Is Colombia Safe for Tourists? 10 Safest Cities To Travel

Is it safe to travel to Colombia? You might be asking that question in the shadow of Escobar, violence, robberies, kidnappings, and other crimes that have made the headlines for the past decades. These are clear warnings that we cannot discount, right? Let’s reconsider the answer as we ask now: is Colombia safe? 

Colombia is a beautiful country with wondrous sights, serene beaches, lush natural beauty, and greenery. Colombian culture is rich with these. Add to this is the fact that we should not generalize the Colombian people to some of the more notorious Colombians. 

Thus, safety concerns should not keep you from exploring the beauty of Colombia. 

This article is a travel advice guide on all the places you can visit with little or no travel safety concerns. We have also included some security updates and listed a few helpful tips you can consider to ensure you remain safe while traveling. Let’s get started. 

10 Safest Cities in Colombia 

Safety in the Republic of Colombia has been a delicate and controversial subject. The Netflix series about Pablo Escobar may have painted a scary picture of the narco-culture in Colombia, particularly Medellin. Still, it has been almost 3 decades since the drug lord died. 

Government social infrastructure reforms have helped reduce the crime rate in the city, now one of Colombia’s top tourist destinations. Since 2000, the kidnapping rate has also decreased by 92%. 

While thriving tourism is a reflection of betterment in this South American country’s safety situation, many people are still apprehensive about whether the country is dangerous or safe to visit. The concerns are quite understandable, given the country’s past, but we are here to set the record straight. 

Below is a list of the 10 safest cities in Colombia.

1. Medellin

Medellin is Colombia’s second biggest city, with a population of over 3.7 million people. The city is an interesting mix of various neighborhoods, including high-rise apartment buildings and traditional architecture. The city is also popular for its beautiful lush greenery, parks, gardens, etc.

Medellin is generally considered safe, but not all its neighborhoods. The city that was once notorious for being one of the most dangerous has significantly improved in terms of safety. Based on a survey, 51% of the residents feel safe living in Medellin. 

The city is also a preferred place for living among digital nomads and expatriate communities. 

However, the city is not entirely crime-free. There are still active gangs in the city, but they are only limited to a few areas and focused on altercating with rival gangs. 

[Related Read: Where To Stay In Medellin, Colombia?]

2. Cartagena 

The historical city of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast is one of the most prominent cities in Colombia. 

The old port city is very significant from a historic and cultural point of view and draws tourists in huge numbers. As a popular tourist destination with its unique Cartagena beaches, there is considerable focus on maintaining safety in the city and keeping the crime rate in check.

However, just like Medellin, not all neighborhoods are safe in Cartagena. Expats prefer to live in the gated community and well-guarded area of Bocagrande.

3. Bogota

The capital of Colombia is well-known for its galleries and museums. The culturally rich and historical city of Bogota is also one of the safest cities in the country. While it has put its worst days of violence and intense crime behind, crime still seems to be a problem in some parts of Bogota. 

Luckily, some of the most popular neighborhoods tourists like to frequent are quite safe. One example of this is the Zona Rosa. The neighborhood, famously known for its nightlife with various restaurants, clubs, and bars, is heavily guarded by the police, making it very safe for tourists even at night.

4. Santa Marta 

Santa Marta was rated the fourth best city to live in. The populous city was once notorious for violence and crime and is considered one of Colombia’s most dangerous cities.

However, the government and locals have strived hard to reduce the crime rate and make it one of the safest areas in the country. In doing so, expats like to live in the city with additional things to do in Santa Marta, like its beautiful beaches, national park, majestic mountains, good quality of life, and low cost of living. 

In addition to its beauty, its thriving nightlife attracts tourists the world over. 

5. Bucaramanga

Bucaramanga in the north-central region is considered to have the lowest crime rates in the country. Due to strict government reforms, violence and crimes have significantly reduced in the city. The homicide rate has dropped more than 10% recently.

In addition to being safe, it is one of the most modern cities in Colombia, with great public transport facilities and a low cost of living. It also ranks high on the tourism scale, with more than 150 beautiful parks, beautiful mountain views, and nice pleasant weather. 

6. Manizales

As a part of the coffee-growing region and capital of Caldas, Manizales is one of the most significant cities in Colombia. Since more than 71% of its 500,000 residents feel safe living here, the city has been regarded as a safe area for a long time. 

Also called the City of Open Doors, Manizales is considered the second-best city to live in Colombia due to its perceived high quality of life. The locals are kind and hospitable and welcome you with open arms. The city is also known as the most ecological city in Latin America, and tourists like to visit it for its beautiful sights, natural beauty, fine architecture, and coffee plantations.

7. Pereira

Next on our list is Pereira, the largest of the 3 cities in the coffee triangle in Western Colombia. 

From a tourist’s point of view, it is quite safe and offers a comfortable and enjoyable trip. The city features a variety of hotels, shopping malls, open-air restaurants, nightclubs and cafes, and an efficient public transportation system. 

However, don’t expect to see a lot of the old architecture in the city, as many old buildings were wiped out during several earthquakes occurring in the past years.

8. Palomino

Palomino is a small coastal city in Guajira. It is quite famous among tourists for its sandy beaches and pristine water. The city also features various bars and restaurants, and the night scene is quite active, which makes safety an important concern. 

Efforts have been made to make Palomino one of the safest cities in Colombia so that tourists can visit the place without any worries for their safety. However, like any other place, it is important to practice safety precautions and be wary of deserted places and dark allies at night. 

9. Salento

Salento is a favorite location for tourism and one of the country’s safest cities. With a population of just over 7,000, the city is rather peaceful, and its natural beauty adds to its attractiveness. 

The city is a prominent part of the Andes. Things to do in Salento include tourist attractions with numerous restaurants, hostels, and hotels, guaranteed to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. You should have no trouble exploring the city, even if you are a female tourist or a solo traveler.

10. Guatape

Last but not least is the small resort-like city of Guatape. Lying along the shore of Antioquia Lake, the beautiful city is known for its breathtaking beauty, colorful streets and buildings, and the monumental La Piedra del Penol, the giant rock. 

The city is very safe and peaceful and ideal for tourists to explore and experience the native ambiance of Colombia.

Areas to Avoid in Colombia

Whether you’re an expatriate or a digital nomad seeking residence in Colombia or visiting the country as a tourist, it’s important to be aware of the dangerous areas and avoid them to ensure your safety at all times.

Not all places in Colombia are equally safe. Buenaventura is considered a highly dangerous city due to a record number of violent deaths related to territorial disputes last year. 

Another city notorious for violence is Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca. Armed groups are gaining strength in the city and causing unrest. As a tourist, avoiding the risk and sticking to safer areas is better. 

Similarly, the city of Barranquilla is also dangerous, with a high murder rate and violent crimes.

The gap between the poor and rich is quite wide in cities like Medellin and Bogota; hence the level of safety also varies significantly. So, whether you are looking for accommodation in Medellin or Bogota, it is better to keep to areas considered safe.

Night Time Safety in Colombia

Nighttime is not considered to be a safe time to explore Colombia. Some cities or neighborhoods are more dangerous than others. 

At the same time, some neighborhoods are safe even at night time. If you are in Cartagena or Santa Marta, the nightlife of these cities is very lively, and you will feel quite safe exploring the cities at night.

Here are some safety tips to consider for safety at night time in Colombia:

• Stay away from empty streets at night. In the darkness of night, thieves and tricksters come out to rob novice or lonely travelers in deserted areas or dark alleys.
• If you have been out partying at night, take a taxi or Uber to return to your hotel or wherever you are staying. If you go back on foot, you may encounter an unsafe area without knowing it and find yourself in a dangerous situation. 
• Avoid using ATMs at night to avoid thieves or robbers lurking around in hopes of looting people.
• It is also better to leave your credit card or other valuables at the hotel safely locked away and carry some local currency around only. Even if you do get robbed, you will lose some cash only. 

Tips to Stay Safe in Colombia

Colombia is a beautiful place to visit. While safety concerns should not keep you from traveling to the country, it is better to practice caution and be vigilant to avoid any trouble. 

Here are a few tips to stay safe if you are traveling in Colombia:

• Regardless of where you are traveling, try to catch a flight that lands in Colombia during the day so you can reach your hotel while the sun is still up.
• Research your travel route and destination and find out about possible safety concerns. It’s better to be well-informed on the dangerous and safe areas and plan your road travel and exploration plans accordingly. 
• Be updated on the latest travel advisory. You can also consult the hotel staff for more information.
• Do not flaunt your valuables like your phone, wristwatch, or camera in public. 
• Keep your valuables and your travel documents safely locked in your hotel room. Keep a copy of your passport, if required.
• Use cash wherever you can and lower the user limit on your credit or debit card.
• Keep your family or friends informed of your whereabouts, particularly if you are traveling alone.
• Do not leave your food or drink unattended. Anyone might spike it up or try to intoxicate you.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions – Is Colombia Safe?

Is it Safe to Travel to Colombia?

Yes, it’s safe to travel to Colombia. While there are a few dangerous rural areas that tourists are recommended to avoid, most cities are safe. 

Tourists can enjoy a memorable trip to Colombia with a few safety measures.

Which City Is the Safest in Colombia?

Salento is one of the safest cities in Colombia. 

Other safe cities are Pereira, Palomino, Guatapé, Santa Marta and Bogota.

Which Neighborhoods Are the Safest in Colombia?

The neighborhoods of Medellin, Bogota, Salento, Santa Marta, Guatapé, etc., are the safest in Colombia. 

Is Colombia Safe for Female Travelers?

Colombia is quite safe for women travelers. You might face a little trouble getting around if you do not know the local language, but with a few safety measures, you should have no trouble having a safe trip and exploring popular tourist destinations.

Is Colombia Safe for Solo Travelers?

Yes, Colombia is safe for solo travelers. 

You may have to adopt a few safety measures, like keeping your valuables safe, not leaving your food and drinks unattended, and avoiding going out alone at night in deserted areas. 

Conclusion – Is Colombia Safe?

Yes is the short answer to whether it is safe to visit Colombia. You could glean the long answer through this article with its updates, tips, and advice. Safe travel is important when you book your next vacation, so I hope this article lays that to rest.

While the country is not high on the list of safe destinations, don’t miss out on its wonders just because of its former notoriety. Personal safety is always a priority, but these concerns could be countered with precaution and common sense, which are requisites for any traveler anywhere in the world. Travel safely and smartly! 

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For related articles about Colombia, check out these articles:

• Top 5 Best Places To Enjoy Colombia Nightlife
• A Guide To Caño Cristales Rainbow River Colombia: Tips & Best Places To Stay