Far too often, when I tell people I love solo traveling in Colombia, they look at me like I’m nuts.
I get it – historically, Colombia hasn’t necessarily gained a reputation as a safe travel destination. With a history still plagued by drug cartels and guerilla violence, it’s hard for a lot of people to separate their idea of Colombia from what they’ve seen on Narcos.
But on my mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, I’ve traveled solo all over the country – even to some places people have said I shouldn’t go. And in this article, I’m going to break down my truthful, honest experience about all of it, the good and the bad.
So is Colombia safe to visit? I say yes – but let’s discuss why!
Quick disclaimer: This article is written from my perspective as an often-solo-female-traveler, but includes information relevant for any traveler in Colombia! If you have any questions specific to my experience traveling alone, feel free to leave a comment below!
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Colombia Quick Links
✈️ Flights – Use Kiwi.com or WayAway to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Colombia
🛏️ Accommodation – Find the best places to stay throughout Colombia on Booking.com and Hostelworld.com
✅ Get Insured – I personally use Safety Wing Nomad Insurance for my travels all around the world! VisitorsCoverage is another great option.
🚗 Rent a Car – Find the best deals for a Colombia road trip on RentalCars.com
🗺️ Find Things to Do – Check out Get Your Guide, Viator, and Tripadvisor for exciting adventures all around Colombia
☎ Buy a Sim – Airalo offers eSIMS for over 200 countries and regions
Planning a trip to Colombia? Check out my extensive 3-week guide to the country, or one of my shorter week-long itineraries!
Why Visit Colombia?
Colombia is an extraordinary country. As the second most biodiverse nation in the world, there’s something for everyone – from the pristine beaches outside of Cartagena perfect for a relaxing vacay to the adventurous deserts of La Guajira perfect for a traveler seeking some adrenaline.
But Colombia is much more than its landscapes. In my time spent exploring the country, I’ve encountered some of the deepest, most genuine hospitality I’ve found anywhere in the world.
Colombians are deeply proud of their national identity and far different from the picture often painted by the media. It is a nation with hospitality at the core of its culture – it’s not uncommon to get invited to a cup of coffee by a stranger or make a friend in line at the supermarket.
General Safety in Colombia
But is Colombia really as dangerous as it’s made out to be? Is Colombia really safe to visit these days?
Listen, I don’t want to paint a picture of sunshine and roses and ignore real systemic issues that exist in Colombia. But at the time of writing (2025), Colombia is safer for travelers and locals alike than it has been for decades.
Colombia has made extraordinary strides to increase safety in the last decade. Since 2010, public expenditure on order and security has increased 150%. Areas that were previously closed due to violence have reopened, and tourism has hit record highs in recent years.
That is not to say there are no real dangers. Kidnappings are still prevalent in certain areas of the country controlled by paramilitary groups. These groups are primarily concentrated in the south and jungle regions of the country. Border zones (to the north with Venezuela and the south with Ecuador) are also more prone to crime, so it’s important to keep this in mind if traveling to these areas of the country. We’ll chat more in-depth about this later in this article.
However, in general, Colombia’s well-traveled tourist trail is safe for visitors, as long as you follow some general rules of thumb. Here are a couple tips to keep you safe while visiting Colombia.
Recommended Reading: The Best Colombian Souvenirs to Pack for Your Trip
Don’t “Give Papaya”
“No dar papaya” is a Colombian phrase which literally translates to “don’t give papaya,” but means don’t make yourself a target! In essence, it means to practice street smarts when out and about. Don’t flash expensive jewelry or cash, don’t walk alone at night, and keep your wits about you to keep yourself safe.
As a solo female traveler, I will sometimes tell a white lie to keep myself safe as well. This applies anywhere – even outside Colombia. “I’m on my way to meet my husband, my friend is expecting me, etc” can keep you safe if someone is giving you the heebie jeebies. And of course, never share where you’re staying or going with strangers.
I recommend carrying an anti-theft bag when exploring Colombia, just for a little peace of mind. Pickpocketing is common in certain areas, so it never hurts to have another layer of precaution!
Carry Only What You Need
When out and about, consider carrying as little with you as possible to draw the least amount of attention. Consider a small crossbody bag (extra points if it’s one that can be worn under your clothes!) and only bring the cash that you think you’ll need. The rest of your items can be left back at your accommodation in a safe or locker – locked up with a luggage lock of course!
QUICK TIP: Make a photocopy of your passport to carry with you and leave the real one back at your accommodation. It can be useful to have on hand in case of an emergency, but you don’t want to rick losing the real thing!
Learn a Little Spanish
Colombia is a Spanish speaking country, so not only is it a sign of respect to learn some of the basics of the language, but it can keep you safe as well.
While you may find more English-speakers in larger cities like Medellín and Bogotá, more rural areas have a lower amount of English speakers. While Google Translate can certainly help in a pinch, having some important phrases in your back pocket can ensure you get the help you need.
Here are a few useful safety phrases to know before heading to Colombia. And remember – no means no in Spanish and English.
- Ayuda (Ayudame!) – Help (Help me!)
- Me dejas sola(o) – Leave me alone
- Donde está _____? – Where is the _____?
- Hablas inglés? – Do you speak English?
Stay Informed & Connected
No matter where you’re traveling, it’s important to stay informed on current events and updates local to the area you are visiting. Things can change quickly in Colombia, so it’s important to do your proper research both before and while visiting the country.
Consult your local travel advisories when necessary, talk to locals and fellow travelers alike, and remember to stay up-to-date on current events. It’s also important to stay in touch with friends and family back home, and let people know of your trip plans in case of emergency. A travel SIM like Airalo can help you stay connected, anywhere in the world.
Have Travel Insurance
Never travel without proper travel insurance, which will cover you in the case of any unexpected emergencies. Safety Wing has been my go-to for years, and their nomad policy is perfect if your travel dates are flexible or you even plan to visit other countries along the same trip.
Visitor’s Coverage is another great option, covering everything from travel-related expenses (think canceled flights) to medical issues abroad.
Colombian Emergency Numbers
The number to know for emergency services in Colombia is 123. You can dial this number 24 hours a day.
Colombia also has a tourist police line, which is useful for foreigners and travelers. The tourist police can be contacted at (1)337-4413
Lastly, I recommend noting the number of your personal embassy before traveling to Colombia in case of international assistance. The number for the American Embassy is (1)275-2000.
Recommended Reading: The Best Festivals and Celebrations in Colombia!
Common Scams and Safety Concerns
There are certain scams and safety concerns to be aware of when traveling in Colombia, especially in the larger cities. While these range in severity, it’s important to know the possibilities – no one wants to learn these lessons the hard way!
Petty Crime (Pickpocketing and Theft)
Perhaps the most common scam is petty theft, usually concentrated in city centers and crowded areas like markets and public transportation. Many pickpockets can be rather sneaky – I had a friend have her phone stolen getting off the metro in Medellín and she didn’t even notice until she got home!
Unfortunately, muggings do occasionally happen as well. The majority of these cases happen at night when walking alone. I recommend never walking alone at night, not even in the highly touristed areas of Colombia, and following the recommendations above of carrying as little with you as possible. In the case that you do get mugged, you can file a proper police report using the emergency numbers above, or by visiting the nearest police station.
An anti-theft bag can act as an extra layer of protection, and I always recommend storing your valuables in the inner pockets of your bag when exploring!
Taxi Scams
There are a few taxi scams to be aware of, especially when traveling in the larger cities where taxis are common.
FAKE TAXIS – Fake taxis will offer rides to unsuspecting visitors and often severely upcharge the price. In extreme cases, this also provides the fake taxis an opportunity to take advantage of the passenger. Always look for a taxi registration (located beside the driver in the front passenger’s seat) or use taxi services like Uber to stay safe.
RIGGED/BROKEN METERS – In metered taxis, make sure to note that the meter begins at zero when beginning the ride. If a taxi driver claims the meter is “broken,” I recommend getting out and finding a new taxi – this is a common way drivers can scam passengers out of extra cash.
Fake Guides/”Helpful” Strangers
Colombians are generally extremely kind, and in my experience, often quite eager to help foreign tourists. However, there is a fine line between genuine kindness and taking advantage, and unfortunately, there are overly “helpful” strangers who will try to exploit visitors.
A common scam is the “helpful” stranger, who will show you anything from how to get to your hotel to the best place to eat in town – then expect a hefty tip once it’s all over. This is a fine line, as generosity and openness are a genuine part of Colombian culture, so I recommend just keeping your wits about you and trusting your gut. A simple “no, gracias,” will do, and if the person continues to push, they’re probably not someone you can trust.
Another common scam are fake tour guides. At many popular tourist attractions around Colombia, you ’ll almost immediately be bombarded by a number of people offering their services as guides. I recommend avoiding these offers – unfortunately, many times these “guides” can be unlicensed and will overcharge you once the “tour” is done. Get Your Guide offers a number of tours through accredited companies, so you can ensure you’re in good hands.
Recommended Reading: A Tourist’s Guide to Barranquilla Carnival
Drugging
Recently, there has been an uptick in crime related to drugging, especially using a sedatitive called scopolamine. This drug leaves the victim disoriented, so they are easily robbed or taken advantage of by the perpetrator. Many victims have been targeted via dating apps or in nightclubs.
While this has become a hot news topic recently, it’s important to note that the majority of these cases have happened under pre-altered states. That is not to downplay the severity of the crime, but to remind you to always keep your wits about you, especially if you plan to participate in an altered state like drinking.
Always keep your drink close to ensure nobody puts anything in it, and be responsible with how much you drink on a night out. And please, just don’t do drugs in Colombia. Not only is it extremely dangerous, but Colombia already has a long and complicated history with drugs of all kinds – just don’t.
Kidnapping
Here’s the big one. While uncommon, it would be irrepsonible not to include kidnapping, as they do still happen in certain areas of Colombia. While kidnappings are more common amongst guerillas/paramilitaries/cartels as a means of blackmail, there have been reported cases of kidnappings of tourists as well.
These kidnappings, called “express kidnappings” are more opportunistic abductions, aimed at getting the victim (or the victim’s family) to pay a hefty sum of cash for their release. Unfortunately, in more extreme cases, victims have been subject to sex trafficking, but the most common approach of the perpetrators is to make a quick buck.
I know this sounds intense – and it is – but I want to remind you that kidnappings are extremely uncommon. However, you can keep yourself safe by following much of the advice above – try to blend in, don’t flash your expensive jewelry, and never walk alone at night.
Safety in Colombia’s Major Tourist Destinations
While we’ve touched on many general safety tips and concerns around Colombia, these can vary region by region. So whether you’re looking to spend a week relaxing in the coffee region or lounge on a beach in the Carribean, here are a few region and city-specific recommendations.
Safety in Bogotá, Colombia
Colombia’s gritty capital city is the starting point of many traveler’s Colombian itineraries. Bogotá does have a reputation for being a bit of an intense city – it’s a sprawling urban landscape renowned around the country for it’s crazy traffic! You either love or hate Bogotá – honestly, I think it gets a bit of an unfair rep, but that’s just me!
Because Bogotá is the largest, and most crowded city in Colombia, I recommend taking extra safety precautions when exploring the city. Bring your anti-theft bag, don’t carry more than what you need, and NEVER walk alone at night.
Bogotá’s sprawling network of neighborhoods often makes it difficult to define when you’ve left one neighborhood and entered another, which means it’s not hard to wander into a place you shouldn’t be! I recommend taking a walking tour of the city when you arrive to get a lay of the land – and local advice for where to go and where to avoid!
Most traveler’s stay in the historic center, the neighborhood of La Candelaria. This neighborhood is generally safe and well connected, though I still recommend following general safety precautions, even when exploring the neighborhood during the day.
Search for accredited accommodation in Bogotá’s best neighborhoods on Booking.com
Safety in Medellín, Colombia
Medellín, Colombia’s city of eternal spring, is a hotspot for international and domestic tourists alike. It’s green neighborhoods and year-round warm weather often make it a more popular destination than chillier, grittier Bogotá.
However, Medellín is also a city that has undergone extensive transformation in recent years, once the center of narcotraficos and drug violence in Colombia. In fact, part of the draw of the city is to witness this transformation in neighborhoods like Comuna 13.
However, while the city has undergone significant efforts to increase safety, there is still the presence of violence in certain areas, so it’s important to exercise caution. I don’t recommend walking alone at night, especially in hotter areas like the centro. Luckily, the city is well-connected via the metro system and has many neighborhoods that are great for visitors, like leafy Laureles or backpacker-friendly El Poblado.
A quick note on El Poblado – while it is one of the most popular neighborhoods for tourists in Medellín due to the high number of restaurants, hostels, and bars, it has also been at the center of some of Medellín’s biggest recent controversies. Parque Lleras, the central park of the neighborhood, has seen a large uptick in sex and drug trafficking due to the high number of tourists in the area. It should go without saying, but if you travel to Medellín (or Colombia in general), DO NOT participate in any kind of sex tourism. Not only does it put you at risk, but it is extremely unethical, exploitative, and at the end of the day, illegal.
Search for accredited accommodation in Medellín’s best neighborhoods on Booking.com
Safety in Cartagena, Colombia
Oh Cartagena, the glorious, sunny, colorful Caribbean city. This destination is on a lot of traveler’s list and for good reason – it’s truly one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The city of Cartagena, like many Colombian cities, is separated into neighborhoods. The most frequented by tourists is the “Walled City,” the historic center of town literally surrounded by a tall stone wall. This area is highly touristed so safe to explore on foot – though as always, keep an eye on your belongings in case of petty theft in touristed areas.
Outside the walled city, things can get a little more dodgy. The Bazurto Market, a local market visited by the late, great Anthony Bourdain himself, is a great place to get a local taste of Cartagena, but I was recommended by multiple locals not to visit on my own. This guided tour from Get Your Guide will give you the opportunity to explore the market with a local, keeping you safe as you explore all the flavors of Cartagena!
It’s also important to be cautious when visiting the beaches in Cartagena. Crowded beaches are a haven for pickpockets, so if you’re planning on hitting the beach, bring as little with you as possible!
Search for accredited accommodation in Cartagena on Booking.com
Want to explore more of the Colombian coast? Consider visiting the Department of La Guajira, a desert landscape perfect for adventure travelers!
Safety in the Colombian Coffee Region
Colombia’s coffee region is known as one of the safest areas in the country. As the main coffee-growing region in Colombia, life in the eje cafetero is more laid back than in the larger cities.
The Colombian coffee region consists of multiple cities and towns concentrated in the departments of Quindío, Risaralda, and Caldas. There are plenty of places to visit in this region, from exploring the colorful streets of Salento to paragliding over the mountains of Jardín to tasting all the coffee in Jericó.
Many of the towns in the region are very safe – pickpocketing is less common than in the larger cities, and taxi scams aren’t really an issue as you can walk everywhere! However, some of the cities in the region (Armenia, Pereira, and Manizales) do have some of the safety risks associated with the larger cities of Medellín and Bogotá, so I recommend exercising a bit of extra caution if spending extended time in those cities.
Search for accredited accommodation in Salento on Booking.com
Visiting Salento? Check out my guide to choosing the best coffee tour in town!
Safety in Cali, Colombia
The salsa capital of Cali is a must-visit for any dance lover, but I do encourage you to exercise additional caution in this region. The city of Cali is known for being one of the more dangerous cities in Colombia. You’ll want to exercise extra precautions – not carrying valuables, never walking alone at night – especially so you can enjoy Cali’s vibrant nightlife.
But don’t let this discourage you from visiting Cali. It’s a vibrant city, and the best place in the world to learn to dance salsa caleña. There are also plenty of unique day trips from the city as well, making it a great destination to visit to see a different side of Colombia.
The San Antonio neighborhood, located in the north of the city, is one of the best places to base yourself as a traveler in Cali. It’s located near many of the restaurants, salsa schools, and tourist sights, plus is one of Cali’s safer neighborhoods, good for exploring during the day. As a general rule of thumb, avoid exploring Cali at night – I recommend taking a taxi directly to your destination if visiting somewhere after dark.
Search for accredited accommodation in Cali on Booking.com:
My Experience as a Solo Female Traveler in Colombia
So let’s get real – traveling as a single woman is certainly a different experience from traveling with a partner.
In my journey to get to know all 32 departments of Colombia, I’ve visited the majority of them solo, and want to be transparent about my experiences in different regions as a solo female traveler.
But first and foremost, do I believe Colombia is safe to visit for a solo female traveler? Most definitely.
As a solo woman traveling anywhere, I know there are many additional safety concerns to be aware of at all times. But I genuinely believe Colombia is one of the best places to embark on a solo journey, whether it’s your first trip alone or you’re a seasoned solo traveler. The backpacking community in Colombia is strong, the tourist trail is well traveled, and guaranteed, you certainly won’t be “alone” as much as you might expect!
But there are some safety concerns to be aware of that do impact solo female travelers. Quite honestly, the one the stands out to me the most is cat-calling.
Especially on the coast, I found cat-calling to be a near hourly occurrence. The calls were never aggressive, but certainly constant. There was a lot of “linda, princesa, hermosa” when I went nearly anywhere, and after talking to other female travelers, this was not an experience unique to me. It’s certainly something to be aware of, especially on the Caribbean coast, but I recommend simply ignoring it if possible. If a cat-caller does give you trouble, a sharp “me dejas sola,” or “leave me alone,” should do the trick.
Of course, if a man does give you trouble or harass you in any way, you can dial 123 for emergency services, or file a written report at https://www.fiscalia.gov.co/colombia/en/.
Is Colombia Safe to Visit?
So do I think Colombia is safe to visit? Absolutely YES!
Listen, I know we just talked about a number of safety concerns, but just like any place, Colombia has it’s safer and less safe areas to visit. I have honestly felt safer in many places in Colombia than I often do in my home country of the USA. As long as you stay informed, take precautions, and travel with an open mind, you will find so much to love.
So I encourage you to put aside the stereotypes you associate with Colombia and visit with an open mind. From the Caribbean islands of San Andres to the wild jungles of the Sierra Nevada, there is something for everyone to love in the country of beauty. There’s a reason I plan to visit all 32 departments of Colombia – there is genuinely something to love in every corner!
Have any questions/concerns I didn’t touch on in this article? Feel free to shoot me a message or leave a comment below and let’s chat – I’d love to help you feel safe and secure in planning your own trip to Colombia!
What to Pack for Colombia
Planning a trip to Colombia? Consider adding some of these essentials to your suitcase for a truly epic trip!
💧 Filtered Water Bottle – Save on the single-use plastic and protect from parasites!
🧥 Heavy-Duty Rain Jacket – For the ever-changing Colombian weather!
🎒 Anti-theft Backpack – Perfect for exploring big cities or trekking in the jungle
🧖♀️ Microfiber Travel Towel – A go-to travel essential anywhere in the world!
🔌 Portable Charger – Keep your phone charged out on the go
🔐 Mini Padlock – Perfect for securing your backpack or locking up your items at the hotel
🔋 Universal Travel Adapter – Charge all your devices anywhere in the world!
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Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.