My experience in Colombia.
Is Colombia safe?
The country's strong reputation for violence and drug wars made it a strict no-go area on the world travel map for decades. However, It has been for a while now, a favourite destination for adventure travellers.
How is the situation today, in 2022?
The first day I arrived in Bogotá, I can’t deny that I was a bit paranoid and always on alert, checking people while I was withdrawing money at the ATM. My worries came from the influence of public opinion and the reputation that unfortunately Colombia has gotten since the 90s.
The truth is that from the first day I step foot in Colombia, I was surprised by how safe I felt and how chill-out the atmosphere was, compared to other Southern American countries. Local people were very friendly and always willing to help. However, if you visit the capital, expect to see a lot of police officers protecting some areas, but that just made me feel even safer.
I want to make clear, that I always travel consciously, trying to avoid possibly dangerous situations. During the night I never go out by myself and I try to avoid certain areas that are considered less safe.
What I recommend, is to make some research in advance, on areas that are better to avoid, or ask directly to the local people. Generally speaking, I never felt unsafe in Colombia, I just heard that there is a no-go area in Bogotá — a ‘barrio’ close to the airport, where is recommended not to go, especially during the evening.
My only advice is to trust the smiling local people and enjoy this beautiful country to the fullest!
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Why should you visit Colombia?
With its Caribbean beaches, snow-capped Andean mountain peaks, rainforests, and national parks, Colombia offers something for all types of travellers. The country's magic, its astonishing variety of climates, landscapes and the friendliness of its people turn every trip into an unforgettable experience.
Interesting facts
(you probably didn’t know)
You binge-watched Narcos on Netflix and saw a few jaw-dropping travel photos on Instagram and now you want to know what this country is all about. Well, look no further. The country that exists today is far removed from the dramatised version of the 80’s era of Colombia portrayed in Narcos. There are a million reasons to put Colombia on the top of your travel wish list. It’s the perfect combination of modern city life and the serenity of raw untouched nature.
Colombia today has one of Latin America's largest economies
The country has been experiencing significantly fast economic growth, which has impacted income and wealth. The majority of its population belongs to the middle class.
Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the World
Only second to its massive neighbour Brazil. Colombia has deserts, rainforests, and Andean cloud forests, allowing almost every kind of organism to thrive.
Colombian coffee comes in at #3 in the World
Brazil and Vietnam’s beans may still be more common, but I prefer the rich flavour of Colombian coffee. Unfortunately, because of the high demand most of the beans leave the country, and so does that best coffee! You can visit many coffee plantations in places such as the ‘Cocora Valley’ and ‘Santa Marta’.
Colombia is often voted as one of the World’s Happiest Countries
In 2013 and 2014 Colombia claimed the #1 Happiest Country in the World — even in the last years, is always been near the top of the list. I can tell that is hard to meet a sad or annoyed face in Colombia — everybody seems happy and full of energy.
Colombia has 102 different indigenous groups
Bogotá is the third highest capital in South America and #4 in the World
Bogotá sits at 2,640 m — 8,660 feet above sea level. You might experience some altitude sickness during the first days. Some people hardly feel it, but others need a day or so to acclimatize due to the thinner air. You might feel dizzy, tired, and short of breath. The first time I was in the capital I didn’t feel anything, but I experienced it the second time I was in Bogotá. I struggled to breathe and I had a very strong headache. In some South American countries, like Ecuador and Peru, locals drink Coca Tea, which is believed to cure altitude sickness. Just make sure not to drink it in Colombia, because it’s illegal!
The best way to treat altitude sickness is to drink a lot of water and take a day to rest.
