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 index

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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

4.7 /5

based on 30 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.8/5

Budget-friendly

4/5
Maira

Maira

Germany

Minca, Solo travel

I stayed at a friends home and in a female dorm (4 people) for 13 € a night, delicious breakfast included, humming birds greeting you in the morning. With a Pool. 5 min for 1€ with the motorbike down to the village, also possible 30 min by walk. View to the djungle. Coffee and Cocoa tours and small waterfalls. Lovely Hippie village !

Posted: October 4, 2024
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Medellín, Family travel

Had a beautiful time in Medellin! Mind you if you’re coming from the states, $1 is about $4000 colombian pesos so money does go far! Stayed in a Marriott hotel in Sabaneta. So many different things to do, enjoyed my special bonding time with my little family. Definitely recommend!

Posted: September 30, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
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Bianca

Bianca

Costa Rica

Colombia, Group travel

It was a really good experience. People are very nice and the country itself is very cheap. You would like everything because it has a lot of art and architect and places to visit the food is amazing.

Posted: September 16, 2024
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Suhanna

Suhanna

Canada

Cartagena, Group travel

For the most part I had a blast in Cartagena with my girlfriends and we ended up making a group of friends during our trip from a fun day tour. The food in Colombia in general is OKAY, the quality that we as tourists can afford is certainly higher than what is available to locals (which isn’t fair). I wouldn’t recommend visiting as a solo woman, had I not been with my friends I wouldn’t have felt as safe. The walled city is probably the safest area but the vendors in Cartagena are VERY aggressive (understandably so, the wealth disparities are extremely visible). While I had a fun time, it’s hard to relax on the beach of even the small islands as the vendors will be on you 24/7. A polite “no gracias” will be needed over and over. I recommend brushing up on your Spanish prior to visiting as English is not commonly spoken. Cartagena’s walled city is stunning, lots of beautiful architecture and sites. Getsemani was probably my favourite part of the city, just so beautiful especially with all of the art and appreciation/respect for Afro Colombian culture.

Posted: September 14, 2024Experienced: December, 2023
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Kathi

Kathi

Germany

Colombia, Couple travel

-saver than expected -the kindest people of the world -really good food -fine as vegetarian (after this trip you won't touch eggs or beans anymore) -insane nature -cheap hostels, airbnbs - save for partying and dance parties

Posted: August 15, 2024Experienced: July, 2023
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Charlot

Charlot

Belgium

Bogotá, Solo travel

I went to Bogotá and stayed at Spotty Hostel. I loved the hostel and would absolutely get back. At night I didn't always feel safe alone on the streets, but during the day I never felt like that. I've also noticed that it really helps if you speak Spanish! The people are really friendly and always eager to help. A must-visit is Monserrate!

Posted: July 16, 2024Experienced: June, 2023
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Ana

Ana

United States

Sincelejo, Family travel

I stayed here at my aunt's house for a few days. It was pretty safe. There are taxis to get around but also some parts are walkable. Where my aunt lived there were stores of all kinds within walking distance. The best place was the Deli cocktail. They are open at night and serve blended cocktails with candies in them. They also have virgin ones for the kids or if you're not feeling the alcohol.

Posted: July 16, 2024Experienced: July, 2024
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Eva

Eva

United Kingdom

Colombia, Solo travel

Colombia was incredible! Arrived in the port of Capurgana after taking the boat from Panama. Itinerary: Capurgana - Rincon del Mar* (bioluminescence) - Cartegana - Minca - Tayrona (hiking) - Rio Hostel (party) - Palomino - Riohacha - Punta Gallinas* (desert tour) - San Gil (bungee jump) - Salento (palm trees) - Medellín (party) - Guatape (lake view) - Cali* (dancingg) - Juanchaco (whale watching) - Tatcoa desert* (mars) - Bogota “*” is my favourites Colombia has so much to offer you can spend an easy 2 months here if not 6! I found transport very easy to navigate, I only used buses to get around. We took some overnight buses which helped with the long journeys. So many people to meet and talk to, you often end up meet the same faces in different areas. Don’t miss out on some of the best places to go (eg Cali) as they are often the areas with the most to offer.

Posted: July 10, 2024
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Offir

Offir

United States

Medellín, Solo travel

Medellin was absolutely beautiful! From the people, to the food, to all of the incredible and inexpensive experiences you can have. I stayed for 6 days at an airbnb in Poblado. Beautiful condo near everything and I walked everywhere. Including the Metro station which is safe and super organized. My biggest advice is to leave your jewelry and expensive stuff at home. Be humble, respectful, polite, and tip every service worker who takes care of you 2000-5000 COP is the norm. Place I would recommend would be the Peñón, Poblado, take the metro and just explore! Food? Please try the typical dish “bandeja paisa” absolutely delicious! And every kind of pastry you can try

Posted: June 26, 2024
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Olivia

Olivia

United States

Medellín, Solo travel

I had a wonderful time in this city! I did the free City Tour which helped introduce me to a couple of people and we all had dinner together that night. I walked around a ton on my own and felt very safe. The food and people were all absolutely wonderful

Posted: June 5, 2024Experienced: February, 2023
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Is Colombia safe for women?

Safety index

3.1 /5

Based on 21 local experiences

Crime index

2.8 /5

Based on 21 local experiences

Armenia

In Colombia, one of the safest cities, people can be seen using their phones everywhere and I don’t recall that feeling of having to hide it. The city is very chill and calm. While crime is low, you can get cat called in the streets but at a lower rate than other cities in Colombia. To call out: there is a higher presense of homeless people in Armenia vs other cities, most are not even from here and come -from documentaries that I’ve seen- due to nice weather and to the generous people in the city, while it is not confortable and they might be consuming drugs, they are usually harmless, they don’t mess with other people or ask for money aggressively

Posted: October 4, 2024
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Medellín

Medellin is mostly a safe city, just as any other city you should be aware of your surroundings, preferably don’t walk alone after dark, and avoid some parts like downtown, the best way to get around is the metro and public buses, there’s uber and other transportation apps. If you like night life el poblado and la 10 (10 street) are the best and most touristic places to go but you should be specially aware in this area because of people trying to take advantage from crowded areas and foreigners. Other than that I feel pretty safe during the day, there’s a lot of places to visit like museums, theaters, parks and shopping malls :) There are also little towns near Medellin you can visit by bus and are not expensive, some are Guatape, Jardin, San Rafael (beautiful rivers) and Santafe de Antioquia. Feel safe to ask for directions or anything you might need, Colombians are very friendly and always willing to help, some of us speak english too :)

Posted: September 10, 2024
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Is Colombia safe right now?

Before your visit to Colombia, it's essential to check travel advisories for Colombia, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryReconsider your need to travel

The United States Government advises reconsidering travel due to crime and terrorism. It suggests exercising increased caution due to civil unrest and kidnapping. Certain areas possess a higher risk. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: January 2, 2024
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Colombia due to high levels of crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: October 1, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Colombia overall due to the threat of violent crime and terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: October 1, 2024

Safety in Colombia