We spent two months in Colombia last winter and will again next year. I'm six foot four and obviously not Colombian. My partner similarly is clearly European. We travelled alone to Popayan, Salento, Manizales, Pereira and never had a single problem. We were in Popayan very soon after covid travel restrictions were lifted and I reckon we were the only non locals in town. No problem. Wherever you go in the world you have to use common sense about which areas to go to and when but we loved Colombia.
Absolutely true! btw I am 6 foot tree and the only problem I had so far in Colombia was sitting or standing in small local buses, those are just not made for tall guys ;-)
When I was the candelaria, I decided to hike up one of the mountains there, there were locals coming up to me telling me not to go up there, I didnt speak any Spanish at the time so couldnt understand what the locals were saying to me, but they did some sign language, saying theyll cut your throat up there. Even a police officer came up to me and said the same thing. So this video explains that experience. "Don't go up the hill". I was lucky that the people look out for you there, I woulda had no idea. Ive since learned the language and that makes it much easier to know where to go and where not to go
Most likely you went up towards the Barrio Egipto, which is pretty tough. I went there with a guide, a very respected lady from that same barrio and she told me that going alone it would take max. 10 minutes to be in trouble. Even some police passed by when we went in there and was extensively talking to the woman about what we are doing and where exactly. There a like 4 different gangs in that barrio, with plenty of trouble one with the other, so you really have to know which way to take... with her I actually felt super safe there.
The safest capital city in Colombia is Tunja (Boyacá), a university city with very nice cuisine, nice weather and best people. Boyacá is a very special place within Colombia, it is like an oasis within this tropical Colombian country.
The safest cities are the capital cities. But tourist places as San Andrés, Cartagena, medellín, zona cafetera (coffee area: Pereira, Armenia, Manizales), Mompox and other places, are places where native people have good relationship with foreigners because their economy is based on tourism. Likewise, in some places on Choco, the groups protect to foreigners because they contribute to the local economy with the turism. Nevertheless, in Colombia you must be alert all the time anywhere. In Colombia it says" no dar papaya".
Your video is really interesting and informative. I'm thinking about making a solo trip to Cartagena. By the way, you said "ubicated". You meant to say "located". Also, we don't say "insecure", we say "unsafe". "Insecure" means "falta de confianza contigo mismo. Soy Canadiense y hablo Español. Saludos. 😁🇨🇦
Viene de “ubicado” (ubicación) e “inseguro” (inseguridad). Palabras correctamente usadas en el contexto si él estuviera hablando español. He is speaking English with Spanish words. That happens when you switch your brain often between 2 languages. Ubicado and inseguro are correctly used in this context if he were speaking Spanish. 😁
Hello Frank! Thank you for this informative video! I'm a dentist in North Carolina and planning to attend some dental continuing education in Medellin. The program is end of January 2023 so your video information is very useful. I'll look up your travel agency and maybe I can stop by your office to say hello while I'm there. I lived in Zurich Switzerland for a few years when I was a teenager from 1988 to 1994. The public transportation with trams, bus and train is excellent in Zurich! Now I live near Raleigh North Carolina. I work as a dentist here in the Raleigh area. I will look up your travel agency website in Medellin. Have a good day! Best Regards, Chad Kimbrough, DDS I also served in the United States Navy as a dentist 2002 to 2014.
Chocó is very beautiful! it has nice people, typical food, music artists and group like the famous Choquibtown. What happens is that it has always been forgotten by the government, also, due to lack of opportunities for the young population has occasioned the increase of violence. Moreover, it has been whipped by the guerillas. That's why lots of people avoid visiting this amazing place, even the same Colombians! Sad reality!
@@TheSands83 Bahia zolano is wonderful! I have never been there but i have seen some pictures. Chocó department is a paradise! I hope you enjoy it! Greetings from Chocó! ;)
Nice to know the places in Colombia where you should not go. Here in the USA is scary because places that are supposed to be safe like schools, malls, movie theaters, family Christmas parades, marathons events, concerts, etc are now dangerous places to visit. At least in Colombia, you know where not to go. Colombia is a beautiful country, nice weather, nice food, and nice people. I will visit soon again.
I don't know of a "no-go Zones" in Cartagena but i have seen reports of people getting robbed outside the tourist area. If you are an unexperienced traveler, you should not wander around in unknown areas
@@andresjimenez8286 manga is a Welty neighborhood. Maybe you meant olaya o el pozon. The tricky thing about Cartagena is that you can be in a super rich neighborhood walk two blocks away and find a very poor zone
The US State Department currently gives Colombia a rating of Level Three "Reconsider Travel". Just how safe is it really for US citizens in Bogotá, especially for those travelling solo?
@@Catarsisx Dont know if you count a US born Colombian-American, but I've been to Cartago before with my family from Pereira. Whole region is more or less safe
@@jackspy5708 Hmm well I just moved back to Medellín jaja well Cartago is a really small city and if something happens to you people will know it was you, where you live, etc, because it's really small, but the months I was living there showed me that is actually not that safe, I already knew it wasn't always safe but it's different when you live there, but anyone can go there, I'd say Manizales is one of the safest cities in the country, it's near Medellín.
Frank, i want to go on a surf expedition on the pacific coast but noticed in your video its all marked no go areas. I know theres some of the best surf in the world along that coast. If you could give me some help on planning this mission id be very happy..
I just want to make one point: while it may be obvious on some level that someone is not Colombian, Colombians have a wide range of skin tone and "looks." When I was in Medellin this year, I was struck by the enormous diversity of the place in terms of Colombians. Because of that, I never felt singled out by anyone as being not Colombian. I certainly had some attention from potential scammers/pickpockets, but I was easily able to navigate through those by walking with confidence and not engaging.
What about Tocaima?? My girlfriend who I'll be visiting is originally from Bogota, but now lives with her mom.. would love to know about there.. hopefully in December I'm coming to Colombia
I stayed in aguablanca in Cali Colombia for a month as a white guy from Missouri. A country boy. I really had no issues. I got in one little fight in a bar with a drunk guy n that was really it. Everyone n the bar took my side. Aguablanca is supposed to be a red zone n I had no problems n I walked all around the area. I stayed in a barrio called el vergel
Yes, just be street smart like in every other city. There is only one speciality to be careful with, the women of Santander are said to be "bravas", so they will tell you if you don't behave ;-)
@@user-jg3fd3rc3t I know Bucaramanga because I have been talking to a girl online for over a year now, that lives there. I've researched Bogota and Medellin, and I'd rather stay in Bucara. A good sized city but doesn't come with all of the tourists and expats, like Bogota/Medellin/Cartagena/Barranquilla. A beautiful city nestled in the mountains just far enough away from the noise...so to speak. ¿Eres de Bucara?
My friend and I were robbed by knifepoint about three weeks ago near the Museo de Simon Bolivar while walking down the hill from Monserrat. They took my friend's fannypack off of his shoulder while one of them was waving a knife so we wouldn't fight back. Fortunately not much was in it.
@@ericaroundtheworld you should be ok. Just be street smart if you will be walking the downtown streets a lot. Don't flash money or a phone out in the open are probably the biggest things to avoid
Hello Frank, are you in Colombia, I am in Cali Colombia. Would you like to do a video with me? I have some untouched gems i am going to uncover this month.
Thank you thank you thank you! for some reason it’s so hard to find people speak about regional differences; when I ask this question online I just get people talking about the major well-known cities.
WIll be relocating to Colombia the 9th of August. Was offered an English teaching position in Valledupar. Do you know if it is safe there? I know it was not safe during La Violencia, but what about now?
Valledupar is not known for being very dangerous. It is although close to the boarder to Venezuela which might impact some sort of crime. Be street smart like everywhere around the world.
@@COLOMBIAFRANK I don't agree. I come from Slovakia and there are no unsafe zones like you are talking about. Except, you should not enter gypsy ghettos, but that's self-explanatory. No native Slovaks live there. Similarly it's in Czechia, Poland, Hungary. I never understood this concept of unsafe zones until I started to travel to the West. Same goes for the Far East Asia. No no-go zones in Taiwan, HK, Japan, Korea. It's the local culture, which is causing violence in S America, Arab countries and Africa. The pockets of if have been exported to the West and have become a huge problem.
If you are going to mention Candelaria and other parts in el Centro, you need to discuss the beggars and homeless people and how they will come up to you and expect money. Once in a while they will get aggressive if you are alone and not a physical threat to them. I am living in Candelaria and I cannot walk outside without being hollered at or someone coming up to me. You should teach people to be street smart. Don't carry cards or expensive phones or a lot of cash. Just keep it simple and don't carry anything that you cannot lose. I now carry a secondary phone that is cheap and wouldn't kill me if I had to give it up. Always watch who is around you, across the street, behind you, who is looking at you, and who is coming up to you. You need to be on alert at all times if you look like a foreigner especially with European descent.
Maybe we should go for a walk together one day. I walk down the 19, go to Jimenez or to Parque nacional on different routes. I don't have issues and when a beggar comes along, I just shake my head. To me it is by far not as dramatic as you describe it.
Yes and no. After stats Cali is among the 50 most dangerous cities of the world. I have been there many times and I never had a single issue. Also I have friends there and they had no issues so far. Just be smart, then it should be fine
The historic center of the city is safe, the north and south are safe with some few exceptions. The hillside of the city is dangerous with some exceptions (San Antonio is a neighborhood you'll love if you visit Cali, there's a church on the top of a hill where you can see a great part of the city; also you can take the cable way but don't get out the stations, it's really dangerous). Avoid the east of the city, unless you want to know the poorest and most dangerous parts of the city. Avoid public transportation until you know which routes and places are safer.
If you had to choose .would you live closer to the paramilitar. Or eln or farc. Or are they all violent. Becuase I want to live near a small town surrounded by nature. Far from any city or goverment control
Las Farc estan en el congreso y el ELN no se ve a simple vista, las guerrillas ya no actuan como hace unas decadas, si quiere ver y sentir la experiencia de ser un guerrillero de antaño puede ir al sur del pais ( Cauca, Caqueta, Vaupes). Los pueblos alrededor de Bogota son una buena opcion o el oriente de Antioquia para vivir sin temor a que le suceda algo.
@@COLOMBIAFRANK you're right it's very hard and expensive for any state to control vast, remote areas. I don't even think it's possible. As long as there is demand, there will be coca production and exportation. And that means armed groups fighting for control of drug routes. The unfortunate part is people living in those "forgotten communities" because they are effectively controled by gangs instead of the government. And it will always be like that.
@@lush6370 and also there is the fact that such groups are no official military, so they can merge with the local population and become invisible. Time will tell if that will change
As with any place in the world, If you go looking for trouble you will find it. Be smart, no dar papaya, and be aware of what is around you and Colombia is a beautiful place.... ( no dar papaya means dont give papaya or dont show outward wealth)
If something is certain than it is change. As a general overview I think this video is still good but in some areas the security situation decreased in the meantime
Thank you for explaining all of that. The media often paints Columbia as some place that has thugs on every street corner waiting to kill someone. There are dangerous areas in every country and these drug wars are political. I’ve just watched some walk through videos of Columbia and it is in fact a lovely place. Unpretentious and casual with lots of green spaces with nice car free spaces for the public to sit. I think that would be its appeal.
The warnings of different countries differ and also change over time. We therefore cannot compare the shown map from the video with a current map from the us embassy. do you agree?
@@COLOMBIAFRANK Agree. I should have been clearer. My suggestion was for your readers, not for you. Things will change from the time you do your video, which in my opinion was accurate,
Brother, I'm from India and I really like your country and the people there. I would love to visit it someday. Just out of curiosity what do Colombians think about India?
@@COLOMBIAFRANK Yes hermano, I would love to visit Colombia and whole of latin america as the Indian and latin american cultures are very similar. Both of our countries were colonized by Western powers like Britishers and Spainiards. Just like Gandhi fought for India's independence, simon bolivar fought for your independence
@@Pgggg not quite. Even though India was colonised by the British, they didn't settled in mass numbers like Spaniards did in Colombia. There are very few Anglo-Indian in India. Plus, that colonisation in Latin America, made Colombia a western nation instead of a westernised nation like India. I would say that Colombia resembles a little bit more to South Africa and India resembles more to Bolivia or Peru.
@@Pgggg I know what you mean, but problem is Latin America is not that homogenous. Argentina is European and Bolivia is more native American. And there's countries in between like Mexico, Colombia or Venezuela. We called our native Americas "Indians" though 😁
Thank you Frank for these valuable informations, really interresting ! I' m a "sola traveller" planning to go to Colombia next summer ( if everything is ok). I was wondering if it's still dangerous to travel to Buenaventura? The thing is that i'll be just passing by BN to reach the Bahia Malaga National Park.
Hey Hanane Official information from embassies recommend not traveling to Buenaventura. I was there several times and had no issues and did not have any concers. If you travel smart and during the day, you should be fine. The bus station is only 10min walk from the harbor.
My venez girlfriend wants me to rent apartment in the South. Ive been living in Centro because cheaper. I see why. Thanks for this expose especially with the borders being what they are.
German or Dutch dude referencing the UK travel warnings? This gentleman is clueless about Colombia. I lived there for 6 years with no issues. Ignore this Chichipato.....he knows nothing.
Amazon is actually a touristic area. Chibiriquete, Leticia, Macarena. Putumayo has the Yage, which is an indiginous patrimonio. Pacific has Malpelo island and the most raining area in the World. Uraba in Antioquia is really touristic! huge hotels.
I spent 10 days in Medellín and walked through all the barrios (even the “dangerous” ones) day and night and nothing ever happened. The only thing that surprised me was when a prostitute literally walked up to me and grabbed me inbetween the legs
Sometimes you are lucky, sometimes not. I live in the center of Bogota since 2015 and never had an issue, also on my extensive trips throughout the country, no single issue. The old Colombia is gone, the new one is not on the level of Liechtenstein yet, but we are on the way
ISIS still operates in Maicao. You wouldnt want to go there anyways. Nothin goin on there. Cucuta is also not safe now. I think it wasnt too bad when you made this video but things are different there now. Sad and downright awful things happening there.
Es ColOmbia ! Por dios . If You are a travel agent and Even live in Bogota , You really should learn how to pronouce C-o-l-O-m-b-i-a . Just trying to help . Thats a real pet peeve of the citizens . Also Colombia has came a very long ways into being safer , and yes , there is a Lot of pretty crime in some áreas , however the violent crime has decreased by 80% . Or more . How long have you lived there ?? If your gonna have a channel and name yourself Colombia frank ,which you pronounce as Columbia frank , please do yourself a favor and pronounce it correctly. As a travel guide you may want to put some positive content in your video to encourage people to enjoy the most biodiverse country in the world with a lot to see and where 99% of people on the street are more approachable than in the US or London ,inglaterra . As far as dramatacizing narcos . Let people know to be careful and not wear gold necklaces or Rolex watches or pull new 800- 1200$ phones out in public , and NOT to go out drinking alone and don't meet up with nor bring any person that you just met to your place because of scolplamine , which is basically like a daterape drug that is usually administered by putting in a drink if you go to bathroom take drink with you and if you happen to be a person that travels alone , don't visit with intention to travel there looking for sex or drugs , these are the people that are targeted and give gringos a bad name. Otherwise enjoy the culture and the people and you will have a good experience . No dar papaya , be respectful to the locals and it's very helpful to learn at least basic Spanish , if you can have C2 -b2 level of Spanish it will make your trip a lot more fun . Make your channel about the positive and beautiful places to go . Use common sense and you can get up to date info on where to avoid on the embassy website . 123 on your phone is equal to 911. Good luck with your new channel . Oh , and advise people who aren't traveling with locals to use apps for rides ,like indriver . They have Uber drivers in Colombia however Uber is illegal in Colombia and you can get a hefty fine .
@@COLOMBIAFRANK & jetzt bisch uf Bogota, Colombia uusgwanderet? I han au im Seefeld gwohnt vo 2007-2015. (Höschgasse & vorher Zollikon) Jetzt chills is in Sandanski, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. Vorher han i scho z Bangkok, Thailand, Prague, Czechia & in Kryvij Rih, Ukraine gwohnt. (aber i bi ursprünglich vo Bottmingen, Baselland & vor Züri han i no 6 Jahr z Uzwil, SG gwohnt;-))) En “richtige“ Zigüüner. (min Vater isch vo Ungarn gsi;-))) Jetzt plan i au no uf Pakistan & Südamerika. (eifach det, wos am billigste isch;-))) 🤝 Isch ja alles slum usser CH. 😂 Joke.
@@COLOMBIAFRANK E scho?! 😂 Geil. Ja, wäg Bogota: i chum denn nach Covid, denk i mal. Will Pakistan & Indie vilicht fast chli zu abgfuckt sind. I mein: Bogota au recht. Oder nöd? Chasch mr was empfehle zum wohne? (e gueti site?) ✌️ & ja: glaub scho, dass es da en Zämmehang git. Mini Grossmuetter vo Ungarn isch 96i & immerno am läbe. (soviel i weiss, will min Dad im 2019 an Non-Hodgkin cancer gstorbe isch & mini Eltere sich 2011 trännt händ….)
Wow! No border areas .Keep away from the big cities because of the favelas. Dont go south or up the hill. People are desperate dont be their lunch. I'll pass if its Spanish your after check out Mallorca in the Balearic islands.
We spent two months in Colombia last winter and will again next year. I'm six foot four and obviously not Colombian. My partner similarly is clearly European. We travelled alone to Popayan, Salento, Manizales, Pereira and never had a single problem. We were in Popayan very soon after covid travel restrictions were lifted and I reckon we were the only non locals in town. No problem. Wherever you go in the world you have to use common sense about which areas to go to and when but we loved Colombia.
Absolutely true!
btw I am 6 foot tree and the only problem I had so far in Colombia was sitting or standing in small local buses, those are just not made for tall guys ;-)
When I was the candelaria, I decided to hike up one of the mountains there, there were locals coming up to me telling me not to go up there, I didnt speak any Spanish at the time so couldnt understand what the locals were saying to me, but they did some sign language, saying theyll cut your throat up there. Even a police officer came up to me and said the same thing. So this video explains that experience. "Don't go up the hill". I was lucky that the people look out for you there, I woulda had no idea. Ive since learned the language and that makes it much easier to know where to go and where not to go
Most likely you went up towards the Barrio Egipto, which is pretty tough. I went there with a guide, a very respected lady from that same barrio and she told me that going alone it would take max. 10 minutes to be in trouble. Even some police passed by when we went in there and was extensively talking to the woman about what we are doing and where exactly. There a like 4 different gangs in that barrio, with plenty of trouble one with the other, so you really have to know which way to take... with her I actually felt super safe there.
The safest capital city in Colombia is Tunja (Boyacá), a university city with very nice cuisine, nice weather and best people.
Boyacá is a very special place within Colombia, it is like an oasis within this tropical Colombian country.
Boyaca is great, i drove until El Cocuy, the towns on the way there are great
I love Tunja my wife and children are from Cucaita very close to Tunja.
Tunja is by far the safest city In Colombia,’great for tourists too.
Thanks for this.
What would you say are the 3 safest cities?
idk
Hmm tough one😅
The safest cities are the capital cities. But tourist places as San Andrés, Cartagena, medellín, zona cafetera (coffee area: Pereira, Armenia, Manizales), Mompox and other places, are places where native people have good relationship with foreigners because their economy is based on tourism. Likewise, in some places on Choco, the groups protect to foreigners because they contribute to the local economy with the turism. Nevertheless, in Colombia you must be alert all the time anywhere. In Colombia it says" no dar papaya".
Thanks for giving this information and trying to protect visitors especially first time visitors to Colombia.
Glad it was helpful!
Your video is really interesting and informative. I'm thinking about making a solo trip to Cartagena. By the way, you said "ubicated". You meant to say "located". Also, we don't say "insecure", we say "unsafe". "Insecure" means "falta de confianza contigo mismo. Soy Canadiense y hablo Español. Saludos. 😁🇨🇦
thx, I will try to remember that
Viene de “ubicado” (ubicación) e “inseguro” (inseguridad). Palabras correctamente usadas en el contexto si él estuviera hablando español. He is speaking English with Spanish words. That happens when you switch your brain often between 2 languages. Ubicado and inseguro are correctly used in this context if he were speaking Spanish. 😁
Claro tio
Hello Frank!
Thank you for this informative video! I'm a dentist in North Carolina and planning to attend some dental continuing education in Medellin. The program is end of January 2023 so your video information is very useful. I'll look up your travel agency and maybe I can stop by your office to say hello while I'm there. I lived in Zurich Switzerland for a few years when I was a teenager from 1988 to 1994. The public transportation with trams, bus and train is excellent in Zurich! Now I live near Raleigh North Carolina. I work as a dentist here in the Raleigh area. I will look up your travel agency website in Medellin. Have a good day! Best Regards, Chad Kimbrough, DDS
I also served in the United States Navy as a dentist 2002 to 2014.
I lived in armenia quindio for 6 years no problem. Kind and great people. Cant wait to go back.
Chocó is very beautiful! it has nice people, typical food, music artists and group like the famous Choquibtown. What happens is that it has always been forgotten by the government, also, due to lack of opportunities for the young population has occasioned the increase of violence. Moreover, it has been whipped by the guerillas. That's why lots of people avoid visiting this amazing place, even the same Colombians! Sad reality!
It is, the potential of the area would be unlimited!
I’m going to Bahia solono in January. I don’t think it’s unsafe. I stayed in a red zone in Cali n had no issues
@@TheSands83 Bahia zolano is wonderful! I have never been there but i have seen some pictures. Chocó department is a paradise! I hope you enjoy it! Greetings from Chocó! ;)
@@andresayala1995 I stay in cali when I visit Colombia. But I want to see the pacific coast.,
@@TheSands83 Awesome, I'm sure you will enjoy it!😁👍🏽
Nice to know the places in Colombia where you should not go. Here in the USA is scary because places that are supposed to be safe like schools, malls, movie theaters, family Christmas parades, marathons events, concerts, etc are now dangerous places to visit. At least in Colombia, you know where not to go. Colombia is a beautiful country, nice weather, nice food, and nice people. I will visit soon again.
generally you can travel everywhere!
El Centro of Medellin at night, shady and sketchy as hell. Go to El Poblado or Laurentes.
That is true, not a place to wander around at night
I went there on a tour during the daytime & me and my friend were saying how we would notttttt be there at night 😆
Laureles*
Amazing videos you make and this video is good to watch before visiting...
thank you Hans
What is the no-go zones in Cartagena? Was you trying to say you feel it is more dangerous than Bogotá and Medellin?
I don't know of a "no-go Zones" in Cartagena but i have seen reports of people getting robbed outside the tourist area. If you are an unexperienced traveler, you should not wander around in unknown areas
Manga is dangerous and poor in Cartagena
@@andresjimenez8286 manga is a Welty neighborhood. Maybe you meant olaya o el pozon. The tricky thing about Cartagena is that you can be in a super rich neighborhood walk two blocks away and find a very poor zone
Which month is the best month to travel to Colombia?
I wanna backpacking in September this year. Are you recommend this time?
Thanks a lot!
you can travel to Colombia all year around. But if weather is a big factor for you, check out our blog:
pelecanus.com.co/en/colombia-weather-climate/
good info!!
Hi Frank, i would like to get a hold of you. how can I?
Hey Berenice
Just send me an email to info@pelecanus.com.co
My contact information is actually very easy to find
The US State Department currently gives Colombia a rating of Level Three "Reconsider Travel". Just how safe is it really for US citizens in Bogotá, especially for those travelling solo?
Probably safer than many big cities in the US...
How safe is for an American 🇺🇸 at valle del Cauca CARTAGO ?
should be fine
I live in Cartago, it's safe, but I've never seen someone from the US here, mostly people from Spain or Venezuela
@@Catarsisx Dont know if you count a US born Colombian-American, but I've been to Cartago before with my family from Pereira. Whole region is more or less safe
@@jackspy5708 Hmm well I just moved back to Medellín jaja well Cartago is a really small city and if something happens to you people will know it was you, where you live, etc, because it's really small, but the months I was living there showed me that is actually not that safe, I already knew it wasn't always safe but it's different when you live there, but anyone can go there, I'd say Manizales is one of the safest cities in the country, it's near Medellín.
Frank, i want to go on a surf expedition on the pacific coast but noticed in your video its all marked no go areas. I know theres some of the best surf in the world along that coast. If you could give me some help on planning this mission id be very happy..
still a bad plan
Hola Frank... What you advice about Ibagué City is it safe or not.
I just want to make one point: while it may be obvious on some level that someone is not Colombian, Colombians have a wide range of skin tone and "looks." When I was in Medellin this year, I was struck by the enormous diversity of the place in terms of Colombians. Because of that, I never felt singled out by anyone as being not Colombian. I certainly had some attention from potential scammers/pickpockets, but I was easily able to navigate through those by walking with confidence and not engaging.
What about Cúcuta?
Cucuta is complicated
What about Tocaima?? My girlfriend who I'll be visiting is originally from Bogota, but now lives with her mom.. would love to know about there.. hopefully in December I'm coming to Colombia
I stayed in aguablanca in Cali Colombia for a month as a white guy from Missouri. A country boy. I really had no issues. I got in one little fight in a bar with a drunk guy n that was really it. Everyone n the bar took my side. Aguablanca is supposed to be a red zone n I had no problems n I walked all around the area. I stayed in a barrio called el vergel
Is bucaramanga colombia safe to travel to??
Yes, just be street smart like in every other city. There is only one speciality to be careful with, the women of Santander are said to be "bravas", so they will tell you if you don't behave ;-)
@@COLOMBIAFRANK Sin embargo, las Colombianas de Bucaramanga son muy cariñosas también.
Im curious ... how u know about a random city like bucaramanga? And yes is very safe , lots of tourist destinations
@@user-jg3fd3rc3t I got a friend out there
@@user-jg3fd3rc3t I know Bucaramanga because I have been talking to a girl online for over a year now, that lives there. I've researched Bogota and Medellin, and I'd rather stay in Bucara. A good sized city but doesn't come with all of the tourists and expats, like Bogota/Medellin/Cartagena/Barranquilla. A beautiful city nestled in the mountains just far enough away from the noise...so to speak. ¿Eres de Bucara?
We got robbed on the south end of candelaria
I am sorry about that. I live in La Candelaria for 6 years now. I never had an issue. I guess this can happen everywhere...
My friend and I were robbed by knifepoint about three weeks ago near the Museo de Simon Bolivar while walking down the hill from Monserrat. They took my friend's fannypack off of his shoulder while one of them was waving a knife so we wouldn't fight back. Fortunately not much was in it.
@@ryankane9208 fuck ... I feel like going there myself is so unwise .what do u think 🤔
@@ericaroundtheworld you should be ok. Just be street smart if you will be walking the downtown streets a lot. Don't flash money or a phone out in the open are probably the biggest things to avoid
Here in South Africa in Santan were there is nothing but Ferari and Lamborghini's.They steal Rolex whatches.Crime is every were.
I was in San Jose de Guaviare and it was amazing, had no problems at all and lots of things to see and do there ;)
I still miss this destination, looking forward going there
very accurate!
thank you
Hello Frank, are you in Colombia, I am in Cali Colombia. Would you like to do a video with me? I have some untouched gems i am going to uncover this month.
Thank you thank you thank you! for some reason it’s so hard to find people speak about regional differences; when I ask this question online I just get people talking about the major well-known cities.
WIll be relocating to Colombia the 9th of August. Was offered an English teaching position in Valledupar. Do you know if it is safe there? I know it was not safe during La Violencia, but what about now?
Valledupar is not known for being very dangerous. It is although close to the boarder to Venezuela which might impact some sort of crime. Be street smart like everywhere around the world.
Any unsafe zones in Pereira, Barranquilla, Armenia, Manizales, and Bucaramanga?
there are unsafe zones everywhere in the world
@@COLOMBIAFRANK I don't agree. I come from Slovakia and there are no unsafe zones like you are talking about. Except, you should not enter gypsy ghettos, but that's self-explanatory. No native Slovaks live there. Similarly it's in Czechia, Poland, Hungary. I never understood this concept of unsafe zones until I started to travel to the West. Same goes for the Far East Asia. No no-go zones in Taiwan, HK, Japan, Korea. It's the local culture, which is causing violence in S America, Arab countries and Africa. The pockets of if have been exported to the West and have become a huge problem.
If you are going to mention Candelaria and other parts in el Centro, you need to discuss the beggars and homeless people and how they will come up to you and expect money. Once in a while they will get aggressive if you are alone and not a physical threat to them. I am living in Candelaria and I cannot walk outside without being hollered at or someone coming up to me.
You should teach people to be street smart. Don't carry cards or expensive phones or a lot of cash. Just keep it simple and don't carry anything that you cannot lose. I now carry a secondary phone that is cheap and wouldn't kill me if I had to give it up. Always watch who is around you, across the street, behind you, who is looking at you, and who is coming up to you. You need to be on alert at all times if you look like a foreigner especially with European descent.
Maybe we should go for a walk together one day. I walk down the 19, go to Jimenez or to Parque nacional on different routes. I don't have issues and when a beggar comes along, I just shake my head. To me it is by far not as dramatic as you describe it.
Is cali safe?
Yes and no. After stats Cali is among the 50 most dangerous cities of the world. I have been there many times and I never had a single issue. Also I have friends there and they had no issues so far. Just be smart, then it should be fine
Some places, the South and center yes but the north no there are many sicarios and siloe is dangerous
The historic center of the city is safe, the north and south are safe with some few exceptions. The hillside of the city is dangerous with some exceptions (San Antonio is a neighborhood you'll love if you visit Cali, there's a church on the top of a hill where you can see a great part of the city; also you can take the cable way but don't get out the stations, it's really dangerous). Avoid the east of the city, unless you want to know the poorest and most dangerous parts of the city. Avoid public transportation until you know which routes and places are safer.
If you had to choose .would you live closer to the paramilitar. Or eln or farc. Or are they all violent. Becuase I want to live near a small town surrounded by nature. Far from any city or goverment control
Las Farc estan en el congreso y el ELN no se ve a simple vista, las guerrillas ya no actuan como hace unas decadas, si quiere ver y sentir la experiencia de ser un guerrillero de antaño puede ir al sur del pais ( Cauca, Caqueta, Vaupes).
Los pueblos alrededor de Bogota son una buena opcion o el oriente de Antioquia para vivir sin temor a que le suceda algo.
Well, I am not sure if that is the right approach to divide those groups. I would rather say there are violent and not violent groups.
@@COLOMBIAFRANK which group is non violent?
🤣@@el.don1975
How about Santa Marta, Columbia? Thanks
Santa Marta Colombia, great destination!
colOmbia
Columbia is the capital of South Carolina.
Very well done! Tell us more about your staff's encounter with armed group on the boat. I want all the details :)
there is not much more to tell. they were friendly but don't wanted anybody to know about them
@@COLOMBIAFRANK you're right it's very hard and expensive for any state to control vast, remote areas. I don't even think it's possible. As long as there is demand, there will be coca production and exportation. And that means armed groups fighting for control of drug routes. The unfortunate part is people living in those "forgotten communities" because they are effectively controled by gangs instead of the government. And it will always be like that.
@@lush6370 and also there is the fact that such groups are no official military, so they can merge with the local population and become invisible. Time will tell if that will change
@@lush6370 it’s under CIA supervision ✔️
!Wow😊👍
Interesting and informative video thank you Frank
Very welcome
Is Bucaramanga safe to travel to?
I think yes
As with any place in the world, If you go looking for trouble you will find it. Be smart, no dar papaya, and be aware of what is around you and Colombia is a beautiful place....
( no dar papaya means dont give papaya or dont show outward wealth)
WHATS THE BEST PLACE TO MOVE? BACARAMANGA?
there is no clear answer to that
Avoid ? Those are my favorite places !!!
very good
You should take it more serious
Advice from a Colombian who wants you to enjoy safely here
@@totozilla6396 I am Colombian.
@@josephanthony1655 being or not it stills being Colombia lol, always watch your steps
I was born in the red part in south east 🙂
Did anything change since the video was posted?
If something is certain than it is change. As a general overview I think this video is still good but in some areas the security situation decreased in the meantime
What Kennedy safe to go to in Bogotá
Hey Jason
Sorry, I do not understand your question
Kennedy is not Safe
Thank you for explaining all of that. The media often paints Columbia as some place that has thugs on every street corner waiting to kill someone. There are dangerous areas in every country and these drug wars are political. I’ve just watched some walk through videos of Columbia and it is in fact a lovely place. Unpretentious and casual with lots of green spaces with nice car free spaces for the public to sit. I think that would be its appeal.
Colombia is a paradise!
What about Bucaramanga Santander?
what about it?
Do you accept tourists now?
Since last year. Just check if you need a visa depending on your nationality
Thank you for this video.
with pleasure
great useful video
thank you
Is Santa Monica in Medellin a safe neighborhood?
I don't know, maybe somebody from the audience is from Medellin and has more information
Check the U.S. embassy information.
The warnings of different countries differ and also change over time. We therefore cannot compare the shown map from the video with a current map from the us embassy. do you agree?
@@COLOMBIAFRANK Agree. I should have been clearer. My suggestion was for your readers, not for you. Things will change from the time you do your video, which in my opinion was accurate,
Good information!
Glad you think so!
The real title should be: Places to avoid in Columbia if ur a white dude.
Nope, because it is Colombia and not Columbia ;-)
With so many places to avoid, basically not a country to visit.
it's good to know
How about Cali?
Cali is great!
Brother, I'm from India and I really like your country and the people there. I would love to visit it someday. Just out of curiosity what do Colombians think about India?
Hey hermano,
I actually do not know what Colombians think about Indians, sorry. I think all Indians should visit Colombia of course ;-)
@@COLOMBIAFRANK Yes hermano, I would love to visit Colombia and whole of latin america as the Indian and latin american cultures are very similar. Both of our countries were colonized by Western powers like Britishers and Spainiards. Just like Gandhi fought for India's independence, simon bolivar fought for your independence
@@Pgggg not quite. Even though India was colonised by the British, they didn't settled in mass numbers like Spaniards did in Colombia. There are very few Anglo-Indian in India. Plus, that colonisation in Latin America, made Colombia a western nation instead of a westernised nation like India. I would say that Colombia resembles a little bit more to South Africa and India resembles more to Bolivia or Peru.
Kore D'Agosto I’m basically talking about the similarities in Indian and Latin American cultures as a whole.
@@Pgggg I know what you mean, but problem is Latin America is not that homogenous. Argentina is European and Bolivia is more native American. And there's countries in between like Mexico, Colombia or Venezuela. We called our native Americas "Indians" though 😁
Thank you Frank for these valuable informations, really interresting ! I' m a "sola traveller" planning to go to Colombia next summer ( if everything is ok). I was wondering if it's still dangerous to travel to Buenaventura? The thing is that i'll be just passing by BN to reach the Bahia Malaga National Park.
Hey Hanane
Official information from embassies recommend not traveling to Buenaventura. I was there several times and had no issues and did not have any concers. If you travel smart and during the day, you should be fine. The bus station is only 10min walk from the harbor.
"Information", not "informations", but you can say "valuable pieces of information" if you need to express it in plural. 😁🇨🇦
@@pz2736 I appreciate your taking time to help out with corrections. My English is not that great, so every opportunity to improve, counts.
Any updates on the current situation? How did the trip go?
Hi
My venez girlfriend wants me to rent apartment in the South. Ive been living in Centro because cheaper. I see why. Thanks for this expose especially with the borders being what they are.
Hard to understand at times because of unorganized thoughts when speaking, but he appears to be friendly.
I am very friendly ;-)
@@COLOMBIAFRANK Maybe, you can recommend proper places to visit when in Bogotá in mid-July. Do you have a website?
@@yokiyo1004He does
German or Dutch dude referencing the UK travel warnings? This gentleman is clueless about Colombia. I lived there for 6 years with no issues. Ignore this Chichipato.....he knows nothing.
thank you for your comment
Those governments publications are ultra safe… made for wuss or official use. Not all these areas are actually very dangerous
Amazon is actually a touristic area. Chibiriquete, Leticia, Macarena. Putumayo has the Yage, which is an indiginous patrimonio. Pacific has Malpelo island and the most raining area in the World. Uraba in Antioquia is really touristic! huge hotels.
thx for the comment
🥳
you should know more about Barranquilla, Bucaramanga
I plan a longer trip to Santander this year acutally
What are you doing in Colombia?
I run a travel agency
I live in the south of Bogota. I GUARANTEE you my neighborhood is way safer than the Candelaria, and safer than most of the north too.
I believe you, this is more general information for tourists that they get an impression
I spent 10 days in Medellín and walked through all the barrios (even the “dangerous” ones) day and night and nothing ever happened.
The only thing that surprised me was when a prostitute literally walked up to me and grabbed me inbetween the legs
Sometimes you are lucky, sometimes not. I live in the center of Bogota since 2015 and never had an issue, also on my extensive trips throughout the country, no single issue.
The old Colombia is gone, the new one is not on the level of Liechtenstein yet, but we are on the way
headphone alert, jesus.
If you see this video, an 80% of the information is wrong.
Camilo, then tell us about your expertise for those 80% pls
Bogota Santa Fe safe ??? 🙄🙄🙄
no tengo problemas en Santa Fe
The map was hard to read. Can you post the names of the areas?
This is an older video and also the map is indicative. If you like to travel to Colombia you should talk to a local travel expert
ISIS still operates in Maicao. You wouldnt want to go there anyways. Nothin goin on there. Cucuta is also not safe now. I think it wasnt too bad when you made this video but things are different there now. Sad and downright awful things happening there.
True, it is a general overview. Situations can always change
Are the women safe
sure, just be smart
John:3.16
"For God so loved the world he gave his one and only Son Jesus Christ whoever believes in him shall not Die but have Eternal life.
Amen
Avoid the gates of eternal hell & Believe n Jesus Christ I Pray Amen ☝️☝️☝️
Es ColOmbia ! Por dios . If You are a travel agent and Even live in Bogota , You really should learn how to pronouce C-o-l-O-m-b-i-a . Just trying to help . Thats a real pet peeve of the citizens . Also Colombia has came a very long ways into being safer , and yes , there is a Lot of pretty crime in some áreas , however the violent crime has decreased by 80% . Or more . How long have you lived there ?? If your gonna have a channel and name yourself Colombia frank ,which you pronounce as Columbia frank , please do yourself a favor and pronounce it correctly. As a travel guide you may want to put some positive content in your video to encourage people to enjoy the most biodiverse country in the world with a lot to see and where 99% of people on the street are more approachable than in the US or London ,inglaterra . As far as dramatacizing narcos . Let people know to be careful and not wear gold necklaces or Rolex watches or pull new 800- 1200$ phones out in public , and NOT to go out drinking alone and don't meet up with nor bring any person that you just met to your place because of scolplamine , which is basically like a daterape drug that is usually administered by putting in a drink if you go to bathroom take drink with you and if you happen to be a person that travels alone , don't visit with intention to travel there looking for sex or drugs , these are the people that are targeted and give gringos a bad name. Otherwise enjoy the culture and the people and you will have a good experience . No dar papaya , be respectful to the locals and it's very helpful to learn at least basic Spanish , if you can have C2 -b2 level of Spanish it will make your trip a lot more fun . Make your channel about the positive and beautiful places to go . Use common sense and you can get up to date info on where to avoid on the embassy website . 123 on your phone is equal to 911. Good luck with your new channel . Oh , and advise people who aren't traveling with locals to use apps for rides ,like indriver . They have Uber drivers in Colombia however Uber is illegal in Colombia and you can get a hefty fine .
Just avoid Colombia too much nonsense
interesting
What do you mean?
Dude you don’t have a clue 🤦🏿♂️
tell me more
@@COLOMBIAFRANK I agree, I've been in Colombia for 10 years and some of this information is incorrect.
@@LaurasIELTSpage and which part of it?
Avoid Cali .Common dude
I love Cali!
Only some places
From which country are you? (the accent sounds really familiar to me....😄
Schwiizer, gäll?!
😂
✌️
🇨🇭
yep, genau. E Zürischnure!
@@COLOMBIAFRANK & jetzt bisch uf Bogota, Colombia uusgwanderet? I han au im Seefeld gwohnt vo 2007-2015. (Höschgasse & vorher Zollikon) Jetzt chills is in Sandanski, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. Vorher han i scho z Bangkok, Thailand, Prague, Czechia & in Kryvij Rih, Ukraine gwohnt. (aber i bi ursprünglich vo Bottmingen, Baselland & vor Züri han i no 6 Jahr z Uzwil, SG gwohnt;-)))
En “richtige“ Zigüüner. (min Vater isch vo Ungarn gsi;-)))
Jetzt plan i au no uf Pakistan & Südamerika. (eifach det, wos am billigste isch;-)))
🤝
Isch ja alles slum usser CH.
😂
Joke.
@@therevolution91Interessant! Ich läbe in Bogota sit 2015, sowiit so guet. Mini Grosmuetter isch au von Ungarn gsii, schiint es zämehäng zgeh jajaja
@@COLOMBIAFRANK E scho?! 😂 Geil. Ja, wäg Bogota: i chum denn nach Covid, denk i mal. Will Pakistan & Indie vilicht fast chli zu abgfuckt sind. I mein: Bogota au recht. Oder nöd? Chasch mr was empfehle zum wohne? (e gueti site?)
✌️
& ja: glaub scho, dass es da en Zämmehang git. Mini Grossmuetter vo Ungarn isch 96i & immerno am läbe. (soviel i weiss, will min Dad im 2019 an Non-Hodgkin cancer gstorbe isch & mini Eltere sich 2011 trännt händ….)
Bogota Santa Fe safe??? 🤔🤔
Wana check out the nyt life
& The Girls 🥰🥰🥰
Medellin look nice 🥰🥰🥰
Cartagena looks Beautiful
Australia n the house 🇭🇲🇭🇲🇭🇲
thx, I am fine
Wow! No border areas .Keep away from the big cities because of the favelas. Dont go south or up the hill.
People are desperate dont be their lunch. I'll pass if its Spanish your after check out Mallorca in the Balearic islands.
Not as dramatic, the map is more an indication
Where the women at..lol
All over the world my friend
@@COLOMBIAFRANK well u spoke like u knew a special place