Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road
Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 Feb 2007
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 35
Update on Bogata to Quito - any recent concerns?

I`m planning to ride from Bogata to Ecuador in two weeks. Any recent travellers with advice?
Thanks
__________________
Ross Alan Davidson, 72, of Mississauga, Ontario died in the wee hours of July 9th 2018 surrounded by his loving family at home.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 Feb 2007
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Similar query

We are in Quito and will be heading north to Colombia at the end of this week, then up to Cartagena.

We are planning to stick to the main route via Cali, Medellin etc without much deviation.

Where are the current no-go areas and would we be be safe enough sticking to this route?


Also, can we buy those Colombia waitcoat things and numberplate stickers at the border in Ecuador?

Thanks
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 Feb 2007
albert crutcher's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: colombia-ecuador
Posts: 218
Talking Pasto

All the jackets and so on you can get sorted out in Pasto,the guys at the border should be able to point you in right direction
Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 Feb 2007
albert crutcher's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: colombia-ecuador
Posts: 218
Nope

Quote:
Originally Posted by Monkeybutt View Post
I`m planning to ride from Bogata to Ecuador in two weeks. Any recent travellers with advice?
Thanks
All the current info says Colombia is honkydory,don,t forget to drop by Cartegena,Medellin,Pereira and Cali,Lucky bastard!!!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Feb 2007
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
Colombia

I've been in Colombia nearly 2 months. I've done nearly 5000 kilometers of riding in country the past several weeks, from Bucaramanga down through Bogota and Villavicencio in the Cordillera Oriental (eastern range), and Manizales north in the Cordillera Occidental (central range).

I've done lots of riding - almost every kilometer of paved road - within 150 kilometers or so of Medellin. No problems. There's military everywhere - they sometimes stop me and check my papers but mostly I just ride by and wave. There's also National Police out and about - the few times I've been stopped, they've looked at my papers as well but otherwise no problems there either. (Not a single time was there any attempt at extracting dinero).

I did get stopped by the traffic cops once using radar, doing 90+kph in a 80 kph stretch north of Villavicencio (south from Aguazul on the edge of the Amazon Plateau), which is a hoot because its the flatest, straightest, most lightly travelled road I've been on in Colombia. (no ticket - just a warning).

I'm leaving tomorrow or Wednesday for Ecuador, I'll spend several days riding the coffee area south of Manizales - again, the paved roads. There's some parks to check out, some hotsprings, some nice towns - and good eating.

Basically anywhere there's paved roads are ok - can't say the same about wandering off into the backcountry on unpaved roads although I've done some off-pavement riding as well up in the mountains around Medellin.

I've been told not to stray off the main highway between Cali and the border of Ecuador. Nothing really of interest, since I've already seen the best, and its a bit suspect.

Of course, I'm not endorsing anything, mind you. Its just the best riding I've done in South America (ok, I just got here, heading south, but way better than anything in Central America).

And the best thing - the people are great. The majority of the people want to move on from the troubles of the recent past, and are really excited to see foriegners travelling through there country. Make sure you stop in the small towns, sit down and have a coffee and chances are, some complete stranger will wind up paying for it (that's been my experience travelling solo).

Enjoy
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Feb 2007
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 35
Thanks

Thanks for the info everyone. It´s much appreciated.
__________________
Ross Alan Davidson, 72, of Mississauga, Ontario died in the wee hours of July 9th 2018 surrounded by his loving family at home.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Feb 2007
Smellybiker's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Missing, presumed fed
Posts: 295
Quote:
Originally Posted by Monkeybutt View Post
Thanks for the info everyone. It´s much appreciated.
Have been in Colombia for almost three months now, no hassles at all & no sign of corruption.

Its almost as if the police here have been told to 'leave the tourists alone'. I've been stopped once so far & as soon as the cop saw the UK number plate he let us go with a smile and a handshake, didnt even ask for documents.

I didnt bother getting the waistcoat until Medellin, never heard of numberplate stickers.

Expect to see lots of military & police checkpoints. I slow right down, open up my helment & raise a glove - they seem to appreciate this.

The dodgy bit is between Ecuador & Cali, also from Santa Marta to Venezuela. I'm guessing the bit near Venezuela is worse as instead of just soldiers with assault rifles you see armoured personnel carriers with 50 caliber machine guns. Again no hassles for us.

If they do stop you, be sure to stay polite & dont provoke them. Near Santa Marta we passed a military checkpoint where they were dragging a guy through the window of his car and beating the crap out of him. The car boot was open so I'm guessing they didnt like what they found, didnt stop to ask.

Like Chuck said - the people are amazing & its a fantastic country.
__________________
Missing, presumed fed.
https://youtube.com/@ChileBob
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 3 Mar 2007
pajaro's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Manizales, Colombia
Posts: 32
Good stuff...

Way to go guys, now you are talking!!
It feels good inside to hear that my contry is so well regarded. Besides the fact that I am Colombian, I do agree on everything you said. According to Lonely Planet, 90% of the people that have travelled around south america agree when saying that Colombia was the highlight of their trip.
The helmet sticker with the license plate numbers, and the waitcoat are not mandatory for foreigners, they wont give you trouble for that, but to minimize chances of getting potential B.S. you could get one, plus, the reflective waitcoat (very cheap) will come in handy on the road making you more visible for other vehicles.
Between cali and ecuador i recommend you stick to the panamerican, there is great scenery along and few troubles, provided you are reasonably careful, and dont travel at night (which you should never do anyway).
Parque Tayrona, 40 km from Santa Marta is a must, avoid holidays.
You guys have fun out there, it is a hidden jewel.
Juan
__________________
Life is good!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 Mar 2007
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Well we´ve just ridden from Equador, (crossed at Tulcan, only took 50 mins all in, very easy) to Medellin with no bother at all. Lots of armed police/army etc and the usual document checks.

Shame we have to rush it as we need to catch a boat in Cartagena mid march as theres nothing but lovely scenery and very friendy people!
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 5 Mar 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Phoenix,arizona
Posts: 2
Border Crossing ECUADOR-Colombia.....ISPIALES

Quote:
Originally Posted by Monkeybutt View Post
I`m planning to ride from Bogata to Ecuador in two weeks. Any recent travellers with advice?
Thanks
Hi MonkeyButt.....i just came up from quito to bogota.........border crossing in TULCAN was a long wait 3 1/2 hours ....get there early, ecuador imigration officers are always out to lunch or comp. sys. is not working.
In colombia take Hwy. bogota to armenia,cali, boyoban,pasto,ispiales,quito. stay in the cauca valley, i had a fantastic ride lots of curves and high mountains from bogota to armenia , then it flatens out till after boyoban and once again high mountains all the way to quito ....enjoy the ride i did.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 20 Aug 2007
Explorador's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: California
Posts: 42
Has anyone done the Columbia to Ecuador route recently? This is on Lonely Planet's website currently-

"There is a high risk to the security of those traveling in the northern areas of Ecuador that border with Colombia because of kidnappings and increased crime. Landmines are also present in the Cordillera del Cóndor region, bordering Peru. These areas should be avoided."

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldgui...apagos-islands
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 21 Aug 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Quito, Ecuador
Posts: 68
Yes, be very careful as you get to the border. You must hire a local guide to guide you through the minefields... LOL. Sorry, couldn´t resist!!!

I think this might be more in reference to extreme adventure hikers or such that might go into the jungle or else, unguided in way out of the way places.

PS. It´s ColOmbia, by the way...
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 22 Aug 2007
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
Its safe to say you won't see any landminds on your KLR.

A friend in Medellin advised me not to stop for any length of time on the highway between Popayan and the Ecuador border - wasn't much reason to stop there in the first place, so I didn't.

As far as the kidnappers go - they like to go after high-value targets, local politicians, executives for the big multi-nationals who have lots of dinero to bargain for - a grungy looking biker riding by on a KLR doesn't fit the profile.
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 22 Aug 2007
Explorador's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: California
Posts: 42
OK, OK- Be nice to the new guy.....
Colombia, Colombia, Colombia, Colombia,Colombia, Colombia....
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 12 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Ballarat, Australia
Posts: 47
Nothin to worry about...

There is now a Popoyan checkpoint manned by guerrillas! I swear it. Bloody hilarious.

The Guerrillas have a big sya in Popayan tourism now, they're not gonna bite the hand that feeeds them, quite the opposite, you will probably meet one, not know it and think gee he was nicest guy I've met!

The road from Popoyan, if you don't stop you'll miss all those yummy 25 cents a bag glazed peanuts. RISK IT DUDE, they're excellent!!! lol

Close to Chrsitmas don't fly through there. I went thru 24th December and the kids put ropes over the road to slow down travellers who may throw them a few dollars, or a Santa present. Bring some trinkets, hand em out and give your Christmas a kickstart!!!!

Watch the dogs. F u k i n dogs all the way down there, and a couple of big ones that think motorbikes are edible.
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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
FLY PANAMA TO QUITO ecuador colombia, flight price girag, august 2006, darien gap getalexfr Trip Transport 19 26 Apr 2008 16:43
Flying to either Quito or Bogata on the 19th andrewpguy Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 16 Dec 2006 02:13
Price increase shipment via Air: Panama - Quito Twintraveller Central America and Mexico 6 19 Aug 2006 00:14
Clearing customs in Quito Twofinger South America 3 21 Jan 2006 06:09

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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 13:44.