Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Sep 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: All over
Posts: 9
How safe is ColOmbia to ride?

How safe is columbia to ride?

Which areas are very safe and which areas should be avoided?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Sep 2005
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,304
Hate to be a pedant, but you gotta watch the spelling of place names - search on ColOmbia and you'll get plenty of info.

(NOTE: I have edited the subject to correct the spelling.)

Safety is relative - it's not as safe as London, but not as dangerous as Iraq...

Follow the rules, and you should be fine - but be very aware of the rules, pay attention to what's going on, and check the Communities for the latest info on where and when is good.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com



[Note: This message has been edited by Grant Johnson]
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Sep 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 163
As Grant said in his other reply to you (re the Darien) there´s loads of stuff here. Scroll down the topics and you´ll see some recent stuff. I won´t repeat myself here but in other posting (from a few of weeks back)I updated some stuff on both Colombia and the Darien. Have a look, I´m not the only one. In short, the Darien was great as far as Yaviza - I wouldn´t go any further. Colombia was fantastic and we had no problems.

Have a good trip which ever way you go.

Chris
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Sep 2005
JTA's Avatar
JTA JTA is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Bogotá, Colombia
Posts: 11
Thank you very much, Grant. I´m affraid we´ll have to repeat a zillion times that ColOmbia and ColUmbia are two completly different places. Haven´t people learned that at early school?

Regarding the question, I´m pretty sure that Colombia is now a much safer place than 2 or 3 years ago, but is not trouble-free yet. As some people have said, try to stay on the main roads, don´t drive at night and don´t adopt the typical "I´m smarter, richer, faster (and obviously less educated) than you" attitude some travelers I´ve seen have.

If your intentions are to see the main cities, there´s absolutely no problem, but if you plan something more adventurous, try to contact me or somebody in the community: We are helpful by nature.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Sep 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Heading to Ushuaia
Posts: 34
how safe is colombia? that age-old question.

we traveled colombia last year for a month. liked it so much we went back for another two weeks. here's my take on it.

we had a great time and met some of the most amazing people there. the dangers are very real and you have to be aware of yourself but having said that we took no more precautions in colombia than anywhere else in s. america. we traveled at night but only a couple times around dusk. we stuck to the panamerican for the most part and didnt wander off into the darien. personally i think the colombians are competing with the brazilians for nicest people in s. america award. you will meet some great folks there. keep your wits about you and you'll be fine.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA
Posts: 62

Found Columbia to be as safe and friendly as any other country south of US border. I travelled south from Bogota to Ecuador border, and later, north from Bogota to Cucuta and Venezuela., then Rio Hacha to Cartagena. Very scenic--friendly folks, and no problems.--Porter

------------------
on the road(almost)
and lovin' it!!
KLR650-A13 'BURRO'
__________________
on the road(almost)
and lovin\' it!!
KLR650-A13 \'BURRO\'
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 Oct 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Faversham,England
Posts: 137
In Bogota,and we can only agree that the people are friendly and the most helpful we have met so far.3 times in the first day here we were approached by an English speaking local who asked if they could help with anything.Perhaps we looked a bit lost holding a street map in front of us.
Only shock was the 12 degrees C drop.
Of course we are not going to walk round with camera showing and mobile phone on each ear whilst drawing cash from ATM at midnight.But i wouldn´t do that in most places.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Far, Away
Posts: 168
This is a heart warming report from the last E-zine. In many ways it sounds like one of the best places to Visit.

"I write to tell you that my latest sojourn is coming to an end as Cecilia and I head to the house of a new biker friend that has offered to store my bike here in Bogotá. This is the completion of a 14,000 KM journey, the 15th odyssey I have made on this bike and I am proud to tell you that it is still in stellar condition.

After crossing this wonderful country for the 12th time, four times on motorbike, I would highly agree with just about every other traveller and writer and say that Colombia has to be one of the most misunderstood countries in the world, that it is so much more that just drugs, terrorism and violence. It is one of the most diverse Countries in the world, the only country in South America where the Cordillera actually split into three, offering the most spectacular scenery and roads. And with two rainy seasons it has the greenest topography of any country that I have ever seen. The people are some of the most hospitable in the world and if you had the chance to read about the largest sociological study ever made about which countries have the happiest people, you would have read that Colombia took first place! A far cry from the common perception that the average person has of this country.

Like every other person that gets bombarded with all the bad press about Colombia, I too was weary and made a commitment to stick to certain rules: travel early in the day, stick to the main roads, and constantly ask questions about the particular area we were crossing at the time. The difference for me was that I learned much from all my other experiences in Colombia and knew that while certain risks exist, they can be avoided with a little common sense. I guess if I had listened to every travel advisory that the USA ever issued I would have a fraction of the experiences that I enjoy today.

The President of Colombia seems to have made a firm commitment to send the guerillas back to the jungle and this was made clear by the highest military presence I’ve yet seen anywhere in Latin America. From the Border of Ecuador to Cali, along the Pan American Highway, foot soldiers were placed at close intervals, all with sophisticated weaponry and a very serious composure. I even noticed snipers hanging from trees. For a person not familiar with this kind of environment, it appears intimidating, or at the very least surreal. But for us, it was the extra bit of confidence we needed to have a secure ride.

In short, I would say that this ride was everything I was hoping to find when I returned to this wonderful Continent: hospitable happy people, great scenery, spectacular bike adventures and the pleasure to meet so many other biker friends after years of email contact. After a five week stay in the house of Latin America’s Biker Ambassador Ricardo Rocco, it was more than inspirational to know that so many of us could come together and bond with different ideas and share freely all in the name of biker travel camaraderie. All the best my friend, Daniel".
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Nov 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Posts: 24
I just rode Bogota to Cali to Ecuador. No problems, wonderful people and country. A minor "hassle" is all the police checkpoints. But it's reassuring they're there!

Trip report at: http://timtraveler.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:03.