Is Colombia safe for solo female travellers?

Colombia is generally safe for solo female travellers. While it is important to take the same precautions as you would in any other country, Colombia is generally considered to be a safe destination for solo female travellers. The country has a low crime rate and the people are friendly and welcoming. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to take the necessary safety precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night and not carrying large amounts of cash.

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
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Solo travel experience

I spent 14 days in Colombia with a very low budget. It was my first time getting on a plane, and I visited Santa Marta and Cartagena, where I felt very safe. I met kind and helpful people along the way. I was quite scared, but now I feel like I'm capable of anything. I highly recommend Parque Tayrona if you love nature. It's a true paradise.

Posted: September 4, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went on my first-ever solo trip to Colombia. I had an amazing time along the coast. I went to Cartagena, Santa Marta, Minca, Tayrona National Park, Palomino, Cabo de la Vela, San Andres. I felt super safe the whole time. I strongly encourage visiting this beautiful country.

Posted: August 11, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Safety tips for solo female travellers in Colombia

Colombia can be a safe destination for solo female travelers, but it's important to take some precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some safety tips for solo female travelers in Colombia:

  1. It is important to stay in well-lit and populated areas, especially at night, to reduce the risk of becoming a target for crime.

  2. Carrying large amounts of cash can make you a target for criminals. It is best to use a credit or debit card when possible.

  3. Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of people who may be following you.

  4. Wearing flashy jewelry can make you a target for criminals.

  5. Never accept rides from strangers, as this can be dangerous.

  6. Leaving your drink unattended can make you vulnerable to being drugged.

  7. Walking alone at night can be dangerous, so it is best to travel with a group or take a taxi.

  8. Flashing expensive items such as cameras or phones can make you a target for criminals.

  9. Be wary of people who may be trying to scam you or take advantage of you.

  10. Research the area you are visiting before you go to be aware of any potential dangers.

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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

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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

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Meet locals in Colombia

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

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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

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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

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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
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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
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Explore Colombia

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