Once a dangerous country plagued by drug crime, guerrilla warfare, paramilitaries and civil unrest, Colombia is currently experiencing a level of peace that has allowed tourism to thrive. Cautious travelers can experience the varied countryside full of mountains, jungle and coastal plains, along with rich archeological and cultural sites.
A passport is required for travel to Colombia, although U.S. citizens need not have a tourist visa if they are staying fewer than 60 days. A round-trip ticked is advised. There is an exit tax that must be paid when leaving Colombia by air. Some airlines include this tax in the cost of their tickets, but be sure to check with your airline. Otherwise the tax must be paid in cash at the airport before departure.
Although crime has decreased over the last decade, Colombia can still be a dangerous place for travelers. Kidnapping is on the wane, but kidnappings do still occur. Criminal organizations use kidnapping to exert political pressure and fatten their coffers with ransom money, and foreign travelers are not exempt as candidates for kidnapping. Travelers should stay up-to-date on the current safety warnings posted by the U.S. Department of State by calling 888-407-4747 or checking the State Department's Travel Alert website. See the Resources section for a link.
Tourists can be tempting targets for criminals. Robbers will sometimes approach tourists after they have taken money out of ATMs, frequently using motorcycles for quick getaways. Be sure to use ATMs only indoors and be aware of your surroundings.
Be sure to only use taxis that you have called or have asked to be called for you. Taxis hailed on the street, especially by lone travelers, can often be traps for unsuspecting tourists. The taxi driver may be involved with other criminals in overpowering passengers and robbing them of their valuables, including kidnapping the passenger and forcing them to withdraw money from ATMs. This type of crime is less likely to occur when passengers call a taxi via a dispatch service as there is a record of the call. There is a higher incidence of this criminal activity in Bogota.
Criminals have been known to use drugs added to food and drink to incapacitate travelers, providing easy opportunities for theft and sexual assault. Remain vigilant when dining out. Do not leave your food unattended and do not accept drinks or food from strangers.
Travelers to Colombia should check out the country's beautiful beaches, with Santa Marta being perhaps the most well-known. On the Caribbean in northern Colombia, Santa Marta was founded in 1525 by the Spanish. The beach is right near town with lots of vendors, tourists and activity. When you crave an escape from sand and sea, visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the site of Simon Bolivar's death. Bolivar was called The Liberator for his work freeing Colombia from the control of the Spanish. Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is now a museum honoring Bolivar.
Tayrona National Park is a treasure of local wildlife and scenery. There are howler monkeys, iguanas, jaguars, lizards, toucans and lots of tropical fish. Snorkeling, swimming, and even Tayrona Indian ruins are also part of the scene.
Located in the cloud forest of Colombia, Ciudad Perdida--or, literally, Lost City--offers travelers an unforgettable journey into the past. Built around 800 A.D. but only discovered in 1972, Ciudad Perdida is only accessible by hiking. The hike takes six days, and travel arrangements can be made in Santa Marta through Turcol, a company licensed to take travelers to the park and ruins. The city was built by the Tayrona people and includes drainage systems, houses and bridges built of stone. The trek can be difficult, so bring rugged hiking boots, bug spray, comfortable clothing and a water bottle.
