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Is Colombia Safe?
We attempt to answer the main question people ask before booking their flights to Colombia
By and large, the answer to this is yes! Most areas in Colombia have stabilised enormously in recent years, with the area around El Rio in particular improving vastly. Colombia has a chequered history and is still recovering, however tourists on the coast can now travel safely to areas that up until as recently as 15 years ago were no-go zones.
Having said that, like any country Colombia has areas that aren’t as safe as others. Avoid walking alone at night in big cities and be careful about which areas of the city you visit. Big cities like Medellin and Bogotá have no-go areas, whereas the more touristy areas such as Poblado in Medellin are largely very safe; the north of Bogotá such as the area around Parque 93 and the Zona T are pretty safe at night, whereas La Candelaria (where most of the hostels are located) suffers from more petty crime after dark.
Most bad experiences start with travellers not taking these basic precautions. Walking around quiet streets after a night of partying and entering into transactions with unsavoury characters can be sure-fire ways to end up in trouble. Basic common sense should me your most trusted source of advice. If something feels unsafe, then it may well be so take a step back and be smart!
In a nutshell, Colombia, as with any other destination, is as safe as each person makes it.
For further reading check out what the Lonely Planet has to say, and take a look at what Bookmundi has to say about which times of year are best to visit Colombia
Book your stay at Hostelworld’s best hostel in Colombia 2018 here
Our Tips For The Lost City Trek
What you shouldn’t forget when taking on The Lost City Trek
Deciding what to pack for any trek can sometimes be as exhausting as the trek itself. But not to worry, this list is as minimalist as possible so you can make sure you have everything you NEED for your 4 or 6 day trek to the lost city!
So to start, the walking:
You’re going to need some shoes or boots to walk in. (Hopefully that was obvious). One thing to note: river crossings mean footwear will get wet!
Clothes appropriate for the walk are also key. Many will recommend to take a couple of sets (2 pairs of socks, 2 t-shirts, 1 shorts/leggings and 4 pairs of underwear at least so you have something dry at the start of each day).
In this heat, a water bottle is definitely essential. There are regular points to fill up along the way too!
Speaking of heat and sweat, let’s not forget the danger for rain as well… A dry-bag (or plastic bag) is essential for keeping anything in your bag dry that needs to be kept dry.
And at camp:
The view at the top!
Flip-flops, sandals, thongs… Whatever you want to call them, after a day of trekking your feet are going to want to get some air!
You’re going to be sleeping in hammocks, and it can get pretty cold at night, so bring some warmer night-time clothes. Trousers and long sleeves are ideal to try and keep the mozzies at bay.
There are places to swim at every campsite, so a small or lightweight towel to dry is very helpful. Swimming costume always optional… ;-)
After the first camp there is no electricity, so any torch or flashlight is fine. If you’re planning on using your phone, then maybe a portable charger will be necessary..?
Shared bathrooms along a trekking route… Take your own toilet roll people.
Extras:
Sun cream (for the sun) and insect repellent (for the insects) can be considered pretty close to 100% essential. You don’t want to come back from this burnt. And the repellent might not feel like it makes a difference as you will definitely still get bitten, but 10 bites is better than 100!
TOP TIP: Book the Lost City at El Rio directly at reception!
Top Tips for Travelling La Guajira
l you need to know about visiting South America's most northerly point
Travel light - the journey can be bumpy and is quite fragmented - do you really need that extra pair of trousers?
Take public transport - it’s part of the adventure! However if you do want to travel in a bit more comfort, we can organise tours here at El Rio
Avoid peak Colombian holidays such as Christmas and Easter - the normally deserted beaches become crowded
Whilst in Cabo, make sure to visit the Pilon de Azucar for spectacular views and the best beach in the area - the Playa de Azucar
Eat local dishes such as barbecued “langosta” (large langoustine) and goat - perhaps not to everyone’s taste but essential Wayuu fare
Stop off at Camarones on your way between El Rio to Riohacha to see hundreds of flamingoes in their natural habitat - check in advance; flamingoes are migratory so are only there during certain monthsPrepare to get dirty. Running water north of Cabo de la Vela is non existent and is heavily regulated in the town itself
Prepare to be dirty. Running water north of Cabo de la Vela is non existent and is heavily regulated in the town itself
Take your time and visit Nazareth - it may be tough to get to, but this small town that sits on the edge of the Macuira national park, home to huge sand dunes surrounded by dense forest and larger than life locusts, is often the travellers that dare visits’ favourite place in the whole province. The mysterious “rock of destiny” (Piedra del Destino) is nearby…
Take: warm clothes (it cools off at night), sun cream, sunglasses, trainers and cash - there are no cash machines beyond Riohacha
Pick up a pair of desert shoes, espadrille style shoes made of old tyres that have plenty of gaps to allow the sand in and out - saves endlessly having to empty sand out of your shoes
For more information check out our article on travelling to La Guajira!
Where To Eat In Taganga
El Rio's top picks for a decent meal in Taganga
Sitting just over a small hill from the city of Santa Marta, Taganga is often touted as how not to do tourism in Colombia. Formerly a small fishing village, Taganga boomed as one of the first big destinations on Colombia’s Caribbean coast back in the mid ‘00s and now sprawls back into the surrounding hills. With scores of hostel choices and other, previously more inaccessible and unsafe areas such as Palomino and Buritaca opening up, supply often far outweighs demand. This coupled with a very prevalent “party” reputation has meant Taganga is often left off the itineraries of many travelling around Colombia. However a clutch of decent restaurants are changing the face of Taganga, opening it up to a newer, food-savvy market.
Hidden away off the main drag in a shaded courtyard, Pachamama is a reasonably priced tapas bar that many consider to be the best eatery in Taganga. The menu is seafood heavy, with simple dishes like chilli and garlic squid, ceviches and various types of carpacios, both surf and turf.
El Rio's top choice, Babaganoush is a huge bamboo building overlooking the entire bay. The impressive menu combines Italian, Arabic, French and Asian cuisines. Starters include beef carpaccio, vitello tonnato (finely sliced roast beef with tuna mayonnaise - it’s absolutely delicious), and falafel. The mains menu includes local dishes such as a pasta de mariscos (seafood pasta), a Malaysian style yellow seafood curry and probably the most popular dish, filet mignon, complete with a choice of sauces. 3 courses available for 39,000COP.
A small cafe that sits just off the main promenade, this French owned spot is a perfect place for a light lunch. They bake all their own French style bread and make tasty sandwiches and salads, featuring both local and European recipes. Try the Costeño salad, a mix of shrimps, avocado and egg with a maracuyá (passion fruit) and chilli dressing. You can also build your own sandwiches, with ingredients including locally produced pepperoni de la Sierra Nevada.
Big portions of Tex-Mex style food are the backbone of the menu at this beachfront spot. Hands down the best place for a snack and a decent sunset cocktail.
Taganga is around an hour and a half by road from El Rio. It’s also a great jumping off spot for Parque Tayrona.