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Colombia is an untamed magnificence stuffed with surprise. Two coastlines in several oceans, the wonderful Amazon rainforest, the Guajira Desert, and extra, come collectively to kind the second most biodiverse nation on the planet.
This unimaginable nation is understood world wide for its scrumptious espresso and occurs to be the main supply of emeralds. Its unique fruit and magical orchids journey across the globe.
One of many few horrible issues to come back out of Colombia was Pablo Escobar and his cocaine tradition. Boosting drug trafficking, violence, and dying, El Patron gave Colombia a notoriety that also lingers in folks’s minds right now.
Now, the nation is cleansing up its act, having made headway towards being safer for its folks and people who go to. Whereas there may be nonetheless work to be accomplished, Colombia is turning into one of many finest locations to go to in South America and is certainly well worth the effort.
Why Go to Colombia?
There’s loads to like about Colombia. Stunning, bustling cities like Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellin have their historical past and attract whereas nonetheless embodying Colombian identification.
The Espresso Triangle, wealthy with farms and tradition, can also be a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Tatacoa Desert is an archaeological gold mine, whereas Tayrona Nationwide Pure Park affords you the possibility to vanish into nature or just recline on a number of the most wonderful seashores in South America.
Cuidad Perdida, the Misplaced Metropolis are historic ruins older than Machu Picchu. Tucked away within the jungle, these remnants of an historic folks will take you into the previous. Cano Cristales, the “River of 5 Colours”, is a magical riverbed that adjustments shade between July and November.
Is Colombia Harmful?
Colombia has had a nasty fame due to its affiliation with medicine, organized crime, civil unrest, and terrorism. In the previous couple of years, the federal government has made an actual effort to scrub up the nation.
Diplomacy and crackdowns on medicine and arranged crime have all helped make the nation safer for its folks. Colombia isn’t excellent but, but it surely’s on the way in which towards being a flawless vacation spot.
Whereas some areas are nonetheless dangerous for vacationers, because of the federal government’s assist and useful assets, the most effective elements of this nation are positively secure so that you can go to.
Harmful Areas in Colombia
Darien Hole
Straddling the Panamanian border, the Darien Hole is a bit of dense and harmful jungle. Many migrants have died making an attempt to cross it on their journey to the US.
Fraught with drug traffickers, smugglers, rebels, and hostile tribes, this wild part of the nation is a no-go for vacationers. There’s a excessive threat of violent crime, kidnapping, and terrorism right here.
As if that wasn’t dangerous sufficient, the jungle is teeming with venomous snakes and spiders. Alligators and spiked Chunga palms are able to take chunks out of you, too.
Buenaventura
This bustling metropolis occurs to be Colombia’s most significant port. Its place and pure assets have led to investments in Buenaventura to broaden the port and its industries.
The town is a juxtaposition of magnificence and terror. Stunning seashores, structure, and fantastic locals are all blurred by the exceeding violence, terrorism, unrest, and trafficking. The town is plagued with violent crime, gang wars, and enterprises.
There’s a heavy army presence right here as a result of authorities’ efforts to make town safe. There are safer areas, however the likelihood of encountering hassle, even by mistake, is excessive. In the event you do select to go to, follow excessive warning.
Is it Secure to Reside in Colombia?
Whereas the legacy of Pablo Escobar nonetheless casts a shadow over this nation, the narrative is altering. Colombia is bettering on a regular basis, which is nice information for each its residents and guests.
Peace offers and higher worldwide relations with the paramilitary group FARC, have had success in securing Colombia’s future. Elevated police and army presence in drawback areas assist to curb the drug and human commerce.
Now it’s secure to dwell right here for those who choose the proper locations. Most main cities are the finest locations to dwell in Colombia, providing fashionable facilities and thrilling actions. In the event you do your homework, you’ll be capable of make Colombia your house safely.
Secure Areas/Cities in Colombia
Medellin
The town of Everlasting Spring, Medellin, is a cosmopolitan hotspot. As soon as one of the crucial harmful cities on the planet and the house of Escobar, it has turned itself round to grow to be one of many most secure and most developed cities in Colombia.
Teeming with museums, parks, and gorgeous structure, this metropolis will preserve you busy. Showcasing a wide range of meals, from rustic conventional to high-end gastronomic feasts, you’ll discover all of it.
Hidden within the lush Aburra Valley, the local weather is pleasantly heat all yr spherical. This permits vacationers to comfortably marvel on the stunning landscapes and lovely flowers this metropolis is known for.
Salento
Hidden within the Espresso Triangle, this tiny city is a wealth of historic appeal and scrumptious eats, all in a quiet, verdant setting. Its distant location means it is extremely safe for vacationers.
The Corco Valley is among the most stunning landscapes within the nation, drawing guests to horse trip and hike by means of its hills. There are additionally unimaginable jeep excursions for many who desire a quicker trip.
Salento is known for its espresso farms. The Arabica beans grown listed below are world-renowned. You may go to a farm or chill out in one of many many cafes right here over a cup of the aromatic brew.
Bogota
Colombia’s sprawling capital is a mixture of nature and new that reaches new heights, actually. This metropolis is among the highest cities in South America.
Bogota is a decoupage of various folks, meals, and tradition, bringing you all the most effective issues of Colombia. See Colombia’s historic coronary heart on the many plazas, museums, parks, and holy websites on this metropolis. The very best meals within the nation might be discovered right here, in addition to a energetic nightlife and purchasing scene.
Tip: Take a non-public metropolis tour of Monserrate, Gold, and Botero to be sure you see every thing on provide right here.
Warnings & Risks in Colombia
Any journey might be dangerous for those who don’t plan effectively and follow secure habits. Colombia is usually a fantastic and secure journey if you recognize what you’re in for.
Colombia’s drug drawback has enormously diminished since its Narcos days, and crime is slowly lowering. There are nonetheless petty crimes and incidences of violence, terrorism, and kidnapping in some areas.
Due to the local weather, there’s a threat for vector-borne ailments like malaria, Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya. Ensure you’re vaccinated for hepatitis A and B in addition to Yellow Fever and Tetanus. Maintain mosquito repellents available; you by no means know when these buzzing pests will strike.
General Journey Danger (6/10)
Crime was a major concern and remains to be very current in Colombia. Nonetheless, it’s completely secure so that you can be in lots of areas. Petty crime is widespread, however violence is proscribed to sure elements of the nation.
Organized crime pushes medicine, arms, and human trafficking. There are additionally armed teams who used to wreak havoc on this nation, however the authorities has labored exhausting to deliver this drawback to heel.
Pure disasters are current right here. Hurricane season runs from Might to November, and there’s a threat of heavy rainfall, which may end up in landslides and flooding.
Colombia can also be in an lively volcanic zone, with at the least one lively volcano. It’s also very earthquake-prone and uncovered to tsunamis.
Crime
Whereas crime has enormously lessened in Colombia, it’s not gone utterly. Sticky-fingered thieves and sketchy gangsters nonetheless frequent some neighborhoods, robbing and terrorizing folks.
Circumstances of assault, spiking of drinks, and kidnappings have taken root in some locations, particularly in gang turf.
Locals will advise you to not make your self a goal by mixing in and never displaying something they might discover interesting. In case you are robbed, hand over no matter they ask for. Combating over your pockets might grow to be a combat in your life. Keep away from being alone, particularly at night time, and follow populated areas.
Terrorism
Militant insurgent teams in Colombia have been making an attempt to take management for years. The Nationwide Liberation Military(ELN), the Gulf Clan, and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia(FARC) have battled with authorities many instances through the years.
These teams have dedicated acts of terrorism all through the nation. Bombings, assaults in opposition to civilians and infrastructure, kidnapping, and wars with army and police forces are all a part of their repertoire.
The scenario is bettering, although. The federal government has brokered a peace cope with the FARC, which remains to be being applied however is undoubtedly stepping into the proper route towards higher safety for Colombians.
Armed Gangs and Cartels
The Bandidas Criminales (BACRIM), as referred to by the federal government, are a bunch of gangs working in Colombia. Every is impartial, typically creating allies or enemies amongst themselves.
These gangs are concerned in medicine, extortion, kidnapping, and theft. They’re additionally the reason for a big a part of the nation’s violence, in search of to regulate the communities they function in by recruiting kids and bullying native leaders.
Their violence typically spills over into civilian lives and causes hurt. It’s in your finest curiosity to remain as far-off from them and their areas of affect as you may.
Pure Catastrophe
Pure disasters are an occasional concern in Colombia. The nation sits throughout the ring of fireside, with Mount Ruiz being lively once more. It final erupted within the 80’s, inflicting extreme harm.
Hurricanes plague Colombia between Might and November. The world can also be susceptible to heavy rainfall. These may cause flooding, landslides, and mudslides.
Colombia is in danger for earthquakes, with fault traces crossing a number of areas of the panorama. It is among the most earthquake-prone nations in South America.
Maintain up to date on information and climate updates, and guarantee you’re acquainted with security procedures and responses throughout a pure catastrophe.
Suggestions for Staying Secure in Colombia
Listed below are our prime tricks to preserve you secure on this stunning nation:
- “No dar papaya”. The widespread phrase “don’t give papaya” means to not give anybody a motive to focus on you. Don’t put on flashy issues or name consideration to your self.
- Rideshare apps are unlawful however are nonetheless used. The trick is to take a seat in entrance as for those who’re using with a good friend.
- By no means hail a taxi from the road. You by no means know who you’re getting right into a automobile with. Use booked non-public taxis and shuttles for resorts.
- Don’t settle for something from strangers. Robberies and assaults can occur for those who eat spiked meals, drinks, cigarettes, or chewing gum. Be very cautious, as you may get dosed with aerosol spray or paper leaflets.
- Study some Spanish. English just isn’t broadly spoken in Colombia. It’s a good suggestion to be taught some Spanish journey phrases that can assist you in your journey.
Is Colombia Secure? | Regularly Requested Questions
Is the Water Secure to Drink?
Colombia has secure ingesting water for each locals and guests. In the event you’re staying at a lodge, be happy to make use of the water from the faucet.
Nonetheless, this solely holds for city areas. Rural areas might not be secure to drink. An excellent technique is to ask the locals if the water is secure to drink the place you’re or simply carry purification tablets or a transportable prompt filter bottle with you.
Is It Secure to Use My Credit score Card in Colombia?
Largely, sure, but it surely’s a good suggestion to have money as effectively. In main cities, it’s best to be capable of use your bank card simply, however carry some cash for taxis, ideas, small outlets, or the odd snack. The much less developed areas could not take playing cards both.
Solely carry what you want. Solely use ATMs through the day and in safe areas like banks, malls, or resorts, so you recognize they haven’t been tampered with.
Do I Should Tip?
Whereas it isn’t obligatory, it’s at all times good to reward good service, which is normally what you get in Colombia.
The usual 10% is an effective method to go for eating places. Some locations will embody a tip in your invoice, however for those who really feel inclined, you may give kind of than stipulated. Don’t overlook about service in your lodge rooms, porters, bellhops, taxi drivers, and different service-related staff. It’s at all times appreciated!
What Meals and Drinks Ought to I Attempt in Colombia?
Colombian delicacies is each numerous and scrumptious. You received’t run out of issues to strive, and also you’ll have some favorites.
Arepas, Bandeja Paisa (beans, rice, meat, avocados, eggs, bacon, and sausage), Empanadas, Tamales, and Sancocho, which is a conventional soup, are all must-haves while you wish to strive native meals. Indulge within the wonderful espresso in addition to the unique fruits like Gulupa and fruit juices that you simply received’t discover anyplace else on the planet.
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