Colombia Security Update 2024

[niliss]

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.