Is Colombia Safe for Solo Female Travelers? My 10-Week Experience and Essential Safety Tips
I nearly canceled my flight to Colombia due to safety concerns. "Is it safe to travel in Colombia?" I wondered, especially as a solo female traveler. Just before departure, I read alarming stories, including one titled "Solo Female Going to Colombia? Just Don’t."
Another friend shared how she and her companion were robbed at gunpoint. Combined with the U.S. Department of State's travel warning (read the full advisory here), I was terrified. Family and friends called me crazy for booking a ticket to Cartagena.
Why I Went Anyway
Friends who had visited raved about Colombia, calling it their favorite South American destination. No one I knew had negative experiences. Trusting their advice, I boarded the plane—and it became one of my best trips ever.
Everyone’s Experience Varies
Travel stories differ widely. Those negative accounts made me cautious, prompting thorough preparations: I upgraded to World Nomads' Total Explorer insurance, photographed serial numbers of my electronics (camera, laptop, Kindle, iPhone), emailed digital passport copies, and backed up my laptop.
Spoiler: No robberies occurred during my 10 weeks exploring Bogotá, Medellín, the Amazon border, and the coffee region—even where my friend's friend was robbed months earlier.
Did I Feel Safe?
Initially nervous, I soon relaxed. Starting with a companion for two weeks helped, as did reassurances from solo female travelers I met. No incidents on a 14-day coastal trip (Cartagena, Santa Marta, Minca, Palomino) or the popular four-day Lost City trek in the Sierra Nevada—now bustling with 50-60 hikers daily.
Kidnappings: A Declining Threat
Colombia has improved dramatically. On the Lost City trek, our guide recalled 2005 ELN kidnappings and recent FARC intrusions—now history post-2016 peace accord. Kidnappings fell from 3,500 in 2000 to 213 in 2015, continuing to drop. Recent foreigner cases involved off-trail adventures like the Darién Gap. Tourist areas are safe.
Public Buses: Proceed with Caution
Bus hijackings happen, like one experienced by travelers Anne and Jaimee early in their trip. I followed advice: fly domestically (affordable), avoid night buses, and take daytime rides only. I used a T-shirt with a hidden pocket. Inner-city buses in Bogotá require vigilance against pickpockets—keep bags on your lap.
Check guesthouse updates on local risks, like Armenia-Salento robberies.
Is Bogotá Safe?
Bogotá's reputation worried me, especially La Candelaria. Lonely Planet warned of muggings; stories like Robbed in Bogotá and Getting Mugged at Knifepoint heightened fears.
I started in safer Chapinero, then daytime-taxied to La Candelaria. Despite armed police, I loved the street art and colonial charm, staying there safely. I walked at 2 a.m., worked in cafes with my laptop and camera (discreetly). Experiences vary—heed warnings but don't skip it.
Medellín's Poblado felt upscale and safe, though a recent murder occurred nearby. Valle de Cocora was incident-free for me.
Scopolamine Risks
Beware Scopolamine (Devil's Breath): blown in faces or spiked in drinks, causing amnesia and compliance. Cases rose 133% in Medellín in 2015. Never leave drinks unattended; avoid 'map-askers.' See World Nomads guide.
Taxis: Generally Fine, Apps Safer
Locals warned against street taxis in Medellín due to kidnapping risks, but I felt secure after 10 weeks (Spanish helped). Use Uber, EasyTaxi, or Tappsi for peace of mind.
Three Sketchy Moments
- Palomino Burglary: Daytime break-in at our bungalow; opportunist ransacked but left valuables (locked backpack saved us).
- Medellín Warning: Local advised against my route; I detoured immediately.
- Leticia Guerrillas: Armed men on motorbike circled us; we hid, unscathed. Border town vigilance needed (avoid 'Los Kilometros' at night).
Conclusion: Yes, with Precautions
Colombia isn't carefree like Japan or Chile, but vigilance made my trip magical. I recommend it to solo females—just stay smart.
Essential Safety Tips
Don't 'Dar Papaya' (Give Papaya): Avoid flashing valuables.
Minimize Valuables: Carry minimal cash/credit; use hidden pockets.
Prepare for Worst: Digital backups, full-coverage insurance (e.g., World Nomads), serial numbers.
Safe ATMs: Bank-only, watch surroundings.
Trust Instincts: Bail if uneasy.
Taxi Apps: Uber/EasyTaxi/Tappsi; private airport transfers.
Travel in Groups: Buddy up.
Research: Wikitravel, Lonely Planet safety sections, Google recent incidents.
My 13 Favorite Colombia Moments
(To inspire your trip!)
Have you traveled to Colombia? Share your safety experiences below.
