Is Colombia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Colombia offers a rich cultural experience with its vibrant cities, charming towns, and beautiful landscapes. However, safety can vary greatly depending on the region. While it's not uncommon for solo female travelers to journey safely through Colombia, it's important to be cautious. Certain areas in large cities are not advisable to visit, especially at night. Also, common issues like pickpocketing and theft can occur. Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying flashy valuables, and use trusted transportation. Don't hesitate to ask locals about the safety of certain areas.

Safety rating

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How safe is Colombia?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

While many parts of Colombia are generally safe to travel, it may not be highly recommended to walk alone at night, especially in unfamiliar or unlit areas. Crime rates can be higher after dark and it is not uncommon for foreign travelers to be targeted. Always stay vigilant and use trusted transportation means such as ordering a taxi through a reliable app or using an official taxi from a reputable company. Make sure to inform someone of your whereabouts whenever you venture out at night. Needless to say, it's advisable to avoid isolated areas or quiet streets. Being on the safe side, sticking to well-populated and brightly lit areas is advisable.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Colombia like buses and taxis is relatively safe but certain precautions should be observed. It's common practice to call a taxi rather than hailing one. Buses are often crowded and are more commonly frequented by pickpockets, especially in larger cities like Bogota and Medellin. Quality varies depending on the region. Be extra careful at night and avoid unnecessary travel when it's dark. Like in any location, vigilance and awareness can greatly enhance safety.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

While Colombia is known for its warmth and sociability, it does have instances of street harassment, especially in larger cities and busy areas. These may manifest as catcalls, lewd comments, or nonviolent but undesirable attention. However, the frequency and intensity of such incidents can be influenced by factors such as time of day, your location, and how well you blend into the local culture. As a female traveler, it is advisable to be cautious, avoid displaying valuable possessions, and use trusted transportation services.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Colombia is an amazing country to explore, but it has its share of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and minor scams, especially in crowded and touristy areas. Situational awareness and precautionary measures like not flashing expensive items, using safe transportation options, and avoiding isolated areas can significantly reduce the risk.

Is Colombia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 90 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5
Liz

Liz

Panama

Colombia, Family travel

I felt safe almost everywhere except in Plaza de Botero in Medellin were they have statues from the artist, that park felt sketchy and there were too much people walking around randomly. I like a vegan sushi I bought there in Medellín twice but overall vegan food.. they didn't have much. I spent around $300 dollars in everything that included the hotel where I stayed in the same room with mom and sister, then a whole bus to take us from our hotel to the touristic sites for 3 or 5 days I think it was and then I spent like a $100 on souvenirs.

Posted: July 21, 2025
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Cartagena, Couple travel

Although there is much to offer in Cartagena, Colombia it is important to stay vigilant. I was at a bar with my partner and pretty sure someone put something in my drink. I only had 2 beers at the bar and when I was walking home with my partner I could not keep my eyes open. I was literally falling asleep as we were walking home and I had never felt like this before. - and to happen for drinking 2 beers- nope! Usually it’s the women sex workers who drug men to take their money, etc but not always.

Posted: July 6, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
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Liz

Liz

Colombia

Tumaco, Family travel

Tumaco is a great place. The people are friendly and beautiful, the beach is a tremendously impressive and imposing place. I lived there for 9 years and was delighted, now that I've left, I miss it because it really left a mark on me. You need to go and visit.

Posted: May 2, 2025Experienced: December, 2015
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Nava

Nava

Canada

Cali, Solo travel

I was volunteering in the mountains near Cali and on my days off, booked the hostel Patio del Rio and had such an amazing time. The employees there Andres and Thomas were so warm and welcoming and showed me around the city, I met tons of lovely people and even baked a banana bread for everyone in the hostel! I would reccomend going out at night with locals, or at the very least go with large groups of people. Safety in numbers.

Posted: April 16, 2025
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Tulua, Solo travel

Tulua is generally not safe for female tourists traveling alone I would say. I luckily was able to stay with some family, and they didn't let me go anywhere alone hahaha, so I was being "protected". I definitely think moving around with a local is important. The town was really nice generally, loved the fruit and the churches, but maybe not so much the markets with alive animals. Colombia has safer/nicer places to visit, but if you really want to go to Tulua, I don't think you would be disappointed if you got someone to travel with you :)

Posted: April 11, 2025Experienced: May, 2024
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Mayeliz

Mayeliz

Argentina

Colombia, Couple travel

Hello girls! I am traveling with my partner through Colombia, we went to Bogotá, I didn't like it, it's very cold and it rains a lot. Then we went to Medellín, I loved the weather and the city, it reminded me of Caracas; when we went to Plaza de Botero the art was beautiful but not the surroundings, I almost cried seeing the reality of that city. From there we went to Cartagena, to explore the Caribbean coasts. Barú is very beautiful and the water was as I remembered, warm, the downside is the lack of maritime control, the boats and jet skis do not respect the designated swimming area, so you have to be vigilant and this reduces the tranquility of the place. Then we went to Minca, in the Sierra Nevada. Excellent place if you are traveling alone, there is a lot of security and the mountain is beautiful, you can find everything and the hostels are very nice, although it's hot and there are a lot of mosquitoes, so go with plenty of repellent. Now we are in Taganga, this is the last place to visit on the Colombian Caribbean coasts for this trip.

Posted: March 26, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
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Is Colombia safe for women?

Safety index

3.2 /5

Based on 73 local experiences

Crime index

3.1 /5

Based on 73 local experiences

Brianith

Brianith

Soledad

You can feel safe, but you just need to pay attention to your surroundings. I wouldn't walk alone in the dark, I wouldn't have my phone visible to people while I'm walking, I would prefer to know people in the area so they can advise me better.

Posted: July 15, 2025
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Holly

Holly

Localidad Chapinero

I feel safe in chapinero. Not had any issues so far and everyone is lovely and welcoming! Still remain cautious and don’t take taxis that aren’t on uber alone, particularly at night! Don’t wave phone around and keep close to you

Posted: June 28, 2025
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Safety in Colombia