When people think of Colombia, many things come to mind, vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and a fascinating mix of history. Yet, often lurking in the back of their minds are concerns about safety, especially for backpackers venturing through the country. These concerns are not unfounded, considering Colombia's history with cartels and civil unrest. But Colombia today is vastly different from the troubled days of the past. In fact, thousands of backpackers like myself have explored the beauty of Colombia safely, discovering a country rich in experiences and warmth. This is not to say I did not meet other travellers with stories of violent encounters and theft including a friend who lost her phone in an unfortunate misplace of trust. However my own experience of Colombia was a breeze from North to South! Some places felt a little 'sketchy' but other places felt like some of the most welcoming (and fun) spots I have been to (Salento and Tatacoa, I am looking at you).
That is not to say they I strolled into Colombia thinking I would be fine. If you have ready my blog post on heading to the Amazon rainforest and the thoughts that were going through my head, you will know that I do not take travelling into new places lightly.
As a side story, and (I think) an interesting insight to us all as humans and explorers ... One evening whilst walking through San Jose (Costa Rica) with a female friend who I had met whilst travelling, we got talking as we walked through the streets of San Jose in the evening. The sun had set, it was dark, and my senses were heightened to everything that was going on, things like:
Who was walking past.
Are they walking at us.
What is their facial expression.
Does that street look safe to walk down.
I could feel myself/ my brain calculating all of this and I also noticed that my friend seemed to be walking around looking with curiosity at all the things around us without a care in the world; so I asked her about it.
"Do you give people more space in the evening? You know just for security" The answer - "Its not something that I think about".
I am not saying this to be critical, to be honest I was slightly envious of it; its just interesting to know other peoples mindsets when exploring places! I felt on high alert and slightly stress about walking unknown streets in the dark of night and my friend was having a great time without a care in the world.
Anyway lets get back to Colombia where like it or not, I look at possible issues before evening getting there, why? To make sure I am able to tackle a scenario if it arises. Its just the way I do it so if you are like me then welcome to the blog, hi its me your backpacking architect friend Jack 👋🏻.
I am going to cover those safety concerns that you may have before visiting Colombia in this very post. I’ll walk you through some of the key cities and regions backpackers tend to visit including:
Medellín
Bogotá
Salento
Leticia
Cali
Neiva (Tatacoa Desert)
and more.
I will be sharing my personal experience of Colombia and its safety. The goal is to arm you with the information you need to confidently explore Colombia while staying vigilant in areas where it’s needed, after all, no travel can truly be safe but as far as I am concerned, knowledge is power. This is not a scare post, and to prove it, here is a picture of me happy as a backpacker can be, in the Neiva desert having got there after traveling down from Capurgana in the north of Colombia. One other thing I will say is that I had some truly fantastic experiences in Colombia which will stay with me forever and as far as a country goes it is quiet spectacular with a huge range of varying landscapes from pristine beaches, mountain hikes, dense urban cities, rainforests and even deserts! All this in a single country! Ok lets go.
2024 Colombia Safety Data
Right fellow explorers lets look at Colombia and its safety, starting with some current information.
I look ahead using websites like the UK's travel advice for Colombia. I am British myself so its a very valuable source of information for me particularly but realistically its pretty useful for everyone regardless of nationality. Looking at it today, (the back end of 2024 and going into 2025) we are able to find some large portions of Colombia that you simply should not visit as a 'general tourist'. That said approaching this as a backpacker, sometimes you pass through areas that are on the lists as 'no go areas' yet this may well be due to taking the safest form of transport for example. I landed in Capurgana to the North (the blue arrow), straight onto what the UK travel map is showing as a 'all but essential travel zone'. Was this area unsafe, for us at the time, absolutely not. Arriving into Capurgana via the San Blas Island crossing (which I have also wrote a blog on), you next head to Necoclí where buses run each day to Cartagena or Medellin. Hop onto one of these buses and you are on a regular 'safe' route even though you are passing through the 'all but essential travel' zone (the black arrow paths on the map.
Now ... we would not do this and I have a funny story attached to that but I will cover it another time, all I will say for now is, if you are coming into the country from the north hope onto one of the buses and do not try to do what we did and take the 'more direct route (red footsteps).
The second source of information for checks before I head into a new country is the US site Travel State. I have linked Colombia for you. You can see slightly different information to the UK because it is Nationality specific.
Whilst both these sites highlight areas NOT to travel to, what you will also see from my arrows on the UK advisory map above, most of the places to visit are green, and we all know what green means ... I am building a comprehensive travel guide for Colombia as we speak so make sure to check it out for thinks to do where to eat in each places.
Generally my experience of Colombia was very positive having hit most of the tourist hotspots but I did feel uneasy in a couple of places, so lets look at each one now and go into perhaps why there was an underlying sense of heightened awareness in a few places.
Medellín: The City of Eternal Spring
Medellín, once infamous as the stronghold of Pablo Escobar’s cartel, is now a beacon of progress, often cited as one of the most innovative cities in the world. Locals are proud of how far Medellín has come, and as a visitor, you'll likely feel welcomed in a city that's thriving with cultural events, modern infrastructure, and a booming digital nomad scene.
Safety in Medellín:
I spent just under 2 weeks here in the region of El Poblado. El Poblado, is the go-to spot for backpackers and tourists alike, with an abundance of hostels, cafes, and bars. It feels very metropolitan, progressive and cool! You will find people relaxing, eating and drinking and of course partying. Having stopped in Viajero, it was almost hard to get my things together and move on as the rooftop hot tubes are really bliss, combined with a cold beer safety is the furthers thing from your mind!
While I felt safe overall, it's worth noting that Medellín still has some high-crime areas, particularly at night. Stick to well-lit, busy streets, especially in neighbourhoods like La Candelaria, the downtown area. The metro system is efficient and safe during the day, and you'll often find friendly locals happy to help you navigate the city.
As a rule of thumb to all the places we are about to look at, do not roam the streets in the dark and on your own. The only exception to this rule is perhaps Salento, but in places like Medellin/ Bogota or Cali (any cities or large towns), just do not do it, book the door to door Uber and on that note lets talk about the worst case scenario ...
Kidnappings: Yes I said it, it would be irresponsible not to when talking about safety in Colombia, whilst this is unlikely to happen, it does not mean that it doesn't! As a tourist the sort of Kidnap you will encounter is more along the express kind ... what does this mean?
Express kidnappings – short-term opportunistic abductions, aimed at extracting cash from the victim.
This can happen day or night but it is much more likely at night with reports of it happening at gun point in Bogota in particular, but its something to be mindful of as we talk through all of our cities in Colombia.
Straight from the UK Gov travel advice here ...
Use an ATM during business hours inside a bank, supermarket or large commercial building. Be aware before and after using an ATM on the street – robberies are common, especially at night.
TAXI warnings: If you are staying at a hostel, you will likely get involved with a night out there is usually a consistent weekly schedule so be vigilante when you leave which ever club/ pub/ bar you are in and make sure to take a taxi from a reputable (ideally) app booked ride. Don't jump into a vehicle that looks like a taxi outside the door of the club! Actually ... Thats a good rule generally when you are in Colombia! Jumping into a hailed taxi from the street can also result in express robbing and has become an increasingly popular way of extorting tourists!
Is Comuna 13 safe? The best piece of advice I can give you here is, book a walking tour through your hostel or hotel, even if you want to explore comuna 13 on your own its probably best not to ... go with a guide so you can get the lay of the area. This also gives you the opportunity to talk to the guide (who is usually a local) so you can get tips before heading back on your own. Comuna 13 is largely safe for tourists during the day, but it is a rabbit warren of streets meaning it would not be hard to get lost! At night, you should not be wandering around on your own in or around Comuna 13.
Medellin Safety statistics (outside of tourism): Medellín has significantly improved its safety, with homicide rates dropping from a peak of 375 per 100,000 people in the early 1990s to around 20 per 100,000 in 2023. Petty crime like pickpocketing, however, remains an issue in crowded areas, so keep your belongings close and don't flash the fancy tech.
A safe stay in Medellin: The two best hostels for a safe stay in Medellin are undoubtedly Los Patios or Viajero, you can check the prices on both of them below, they have a range of cheaper dorms to some really beautiful private rooms and both options have female only dorm.
Private rooms from - $74.89
Shared Dorms from - $22.18
Private rooms from - $78.94
Shared Dorms from - $19.47
In these hostels you will find staff with excellent knowledge of the area who will be able to help update you on the latest safety advice and better still both option have fairly extensive excursion option for good prices. This will allow you to meet people and will help ensure you a safe visit to Medellin. Having done the Paragliding through Los Patios and booked my Guatape day out through Viajero, I can highly recommend both hostels. I personally stayed in Viajero, it holds memories for me as one of my favourite hostels due to the interesting facade, views over the city from the roofbar, and its cleanliness!
Top tip: At the time I heard of an interesting ... I want to say scam, where locals would pose as hostel goers stay in a dorm for the night and then nab anything of small value that people had not locked away in the provided lockers. If you are in a mixed dorm, only leave out things that you do not mind having taken or are easily replaced if they are (mainly thinking clothes here), lock away as much as possible with a good lock TSA approved lock like the Forge wire locks below. Why a wire, because the wire is way more versatile to tackling some, shall we say 'interesting' shaped locking junctions that you may find on your travels. The locks below are just $23.95 for 4! Take them all with you as some hostels have multiple lockers (a small one for bits and pieces and a large for your main items) they I tend to keep one on my day bag if I am running around a city just so I don't feel like I have to keep an eye on my back the whole time. Either that or get a purpose security bag for your city walks (also liked below on Amazon) whichever you chose make sure just to take the items you need leave the really important stuff like you passport locked in your locker in your room!
Bogotá: Colombia’s Bustling Capital
Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, is a sprawling city that combines colonial charm with urban energy. I found Bogotá to be one of the more intense cities in Colombia, I don't know what it was, however I felt slightly on edge when on my own walking through this city (even during the day), in a way that I had not felt since passing through San Jose in Costa Rica! I am not sure if it is because I really did look like a tourist here, even with my best efforts I was clearly not a local!
Safety in Bogotá
I stayed in La Candelaria. Fortunately I met a lady in Neiva who worked in the hostel Masaya who said it was a great hostel to stay in and ... she was right! The historical district that’s home to many backpacker hostels and key attractions like the Gold Museum and Plaza Bolívar (literally a 5 minute walk away). Whilst La Candelaria is beautiful, it’s also one of the areas where you need to exercise more caution, especially at night. Stick to walking in groups after dark and avoid wandering into less populated streets. Zona Rosa and Chapinero are other neighbourhoods worth exploring for their nightlife, and they’re generally safer as they are more upscale and have a strong police presence but don't forget about the taxi tip above in the Medellin section! The issue with La Candelaria, is that you kind of are, for the lack of a better term 'fish in a barrel'. It is know that this is where the tourists/ backpackers will be. There have been reports of people (particularly tourists) being robbing at gun point and this brings all of your safe travel checks into play! Do not wear jewellery, do not get your phone out on on the streets, do not carry more cash than you need. Carry a copy of your passport photo page instead of your passport itself. Everything we know as responsible, safe explorers needs to be put in practice here.
Safety statistics (outside of tourism): Bogotá has made strides in improving safety, but it still has its challenges. The city recorded around 14 homicides per 100,000 people in recent years, down from much higher rates a decade ago. Theft is common, especially phone snatching, so be cautious when using your phone in public places its a case of dont flash the tech again I am afraid! Funnily enough this is one city that I did not take my DSLR out with me to photograph the city because I felt slightly anxious about it, frankly I struggled to shake that feeling in Bogota for some reason. A crime hotspot can be the Monserrate the tourist view point, a tip here is to stick to the cable car, you can walk up there but if you do, make sure you go as a group as this trail can leave you slightly vulnerable.
A safe stay in Bogota: As I mentioned above, I met a really nice girl in Tatacoa who was working in Masaya and she recommended staying there, so ... I did and it was a great hostel. The thing I remember most about this place was the duvets, thick and cosy to keep you warm in your own little private podlike bed, but it was also clean and the shower was excellent. Here you are also within walking distance of the main city centre with lots of food options and some really stunning architecture.
Private rooms from - $54.32
Shared Dorms from - $9.88
If you have read my blogs before, you know what I am going to say next ..... Take a walking tour as soon as you get to the city to get the lay of the land and to allow you to explore Bogota in a comfortable and safe way. This is not a hard sell I really believe its a great way to up your safety when in a new city, which is why I will always recommend doing it. Check out your options for the various tours with guru below 👇.
DDDDRUGS & Alcohol: Drugs & Alcohol, do NOT put yourself in a vulnerable position with anything to do with drugs an alcohol. Again ideally do not do drugs as these have been used to spike victims and the same for alcohol, keep your drink with you at all times to ensure nobody drops anything in it and be sensible with how much you drink on a night out! Apologies to be the 'boring one' if you want to have a big drinking night then save it for somewhere without the safety concerns of Colombia's cities.
Salento: The Gateway to the Coffee Region
OK Good news, after all that scary stuff we can head to Salento where we are going to be a world away from the hustle and bustle of Colombia’s cities. Nestled in the heart of the Coffee Triangle, this small town is the jumping-off point for exploring Valle de Cocora, where you can hike among the towering wax palms. It’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, and take in Colombia’s natural beauty.
Safety in Salento
Honestly, I felt completely safe during my time here. The town is small and easy to navigate, and the locals are incredibly friendly. The main safety concern in Salento is the terrain, you’ll be doing a lot of hiking, so make sure you’re prepared for the conditions. I also recommend starting your hikes early in the day, as the weather can be unpredictable later on. You’ll rarely encounter issues with crime here, making it one of the most peaceful stops on a backpacker’s journey. This is also where you will find the wonderful eco lodge kasaguadua, where you can learn about the eco system of the Andean rainforest, check out our blog post on this below (one of the first I ever wrote when starting Backpacker's Blueprint ((I have updated it since!))
If you do not fancy the Eco lodge then the Coffee Tree Boutique is a fantastic stay with the most beautiful big dogs to great you on arrival (I am not joking they are massive but unbelievably friendly). I guess that is the result of growing up in a hostel! One thing to note about Salento and a good reason to stay at Coffee Tree Boutique is, they hire out wellies (rubber boots). I cannot remember if I had to pay for them or not 🤔, but it was raining heavily by the time I got here and as mentioned above the weather is really unpredictable. Cocora valley when wet can be a total mud bath that will just destroy your shoes. Thus, if you are heading to Colombia just to hit Salento and Cocora valley make sure you have really suitable foot where. Its one occasions where I left my trail running shoes at the hostel!
Ohh and waterproofs (jacket and trousers are needed). You can find the prices for Coffee Tree Boutique below, word of caution, this place does tend to get booked up quickly so I would book a at least a week in advance.
Private rooms from - $108.36
Shared Dorms from - $15.01
Leticia: Into the Heart of the Amazon
Leticia, located at the southern tip of Colombia, is your gateway to the Amazon Rainforest. This is a destination for the adventurous soul, offering riverboat rides, jungle treks, and opportunities to interact with indigenous communities.
Safety in Leticia
In Leticia, the risks are more about nature than crime. Jungle treks can be unpredictable, so hiring a guide is essential. The town itself is relatively safe, but being a remote border town with Brazil and Peru, it’s wise to be extra cautious, especially when navigating border controls and ensuring that your paperwork is in order. I have written about this in an amazon series of blog posts so please check them search amazon on the home page and they will all pop up for you on the website! Or click on the one below to get an insight into my own thoughts when travelling to the amazon and if it is dangerous.
If you area heading to the wonderful world of the amazon then it should be noted that as a backpacker you are going to be a long way from the comfort of the thick duvets and contemporary facilities. Although this is part of the adventure right?
Wildlife: Ok so safety advise here is partly the reason why you are going there ... the animal life. If you are looking to visit the amazon then there are certain health precautions you should take before going no.1 being vaccinations. I always check with travel health pro for this and have linked this to Colombia. Its worth getting the Yellow Fever vaccination and it needs to be done before you go along with some other.
The other thing to take are malaria tablets. Just be careful of the side effect although these are nothing compared to getting malaria.
I am not going to lie, Mosquitos are flipping everywhere in the Amazon so anti mosquito repellant is an absolute must along with sensible clothing. Check out my amazon essentials blog post for my absolute MUST takes items if you are going. This include not only to things like deet, but its also worth making sure you have a water purifying bottle and a little medikit for example!
Safety: Generally as a tourist Leticia is a safe place to visit however there are tensions among local rival gangs and this can cause things like shoot outs! Its incredibly rare but drug trafficking here is a reality of life so its something to keep in the back of your mind.
Drought: Interestingly (and worryingly) Leticia this year (2024) has gone through a doubt that has really effected well ... water! Its perhaps not the biggest 'safety concern' although we all need water to survive but its again something to bare in mind and why a top quality water bottle is essential.
Cali: Salsa Capital of the World
Cali, known for its salsa dancing, is a city bursting with energy. Cali has a distinct vibe, it's hot, lively, and unapologetically proud of its salsa culture.
Safety in Cali
Cali is a city where I’d advise extra caution especially at night. Cali has a reputation for being one of Colombia's more dangerous cities, particularly in the less affluent areas. However, if you stick to popular tourist areas and take the usual precautions (don’t flash expensive items, be mindful of your surroundings, do not walk alone at night especially down quiet dark streets) then you can enjoy your time here without issue. Its one you have to really want to go to though. I would say there is a lot more fun to have in other cities, but many people I spoke to were going simply for things such as dancing courses, which makes perfect sense if you are looking to up your salsa game. Yet Salsa aside, be careful and carry out all of the tips we have put together so far from Medellin and Bogota. Frankly, I do not see the appeal of Cali and would be tempted to strike it off your list if you are in 'two minds' about it.
Safety statistics (outside of tourism): Cali has one of the higher crime rates in Colombia, with homicide rates at around 47 per 100,000 people in 2023, but these figures are often linked to gang violence, which rarely affects tourists, however this does not mean you are not a target if you look like one. Its one city where its best not to let your guard down and be on alert.
Neiva/ Villavieja/Tatacoa: Off the Beaten Path
Neiva isn’t on every backpacker’s itinerary, but it's a great stopping point if you're heading to the Tatacoa Desert, an otherworldly landscape of red and grey rock formations. This area is far more tranquil compared to Colombia's larger cities and can feel like a 'holiday' from your backpacking.
Safety in Neiva Villavieja and Tatacoa
To be honest ...... there is not much to do in Neiva, I simply used a hostel as a spring board for getting to Villavieja where I spent 5 days! This is not a common thing to do but it was one of the best decision I have made, why? Because there are really few tourists like ... well me! I ended up staying in a family run hotel called Hotel Colonial Villavieja! It has a small pool which I took full advantage of and when not heading into the desert on an a day trip or too stargaze it felt like a little solitary retreat from the entire world! I absolutely loved it! There is one shop and now many places to eat. The locals were super friendly and I felt entirely safe, so wandered about on my own just observing the locals go about there everyday lives in this remote part of Colombia! One day I even spotted the lady who had given me a day tour of the desert, she was at her home so called me over and introduced me to her family! Lovely people, lovely place, it now holds a dear place in my heart.
Apologies for the side track .... Back to safety tips.
Health: The primary concern here would be the heat and staying hydrated, especially if you’re heading into the desert. Otherwise, Villavieja is a great place to experience a more authentic side of Colombia, away from the tourist-heavy destinations.
Cartagena: Coastal Charm and History
Cartagena is Colombia's jewel on the Caribbean coast, known for its stunning colonial architecture and lively atmosphere. While it's one of the more touristy cities in Colombia, it still has a lot to offer, especially if you're a fan of history and beaches.
Safety in Cartagena
In terms of safety, Cartagena is generally safe for tourists, especially in the walled city and Bocagrande. However, the beach areas can get crowded, and petty theft is common, so always keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid wandering into poorer neighbourhoods on the outskirts, especially after dark. The safety tips in Cartagena are largely the same for the major cities as well. The nightlife here is pretty extensive and as a result there will be people ready to take advantage of anyone stumbling around on their own in the evenings.
Fake Police: Another thing to not get caught out by are fake police, who 'need to check your money to ensure its not counter fit'. If this happens say you will happily cooperate ONCE you are at the police station. Events like this are where a splash of Spanish is also incredibly useful as some 'police' try to bamboozle you with the language pointing at your pockets and saying singular words like 'passport and wallet' until you pass them across.
If you are a few months out from visiting then get your bum onto Audible and get Paul Nobles learn Spanish now!
A little bit goes a long way not just if you find yourself in a spot of bother but just for getting through shops and interacting with the locals. I tend to use audible because it is perfect for listening on the move when you have a 12 hour bus ride ... 2 hours of learning Spanish is actually pretty darn welcome!
Barranquilla: More than Just Carnival
Barranquilla, while best known for its massive Carnival celebrations, offers much more, especially if you're into music and culture. The city has a less touristy feel compared to places like Cartagena, which is both a positive and a challenge in terms of safety.
Safety in Barranquilla
While Barranquilla is relatively safe, it’s best to exercise caution, particularly at night and during large events like Carnival. Stick to central areas and avoid venturing too far off the beaten path. Public transport is widely used, but if you’re travelling late, it’s safer to use a ride share app or taxi (again not a hailed one off the street).
General Safety Tips for Backpackers and Tourists in Colombia
Use Official Transportation: When moving between cities, always use reputable bus companies or flights. Avoid hitchhiking or using unmarked taxis, especially at night.
Blend In: Avoid wearing flashy clothing or jewellery. Keeping a low profile will reduce your chances of becoming a target for petty theft, I think not doing this in Bogota is what made me feel uneasy! I am usually good at blending in but 4 months into backpacking I was looking like a stereotypical backpacker!
Stay Informed: Colombia is a rapidly changing country. Make sure to stay updated on the latest travel advisories and talk to locals or fellow travellers about any recent safety concerns.
Carry Photocopies of Your Documents: Leave your passport in a safe at your accommodation and carry photocopies or digital copies when exploring.
Only take what you need: If you are on a night out, take enough money (cash) to cover your evening, don't take a wallet with all your bank cards don't take your passport, if you need ID have your driver licence or a more 'minor' form of documentation on you.
Travel Insurance is a Must: Always have travel insurance that covers theft, accidents, and medical emergencies. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Travel smart: Drugs & Alcohol, do NOT put yourself in a vulnerable position with anything to do with drugs an alcohol. This is not the best country to have 'one too many' and feel like a superhero, it will bring you backdown to earth quickly.
Final Thoughts: Is Colombia Safe for Tourists?
So is Colombia safe for tourists? The simple answer is yes, but with a caveat or two. Like any country, Colombia has its safer and less safe areas, simply do not travel to those that are in question nd make sure to stick to the more well know areas.
If you stay informed, travel smart, and follow basic safety precautions, you’ll be able to experience the magic of Colombia without incident. Backpackers from all over the world, myself included, have fallen in love with this country. Its diverse landscapes, warm people, and rich culture make it an unforgettable destination.
So embrace the adventure, and don’t let old stereotypes hold you back from exploring one of South America’s most exciting countries. Just remember: stay alert, stay smart, look after your fellow backpacker and above all, enjoy the journey.
Thanks for joining me on this one and let me know in the comments how you found your time in Colombia and if there is anything you feel fellow backpackers and explorers should know about I will be just here ⬆️ in a hammock in the Amazon jungle.
Cheers.
Jack
For the curious explorer
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