Colombia Security Update 2024
 

Dear Fellow Horizons,

I provided a security update last year. I have been living in Colombia (Medellin) for 10 years now and have travelled extensively in the country. please note, this security update is only to help you make a wise decision, always check the security updated maps before traveling.

As many noted the security situation in Colombia has been deteriorating and that means that there are serious security issues that I want to address. Since landing in this beautiful Country in 2014, the security situation has been improving year over year until after Covid when the political shift as well as the newly formed FARC dissidents wreck havoc in Rural Colombia.

Here is my personal recommendations:

1. Is Medellin Safe? -- Yes! If you are not going to be going on dates with strangers. Just don't let anyone in your hotel room (no tinder, no hookers...well you get the idea). That way, you are safe.

2. Can I still get to Ecuador over land? Yes(!), but make sure you (A) travel only on the main roads (B) Avoid travelling after Dark (C) Avoid traveling South of Cali. You can enter Cali from the north and then leave from the north again to the airport and then make it south towards Popayan. (D) Only stay in the main cities of Pereira / Armenia, Cali, Popayan, Pasto --> Ecuador.

3. Is traveling from Cartagena to Medellin and beyond safe? -- Absolutely, the biggest danger are the trucks, my recommendation is to travel over Turbo, Apartado and then Santa Fe de Antioquia. I have stayed in Dabeiba, but my recommendation would be to leave early early early and make it to Santa Fe de Antioquia in one day (much better hotels). Please note, that while there are no trucks, this route can be a bit tricky with Landslides and the security situation might change.

4. Motorcycle Kidnappings -- There have been kidnappings in the last 2 years, but those have happend (to my knowledge) outside of the tourist areas on very small roads and close to the Narco Areas (south of Cali, close to the Venezuelan Border).

5. Riding Dirt Roads -- done this many times...many roads are being improved and they are fun to ride. I would recommend staying off the main roads as much as possible in the zones that allow this. Best to ask a local

While, Colombia gained a negative reputation due to the on-going Cocaine export, I feel it is safe if you come with the right intentions. No place in the world is safe if you come with the wrong intentions.

Here some more safety recomendations:

1. Bike to get -- For Colombia a 400 CC (KTM 390 Adventure) is the right choice if you are by yourself (see my previous posts) however, once you get to Chile you might need to carry some additional Gasoline (fuel). Why security? Well there are not that many BMW 1300 CC out there and they cost about 8 annual salaries...you do the math.

2. Bike Parking -- It might not be a surprise, but you will need to get it parked at all time in the yellow parking garages (they are nearly always yellow) and parking will cost you next to nothing. If you are like going out for a drink in the park of a village, you can risk parking it in the village park as long as you have sights on it. Don't leave valuables (cellphone) on your bike.

3. Look like a poor guy -- No Jewelery, expensive watch, etc etc. People don't know that your Klim Jacket cost over $1000 USD, but they know Iphone, airpods etc....so be aware of that. That being said, there are many Youtubers out there that have expensive cameras...just be prepared that they might get stolen.

Overall, Colombia is safe...if you are a little street smart and adhere to local customs.

safe!
 

the only danger is: you may not want to leave
I made this decision 8 years ago, within 6 months as a foreign worker I bought g650gs and 6 months later I traded for a f700gs , these are my first road bikes , I had to learn how to ride in Colombia and I have never regretted a minute in the saddle
I belong to MC clubs and have never had a bad experience in 85000 km.
I almost had my wallet stolen in Valle Dupar beside the Guatapuri river while I was taking a dip, it was in a Comercial area with vendors and small restaurants.
I had parked my moto many times in this beside the street area with a self proclaimed parking attendant that would watch you bike for a small fee.
He had been watching me and as usual I opened my aluminum top box and put my essential stuff from my tank bag like sunglasses, cigarets , moto , apartment keys and my wallet and locked it and went into the river and had a beer. truly magnificent because the water is clean and clear it comes down from the pico Colon the glacier on the highest mountain in Colombia ,
Sierra Nevado de Santa Marta.
I returned to my bike 20 minutes later and the lock on the top box was busted, the tumbler was missing. the thief musta hit it with a flat screw driver and a rock
I opened the lid and low and behold everything was still there ,WTF
The lock is a simple Cam lock Uni directional but after you turn the tumbler 90 degrees you have to push a button to release the over the centre latch.
this dumb ass thief couldn't figure this out.
I questioned the attendee and he knew nothing about it and saw nothing.
I knew he was lying , It is pretty hard not to carry a wallet anywhere on the planet so my recommendations are keep your wallet with you in a water proof bag if you go swimming cause swimming holes are popular places for thieves. parking places that are legit are not alway available
Petty theft is a major problem in Colombia You have to put your thinking on a higher level of awareness in Colombia .

It's a bit complicated....

In general security has indeed deteriorated somewhat in some areas (illegal traffic routes and groups seeking control over them).

However some areas which were considered risky prior to 2016 have improved in terms of security, and are now "safe" destinations. For example this year we've been to San Jose del Guaviare and to Mocoa, both of which still raise eyebrows among friends, however both the towns and the surrounding countryside appear to be very tranquil now, and are well worth visiting.

My advice is to look at the various foreign government travel advice sites (UK, Canada, Australia, USA) and take the advice into account, seek (and follow) local advice, and apply good SA and common sense.

Hey Niliss thanks for your extensive post.

Thinking of buying a bike in bogota colombia and then heading clock wise through to venezuela, brazil and heading donw to patagonia.

With your post it makes me a bit unsure due to mentioned kidnappings.

Anybody have advice or tips for the road. done something similar?

I am a bit worried about motorcycle safety. but all i can do is install a lock and try to leave the bike in a safe parking inside of the accomodations. all else will be fate.

Also thinking of which gear to bring. My own helmet and gloves maybee a summer riding jacket with rain gear.

Anyway if any of you have advice its very welcome

Add, boots, and a tool roll with basic items that might get you out of a jam.
I gave up on using a dedicated GPS and now load up local offline mapping data on my smartphone + Google Maps. A currency converter weighs zero. If your spanish is basic, install an offline translator with language packs. Google Translate is Ok, not great.