I’ve been living in South America for a while now and honestly, Colombia used to be the place people were scared of. Oddly enough,
But if you look at the news now, you’d think everyone has forgotten about the stereotypes. And this is where things get interesting.
It’s crazy because the country has actually changed so much. Now think about that for a second.
We are talking about vibrant cities, amazing food, and people who are genuinely the friendliest I’ve met in the region.
But before you just book a flight, you need to know the real deal.
Is Colombia Safe? The Reality Check
Let’s address the elephant in the room.
Everyone asks me: Is it safe? The short answer is yes, but it’s not like Disney World.
You aren’t going to get shot walking down the street, but you do need to use your common sense.
Most of the violence from the past is gone, shifted mostly to border regions with Venezuela and remote jungle areas that tourists don’t go to anyway.
What you will find is petty theft.
Pickpockets in Bogota and Medellin are surprisingly good.
They target tourists, especially near tourist spots, subway stations, and bus terminals.
So, keep your wallet in your front pocket and don’t flash expensive cameras or jewelry.
Honestly, if you act like you belong there, you’ll be fine.
What I’ve Learned About Local Scams
- The Fake Phone Call: Someone bumps into you and hands you their phone.
They ask you to say “Hello” to someone.
This is a distraction so their friend can pick your pocket.
- The Gum on the Shoulder: Someone sneaks a piece of gum or gum wrapper on your shoulder.
When you go to clean it off, they steal your bag.
- Overcharging: Some taxi drivers refuse to use the meter.
Agree on the price before you get in, or use apps like Cabify or Uber.
See? Not so scary once you know what to look for.
Visa Requirements for 2024
One of the best things about Colombia is how open it is to travelers.
If you are a US, UK, or Canadian citizen, you usually don’t need a visa for stays under 90 days.
You just need a valid passport with at least six months of validity left.
I always make sure to keep a printed copy of my entry stamp when I enter the country.
It’s a good habit to have because sometimes officials are strict about showing proof of exit plans if you are staying a while.
Where to Go: The Big Three Cities
You can’t just lump Colombia into one category because the vibe changes drastically depending on where you are.
I broke it down to help you decide what fits your style.
Bogota: The Intellectual Capital
Bogota is huge.
It’s over 2,600 meters above sea level, so it’s chilly.
Like, wear a jacket chilly. Oddly enough,
Most people think it’s dirty and dangerous, but I actually love it.
The historic district, La Candelaria, is beautiful.
There are museums, street art, and cafes everywhere.
The food scene here is booming too.
It’s a great base if you want to explore the surrounding mountains and coffee region.
Medellin: The City of Eternal Spring
Medellin is the former drug capital that completely reinvented itself.
It’s amazing. But there’s a catch.
The weather is perfect—cool and breezy all year round.
It’s very expat-friendly, which means there are tons of restaurants and bars catering to English speakers, but you can still find local culture if you look for it.
Cartagena: The Caribbean Dream
If you want beaches and history, go to Cartagena on the Caribbean coast.
The walled old city looks like a movie set.
It’s romantic, colorful, and the Caribbean sea is warm. Oddly enough,
Just be aware that it can get very touristy and prices here are higher than in the rest of the country.
It’s still worth it for the architecture.
Colombian Food: You Have to Try This
If you eat one thing in Colombia, make it Arepas.
They are corn cakes that can be stuffed with cheese, meat, or eggs.
Honestly, breakfast isn’t breakfast without them.
For lunch, you have to try Bandeja Paisa.
It sounds fancy, but it’s basically a mountain of food: rice, beans, ground beef, chorizo, plantains, avocado, and a fried egg.
It’s heavy.
Like, heart attack heavy.
But so good.
Cost of Living: How Much Do You Need?
Colombia is very affordable compared to the US or Europe. Oddly enough,
You can live like a king on a budget.
If you are traveling, a hostel dorm bed might cost you $10-$15 a night.
A private room can be $30-$50.
Street food is dirt cheap, like $2 for a massive meal.
Even if you are staying in nice hotels, the daily budget is often lower than what you’d pay for a mediocre meal back home.
Oddly enough,
Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Best Time to Visit: December to March and July to August are the driest months. Now think about that for a second.
But be prepared for crowds.
- Language: Spanish is the main language.
English is spoken in tourist spots, but learning a few phrases goes a long way.
- Transport: Buses are the way to go.
They are comfortable, cheap, and safe.
Flights are also affordable if you need to get across the country quickly.
Final Thoughts
Colombia is a country full of contradictions.
It has a dark history, but it is embracing the future with open arms.
It’s not perfect, and you definitely need to keep your guard up a little bit, but the experiences you’ll have there will stay with you forever.
Don’t let the old news stop you from seeing one of the most vibrant places on Earth.
Pack your bags.
Image source: pexels.com
Oddly enough,
Image source credit: pexels.com