As of May 1, 2022, Colombia visitors will need to prove that they have completed all vaccination procedures or must pass a negative Covid-19 test before entry.
The 10 safest cities in Colombia earned that title based on other criteria too – not just for low Covid risk.
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10 Safest Cities in Colombia
I did not find any 2020 or newer data for some locations.
Instead, I took at least one reporter’s word for it, especially if I found a second list with some cities on it.
Otherwise, some places have a numeric crime rate based on a scale from 0 to 100, with 100 being the highest amount of illegal activity.
I did not include Salento, which is located in Quindío, because I found no statistics published after 2018.
It had received a rating as the safest city in Colombia on at least one blog though.
1. Palomino
The coastal city of Palomino in Guajira is one place where you do not have to worry much about visiting the bars, restaurants, and other establishments at night.
Only about 4,000 people live here, and it is known for its beach and tourists.
Apparently, part of the reason for the low crime rate is that the people in Palomino know one another.
It is not easy to find an exact safety index or crime statistics for this area, however.
Instead, you may have to sometimes worry about violent beach waves.
On the other hand, you also should watch out at night in dark alleys.
2. Valledupar
This Cesar Department city in Northeastern Colombia has a remote feel, having mountains on one side and two different rivers as its border.
It is one of the safest areas of the Cesar Department, and the rest has a “reconsider travel” warning set by the U.S. assembly in Colombia.
3. Minca
No readily available report about the crime rate or safety index confirms this, but travel writers claim that Minca is safe.
Families often come to this location, and it is a quiet place with only 800 people.
Backpackers, however, probably need to know what they are doing, so they do not get injured.
4. Jardin
Found in Antioquia, Jardin rates as safer than Medellin, which is about four hours away.
This small community usually stays peaceful.
Watch out for all the rain, however.
It does receive about 104.17 inches of it per year.
5. Bucaramanga
Santander’s locals call Bucaramanga “The City of Parks.”
It has the fifth-largest GDP rate and the lowest unemployment rate.
For its population of 581,130, it stays safe at a violence rate of only 43 incidences per 100K people.
6. Villa De Leyva
It is a bit larger than some of the other safest communities, such as Minca or Palomino.
It has a population of 16,984 and a 2021 violent crime rate of 62 per 100K.
It is one of the places where people come to witness historical architecture and shop at some local boutiques.
I think I would take this advice: Stay here if I could afford it because I would not have to contend with much theft or crime like in the bigger metropolitan areas.
7. Pereira, (42.59 overall crime rate)
People in this Risaralda city feel fairly safe about walking alone at night.
It has one of the lowest overall crime rates, so it would be one of my first choices of places to visit in Colombia.
It is a mid-sized city of 467,269 people and has a violent crime rate of only 45 per 100K as of 2021.
8. Manizales (44.79 overall crime rate)
In 2018, Manizales, Department of Caldas had a homicide rate of 20 per 100K, which ranks lower than many Colombian cities.
Murders had dropped in this city by 552,155 about 58% from 2008 to 2018.
9. Medellin (65.84 overall crime rate)
This area has fewer reported homicides between 2019 and 2021 than Cali, Valle del Cauca, or Bogotá, D.C.
I would say that is a good sign if you are looking for the place where you would the least likely end up killed.
Remember, some neighborhoods are worse than others.
10. Barranquilla (73.86 overall crime rate)
This Atlántico Department city does have a high crime rate overall.
However, home break-ins and theft are moderate.
Some more good news: violence because of ethnicity, race, skin color, religion or gender, etc. is rated “very low.”
You will have to learn where the best neighborhoods are before you enter here.
Start with Alto Prado if you are not sure.
9 Safety Tips for Traveling to Colombia
1. Stick to smaller communities (when possible).
“You will want to stick to the smaller communities.”
That is the advice that Pete Ortiz of House Grail gives concerning travel to Colombia.
I agree, and that is what I’d do if I do ever have the chance to enter South America.
At least a couple of the 10 safest cities have 4,000 people in them or less.
2. Beware of fake police.
Apparently, a common scam pulled on Colombian travelers is dressing up as police and stealing people’s personal information.
For instance, some crooks posing as police officers might take your passport or other picture IDs, your traveler’s checks (if you have any), or even your credit cards.
Maybe they would use the excuse they suspected you were doing drugs, or something, just to con you.
Watch out and learn how to tell the fake law enforcers from the real ones.
3. Walk in groups at night.
It is better not to walk around at night alone.
However, you must also make sure you do not look like a gang and stay informed about all your travel destinations before, during, and after you arrive.
4. Don’t look so “obvious.”
This includes not wearing flashy beach clothing or taking excessive pictures – or at least do not ask strangers to take your photos.
They could, for one, run off with your camera.
As for the clothing, make it as dull looking as possible but follow local fashion.
5. Use a disposable camera (when you can).
Unless you need the pictures for professional use, just use a disposable camera.
Alternatively, buy a cheap digital alternative that will not cost you as much if stolen.
6. Conceal your valuables (or leave them at home).
Do not bring large bags with valuable items such as your best jewelry, laptops and tablets, smartphones, or other items on the streets.
If you must have your phone or money, try to keep it in a pocket and not use a handbag, or strap your purse over your shoulder.
7. Learn Spanish
You will need to, for instance, know how to ask where the bathroom is.
In addition, it could save you from becoming fooled by thieves or con artists, and even kidnappers.
8. If mugged, surrender.
Do not fight for your item, or you could lose your life.
The only exception would be is if you think you can outrun the thief. I don’t know if I would take that chance, however.
You might find a way to voice-activate your phone though.
If you do, you could voice-dial an emergency rescue line with your phone still in your pocket.
9. Have an emergency plan.
Perhaps carry an extra phone and hide it somewhere no one can find it.
Make sure you also have travel insurance in case your luggage is lost or stolen.
What is more, arrange evacuation plans with your travel group.
Colombia Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Colombia Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colombia safe to visit right now?
Many of the places in this country are safe for traveling.
You should, however, review some of the most dangerous places to travel and reports about where not to go or where you should reconsider traveling.
Where should I not go to in Colombia?
Reports change from time to time as far as what places to visit and what places to avoid.
This update should help you: As of April 19, 2022, the Colombia Travel Advisory advised you to reconsider travel or not to go to certain places at all.
Some places where they tell you not to go include Arauca and Cauca, with the exception being Popayan.
The primary reason is crime and terrorism.
DO NOT TRAVEL THERE as of 2021, even if you are vaccinated, until further notice.
How do I avoid danger in Colombia?
Not all areas have terrorism or violence.
However, if you notice mobs of people protesting, stay away from them.
What is more, look out all around you even if you think you know the area well.
Watch news reports whenever you have access to media either online, a TV, or radio too.
With respect to Colombia you did not touch on the upcoming election which could send the country in a violent spiral. Have you come across predictions about the May 31 post election situation? Thanks
I was in Barranquilla on May 31st and the only thing that was different was no alcohol was allowed to be consumed or purchased until June 1st at 2pm. No demonstrations just a lot of talking about the candidates.
I was just in Colombia for 28 days and had no issues except for usual beggars, although I was with my future wife who is Colombian.
Stayed in Armenia. Visited Salento, Vida park, Recura, and Panaca Park. Spent 2 days in Bogota. Rode local buses and taxis. Went to many malls, ate out local restaurants and grocery stores. Overall the worst feeling I had was people looking at me as if a $ sign was stamped on my forehead. Watch out for taxi drivers taking round about trips to add more to their fares.
We encountered that a couple times in Armenia but we did not pay the taxi beyond what we knew should have been the price, and my novia chewed them out in Spanish as we knew the correct streets to get to our destination. We eventually met a local family from a nice honest taxi driver and hired his son as our private driver in his own nice 2020 Hyundai. If you can go that route, highly recommended. Promise them little higher wage for using their own nice car, instead of the yellow stick out like a sore thumb taxi. Our private driver even helped us move into a apartment and I even invited him to a have a nice Italian lunch in a upscale restaurant with us.
Met his wife and mother as well. There are always people looking for handouts, or think gringos are cash machines. My 6’5″ height helps, but just be on your toes, and always stay alert on the streets. Don’t flash big bills out of your pockets. Don’t carry a wallet, or if you do always in front pants pocket. I used a 3rd old cell, which we paid a unlimited plan @$55,000 pesos first month, $39,000 thereafter. On a 3 month plan.
I also carried around a old $100 digital pocket Samsung camera. I may be living part time in Armenia or other city, and overall Colombia is safe as long as you know where to go and plan your routes ahead of time. I even signed up with the US embassy website detailing my trip, just as a backup safety item. If needed, could call the embassy and they would at least have some idea of where I was in the country with friends contact numbers in Colombia as well as emergency contacts back in the states. As a tall gringo I will never fit in with locals, but just be friendly and most people will be helpful..
I just returned from Cali with my wife of 7.5 years who was born and raised there. I have been to several cities there many times during the time we have been together. I don’t speak Spanish very well, but I understand and speak some basics which really helps. Whenever I am in public and spoken to, I try to keep the conversation very limited to not draw attention to the fact I am a gringo. I am very good at speaking with the correct accent, which is difficult for most of us gringos, but if you can practice that in particular it also helps you to blend in with the locals. Learning some slang and basic responses that apply to a lot of questions will also help when you are being spoken to by locals. Sometimes just saying psss (slang for pues which means well and is used often) or no se’ (I don’t know) or ah, bueno (meaning ah, good) will get you by a little. No gracias (no thanks) or just shaking your head no and wagging your index finger at them is also pretty common as there are many people selling things in the streets who will try to sell you lots of things. Like I said, limit conversation as much as possible if you don’t know the language very well because pointing out that you only speak English is a flashing sign that says you are a gringo.
I have blue eyes which makes me stand out, so I usually wear dark sunglasses to hide this giveaway trait. There are many Colombians who are very light skinned so the fact that I am Caucasian doesn’t in itself make me stand out so much.
I also dress like the locals which really helps a lot. Americans like our t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers, but that will make you stand out from the crowd. There are some places it is acceptable, but generally, Colombians dress well for everyday life and it will help if you blend in. Wear nice colored pants or jeans and shirts should have collars. Nice leather shoes are also common.
Taking a lot of photos is another thing that will make you stand out and is something to avoid. Having an old phone with no personal info on it is a good option for the limited photos you want to take.
It really helps to have a local guide to tell you where NOT to go. There are many places you are not safe there, but overall, it isn’t as bad as most reports make it seem. Honestly, there are many places in the US I don’t feel as safe as walking down the busy streets of Cali or Bogota.
Carrying a lot of cash is a no-no. Only carry a little Colombian money at a time and if robbed, give it to the robber as it could cost you your life if you don’t. Never use US$ when making purchases. If you don’t have Colombian currency, use a credit or debit card but make sure you have the number on your card to report it if you lose it or someone steals it. Like I said, I have been there many times and I haven’t been robbed YET. It is common though, so just be prepared to give the robber anything of value you have at the time. Wearing jewelry is alluring to robbers also so rings and anything of value is better left in your hotel or even better, at home.
Los Indios (the Indians) are often causing problems, and this is considered somewhat normal in certain places, especially where they commonly traffic drugs or weapons. They had the main highway blocked going to Calima Lake when I was there which was sad because we had driven almost 3 hours to get to the point of seeing the lake in the distance but couldn’t actually get to it because they had the road blocked. Those things are common to Colombia and makes life difficult for both Colombians and tourists alike.
Most Colombians are good people and ashamed of the drug cartel and terrorists that are in their country. Keep in mind that discussing either can be insulting to the good people so please avoid it when you are there. Gringos are not the only targets in Colombia. Colombian law-abiding citizens can also be kidnapped which happens sometimes too. Terrorists are bullies that really don’t care who they target. That is why it is good to have a local guide to help you avoid problems as much as possible.
Colombia is a beautiful country to visit so please follow the advice given by those of us who have been there and go see what is great about this country.
Thank you for the kind words about my country, you are they make it seem like everyone is kidnap n kill, but thats not true, definitely when I go to my country (I live in U.S most of my life) I’m very vigilant! I make sure to bring back my typical Bogota accent, as I you can lose that, when I went there taxi drivers where asking me where I was from??? WHAT? N no way to tell them u live in U.S, you be can be target!! You mentioned u stand out for having blue eyes, my dear I have my half brother have green eyes, my causing blue eyes n blond, N a long list of it! But I think it’s good idea, bz u don’t speak proper Spanish!
I heard about roads being block, that SUCKS!!! 😡😡 sorry u came across that issue!
I’ve been to Barranquilla a number of times with my Colombian fiance. It definitely makes a difference to have local friends. Try to get some kind of connections to where you are going in advance that are trustworthy, possibly concierge at hotels (or someone who benefits from your safety).
One comment about taxi’s, ALWAYS negotiate the price before you accept the ride, then they will take the smartest route for themselves, but, and this, maybe someone else could help with…when I was in Medellin, trying to use app for ride instead of taxi, chatting with a girl outside the Santafee mall near the American hotels, trying to get back to Hotel Charlee, and girl warned me to take cab from inside the mall taxi stand. Earlier an American couple had grabbed a taxi right outside the mall and were taken by criminal cab driver to isolated location and robbed. So, it could be the nicest area, but you always need to use caution, follow your instincts, if you feel uncomfortable, and say no. IF they get upset with you, oh well. Just because they are in a yellow taxi vehicle doesn’t make them legit.
In Barranquilla, we had a driver who drove in the bus lane, got pulled over and he was not the driver listed with the cab. The actual driver sublet it to him, and his license was suspended and he was arrested, poor guy was very nice, just trying to make a living, but if in Colombia, just like here, if an unauthorized driver has an accident and you are injured, there is no liability insurance, so yes, you can get jitneys and save money, but be smart. If a driver is driving crazy and fast, get another ride. Ask them to slow down or let you out…of course that can be hard to do if you’re out at night and between the nice area where you were dining and the hotel…like in Santa Marta and Cartagena, there’s some real bad neighborhoods outside of the nightlife spots and your hotel.
Another comment above about being safer in smaller towns, I don’t know if I agree. I think a visitor stands out much more in smaller towns. Crime statistics are relative, sometimes you can just be in the wrong place at the wrong time, but I agree with the other comments about not flashing around money to try and be a big shot or learning how to dress more like locals and being respectful of culture wherever you visit, which includes knowing some of the language all makes sense.
If you’ve never travelled outside the US before, Colombia might not be the first place you want to try. Also, not having internet connection and your phone apps to rely on at times can make a difference. I was in Venice and arrived at apartment in kind of a back alley and tried to go out to dinner, and the map app was taking me to the back side of it, in a dark place, nothing there, and could not logically find our way to the front, wandered around for hours and then it was too late so we started to return home, but after working furiously trying to find a wifi and with a bad battery, my phone died, yep. So, fortunately paying attention to the bridges and canals and landmarks helped us get back home. That was a little crazy finding our way back in some medieval alleys and courtyards.
So, take the time to make adjustments to your phone plans so you DO have phone use, even if it costs a chunk, it’s worth it. Second, if your phone battery dies quickly, get it replaced. Third, you can get a thin battery backup for your phone and a short charger cord to carry with you to be sure you’re phone doesn’t die. But it doesn’t hurt to print out a basic map in advance of your locations if possible that you can fold into a small square in your back pocket.
I always spend literally dozens of hours researching before I go to new places and it makes a huge difference, because things always go wrong, but it helps to overplan, AND…it makes up for my own stupidity, shortsightedness and mistakes. Good luck!
I absolutely love Colombia, I’ve traveled to Bogota, Cali, Barranquilla, and currently live in Medellin. I do have a Colombian partner so that helps, and I speak a little Spanish. I have never had any negative experiences with any of my travels in Colombia. But like any where you have to be smart and vigilant. I actually feel safer in Medellin than I do in many city’s in the US. I drive a motorcycle around like many others and love the city.
The inclusion of cities in Colombia doesn’t come as a surprise. Their proactive safety initiatives and welcoming atmosphere make them appealing destinations for travelers looking for both security and cultural experiences.
Colombia’s safest cities often include Medellin, Cartagena, and Bucaramanga. These cities offer a cool atmosphere with a focus on safety measures, making them great choices for travelers seeking security and exploration.
As someone who has traveled extensively in Colombia, I can vouch for the safety of cities like Santa Marta and Barranquilla. They offer beautiful coastal views and a sense of security, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture without feeling unsafe.