Recent feedback for solo travel in Colombia

Hi there, I’m reposting this because the two replies to my question were really nice, but one was from someone who traveled to Colombia five years ago, and the other from someone who’s never been. Plus, my question got buried in a completely off-topic discussion. To clarify, I’d love **RECENT** info on safety in Colombia right now. So, here it is again.

I’m planning a trip to Colombia this summer. I’ve read a lot about safety there—everything and its opposite. You, Colombia experts, after your recent return from Colombia, would you say it’s a country where you can travel safely today? We don’t plan to visit narco or paramilitary zones. What about the current political situation? We’re traveling as a couple, without a tour. Thanks for your replies.

Stop overthinking safety in Colombia. I felt safer there than in France. I was there for two months at the end of last year, including near the Venezuelan border, the Pacific coast, the Caribbean, and the central region—no issues at all.

Like anywhere, you need to be careful, but honestly, YES, Colombia is safe for travel, even without a tour group.

As for those who tell you to hide your phone or camera... personally, I kept my DSLR in hand, and my smartphone too. No need to hide them (unless you're walking around at midnight in a sketchy neighborhood). After all, EVERYONE has one, if not two, in their hands all the time...

As for the current political situation, just keep an eye on the news....

Stop stressing so much about safety in Colombia. You feel safer there than in France. I was there for two months at the end of last year, including near the Venezuelan border, the Pacific coast, the Caribbean, and the center—no problems at all. So, like anywhere else, you need to be careful, but honestly, YES, Colombia is safe for traveling, even without an organized tour. As for those who tell you to hide your phone or other cameras... personally, I keep my DSLR in hand, and my smartphone too—no need to hide them (unless you're walking around at midnight in a sketchy neighborhood). Anyway, EVERYONE has one, if not two, in their hands all the time... As for the current political situation, just follow the news...

You should stop too 😄 Okay, the country isn’t more dangerous than anywhere else (but phone theft is what Colombians themselves deal with the most, and not just at night in sketchy areas). Just on the avenue leading up to Monserrate, which is super touristy, and around the ticket booths in broad daylight—want me to count the thefts for you?? 🤪 When it happens to you, you won’t be saying anything 😏

He’s asking for a testimonial—here’s mine, and I stand by it. If it happened to me, yeah, I’d talk about it :) And anyway, the moment you’re a *gringo*, people assume you’ve got money. So hiding your phone or not... if they’re targeting you because you’re a *gringo*, whether your phone’s hidden or not, they’ll rob you.