour. I think you have far more security when on a group tour.
Peru, Chile and Argentina are are favorite S. American countries, in that order.
The food in Peru is amazing.
Rick Steves' son Andy lives in Colombia. The two of them did a Monday Night Travel episode on Colombia which should have some helpful information. It sounds like an amazing country!
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/travel-classes/monday-night-travel/colombia
The above link was recorded in 2022.
I would always, as advised above, consider State Department warnings. Currently Level 3 - Reconsider Travel with certain areas at Level 4 - Do Not Travel
https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/colombia.html
Consider also anything current in news reports. Apropos to Columbia plans, will yesterday's revocation of Columbia's President's visa have any repercussions? No answer, but something I would weigh in making plans.
