Colombia - a paradise for travellers or a taboo due to civil war? Tell us your opinion about Colombia!

My experience in Colombia: The security situation is better than its reputation, as long as common rules are respected and certain areas are avoided, Colombia is a save place to explore.

My experience in Colombia: The security situation does not permit to visit the country. Therefore my opinion corresponds to the warnings of foreign ferderal offices of various countries.

Brendan Rayment, Great Britain, wrote on 16.06.10

The difference between the perception of Colombia is staggering. The country is beautiful and very diverse, the people are warm, generous and fun loving and I have always felt very safe here. On my first visit to Colombia my friends and family in London were very concerned for my safety and so was I. I spent 3 months falling in love with the country and its culture and never felt in any danger. On the day after I returned to London I woke up to find my street cordoned of by police as a teenager had been murdered at the bus stop during the night!
Of course Colombia has its problems, but it is much safer than people imagine and as long as you heed local advice and stay out of the bad areas you will be fine. I am now living in Colombia and my life is very tranquil, except for the parties and Colombia's passion for life!
I am now working with two other British guys in our own tour operator looking after other foreigners who want to explore this paradise on earth.
www.colombia57.com

Mark Carroll, USA, wrote on 03.05.10

I hate to burst everyone's bubble who has uploaded messages to this site, but my last visit to Pereira, Colombia almost ended my life. While driving in the city we stopped to check the car. A man approached me, demended several items and then told me to get on the ground. While trying to do so, he shot me 3 times. Neck, wrist, hip, with a 38 calibur pistol. I was rushed to the hospital by a spectator. Lost jugular vein in neck, punctured left ear drum (noise), shattered left wrist and hole through hip. Bullets splattered on pavement and caused other injuries as well. Fortunately I survived. I do, however, feel the affects of this incident every day. I have not returned since that experience. It was about 18 years ago. I am going to Pereire, Colombia this month and will log back into this site to give an update. I am scared to return, but want to visit family and see the beautiful countryside. It will an emotional return. Hopefully it will be a successful, enjoyable visit.

Justin Schuman, USA, wrote on 16.03.10

Well, I am a white American and since I live in Florida there's a lot of Colombians over here. When I graduated college, many of my friends were Colombians and we decided to go on a vacation to various cities in this country. I speak little spanish but people are very helpful. It is A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY, and the warnings and media do no justice to such a wonderful place. People are warm, charismatic, and fun to be with. There's always a party or a celebration going on. It is very different from the war-torn country that we all think it is. Police are always present making sure the cities are safe. Obviously you should stay out of places that you would know with a little common sense not to go. FOOD is DELICIOUS. I'd have "Bandeja Paisa" everyday if I could. People should really get rid of the bad image they have of Colombia. As one of my friends say "the only risk is wanting to stay"

elizabeth nelson, USA, wrote on 31.01.10

I was totally shocked at how much of a contradiction it was to go to Colombia. I had only heard the bad negative stuff and I was pleasantly surprised to experience the exact opposite! I met the nicest most lovely people! That alone was so great but also there was so much security that I felt much safer there than in many cities in USA! There are police all over the place and they make it very comfortable. Of course I did not go out wandering the streets at night or taking any unnecessary risks as I would not anywhere else. The food was absolutely fabulous and there is much natural beauty to enjoy and discover. I loved the bone soup that is served daily at noon and the fresh fruit juices! I noticed the difference in the Cachacos from Bogota who came to visit the coastal town of Santa Marta. They talk much faster and remind me of New Yorkers in comparison to the sweet laid back Costenos of that area. I have enjoyed myself more each time and will return..

Rachel Browning, USA, wrote on 21.05.09

In love! I would have never thought to go to Colombia, but while I was in Central America, I had many other travelers recommend it, including other solo female travelers. It was such a great decision! I was supposed to keep going to Ecuador and possibly Brazil, but I fell in love and decided to spend the remainder of my travels there.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Bogota, it's one of my favorite cities in the entire world. Artsy, beautiful, fun, and the people are lovely! They were so helpful. The constant presense of police made me feel very comfortable, plus they are very helpful themselves. (If I asked direction, they would usually walk me to my destination, and joke around and chit-chat!)
Normal rules of South American travel apply: don't be completely ignorant, don't wander into bad parts of town, and don't wander around by yourself at night. (Same rules that would apply to my native Los Angeles).
But I dream of it often, and will go back the first chance I get.