What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Colombia? If you’re seeing visions of Pablo Escobar, don’t worry, you’re not alone. If someone had asked me the same question a year ago, I too would have conjured an answer based on the most recent episode of Narcos I had just finished binging.
Fast forward to 2018 and one epic expedition later, I am here to tell you that although Colombia has had a troublesome past, it’s undeserving of a travel embargo, no matter what your mom says.
When I was initially planning my adventure through South America, my itinerary included Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Chile. When it came to actually booking my flight from Toronto to South America, I discovered that flying into Colombia was a fraction of the cost of flying into one of its neighbouring countries. So I figured I’d fly into Colombia, stay for a few days – maybe a week at most – and then make my way to Peru.
Little did I know that not only I would spend five incredible (and unforgettable!) weeks exploring Colombia, it would actually become the highlight of my South American adventure.
But things weren’t all sunshine and roses at first. With my initial confidence fleeting as our plane landed in Medellin, I arrived in Colombia feeling unexpectedly nervous. Suddenly all I could hear in my head were the reactions I got from friends and family when I told them I was beginning my trip alone.
“Colombia?! Why Colombia? Is it safe? I think there’s a travel advisory there.”
“You know they have a serious drug trade problem there right?”
“The cartel basically runs that country don’t they?”
If any of these thoughts have also crossed your mind or if your second cousin’s step-sister and everyone else in the world is giving you that same look of bewilderment or grief and you’re still unsure about visiting Colombia, fear not – it is absolutely worth adding to your bucket list. All in all, it ended up making for a really unforgettable vacation and one that left me overwhelmed with confidence I lacked before.
But of course, just like any place, there are a few precautions you should take. Here are some quick tips for staying safe while travelling solo in Colombia:
1. Consider joining a group tour
A great way to get a feel for Colombia, while also reassuring your loved ones back home you’re accounted for, is by joining a group tour. This option will allow you to have independence but also give you peace of mind knowing your safety is being prioritized by a tour company. You’ll meet other like-minded solo travellers and learn a lot from your knowledgeable guides.
The guides help provide a lot of much-needed context on the sites you’re visiting and will give you a raw and honest account of Colombia’s history, something I likely wouldn’t have been capable of learning about to the same degree if I was travelling on my own. They usually also include entertaining anecdotes that are typically missing from guidebooks. Personally, I found the “extra” stories helped me to remember the facts I’d surely be quizzed about when I eventually returned home.
2. Learn a few Spanish phrases
While most of the younger generation speak English pretty fluently (especially in the cities) this is not always the case for older Colombians. Before you travel, definitely try to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip and of course, continue to learn a few while you’re there.
From a safety standpoint, knowing a bit of Spanish is invaluable to have on hand so you seem less vulnerable as a tourist just in case you find yourself in a sticky situation.
Spanish can be intimidating at first and especially, in Colombia where there are many different dialects within the country. Just when you think you’ve nailed a pronunciation you visit a new Colombian city only to learn it is pronounced entirely different. But, don’t be discouraged! A good place to start is by learning the basic salutations or greetings, how to order a taxi and some basic food and restaurant terminology. Because let’s be honest, if you can’t order an empanada did you even really go to Colombia?
Aside from helping to keep you safe and sound, learning a few phrases helps you break down the difficulty of connecting with locals. If a Colombian sees you making an effort to speak their language they will instantly recognize that and will be more likely to help or welcome you.
Whether they’re proudly showing you the fresh fish they caught that day or inviting you to cheer on the local soccer team with them in a bar, it is worth making the extra effort. That’s not to say you won’t meet incredible Colombians if you don’t speak a lick of Spanish, but the point is that it definitely helps to at least attempt to speak the language.
A small example of how language saved the day was when I suffered a minor foot injury on a river rafting excursion, and needed to clean the cut with hot water and salt. So I used my best charades and minimal Spanish to ask a few locals for assistance. I watched as a group of about five Colombians (all whom I’d never met before) dropped what they were doing and scrambled to find me a bucket filled with the perfect temperature of hot water and salt.
I was instantly overwhelmed by their kindness. That’s not to say, if I hadn’t mixed in a little Spanish they wouldn’t have helped me. What I’m trying to stress here, is that human kindness will surprise you in weird and wonderful ways – and a few shared words between strangers just makes the process even smoother.
3. Dress appropriately
When it comes to what to pack and wear in Colombia, it’s generally pretty progressive and modern. Bright clothes are welcomed and covering up your shoulders and knees isn’t necessary. In case you haven’t gathered, your normal wardrobe will do just fine, however it is worth mentioning that catcalling is pretty common and unavoidable for tourists and locals alike.
Rather, it’s best to just be prepared for the staring and to politely ignore any comments you’re uncomfortable hearing. The first few days of walking around and being heckled may seem like a bit of a shock and you may even want to yell back in protest, however, it’s best to just keep your cool and not provoke further confrontation.
4. Stay in tourist areas
Another piece of advice worth noting is to stay in tourist hotspots if you’re travelling alone. If you’re on a tour or meeting other travellers, definitely don’t be afraid to venture outside of the highly concentrated tourist areas with a group. In Cartagena for example, the walled city is a haven for foreigners. All the restaurants, shops and attractions cater to visitors from around the world so you’ll have no problem exploring the walls on your own. If you do explore off the beaten path maintain diligence about your safety and surroundings, as you always should while travelling.
Insider tip: one of the best salsa bars in Cartagena can be found just outside the walled city is Cafe Havana.
Many Colombian cities also offer free walking tours, which are great for familiarizing yourself with the area before exploring it on your own. When it comes to Medellin, what has once been considered the most dangerous city in the world is now a flourishing, vibrant and safe place to explore. You heard that right, safe. That being said, just like any city in the world, there are some areas you’ll want to avoid, especially after dark.
Insider tip: You’ll definitely want to avoid anywhere within 20km of the borders to Venezuela or Panama, but it is unlikely you’d be in the position to accidentally stumble into these areas anyway.
And of course, if you’re on a group tour, your guide will be able to show you around the neighbourhoods you might not feel comfortable discovering on your own. A general rule of thumb to follow if you’re alone and curious about the safety of a particular neighbourhood is too look for other travellers.
5. Beware of pickpocketing
I never personally had any pickpocketing encounters in Colombia but it is definitely worth mentioning and being aware of. The tight corners and busy streets are to be approached with caution. I’d recommend always keeping your purse and wallet on the front side of your body. While riding on any public transit, wear your backpack on the front of your chest. Don’t leave your phone in your backpack, no matter how habitual it is.
It might seem obvious, but don’t carry any large sums of cash on your person. You also don’t want to stand out as a target so avoid holding or wearing anything too flashy. This goes for both travellers and locals. If you do find yourself a victim of pickpocketing don’t panic and absolutely don’t feel ashamed. Even seasoned travellers can fall prey to a professional pickpocket. Our guide, unfortunately, had his phone stolen while showing us around a local market.
Despite the stereotypes Colombia is labelled with, it is without a doubt worth visiting. What really stood out to me was how genuinely excited the people were to show outsiders their country and help dismantle outdated stereotypes. They encouraged us to return home with positive stories and tell our friends and family to visit, and all locals are eager to change the outside world’s perspectives of their country.
If I’d have let the fear-mongering get the best of me I would have never experienced Colombia myself and possibly, more importantly, become a more confident person. Yes, do your research before going anywhere, but don’t let the fear of it being unsafe prevent you from embarking on the adventure of a lifetime.
Do you agree or disagree? Tell us in the comments below!
