Short answer: yes – the places most travellers visit in Colombia can be enjoyed safely with good planning and local knowledge. Medellín, Cartagena, Bogotá, the coffee towns, Santa Marta and the Lost City, the Amazon around Leticia and the Llanos welcome visitors every day. At the same time, Colombia is a country where where you go and how you travel matters: some regions are off-limits for tourists, and in the cities a few simple habits make all the difference. This guide gives you an honest picture, written by our team in Medellín, organising trips in Colombia since 2009.
What official travel advice says
All major governments allow travel to Colombia, but they advise against certain regions. As of November 2026, the main points are:
- There is no “do not travel” warning for Colombia as a whole. The strictest warnings concern specific departments and border areas. The USA rates the whole country “Level 3: Reconsider travel”, mainly because of crime, while European governments advise against named regions only.
- Areas generally advised against include the border regions with Venezuela and Ecuador, several departments in the south-west (Cauca and Valle del Cauca outside the cities of Popayán and Cali when you arrive by air), large parts of Chocó, and rural areas in the east, north and south of the country. Armed groups are active there, and in 2026 there have been attacks, mostly against police and military targets.
- The main tourist destinations – Medellín, Bogotá, Cartagena, Santa Marta, the Coffee Region, Leticia – are not on these lists.
The lists change, and they differ slightly between countries. Always read the latest advice from your own government before you book and again before you travel: Switzerland (EDA), Germany (Auswärtiges Amt), United Kingdom (FCDO), France (Diplomatie) and the USA (State Department). Travelling into an area your government advises against can also invalidate your travel insurance.
Where our trips go
We work with trusted local partners in each region, and we check the current official travel advice for every itinerary before confirming it. The main areas we work in are:
- Medellín and Antioquia – the city, Comuna 13 with a local guide, Guatapé, the coffee villages of the south-west and the flower farms of Santa Elena.
- Coffee Region – Salento, Cocora and Filandia. After the earthquake of 10 August 2026, the towns are open to visitors again and Pereira airport resumed flights in late August.
- Caribbean coast – Cartagena, Santa Marta and the Lost City trek, with experienced local guides.
- Bogotá and Boyacá, the Amazon around Leticia, the Llanos of Casanare and the island of Providencia.
The real risks for travellers – and how to avoid them
For most visitors, the risk is not armed conflict but ordinary city crime. These are the situations to know:
Phone and bag theft
The most common problem by far. Thieves on foot or on motorbikes grab phones from people using them on the street, in cafés by the window or in taxis with open windows. Colombians call it “no dar papaya” – don’t make yourself an easy target. Use your phone inside shops or with your back to a wall, keep it out of sight in crowds, and leave expensive jewellery and watches at home.
Drugging (scopolamine) and dating apps
The German Foreign Office reports a strong rise in robberies with knock-out drugs such as scopolamine, especially in Bogotá and Medellín, often linked to contacts made on dating apps. Victims are drugged through a drink, food or cigarette and then robbed. Never accept drinks from strangers, never leave your drink unattended, and do not invite new acquaintances back to your accommodation.
Taxis and transport
Do not hail taxis on the street, especially at night. Use an app (such as Cabify, Uber or DiDi), an official taxi rank or a transfer arranged by us. Avoid long-distance road travel after dark – on our trips, transfers between regions run in daylight, and we use domestic flights where roads are long or less safe.
Cash machines and money
Withdraw money during the day, inside banks or shopping centres, and pay by card where you can. Carry only the cash you need for the day, and keep a copy of your passport on your phone.
Demonstrations
Protests and strikes can happen in the big cities at short notice, sometimes with road blocks. Keep away from demonstrations and large gatherings, and follow local news.
Nature: earthquakes, the sea and the weather
Colombia lies in an earthquake zone, and the strong earthquake of August 2026 is a reminder of that. Learn what to do in an earthquake and follow the local authorities. On both coasts, strong currents can be dangerous even in shallow water: only swim where locals swim and respect warning flags. In the rainy months, landslides can close mountain roads – another reason to allow buffer time and travel with people who know the conditions.
Is Colombia safe for women and solo travellers?
Many women and solo travellers visit Colombia every year without problems. The same rules apply as for everyone, with a little extra care at night: move in well-frequented areas, use app taxis, and be cautious with new acquaintances. A trip organised with local guides takes away much of the uncertainty, especially on your first days in a new city.
How we keep you safe
- Local team: we live in Colombia and follow the situation every day, not only through official advice but through our partners on the ground.
- Trusted partners: guides, drivers and lodges we have worked with for years.
- Smart routing: daylight transfers, domestic flights where they make sense, and every route checked against the current official travel advice.
- Flexibility: if the situation changes before or during your trip, we adapt your route.
- Help when you need it: you can reach us on WhatsApp throughout your trip.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medellín safe?
Medellín has transformed in the last 30 years and is one of the most visited cities in South America. With the precautions above, most visitors have a great time. Read our detailed guide: Is Medellín safe for tourists?
Is it safe to travel by road in Colombia?
The main routes between the large cities are generally passable in daylight, but distances are long and mountain roads demanding. Avoid night driving and check the current situation before setting off.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Take out travel and health insurance that includes medical evacuation, and check that your itinerary does not include areas your government advises against.
Can I visit Colombia on my own, without a tour?
Many people do. A tailor-made trip with local support simply makes it easier: you get the safe transfers, the trusted guides and someone to call if anything changes.
Plan a safe trip with locals
Tell us what you would like to see and when you can travel. We will suggest a route through the regions we know best – and explain honestly what is and isn’t a good idea right now. Ask for your tailor-made itinerary or write to us on WhatsApp.
Last updated: November 2026. Security situations can change quickly – always check the current official travel advice for your country.
