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The Ultimate Colombia Travel Guide: Safety, Destinations, and Itineraries
From a "Medio-Paisa" Gringo...
CT Dool
March 03, 2025 • Read Time: 15 minutes
Colombia 🇨🇴…
One of the world’s most stunning countries.
Whether you're looking for:
Vibrant cities 🌆
Lush jungles 🌳
Excellent beaches 🏖️
Or rich culture…
This country has something for everyone.
Table of Contents
However, due to its past, a lingering reputation, news, and (some) truths, Colombia remains shrouded in safety concerns.
As a foreigner who’s lived in Bogotá, MedellĂn, Pereira, and Cali, and traveled the country…
I’m here to set the record straight on safety and give you the real on the country’s top sites…
Ensuring you stay safe and have a wonderful time in Colombia.
Why Trust Me?
Oh, and I haven’t been locked away in a comfy suite for all these months living here—I’ve been mixed in with the locals, in non-touristy areas, doing real life.
A foggy Cocora—sun or fog, this place is a GO
Take my word for it:
This is the most on-the-ground perspective you’re going to find…
And any big-box site like Lonely Planet or US News simply won’t—can’t—have these insights.
Is Colombia Safe to Travel To?
Yes… BUT:
While Colombia is much safer than it was in the past, crime still exists, especially in the big cities.
Colombia’s crime has dropped substantially over time.
Here’s the real…
Countless tourists visit Colombia every year. The overwhelming majority have a great time and stay safe.
Here’s the very real…
The country does present risks that come with mixing financial desperation, opportunistic crime, and visitors that are perceived as wealthy (and oblivious).
Colombia does have a long history of violence that unfortunately is embedded into the culture. Most won’t admit this—I will.
The US State Dept. suggests “reconsidering travel,” but they tend to be the most conservative resource on travel.
So what does this all mean?!
If I were to sit here and tell you, “Colombia is super safe, go enjoy at your leisure, no pasa nada!!” I’d be putting you at risk.
The truth is—you can stay safe in Colombia, but it requires a bit of street smarts, situational awareness, and education on what works and what doesn’t.
If you follow the very simple rules for staying safe in LatAm (seriously, please read this before going) and get educated via resources like this guide, you’ll be GOOD.
Now that we’ve addressed safety, let’s get into the fun stuff…
Top Tourist Destinations in Colombia
Colombia is generally broken up into the following regions:
Bogotá—Booming Capital and Culinary Hub
La Candelaria: Historic center with colorful streets and museums
Monserrate: Panoramic views of the city (a MUST)
Zona T & Chapinero: Best nightlife and food scene
Best Neighborhood to Stay In Bogotá: Zona T and Chicó (near Parque de la 93).
MedellĂn—LatAm’s Most Beautiful City?
Comuna 13: Vibrant street art and transformation story
Cable Cars & Parque ArvĂ: A unique way to explore the mountains
El Poblado: Wealthy and touristy neighborhood for nightlife and coworking
Laureles: laid-back, beautiful neighborhood for cafes and parks (in my opinion, LatAm’s best neighborhood)
Best Neighborhood to Stay In MedellĂn: Laureles
La Costa (The Coast)—Beaches and Tayrona National Park
Cartagena’s Walled City: Colonial charm, rooftop bars, and historical sites
Santa Marta & Tayrona National Park: Stunning beaches and jungle hikes
Barranquilla: big coastal city with a bigger personality
San Andrés: crystal-clear Caribbean beaches (note: it’s an island not connected to Colombia, requiring a flight)
Best Neighborhood to Stay In Cartagena: Bocagrande
El Eje Cafetero (Coffee Region)—Coffee Farms and Stunning Mountains
Salento & Cocora Valley: Iconic wax palm landscapes
Coffee Farm Tours: Authentic Colombian coffee experiences
Manizales, Pereira, Armenia: The region’s beautiful, mountainous trio of cities.
Best Area to Stay in the Coffee Region: Stay in Salento, a charming town with easy access to Cocora.
Better yet…
Find one of the many beautiful finca-hotels in the region (you won’t regret it).
Cali & The South—Salsa Dancing and Vibrant Culture
Cali is warm, beautiful, and never lacking in salsa (and sketchiness).
Cali, Salsa Capital of the World: Nightlife and dance lessons
San AgustĂn: Archaeological ruins and breathtaking landscapes
Best Neighborhood to Stay In Cali: El Peñon
Tons more to explore in Colombia, but trust me…
These primary regions will keep you busy and satisfied for your first visit(s).
Colombia Travel Itinerary Options
Colombia Travel Itinerary: 7 Days (Fast-Paced Highlights)
Day 1-2: Bogotá (La Candelaria, Monserrate, Zona T)
Day 3-4: MedellĂn (Comuna 13, cable cars, nightlife in El Poblado)
Day 5-6: Cartagena (Walled City, Rosario Islands)
Day 7: Fly out or explore a bit more
This is a common route to hit some of Colombia’s highlights—the three most visited cities.
You get a flavor for each distinct culture, and learn about tons of surrounding sites near each to explore on your next trip.
There are tons of cheap flights running non-stop between each of the cities.
Colombia Travel Itinerary: 14 Days (More Depth)
Week 1: Bogotá, MedellĂn, and Cartagena (same as above)
Week 2: Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park; Coffee Region (Salento)
This allows the perfect introduction of the three big cities in week one, then more depth in week two.
From Cartagena, venture over to nearby Santa Marta, then on to Tayrona.
From there, you can grab a flight into the coffee region (likely to PEI—Pereira’s modern airport) to visit Salento and Cocora Valley.
Regional Safety Breakdown
Each region has its own risks and safety tips. In general, smaller towns are safer than big cities.
Is Cartagena Safe?
Cartagena is pretty safe. You can definitely travel and explore.
The biggest risks in Cartagena are:
Petty crime like pickpocketing
Scams or simply being charged more than something costs
Violent crime does happen but is rare and can be avoided by not flashing wealth, walking in groups, and using Uber at night.
Is MedellĂn Safe?
MedellĂn is mostly safe, and can generally be navigated (during the day) without issue.
You can certainly have a good time, using caution.
The biggest risks in MedellĂn are:
Women-related drugging (dating apps and bars—mostly a risk for single men)
Opportunistic crime like pickpocketing and robberies while walking alone at night in empty stree
Take Ubers at night, avoid Centro at night (daytime exploring of Plaza Botero and El Hueco is fine), avoid walking alone in areas that are empty, and be extra cautious if dating.
Is Bogotá Safe?
Considered by many Colombians to be pesadito (heavy, not so secure), I’ve found that one can certainly stay safe in Bogotá.
I spent four months there issue-free (I did help a kid who’d been robbed and stabbed though).
The biggest risks in Bogotá are:
Opportunistic robberies (especially in Centro, but in general)
Pickpocketing in tourist areas and public transportation (anywhere there are crowds and distractions)
Always take Uber instead of walking, be extra cautious in Centro (La Candelaria, Monserrate, La Septima/Carrera 7), don’t go to the south, and avoid using your phone while on the street.
(Checking Google Maps or taking a photo is fine, mindlessly wandering while scrolling is asking to lose your phone…)
Follow the advice, and you’ll be good. Bogotá is an impressive city, definitely worth checking out.
Is Cali Safe?
I’ll be frank… Cali is not safe.
Cali is actually quite hot—temperature wise and safety wise…
It’s widely regarded by Colombians as the most dangerous city in the country. “It’s more dangerous than Bogotá.” —my Uber driver, 20 minutes ago
Why’d I include it in this guide?
It’s salsa culture, arguably world’s-most-beautiful women, and surrounding jungle provide an allure that will attract many a traveler.
Plus, it can be navigated in a way that minimizes risk.
The general rules for staying safe in LatAm apply—but with even more care and vigilance.
I recommend spending time in other parts of Colombia first to get your feet wet before diving into Cali. There are expats who live here safely, and many foreigners who’ve visited safely.
Travel Logistics & Tips
When is the Best Time to Visit Colombia?
If you want to do one of the above itineraries spanning various regions, it could be tricky to land ideal weather in each place.
Let’s try to find a window when each region has great weather.
Optimal Time for a Country-Wide Trip
Best Overall: December to March
Bogotá and MedellĂn: Dry season
Caribbean Coast: Peak sunshine
Coffee Region: Less rain, beautiful greenery
Alternative Window: July-August
Avoids the worst rains in most regions
Ideal for MedellĂn and the Coffee Region
Caribbean Coast still relatively dry
I was in Bogotá from July to October and the weather was splendid—sunshine with a nice breeze nearly every day.
While in MedellĂn and the Coffee Region from December to March, the weather was also ideal.
Just be informed as to when peak rainy season is—in certain months in Bogotá, for example, the sun rarely comes out and it rains all day.
Budget—Is Colombia Cheap?
Colombia is affordable; $30-50/day for budget travelers, $80+ for comfort.
I stayed in possibly the nicest hostel of my life here, and it was $20/night. Top it off with a pair of $4 meals and I was set.
One of the biggest upsides of traveling in Colombia is its affordability.
You’re telling me you get perfect weather, great culture, and friendly people—all while paying a fraction of what you would in the US or Europe?
Yep.
So, by those standards, Colombia is relatively cheap and certainly one of the most affordable places in Latin America.
In my view, it packs far greater value than more costly places like Costa Rica, Chile, Puerto Rico, and even now-more-expensive Argentina.
Transport—Traveling Within Colombia
Domestic flights are cheap—always fly. Take my advice.
Buses in LatAm are normally pretty solid, but Colombia ain’t the best bet here.
Winding roads and being stuck for hours behind slow-crawling 18-wheelers on one-ways make bus travel… not ideal.
Fly over all of that. Thank me later.
Plus, a one-way flight from Bogotá to nearly anywhere in Colombia rarely exceeds $60.
Flight costs from Bogota, taken on a random Monday. $23 to Medellin. If you thought I was lying…
For transit within the cities:
MedellĂn is the only city that public transport is actually really good. However, Uber and DiDi are cheap everywhere.
Where to Stay in Colombia
For specific recommendations on where to stay in each region, stay tuned for our forthcoming Colombian city travel guides—Bogotá, MedellĂn, Cartagena, and the Coffee Region.
Colombia FAQs
I Only Have Time to Visit One Place—Where Do I Go?
Personally, I’d choose the Coffee Region.
Best for laid-back coffee and mountain lovers—Coffee Region.
Best for big metropolitan and food lovers—Bogotá.
Best for beach bums and hikers—Santa Marta and Tayrona.
Best for Salsa dancing enthusiasts—Cali. (Salsa dancing can however be found everywhere in Colombia).
Best for partiers OR nature-loving digital nomads—MedellĂn.
Is Colombia Safe to Travel To?
In short, yes, if done the right way. Countless tourists come down and have a great time—staying safe throughout.
Check our guide for staying safe in LatAm before going.
When’s The Best Time to Visit Colombia?
December—March, and if not, July—August. These windows avoid heavy rain seasons.
What’s the Best Colombia Travel Itinerary?
It depends on what you want to explore. But the 7-day, 3-city itinerary from this guide offers a great introduction and an overview of cultures.
Get Out There
Traveling to Colombia? DM me on Instagram if you have questions or concerns—I live here and am happy to help you directly.
Colombia is one of the most rewarding travel destinations in the world, offering diverse landscapes, rich culture, and an energetic atmosphere.
By following smart safety tips and planning your itinerary well, you can have an unforgettable experience.
To your growth and travels,
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