Is Colombia safe to visit? How a nation overcame conflict to welcome the world

If you’ve mentioned that you’re considering traveling to Colombia, chances are that at least one person has asked you, “Is Colombia safe?” It’s a common question that stems from the country’s complex history of conflict, and, unfortunately, it reflects a lingering stigma on a nation that has undergone a remarkable transformation. Colombia can now be defined by its lush landscapes, welcoming locals, and message of peace—which we’re confident will one day overshadow any outdated stereotypes.

Traveler Jeffrey visited Cartagena, Colombia, on the extension of our Highlights of Central America: Costa Rica & Panama tour, noting, “The final stop in Cartagena helps to dispel the images that so many Americans have of this country. The people were welcoming and reflective of their mixture of indigenous and Spanish cultures.” Join us on one of our Colombia tours to experience first-hand how one of our favorite South American travel destinations has converted its heartbreaking past into a bright future.

Is Colombia safe to visit?

The short answer is yes, though it hasn’t always been this way. While Colombia has a long history of civil unrest, massive strides have been made toward creating a safe and peaceful environment for locals and travelers alike. For decades, Colombia faced a challenging period of war and conflict, largely driven by drug cartels, political instability, and paramilitary guerrilla groups like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—known locally as the FARC. These clashes brought hardship and fear to many communities across the country, making daily life difficult for locals, displacing millions of people within the country, and causing the outside world to view Colombia as a dangerous place. Between the years of 1958 and 2013, the conflict affected countless lives and overshadowed the country’s stunning natural beauty and dynamic culture by stories of violence, which have been further fueled by Colombia’s depiction in movies and on television.

In 2016, after years of peace negotiations, the government signed a ceasefire with the FARC. The sitting Colombian President, Juan Manuel Santos, received the sole Nobel Peace Prize that year for his efforts to end what had become the longest-running civil war in world history. Today, Colombia has made remarkable progress. The government, with the help of local communities, has worked hard to bring peace and stability back to the country by investing in infrastructure, combating crime, and enhancing security measures.

Many areas that were once considered too dangerous to visit are now thriving, with locals enjoying safer, more comfortable lives. For visitors, this means that Colombia has become a welcoming travel destination, with its stunning natural beauty, captivating history, and warm, friendly people eager to share their culture.

Visiting Colombia with us

If you’re feeling hesitant about visiting Colombia but are eager to embrace this radiant country, going guided with a group is the perfect way to go. Not only will you have your fellow travelers and expert Tour Director around to help you feel more secure, but you’ll also be able to go confidently knowing that we’re an industry leader in safe travel. Our experts are constantly reviewing both national and international travel guidelines and thoroughly vet all of our destinations. We ensure that each location meets our high standards for safety, hygiene, and comfort, so you can enjoy your trip to Colombia with peace of mind.

Why we love traveling to Colombia

Colombia is one of our favorite travel destinations for its hospitality and scenery alone, but below are a few more reasons why we think a trip to Colombia is so special.

• It’s one of the best destinations for sustainable tourism. Because they were “late to the game” when it comes to tourism, Colombia has been able to focus on sustainable tourism efforts that weren’t even considered decades ago in other nations. Things like environmentally responsible practices and protecting the rights of indigenous populations were built into the tourism industry even before it took off.
• It’s home to more bird species than anywhere else on the planet. Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and is home to more than 1,900 species of birds. See how many you can spot from the ground when you join us on a trip to Colombia, or add the Chicaque Natural Park Ziplining & Nature Walk excursion on our brand new Highlights of Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena tour to zip among them through the treetops.
• Colombian music is a unique expression of the country’s heritage. Whether you’re taking a salsa class in Medellín, an afro-Caribbean drum lesson in Cartagena, or learning about cumbia (a music and dance style created by enslaved Black and Indigenous people), you’ll observe how Colombian music is forward-thinking, yet reflective of its Spanish, African, and indigenous heritage. Immerse yourself in this unapologetically authentic music when you visit Colombia.

The best places to visit in Colombia

From bustling metropolises like Bogotá and Medellín, to coastal havens like Cartagena and Santa Marta, Colombia’s cities offer unique experiences for all kinds of travelers. If you’re still feeling nervous about traveling to Colombia, we recommend keeping to well-lit and well-populated cities where you’re less likely to find yourself alone—or better yet, join us on a Colombia tour to go guided with a group! Whether you’re a first-time traveler or planning a return trip to Colombia, these are our favorite Colombian cities to visit. You can see them all on one trip when you join our new Highlights of Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena tour.

Bogotá

Colombia’s largest city offers culture and history in spades. When you visit Bogotá, be sure to stroll through barrio La Candelaria. This quaint, artistic neighborhood has some of the best architecture, street art, and food in the city.

Is Bogotá safe?

Bogotá is as safe as any major city. It has a lower rate of violent crime than many cities in the United States, but it does have a higher rate of petty crime than the other Colombian cities on this list. Taking some simple safety precautions (see our list of tips down below) will help ensure a seamless visit.

Promoting peace in Bogotá

When you visit Bogotá on our Highlights of Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena tour, you’ll visit the Casa de la Paz, or House of Peace, a mostly female-led cultural space staffed by former FARC members. Here you’ll learn about Colombia’s tumultuous history and path to peace and see how the organization is helping reintegrate ex-guerrilla combatants into society. You’ll also sample beer made by former FARC members at the on-site La Trocha brewery, which serves as both a creative outlet and revenue stream for the community.

Things to do in Bogotá

• Ride a cable car up Mount Monserrate. The peak of the 10,341-foot-tall mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city below and is crowned with Bogotá’s gleaming white jewel, the Sanctuary of Monserrate. This hilltop church is a popular pilgrimage site and was rebuilt following a 1917 earthquake with the help of many pilgrims who each carried a brick up the mountain on foot.
• Visit the Museum of Gold. Spend a free afternoon on your trip to Colombia admiring the 34,000 dazzling pieces of gold on display in the museum, which tops our list of the world’s best museums on every continent. You may not discover the legendary city of El Dorado, but you will learn a lot about the history and cultural significance of gold in Colombia. “There is so much incredible art and history dating back from 10,000 BCE to the present,” said staffer Tom. “I spent probably four hours inside and did not see everything that I wanted to see.”

Medellín

Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild year-round weather, Medellín is Colombia’s second-largest city and has become an art-and-technology-driven environmental haven. When you take a trip to Medellín, keep an eye out for the city’s many roadside green spaces and eco-árboles, high-tech tree-like structures that purify the air by removing carbon dioxide.

Is Medellín safe?

If you have family or friends asking you, “Is Colombia safe for tourists?” there’s a good chance that the city of Medellín came up. The once infamous city was home to Pablo Escobar’s drug cartel, and it was one of the most affected by the Colombian drug war. However, in the decades following Escobar’s 1993 death, the city has undergone a significant transformation. It has been reborn as a hub of innovation, art, and entrepreneurialism. While you should still take precautions against pickpockets and other petty criminals, the local culture is overwhelmingly warm and welcoming.

Promoting peace in Medellín

When you visit Medellín on our Highlights of Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena tour, you’ll learn about the history of Colombia’s drug trade as you pass Pablo Escobar’s former home. Later, you’ll visit Comuna 13, once one of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods. The district was transformed by the government’s investment in infrastructure and public transportation, when cable cars and escalators were added to connect it to the city center. At the same time, efforts within the community to promote art and music as nonviolent forms of self-expression have not only been wildly successful, they’ve converted Comuna 13 into a vibrant and inspiring destination.

Things to do in Medellín

• Tour a coffee farm. If your primary reason for booking a tour of Colombia is to taste some of the world’s best coffee at its source, we wholeheartedly support you. The country’s buzzworthy (see what we did there?) export is a beloved source of local pride, and one of the best places to taste it is on a finca, or rural farm. Join our Highlights of Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena tour to tour a family-owned finca and learn about the sustainable, traditional methods used to cultivate and harvest beans. Then, sit down to indulge in a tasting of some of the finest coffee in the world.
• Take a salsa lesson. Embrace the unbridled joy, playfulness, and expression of Colombian salsa by joining our Medellín Salsa Dancing Lesson & Dinner excursion to learn the basics from a local instructor. Colombian salsa has its own unique flair and distinct style that’s deeply rooted in the local culture.

Cartagena

Cartagena is an old port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast and is teeming with must-see attractions. When you visit Cartagena, spend some time exploring the UNESCO-listed Old Town, also known as the walled city. It’s a charming area full of colonial architecture, colorful homes, and vibrant street life.

Is Cartagena safe?

The city of Cartagena largely escaped the violence that once affected much of the rest of the country. The relative peace made it easier for locals to preserve the city’s stunning colonial architecture and cultural heritage. Even today, the crime rate is low compared to other cities in Colombia, making it the ideal place to explore Colombia’s pre-civil war culture and history. “Cartagena is great for music, art, dance, and history,” said traveler Martha after joining the extension on our Highlights of Central America: Costa Rica & Panama tour.

Promoting peace in Cartagena

Promoting peace in Colombia involves both reflecting on the past and working toward building a better future. When you join the Cartagena extension of our Highlights of Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena tour, you’ll have the opportunity to give back to the community by participating in local reforestation efforts. Add our Boquilla Mangroves & Conservation Project excursion to learn about the mangrove trees’ important roles in the local environment and plant seeds to help with the conservation effort.

Things to do in Cartagena

• Enjoy the islands. We named Colombia one of the top tropical destinations to visit on tour, and once you step onto its white-sand beaches or wade into its sapphire-blue water, you’ll see why. Join the Islas Rosario Snorkeling & Lunch excursion offered on our Highlights of Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena tour or the A Day on Isla Barú excursion on the extension of our Highlights of Central America: Costa Rica & Panama tour to snorkel in warm, welcoming water, relax on sandy shores, and feast on coastal cuisine.
• Learn to cook local specialties. Colombian food is diverse and flavorful. It reflects the country’s cultural heritage and features a blend of Spanish, African, and Middle Eastern influences. Join the Cartagena Cooking Class & Dinner excursion on the Cartagena extension of our Highlights of Central America: Costa Rica & Panama tour to learn to make regional specialties like arepas and bandeja paisa (a hearty platter with meat, beans, plantains, and a tomato and onion sauce known as hogao).

Tips for safe travel to Colombia

Regardless of your destination, it’s always a good idea to adhere to some safety measures. Keep these tips in mind throughout your Colombia travel.

• Keep your valuables discreetly hidden. When you visit Colombia, you might hear the local phrase “no dar papaya” (don’t give papaya). It’s used colloquially to mean don’t have something “sweet” out in the open—meaning don’t walk around with an expensive smartphone or a stack of cash in your hand, which could make you a more appealing target. If you do need to use your phone, especially at night, we recommend doing so inside a restaurant or establishment, not on the street.
• Separate your valuables. No matter where you’re traveling, it’s always a good idea to only carry the cash you’ll need for the day and keep the rest safely locked away in your hotel room. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that it’s secure and waiting for you.
• Download or print an offline map. We recommend keeping an offline map with you when you visit any city. That way, if you decide to venture out in your free time, you’ll always know how to get around—even in the event that you don’t have internet access. It’s one of our best tips for traveling solo, but it’s a good habit to get into, no matter how many travel companions you have.
• Take an Uber or a reputable taxi service to avoid scams. Unfortunately, illegal taxis are common in Colombia. If you decide to venture out in your free time, we recommend that you use an app like Uber, call an official taxi service, or pick one up at a cab stand (don’t just hail one on the street) to avoid getting scammed. Of course, for most of your tour of Colombia, we’ll take you safely between destinations via a private coach.
• Learn some basic Spanish. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases before you go can not only help you ask for directions in a pinch, but it’s also a fun and respectful way to connect with the locals on your trip to Colombia.
• Don’t walk alone at night. Groups of travelers are less likely to be targeted by pickpockets and petty thieves, so if you venture out at night, we recommend going with one or more of your fellow travelers. If you take a solo trip to Colombia with us, you’ll always have a built-in group of tourmates to explore with—it’s one of the many benefits of traveling solo with a group!
• Be sensitive about the country’s past. Remember that for many locals, the now-distant violence is still very fresh and may have affected them deeply and personally. For this reason, it’s best to be respectful and refrain from making any Narcos jokes.

Discover Colombia’s diverse rainforests, idyllic beaches, and welcoming cities—book your adventure to Colombia today!