What's the situation in Colombia?
 

I just read the warning here about Colombia. (in the communities pages)

I'm planning to flight our bikes to Bogota, and from there visit Cartagena, maybe Medellin, before heading south toward Ecuador.
The warnings on the Colombia page here did worry me a bit.
Any update on current situation would be welcome.

Cheers,

And if you're in Colombia, probably see you in May!

Hi Maria!

Warnings, what warnings?? No one told me! (I´m just kidding)

We´ve just arrived in Cartagena having ridden up from Ecuador. We´ve had absolutely no problems at all here and in fact we wish we could have stayed longer and seen a lot more of Colombia. The scenery has been some of the best I´ve ever seen and the people really have been more than helpful, especially in Medellin, however we´ve got a boat to catch from here in a few days (if it turns up that is). Actually, the worst thing thats happened to us so far in Colombia was a little dissagreament over the price of our breakfast this morning!

We stupidly did a very long day yesterday (7.30am-7.00pm) not getting to a hotel till just after dark and I´ll admit I was a little nervous racing through the countryside in the dark however there seems to be army and police posts on pretty much any road we´ve been on and everytime I ask them if there are any problems, they always say no.

So don´t worry about it too much!

Ohhhh Nooooo! Mr Bill, don't go to Colombia!
 

You might try posting a link here to "the warnings" you came across - either they are outdated or the posting was possibly overstating something - or just plain stinking wrong.

cool!
 

Yes the postings on the Country community pages might be a bit out of date!

The feed back I had from my colombian colleague last time I spoke with him was that it was fairly safe now.

Mike, thanks for the update! I've been reading your blog and really enjoying it! I've also been very envious of course!
See you next year at Ripley doing a presentation then? :laugh:

go!!
 

hi. I´m in Colombia now and just spent a few days camping in the mountains near San Gil. Spectacular! The police and military are very helpful, don´t be afraid to ask them whats hot and whats not. No doubt Colombia has dangerous areas, but so far they have been easily avoidable. I´ll be here for the next month or so. The Colombainas are very special people, it´s well worth exploring the un-beaten path!

if things are fairly safe, does that mean the Darien Gap is okay too?

NO! Although it's safe to travell in certain areas in Colombia, the Darien is not one of them. 2/3 of my map is in red, meaning no-go zones. These are mostly to the east and the north west. I'll try to post a photo later.
This is the most recent info i received from the police while in the Sanander district. Remember, the situation could change at any time.

Keep your eyes open
 

Howdy Maria----Just got home from Colombia, the roads are pretty good but they are FULL of big trucks. These guys pass each other all the time on curves and hills. At night the big trucks rule the roads. The locals just don't seem very used to seeing gringos and we got stared at alot, but then I am so good looking you know.

Had a room burglary in Baranquilla, but no problems in Cartagena. The hotels and eateries are really glad to see you and offer lots of advice. I would plan where to stay next before leaving out every day. The Lonely Planet books seems pretty up-to-date.

A local in Pasto advised, "never travel at night, and never leave the Pan-Am". We did both, unintentionally, with no problems. Use your head and drink lots of water.

And to the guys in Cartagena waiting on the boats, Good Luck, we gave up, shipped the bikes by sea to Miami and just went home. My companions just did not have the time to wait 3 weeks for the boats to run. Oh well, next time.

Curtis

I just updated my websight with new photo´s. Enjoy!
Welcome

great pics! i was in colombia last november and had no problems. amazing country to visit and safe is you stay in the main roads!
S.

Just to add a 'must see'
 

If you land in Bogota, make sure you get to Rio Claro, near Didora (not sure of the correct spelling.) It's about three hours east of Medellin and a beautiful canyon where you can either camp for free (after paying $3,000 entry to the reserve), you can take your food in with you or buy meals from the hostal, or stay in the hostal ($45,000 including all meals), or a cabaña ($65,000 with meals). The hostal is pretty basic but clean and in a big tree house sort of thing. Great when a thunder storm passed through, we could watch it without getting drenched. Also, the guy who owns the place is a bit of a biker himself and has travelled with his wife around South America. Unfortunately we didn't get much of a chance to chat as we were keen to get swimming in the river.
The ride from Rio Claro to Medellin is beautiful also, as seem to be most roads in the mountains in Colombia.
Have fun on your travels.
Michelle

I talked with a yound lady here from Colombia. She confirms that the political situation has evolved a lot over the few last years and the country is generally safe, depending on which area you are heading to. For example, she showed me a movie she took about some civil unrest in Chile and claimed this would never happen in Colombia. The strike occurs between two armies in located areas, but criminality is very much under control.

On the other hand, i met a few americans here visiting Buenos Aires but living in Colombia. Their main complaint was about robberies and the fact that police will very rarely support the victim of those uncivilities, since when you are robbed, you are pretty much regarded as responsible for it.

I hope this helps.

Great country.....mental drivers
 

Hi Maria, just to second what amcwillie said....look out for the trucks and buses on the mountain roads. On the whole, the Colombians seem to be very friendly people and the country (at least on the main routes we rode) seemed safe. However, the bus and truck drivers can't drive for toffee....

From what we saw of it, great country....and if you get a chance, head to Popayan...:thumbup1:

colombia is amazing
 

well.. i think Colombia is a beatifull country!.. and you will love it, is not dangerous, i was afraid like you when we enter but nothing happenned..the people is so helpfull and the police take care of you !.. but if you are going there go to Casa Kiwi in Medellin is so incredible that place, and all the views in Colombia is incredible, is my favorite country now!!..

Angie

Colombia
 

Can´t resist adding to what´s been said (and I agree). Today I rode from Tunja to Bucamarunga. It was one of the best mountian rides I´ve ever had. People are very friendly and helpful on the road. Some seemed to be very happy to see a tourist in their country and thanked me for making the effort despite the bad press. the drivers are something else - you have to be very alert. Not sure if the car or truck drivers are worse. I saw a potential head-on between two trucks on a mountian curve today will I was stopped taking photos. Luckily they stopped in time but there was about a foot left between their front bumpers.

simple thanks
 

Hi there

thanks for sharing your opinions an a couple of must sees, this thread has been great to read about some people who`ve been through the country recently. I`m really excited about seeing the place. Can`t wait to arrive (about 2 weeks), just have to suss out this boat from Panama now!

ps does anyone know how to do an apostrophe on these spanish keyboards? will have to make do with `

Josh