Colombia safety
 

Hi, my name is Giacomo Olcese and I'm planning a trip from Lima to Colombia. I live in Lima and I have done some short journeys like Lima-Cusco-Bolivia last year, so traveling to Ecuador is not a big deal in terms of security for me. My question for all of you experienced rides: how safe is to ride from Ecuador to Bogota and then to the coast (Cartagena, Barranquilla). I'm planning to go alone in my KTM 640 Adv., unless I met someone going the same way. I know that Colombia is great and worth visiting.
Any advise is appreciated,
thanks
Giacomo

Hi Giacomo

I've just travelled South from Medellin into Quito & beyond in Jan 2008 (that's the northern most point I could get my bike to).

1) try posting a message in the Columbia communities of the HUBB for the latest information; I did & the responses were very helpful. I was informed that riding to Bogota was safe at present.

2) From the info I gleaned from other bikers, mostly Colombian, do not ride after dark & try to be off the road by mid to late afternoon. Set off early in the morning.

3) The section from Pasto to Popayan : I was advised to ride this straight through, not to stop for food or fuel (by Colombians).

4) Search the HUBB for postings about safety in Colombia.

5) Post a 'seeking traveller' message & see who turns up

The Pan Am is generally very safe.

I enjoyed the riding very much & found the people to be very friendly & helpful.

Hope this helps

Scouse

What Scouse said....

I think the only (currently) bad spot is around Popayan.
The rest of Colombia is fine, the police will stop you if there is real danger. For the most part they are not corrupt and will help you in any way they can. (Just tell them Colombia is beautiful and that you like Aguardiente)

Mr Ron and I did a great road between Aguachica and Sincelejo. It was a blast on my KTM. PM Mr Ron and see if he has the GPS track for the road. This road connects the PanAm (north of Bogota) to a town not to far from Cartegena.


Jeff

There is no problem to travel in Colombia if you ride during the day.If you need more informations contact me .Im leaving in Cali and i was riding from colombia to peru in january 2008.i can help you for your planing.

How do you do that? Or do you mean the South and Central America and Mexico in the regional section?

There is a lot more here than this BB
 

Over on the left of your page:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/com...tEnglish.shtml

Colombia
 

Great idea!!... I did it and now I'm getting many emails from colombian with advise on routes, safety and offers of help if needed.
thanks,
Giacomo