Mochiliante
Mochiliante
Colombia is on many travelers' wish lists: jungles, Caribbean beaches, colonial cities, and of course, one of the best coffees in the world. But... How safe is it to visit this country in 2025? Has it improved, worsened, or remained the same? Well, the answer is not a simple "yes" or "no". There are nuances, and here we tell you all about them with honesty and updated data.
Yes, but with precautions.
In general, Colombia is a safe destination for tourism in 2025, especially if you stay in the recommended tourist areas. The country has made significant progress in safety over the last two decades, but as in any country in the world, there are areas where it is advisable to be more careful.
What does reality say?
Crime rate: According to data from the Colombian Ministry of Defense, crimes have decreased in many tourist areas thanks to increased police control.
Growing tourism: In 2024, more than 5 million international tourists visited the country. A historical record!
Cities with the best reputation: Medellín, Cartagena, Bogotá, and the Coffee Axis have a solid infrastructure and a good reputation among travelers.
Not all of the country is the same. These are the safest regions for tourists:
Colonial city, ideal for families and first-time travelers.
Enhanced security in the walled city and tourist areas.
It has gone from being a dangerous city to a model of urban transformation.
Neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles are safe and popular among tourists.
Nature, tranquility, and safety.
Ideal for ecotourism and coffee lovers.
Chapinero, Usaquén, and La Candelaria are areas with a good police presence.
Like any big city, you should be cautious at night.
Borders with Venezuela and some rural areas in the south of the country.
Parts of departments like Arauca, Cauca, and Norte de Santander.
Use safe transport apps like Uber, Didi, or Cabify.
Avoid showing valuable items on the street: cameras, jewelry, expensive watches.
Do not walk alone at night in poorly lit areas.
Have the contact of your embassy and emergency services at hand.
Yes, but with precautions. More and more solo travelers, especially women, visit Colombia without problems. Some special tips:
Stay in well-rated hostels or hotels.
Avoid walking alone at night.
Always ask trusted locals if an area is safe to explore.
We looked for comments in forums like Reddit, TripAdvisor, and travel blogs and they all agree on something: Colombia surprises for the better.
"I was in Medellín and Bogotá for 3 weeks. I never felt unsafe, and the people were incredibly kind." — @Sofía, Spanish traveler.
"I loved Salento. It's a magical and safe place. I would return without hesitation." — @Marcelo, Argentine tourist.
Do I need a vaccine to travel to Colombia in 2025?
It is not mandatory, but the yellow fever vaccine is recommended if you are going to jungle areas.
Can I use a credit card in Colombia?
Yes, in large cities and tourist areas. Even so, carry some cash for small places.
Is it safe to travel by bus within Colombia?
Yes, always try to use the transport terminal of each city and buy at the windows, so you will have a ticket from the company that is taking you.
Is it safe for women to travel alone to Colombia?
Yes, but they should take precautions similar to those they would take in other countries: use transport apps, stay in reliable places, and avoid walking alone at night.
Colombia in 2025 is not the same country as 20 years ago. It's vibrant, modern, and yes, safer. But as in any destination, the key is to travel informed and with common sense. If you choose the right areas, follow basic tips, and maintain an open but cautious attitude, your trip to Colombia can be one of the most unforgettable of your life.
We hope you choose Colombia as your next destination. Below we leave you some guides that we have made so you can include them in your travel route. Without further ado, we wish you a journey full of pleasant moments. A big hug and see you next time, Mochiliante! 😊✈️
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