Is it Safe to Solo Travel in Colombia?

Are you thinking about traveling to Colombia alone? You might be wondering, is it safe to solo travel in Colombia? When I told my family and friends I was going to Colombia alone, they immediately tried to convince me not to go. It’s so unsafe, they said, why risk it? Had they ever been themselves? No, not at all! So many people just base their opinions on what they see in the media or what they hear.

However, after personally visiting and seeing Colombia myself, I have to say, I felt safe. I did my research ahead and took extra precautions before my visit and you should do the same. I didn’t go out alone at night and I took group tours nearly everyday during my trip. I am an experienced solo traveler having visited 20+ countries alone and 40+ countries total. But, just because I had a safe visit, is not to say you will also when you go. Anything can happen no matter where you go in this world.

I wanted to share my experience with you. That way, you can be fully prepared to navigate this country confidently and decide for yourself if traveling to Colombia alone is a good idea.

While it may not be the best country for solo travel, it’s definitely doable. I’d rate it a 6/10 for solo travel. Read on to hear my reasoning and my top tips for traveling Colombia alone.

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Quick Facts before visiting Colombia, South America:
💱Currency: Colombian Pesos. You can divide by 4 to convert to US dollars.
💶 Budget for a trip to Colombia: The average daily cost for a trip to Cartagena is $60 a night for both food and accommodation.
💜 Is tipping required in Colombia? Tipping is expected for good service. You can tip 10-15% in restaurants and discretionary tipping for other services like tour guides and taxi drivers.
☀️ Best time to Visit Colombia: The weather is the same year round! With an average high of 87F/30C and an average low of 75F/24C. The peak season is in January when tourists want to escape the winter for a warm destination.
🏥 Travel Insurance in Colombia: It’s a good idea to get insurance when traveling to Colombia. I recommend SafetyWing which will cover you in case of trip cancellations or any accidents during your travels. Colombia can be notorious for pick-pocketing and crime so better safe than sorry!

Is Colombia Safe for Solo Travel?

Colombia was once considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world. This dates back to the 1980s when the country was notorious for violence, kidnappings, and drug-related crimes. During Pablo Escobar’s time, drug production exploded and caused so much strain and violence across the country. Today, Colombia has come a long way despite the stigma that is still sadly associated with the country. The stigma never left the country and this is why you are likely to get poor reactions from friends when you tell them about your upcoming visit to Colombia.

I took a free walking tour in Medellín and experienced firsthand the passion and enthusiasm of my local tour guide. He truly felt that with every tour he gave, he could make a difference in reducing this stigma that has deeply hurt the people of Colombia. He left us with a strong message to let us know that today Colombia is a different place, a place that should be explored without fear, a place that is remarkable, and a place that you should visit and love.

With all this being said, I wanted to say that yes, Colombia can be safe for solo travel, but it does still require some caution and preparation. It might be daunting especially if you’re a first-time solo traveler. In my opinion, you should have a good amount of travel experience before visiting Colombia alone. This is because nearly no one knows English and some areas can dodgy especially outside of the tourist areas.

I wouldn’t make Colombia your first-ever solo travel destination. South America in general can be more challenging for a solo traveler.

If you check the US Department of State website, they have marked Colombia as a Level 3 risk for travel. This is due to possible crime, terrorism, and the risk of kidnapping. There is also a do not travel warning to some places in Colombia including Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander. You should also stay clear of the Colombia-Venezuela border.  

Check out my Instagram video on my solo travel experience!

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Colombia Solo Travel: Top Safety Tips

Here are my top travel tips for staying safe during your solo travels in Colombia. I’d really read through them all and do your own research too.

1. Don’t mention Pablo Escobar’s name in public loudly. The locals likely don’t know English and won’t know if you have good intentions with mentioning his name.
2. Don’t go out alone at night. There are so many fun night tours you can do in Colombia so you will still get a taste of the nightlife and stay safe. I took a food tour in Medellin which also took us to rooftop bars – it was wonderful and I met friends along the way.
3. Take Uber instead of Taxis. To avoid scams in Colombia, it’s safer to take an Uber or ridesharing app. These apps track location and also have the money agreed ahead so you won’t be overcharged. There have been instances of kidnapping in Colombia in the past so don’t ever take an offer for a ride that is not labeled as a taxi or that has not been booked via a ridesharing app. At the airport, I was offered a ride from someone who claimed to be a taxi driver and who clearly wasn’t so I declined.
4. Keep a close eye on your belongings and don’t keep your phone out while walking around. Colombia is notorious for pick-pocketing and people can ride by on a bike and snatch your phone out of your hand. While this didn’t happen to me, I have heard stories where it has happened to others. As a solo traveler, I travel with 2 phones now. This came after having been without a phone a few times due to it breaking or being lost. I keep the other phone safely in my luggage in case of emergencies.
5. Be aware of the biggest drugging scam in Colombia. Scopolamine, also known as “Devil’s Breath,” is an extremely dangerous drug common in Colombia. I heard that it is mainly women targeting men at clubs but it can happen to anyone really. This drug is a powder that can either be put in drinks or the offender could be asking you to help them with directions by showing you their phone in hopes you touch the powder drug on their phone. Once inhaled, you will have no recollection of anything. In fact, you will relentlessly tell the offender anything they ask such as bank details. So then the scammer will have you take money out of the ATM or they will hope you invite them to your hotel so they can rob all your belongings. Typical scenarios of this occur through dating apps (mostly women targeting men tourists), street scams (asking for directions), and bars and nightclubs (spiking drinks).
6. Avoid prostitution parks. Prostitution is still very much a thing in Colombia. There are certain areas you will want to avoid where the risk of encountering related crime or unsafe situations is higher. Many prostitution parks are still present across cities in Colombia like Medellin and Bogota. You will see many women standing together as they are waiting around and it should be obvious to spot them.
7. Do not wear expensive jewelry or dress inappropriately. While I was able to wear short dresses and most the things I normally wear, don’t wear anything too revealing or short. This will only bring unwanted attention and even catcalling. Most people in Colombia actually wear jeans despite the extreme heat, so if you really want to blend in you can wear jeans.
8. Take many group tours! I pretty much did a group tour everyday, except for my time in Cartagena. This helped me feel more comfortable and safe. Plus, the tours are so affordable and it allowed me to meet some new friends! You can use sites like GetYourGuide or Viator to find tours in Colombia!
9. Use Google Translate and learn key phrases in Spanish to help with the language barrier. No one (aside from tour guides) speaks English! I’m telling you, not really anyone. I even went to the airport and the person checking me in didn’t know English. So Google translate will be your best friend and be sure to download the offline copy so you can use it even without data.
10. Don’t be naive. Do your own research ahead on safety in Colombia.
11. Stick to tourist areas. Don’t wander to far out of tourist zones as there can be some dodgy areas you don’t want to be stuck in.
12. Get an eSIM. An eSIM will allow you to use the internet the moment you land while keeping your home phone number. I use Airalo and it’s more affordable than adding data to your current mobile plan. You won’t have to hassle to get a physical sim card too.
13. Ask for prices before buying so people will not try to overcharge you or change prices on you.
14. Hire a photographer so you can still enjoy taking photos solo without the risk of leaving your camera on a tripod in the street. You can book a photography session in Cartagena here or using Flytographer which helps you find photographers all around the world (save $25 using the link referenced).

Rating Colombia’s Best Places for Solo Travel

1. Cartagena (Solo Travel Rating: 8/10)

Cartagena was where I felt safest on my own during my Colombia travels. I even felt ok walking on my own after dinner in the evening. Cartagena is one of the top places to visit in the country and therefore the most touristic. It had been on my bucket list forever! Because the city is lively and full of many tourists and people, it didn’t feel at all scary to visit here. So it should be on the top of your list to come as a solo traveler. Plus, it’s one of my favorite travel destinations because I absolutely love colorful destinations.

Despite this, I still wouldn’t go walking around shining your valuables and I wouldn’t use a tripod to take photos. Colombia is notorious for phone snatching so don’t walk around with your phone out or lots of expensive jewelry on.

I loved all the instagrammable streets in Cartagena and I especially loved the the street art in Getsemani. Read my full guide on Cartagena for more tips.

2. Guatape & El Penon (Rating: 8/10)

Guatape is another fun colorful town in Colombia. Its a small town that can be explored in a couple hours. It’s perfect to pair with a visit to El Penon. Don’t miss climbing up El Penon for impressive panoramic views.

It was super safe visiting these 2 places. You could even do it without a tour if you wanted. I did it on a day trip from Medellin on this group tour. While on the group tour, I met another solo traveler who I exchanged info with and later met back in Cartagena for dinner and drinks.

3. Salento (Solo Travel Rating: 7/10)

Salento is another great place for solo travel in Salento. I’ve heard that Salento is considered one of the safer destinations in Colombia. The small-town atmosphere and friendly locals make it ok for solo travel.

One of the main attractions in Salento is the Cocora Valley which is famous for its towering wax palms, the national tree of Colombia. Salento is also in the heart of the Coffee Triangle, making it an ideal place to learn about coffee production.

In Salento, there are many great solo travel activities like horseback riding, mountain biking through scenic trails, and exploring the towns colorful streets.

4. Medellín (Solo Travel Rating: 7/10)

Medellín was a lot more edgier than Cartagena. It was also once notorious for being the epicenter of Pablo Escobar’s drug cartel and the associated violence. However, it has since undergone a remarkable transformation and is safe to visit.

Visit Comuna 13 is a must-visit when you go. It was actually once the most dangerous place in the world. This area had a dark past and was controlled by drug cartels and was full of violence. In the past 2 decades, it has transformed into a colorful and vibrant place. Today, Comuna 13 is a symbol of hope and resilience. The area is now an open-air art gallery full of street performers and graffiti.

The food in Medellin is also amazing. I would highly recommend the street food tour I did in the evening which also took you for drinks at a few rooftop bars with views of the city. It was a great way to enjoy the nightlife without being alone.

5. Bogotá (Solo Travel Rating: 6/10)

Bogota has somewhat of a bad reputation for safety. I hired a local guide to show me around and only spent one night here. During that time, I visited La Candelaria and loved it. There was an umbrella street there and plenty of cute facades decorated with artwork and graffiti. We strolled through the city center during my tour, visited the Gold and Botero museums, and visited Monserrate for panoramic views of the city. To get there, you can take a cable car up!

6. Santa Marta/Tayrona National Park (Solo Travel Rating: 6/10)

I didn’t visit Santa Marta & Tayrona due to lack of time but I have heard from other travelers that Santa Marta itself can be unsafer than the other Colombian cities. It is Colombia’s oldest city and has beautiful Caribbean beaches.

Tayrona National Park is about a 40 minute drive from the Santa Marta Airport. You can hire a taxi for COP 90k (€20) to get there or take a bus for COP 15k (€3.40). If you love hiking you can’t miss coming here.

Where to stay in Colombia as a solo traveler

When I visited Colombia, I stayed in 3 different cities, each for around 2 nights. Those were Cartagena, Medellin, and Bogota. You can find my full itinerary for Colombia here.

Where to Stay in Cartagena

I’d recommend staying in the Old Town of Cartagena as it’s the safest area and has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops all within walking distance. The heart of Cartagena is known for its colonial architecture and colorful streets. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can also stay in the colorful neighborhood of Getsemani which may be a little more affordable. It’s located a short walk from the walls of the Old Town.

Top Hotel Picks for Solo Travelers: Hotel at the Park ($) | Hotel Casa Agustina ($)

Where to Stay in Medellin

When I visited Medellin I stayed on the quieter side of the El Poblado neighborhood at The Somos Bold. I loved this area because it was more quiet and had a local neighborhood vibe but was still full of nice cafes and bars. Laureles is another good residential neighborhood to stay in.

Top Hotel Picks for Solo Travelers: The Somos Bold ($$) | Click Clack Hotel ($$) | Massaya Hostel ($)

Where to Stay in Bogota

Bogota is pretty widely spread. I would recommend staying in La Candelaria so you will be central to most of the attractions. While La Candelaria is safe during the day, I would exercise extra caution at night. Chapinero and Zona Rosa are other options you might consider staying in.

Top Hotel Picks for Solo Travelers: Botanico Hostel ($) | Selina La Candelaria Bogotá ($)

How to meet friends in Colombia

Solo travel doesn’t mean lonely travel! I’ve met some incredible friends on my trips. You can read my post on how to meet new friends traveling solo for more ideas but I’ve rounded up my favorites below. During my Colombia trip, I met travelers while on a group trip to El Penon and we met up later in the evening for drinks. It was perfect because I didn’t want to be on my own at night and we really connected!

1. You can join a FB group like mine, Girls Who Wander Solo or Girls Love Travel. These offer opportunities to meet like-minded travelers.
2. Join a tour like a street food tour or a sightseeing tour. I’ve befriended so many people after taking a tour. You can use sites like GetYourGuide or Viator to find tours in Colombia!
3. Staying in a hostel is another great idea. Some offer private rooms so you don’t have to share one but still take advantage of the social areas!

What to pack for your solo trip to Colombia

Here are some essentials for traveling solo in London.

• This super cool scarf has a hidden zipper that allows you to hide important things like your passport or money. A useful thing to have for a solo traveler.
• A keychain flashlight is handy to have in case you’re ever walking alone at night and it’s too dark to see your surroundings.
• I always carry a mini first aid kit in case of any accidents and I can be a clumsy person!
• One thing I never leave home when traveling is a portable compact mobile phone charger like this one. I have run into a few situations where I was stuck in a tiny village in Italy and no one knew English. Sadly my phone died and I felt crippled without my phone. I was unable to use Google Translate to conversate or navigate anywhere. This one is great because it’s fast charging, and can charge wirelessly using a lightning connector or USB-C. The trick to finding long-lasting portable chargers is looking for a 10,000mAh or above power bank. It means the charger will charge the phone at least 3x.
• My favorite tripod is this compact tripod for mobile phones – people constantly ask me how I take solo photos and this is how!

Travel Insurance for solo travelers in Colombia

It’s definitely worth getting travel insurance whether you’re traveling alone or with others and I recommend SafetyWing which will cover you in case of any accidents or hospital visits. While it’s unlikely to happen, better safe than sorry!

How much does a solo trip to Colombia cost?

The average daily cost for a trip to Cartagena is $60 a night for both food and accommodation. It was extremely affordable making it another reason to choose it for your solo travels. Also, I was able to do many cheap group tours each day on my own at low prices. So if you’re on the fence to go alone, do what I did and go on a group tour everyday! I used GetYourGuide or Viator to find the tours I did.

When is the best time for Traveling Solo in Colombia?

The weather is the same year round! With an average high of 87F/30C and an average low of 75F/24C. The peak season is in January when tourists want to escape the winter for a warm destination.

Hopefully, this post will better prepare you for solo travel in Colombia. Please share your solo travel experience in the comments below if you’ve been!