Is Colombia safe at night?

Colombia is generally safe at night, but it is important to take precautions. It is best to avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas, and to stay in well-lit, populated areas. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and to trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe, it is best to leave the area and find a safe place.

Travel reviews from Colombia

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 20 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

5/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

5/5

Budget-friendly

4.6/5

Solo travel experience

I visited Medellín, Cartagena, and Barranquilla. I flew from Cancún to Medellín, then from Medellín to Cartagena, Cartagena to Barranquilla, and finally Barranquilla back home. As for transportation, I used airplanes for all my trips. I paid with a card for almost everything, and they give you a good exchange rate. In Medellín, I stayed in Provenza and honestly found a super cheap Airbnb. I visited Guatape, it's beautiful and you shouldn't miss it. The food is delicious, especially the cheese, and chocolate. I returned at 4 a.m. once, and to be honest, I felt safe. In Cartagena, I stayed in Morros City, where I had a spectacular view. Everything was close to me except the downtown area, which wasn't far away, but I preferred to use a taxi or Uber. You can use Uber without a problem, it's very cheap, and also taxis, but you should ask how much they will charge for everything. In terms of safety in Cartagena, you should be more careful, especially at night, and avoid walking in the early morning, that's all.

Posted: September 19, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

Colombia is super safe. Easily one of my favorite countries I’ve ever visited. I’ve been there for a month: carrying a camera, phone, etc, walking around at night. I’m blonde and a don’t speak a whole lot of Spanish. I’ve never had any trouble or felt uncomfortable at all.

Posted: May 26, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I have been to Cartagena and Medellín (not solo) and honestly, I would go back to Medellín alone in a heartbeat. Very safe even at night I was surprised by all the women walking alone. It’s so beautiful and a very clean friendly city. Cartagena felt sketchy to me. I wouldn’t go back alone let alone with others. We got harassed on numerous occasions.

Posted: February 17, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Safety tips for visiting Colombia

  1. Avoid walking alone at night: Colombia is a relatively safe country, but it is still important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. It is best to travel in groups and stay in well-lit areas.

  2. Be aware of pickpockets: Pickpocketing is a common problem in Colombia, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables close.

  3. Don’t carry large amounts of cash: It is best to avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you as it can make you a target for criminals.

  4. Don’t flash expensive items: Avoid wearing or carrying expensive items such as jewelry or electronics as it can make you a target for criminals.

  5. Don’t accept drinks from strangers: It is important to be aware of your drink at all times and not accept drinks from strangers as they may be spiked with drugs.

  6. Don’t take unnecessary risks: Avoid taking unnecessary risks such as hitchhiking or walking in dangerous areas.

  7. Be aware of your surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings at all times and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it is best to leave the area.

  8. Don’t carry drugs: Carrying drugs is illegal in Colombia and can lead to serious consequences.

  9. Don’t take pictures of military or police: Taking pictures of military or police personnel is illegal in Colombia and can lead to serious consequences.

  10. Don’t drink the tap water: Tap water in Colombia is not safe to drink, so it is best to stick to bottled water.

Get the Travel Ladies App

Meet up with locals and travelers, find travel buddies, share experiences, discuss travel plans and stay with locals through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

Upcoming visitors to Colombia

Silvia

Silvia

Speaking

About Me

Since I started working I’ve been travelling around. I’m open minded, down to earth and always ready for some fun. I like change and I like to keep on moving. The next big step is South America in the late 2023, I’m looking for a travel buddy!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇺 Australia, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇲🇻 Maldives, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

mode_comment 0
Teresa

Teresa

Speaking

About Me

Hi everybody, I am planning a backpacking trip through South America. I will start in August 2024 and would like to meet other nature and culture connected people who want to start the tour with me. I am already a year earlier in Paraguay and participate in a research project on biodiversity in the rainforest. If you also want to discover this incredible continent I would be happy to establish contact and possibly then do something together in South America.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇮🇹 Italy

mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Colombia

Jessica

Jessica

Speaking

About Me

Hi! I am a scientist from America and I love seeing new cities.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇿 Belize, 🇧🇶 Bonaire, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇨🇼 Curacao, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇴🇲 Oman, 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇾🇪 Yemen, 🇻🇦 Vatican City

mode_comment 0
Juanita

Juanita

Speaking

About Me

I am Juanita, I am curre toy studying business administration in Bogotá, I love being in contact with nature, to hike, and everything that involves spirituality,

Countries I’ve Visited

🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States

mode_comment 0
Alejandra

Alejandra

Speaking

About Me

Hello! I’m Alejandra Abella. I love theater and music. Currently, I am learning programming. I love animals, I have 5 animals at home. My favorite food is sushi. I love talking with a lot of people. I practice swimming. I work as a ICT teacher. Usually I’m really full with all activities. I love with my parents and brother. I would be pleasure to be in touch with you.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇺🇾 Uruguay, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Colombia

Alejandra

Alejandra

Can host for 3 days

Hello! I’m Alejandra Abella. I love theater and music. Currently, I am learning programming. I love animals, I have 5 animals at home. My favorite food is sushi. I love talking with a lot of people. I practice swimming. I work as a ICT teacher. Usually I’m really full with all activities. I love with my parents and brother. I would be pleasure to be in touch with you.
Marie

Marie

Can host for 3 days

Hello! M’y name is Marie, im half french and half spanish, I work in the field of defense of womens rigths, I graduate as a political scientist in both countries. Im currently living and working in Cali, colombia after living for 6 months in Buenos Aires Argentina.
Solimar

Solimar

Can host for 7 days

Hi, My name is Solimar and I'm interested in animals, art, camping, culture, cinema, dancing, fashion, food & cuisine, history, photography, solo travel, swimming and writing

Local discussions

TravelWhat adventures in Colombia are worth traveling to?

I am traveling to Cartagena and Medellin soon and would love recommendations for both cities/any adventures nearby that are worth traveling to while in Colombia.

Posted: November 2, 2022
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel"What recommendations do you have for solo travel in Bogota, Colombia and how safe is it?"

Hello solo travelers. I will be traveling to Bogota Colombia next week for the first time and solo. I would appreciate restaurant and places to see, recommendations and how safe is it for solo travel in Colombia.

Posted: September 17, 2022
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Explore Colombia

Articles