How safe is Bogota for tourists? From choosing safe accommodation to transport options, here's what you should know.
Photo © iStock/ChandraDhas
At a Glance
- Safety in Colombia varies significantly by region, from high-risk areas to tourist-friendly cities like Bogotá
- Bogotá is generally safe and popular with travelers, but awareness is important
- Travelers should keep a low profile and avoid displaying valuables
- Using trusted transport, staying in safe neighborhoods, and watching for scams helps reduce risk
Colombia was long viewed as highly dangerous for tourists, due both to a decades-long civil war, and the brutal violence of infamous drug kingpins like Pablo Escobar. Fortunately, conditions in this South American nation have improved over the past decade thanks to more forceful policing of drug trafficking, and a 2016 peace deal between the Colombian government and the country’s main guerilla army.
That is not to say Colombia is now a stable nation, as it still has ongoing issues with guerrilla warfare and remains a hub of global cocaine production. But Colombia’s reputation for traveler safety has improved so greatly that it’s become one of South America’s most-visited nations, receiving more than 6 million tourists in 2025. Here’s your guide to safely enjoying this beautiful, diverse country.
Does Bogota deserve its reputation as a dangerous city?
Colombia’s capital, Bogota, is a gigantic city of about 12 million people perched at an altitude of 2,600m, high in the Andes Mountains. Fortunately, for residents and tourists, Bogota is 350km from the border with Venezuela, along which terrorism, narco-violence, and human trafficking is rife.
This complex situation is highlighted by the Australian Government’s travel advisories for Colombia. While it ranks multiple parts of Colombia at level 4 – which means Do Not Travel – Bogota is only rated at level 2, which indicates it is relatively safe for visiting. However, Bogota still poses many risks to tourists, such as:
- Fake taxis that are used to perform kidnappings, theft or robberies against unsuspecting foreigners.
- Drinks being spiked with a drug that essentially turns the victim into a compliant zombie, who will blindly follow instructions.
- Robberies by night and pickpocketing by day in busy areas of Bogota’s chief tourist precinct, La Candelaria.
How to avoid being conspicuous
One of the riskiest things a tourist can do in Bogota is to stand out from the crowd. While most travelers will avoid a city’s most dangerous neighbourhood or walking alone at night, many seem unaware their conspicuous clothing and behaviour can attract the attention of street criminals. Here’s five tips for remaining more anonymous in Bogota:
- Avoid wearing clothes that are blatantly touristy: bright colours, brash patterns, or emblazoned with the names of foreign places like “Harvard” or “London”. Instead, blend into the crowd by wearing plain clothes in muted colours.
- If using an ATM, or changing money at a currency exchange, make sure to quickly and subtly put all your currency in your wallet or purse, and tuck that in a safe spot, before you begin walking away. Bogota pickpockets are known to linger at such sites.
- Reconsider your need to carry a selfie stick. No item screams “tourist” louder than this long, obtrusive photography tool. Instead, just do standard selfies, which are much quicker and more discrete.
- In public, keep your valuables out of view whenever possible. Put your camera back in its bag once you finish shooting images, and don’t carry your phone in your hand when not using it.
Bogota nightlife
Bogota is a city that dances and drinks deep into the evening. But while enjoying its wonderful nightlife, tourists need to take heed of the following risks.
- Bogota is infamous for drink spiking incidents involving a terrifying drug called scopolamine, which is very difficult to detect due to being flavourless and odourless. This substance puts victims into a waking, yet zombie-like state, during which criminals can easily get them to withdraw money from ATMs, or sexually assault them.
- Bars and nightclubs in Bogota are known for having no-nonsense security guards, who have a short fuse when it comes to drunken or disrespectful behaviour. Tourists who misbehave in these venues may face swift, violent action.
- Solo female travelers are discouraged from partying alone in Bogota, due to the risk of drink spiking, in particular.
Kidnapping is a threat
Express kidnappings are widespread in Colombia, according to the UK Government, which advises its citizens to be wary of these brief, opportunistic abductions. It warns foreigners are key targets of these kidnappings, which typically occur late at night, and involve a criminal posing as a taxi driver.
This person threatens their passenger with violence if they don’t either send them money online immediately, or accompany them to an ATM to make a large withdrawal. Although they normally release the abducted person soon after, sometimes the victim is beaten or murdered. Guerrilla soldiers and drug gangs also carry out many kidnappings in Colombia, but they tend to abduct wealthy locals more often than tourists.
Which forms of transport are trustworthy?
Picking the correct form of transport is one of the key ways to boost your safety while traveling in Bogota. The US Government bans its staff based in Colombia from riding motorcycles, hailing taxis on the street, or using any form of public transport. Here’s the lowdown on taxis, rideshares, buses and trains:
- Given the aforementioned scourge of fake taxi kidnappings, it is advisable not to hop into a random taxi on the street.
- Instead, use a ride sharing or taxi app, like Uber, Cabify, or DiDi. This offers you far greater safety, because the app lets you track your location, and discloses the identity of your driver. If you’re uncertain which app to use, get advice from the front desk staff at your hotel.
- Bogota’s extensive Bus Rapid Transit system is hit or miss. Safety is reasonable on board the buses, but its stations are known to be laden with pickpockets and robbers.
- Tren Turistico is a tourist sightseeing train that departs several times a week from Bogota, doing a scenic round trip into the surrounding countryside. It has a good level of security, with few crimes reported on board.
Should you consider travel insurance when visiting Bogota?
Travel insurance may be something to consider when visiting Bogota. While taking precautions can help reduce risks, unexpected situations such as medical issues or theft may still occur. Having a policy in place may help travelers manage some of the financial and logistical challenges that can arise while abroad, and the emergency assistance line may help ease the mind when dealing with a problem. As with any insurance, coverage and benefits vary, so it’s important to review the details carefully to understand what may be included before you travel.
*Travel insurance coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage
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31 Comments
Do you have news reports of hostels being robbed or are you spouting BS? My ex from here has heard nothing of that either...
Thanks, that's a useful report. But one thing:
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"A dummy wallet with some old cards and a few notes can be a good way to placate muggers without leaving yourself strapped. "
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Since you yourself described a scenario where armed thieves take victims on a tour of ATMs, I'd imagine said armed thieves would be pretty ticked off if your "old" card was rejected by those ATMs, revealing the "old wallet" ploy.
Better, I'd imagine, to open a second account (or e-banking account) with a balance of a couple hundred bucks - if and only if you dress and comport as someone traveling with just a couple hundred bucks in the bank (if not, again, the thieves, who presumably have some experience in their profession, will spot the scam).
Or just bring your damned credit card, take the hit, and hope the police report holds some sway with the bank, so you're not responsible for the full load of charges. And you'll get home without a shattered knee cap or worse.
Oh boy! Department of State style at World Nomads. What a shame!
Ricardo,
as you know things have changed quickly in Colombia. We're in the middle of a revision of all our content. A new version of this article will be live in the next couple of weeks.
Thanks for the input.
Excellent tour tips! Planning to go to Bogota on business. Will be extra careful and not venture into Anthony Bourdain's 'Parts Unknown" territory!
Thank you for taking the time to write this article. As a single woman traveling to Bogota on business, I found the information to be very helpful. It's better to be safe than sorry!
I don't appreciate the sarcasm of the comments following your article. It's not helpful in anyway. There's no useful information there. I Think it's interesting that all those empty comments come from males. I have traveled to Bogota a few times over the last several years, and I simply appreciate that someone has taken the time to document these tips with some relevant context. I am curious why these gentlemen who commented bothered to read it in the first place. Where are their tips and more updated, detailed, helpful information? I'd like to read it too. My bet is they have none. Typical.
Hey everyone. Unfortunately the hostel robberies are not bs. We have been in colombia for a total of two months (currently in Cali) and have met several people who it has happened to in Bogota. One of our friends hostels was held up at gun point and everyone robbed. I also know a few people in the hostel I am staying at now hostel were drugged a few nights ago (in the hostel) and robbed.
Don't get me wrong, i absolutely love Colombia, it is well worth the visit. Just be cautious and have good travel insurance.
Julia: I enjoyed your safety tips and I think people thinking of visiting Columbia or any big city should read up on one of things that might save you from becoming a victim. As a retired law enforcement officer I think I'm pretty street savvy, but that doesn't mean I can't fall victim to a robbery or other crimes. I try to heed the very things you suggest and have found the most important thing is to be aware of your surroundings. Thanks for your article.
I've been to Bogota many times. The first time i went it was a little sketchy...but that was in 2008. The day i arrived Venezuela and Ecuador had decided to mass there troops on the border and threatened to invade the country. Things like that should eorry any travelers. But in my more recent visits everything has been better...even great (my first trip was great too...just scarier.) The main things you should remember are
1. Don't act like a tourist...you will stick out.
2. Carry your bagpack or purse on your chest..that way you will be less likely to be purse snatched.
3. Avoid going out at night in small groups...the bigger the better.
4. Always use a service to call a taxi.
5. If you do get approached by someone unsavory play dumb..they get iritated and usually move on..if they are armed just give them your stuff. Stuff is not important.
6. Whenever possible hang out with some local people you can trust. If you have any local friends be sure to listen to their advice.
7. Have fun.
Was there in 2011 and was mugged. Visit a safe country.
Went to Colombia in 2014 and my buddy and I got held up at knife point walking from a bar 20 meters away from my hostel in La Candelaria. It was around 11:30 PM. Thankfully the police drive around the neighborhood with their lights on and the guy ran away before I had to give up my wallet or get hurt.
I ended up going to Cartagena the next day but found out my friend got held up at knife point again the next day around 5 PM in La Candelaria.
Colombia is a great place to visit but you need to take the safety precautions seriously. I caught an Israeli tourist trying to sneak his hand in my bag while taking a bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta.
Thanks for all the advice. I have a friend who lives there, she invited me to visit as it's easier for me to visit than her with getting a visa to the U.S. I'm a little nervous.
I am in same situation Dave, how was your visit when you're staying with someone?
Went to Bogota a little over a week ago, and we are back here safe and sound.
Crimes are everywhere in the world, but just like every other cities you just need to do your normal precautions. We stayed in La Candelaria against the advice of any blogs I read but it was perfectly fine.
We normally have our dinner at around 9pm around the restaurants in La Candelaria and there are still a lot people outside (especially on a Friday night).
Visited Bogotlá on my own a few months back. Never had a bad experience at all, but met a few people who had had so. Generally I would recommend to just stay calm; my first week in Colombia, I was dead-nervous because of all the rumours I'd heard. But soon as you get a grasp of going around, there's really nothing to worry about, as long as you take normal 'security' measures, not going out alone after dark, etc.
Knowing a little Spanish helps you a lot, though!
DONT TRUST ANYONE IN COLOMBIA TRYING TO SELL YOU ANYTHING. THAT LOOK TO FOREIGNERS AS "CASH COWS". COLOMBIANS WILL TRY TO RIP YOU OFF ON ANYTHING FROM A BOTTLE OF WATER TO EMERALD JEWELLERY. TAKE A GOOD LOOK AROUND AND YOU WILL SEE NO PRICES OR INFLATED PRICES.
Hi everyone..
I am from Bogota, everything is true, but you'll learn how to move around, come and see that is a "delicious" place too hang around.. lots of things to do and the most important, not that bad...
You can hire a travel guide for about 100 USD and can offer you the best of the city in one day...with a nice car exclusively for you...
If it's Sunday better because everything can be cheaper, specially museums entrance fees, although they aren't that expensive, from less than a buck to 4 dollars...
Sometimes people prefer to do it on their own but you can spend a lot of time either walking or in traffic instead being in specific places...
It's cheaper with a local guide from the hotel than a travel agency because in this case they charge by person...
Some of the hotel driver's speak English fairly well...
So don't be toooooo worry, is not the jungle (narcos? That is just bad publicity about any place in Colombia)
We are more than that, hard workers, coffee, flowers, exotic fruits, delicious local style and mild (international) food, scenery, landscape, leather, emeralds, outlets, sooo much more!!!
But the last but not least... you'll find friends...
People that wanted to show you the best of our beautiful City...
Carlos Noriega, not a narco just a friend...oh! I just remember that at the hotel that I work they can offer for a few dollars an insurance that covers in case you get robbed or lost cellphone computer cameras, all that staff, ask for it...
You see!!! Even that is a great thing don't you think?
Ok, I’m from bogota and I’ve lived here my entire life. From my perspective, this city is no different from any other major city in the world, there’s crime, violence, drugs, etc. But I’d like to point out that like all cities, this things mostly happen only in selected areas. You should be safe as long as you stay away from areas like “Ciudad Bolívar” or places that seem lonely and dark, but otherwise, you’ll find Bogotá is one of the most amazing places on earth. I would recommend you visit Monserrate, Usaquen, The Gold Museum, Rosales, Colina and the center of the city. The experience is unique, especially the views from Monserrate are AMAZING!
I personally recommend you find a hotel in the Rosales area, as it’s really safe (and really fancy) although it could be quite pricey. For those in a budget, you should try to find a hostel in a well lit area, and avoid staying in the center of the city as it’s one of the places people are robbed most.
You should also dress in a casual way when going to touristic places, some joggers and a hoodie should do it. If you’re going out at night let’s say to a restaurant, you can wear fancy clothes, just make sure you hire a ride (Uber offers a good service) and, if you can, try to go out in big groups.
Excellent article! It is true that now Colombia is a safe place to visit but as a foreigner you must take certain precautions to avoid danger. Try not to visit lonely places and always move in groups and don´t trust unknown people. Bogota is a really nice place and you can enjoy it without problems. I share with you an article that shows 5 small parks you have to visit there: https://colombiabybus.co/destinations/5-small-parks-visit-bogota/
Enjoyed the article. I have been to several different areas in Colombia. I stay with the wife's family down there usually always, but her and I also rent places when we want to get away from everything. AirBnB is a very neat service and has really reasonable prices. A quite little area only about an hour outside of Bogota is La Vega. That area there seems to be very friendly from my experience, great little get away from Bogota. I have ridden the bus from Medellin to Bogota, I did not enjoy that due to the length of the trip and we had to wait several hours for the road to be cleared from a slide off of a mountain. But overall, pleasant scenery most of the ride. I have rode in countless taxis, never had an issue till I arrived in Bogota with one trying to make a loop to add to the tab. I stopped that fairly fast by showing him I had already pre-planned the route with Google Maps. My wife also made it very apparent for the rest of the trip as to how he was trying to make extra money since I was a "Gringo". She tends to call me her Americano and corrects others fairly fast when they mention "Gringo".
Best thing to do in Colombia in any part in my opinion is to ALWAYS be aware of your surrounding. Always try to have a vantage point of view, I always sit facing the doors of restaurants, or the stairwell or how every I came in. I also always look for extra exits. I even do that in the States. The street vendors I usually always ignore completely or just tell them "No Espanol" and keep walking. I understand what they say, but I find if you talk to them, they tend to continue to push what they have for sale. People begging for money, I have seen them more of them in Medellin. Anywhere from teenagers to elderly. I have watched them walk through crowds of people to come to my table in the food court in the mall to ask for money on several occasions. I explained to my wife, look at their clothing, their hair, their shoes. Most are just asking for money because you are foreign, they expect you to have money. One lady that begged had a nice purse, shoes were nice, hair dyed, well kept... After she left, I explained to my wife that she wanted us to pay for her next dye treatment obviously, she didn't look as if she needed money opposed to some I had seen in the streets.
As stated, don't carry anything that you can not afford to lose. Expensive phones, watches, wallets, purses, sunglasses, hats. If you can afford lose it, sure, take it by all means. Had a friend of mine that is married to a Colombian also, someone ran by him and grab his hat and kept running. No biggie, it was a free hat from the states. He had to buy another cheap hat to protect his bald head from the sun.
Buses: Even though my wife does not mind riding buses, I do. I will pay whatever extra it cost for a taxi. $10 or $12 more for a round trip in a taxi is well worth the cost, for me only having to pay attention to one person, instead of 20+ people. Plus there is so much less noise. I usually read a paper while riding in a taxi or catch up on emails. I like reading the "For Sale" sections to see how things compare to the States.
I prefer to avoid crowded areas. For instance during Christmas they have a really large festival in Medellin I attended. Been once, not going again, to many people for my liking personally. Was going to take the tram, but the wait was way to long. As I told my wife, I was to the point I did not care what a taxi cost, I wanted to get out of the area. Some people love all the crowded places such as that, but I know personally that is pick pocket haven. I prefer to avoid situations by avoiding things all together.
I carry a long wallet always in the states. I have carried it on several trips to Colombia and usually have people in the mall, tram and even walking around on the streets, at times mention my wallet is going to fall out. So, if you have a long wallet, either buy a small one or keep it in a bag. They attract a lot of attention. Sort of like having a flag on your back pointing to your wallet saying "Pick ME, Pick ME!!!"
Most everyone I have run into in Colombia has been more than helpful. Just ask and they will go out of their way to help. I always try to take little things down to the wife's family and some kids in the neighborhood. They always are very appreciative and sometimes they act as if its Christmas all over again. Many people work to live, pay bills and that is it. Nothing out of the ordinary because their income does not allow it. I never realized how fortunate I was growing up and being in the United States until I visited Colombia. Everywhere else I've travel out of country has all been English speaking 100%. I love to hear stories from my wife about her working on the farm, how the school system is down there, her experience living in a remote location in Colombia. Going to her original location (around Tolima) is like a time warp as with how they live today opposed to how I live in America. Never take the small things for granted, you will learn they make up a huge portion of what matters the most. Appreciate what you have, even though it may be little, it's so much more than many others.
Enjoy your trip if you go! I would recommend everyone getting out of their bubble at some point. Be adventurous, have fun, but be safe.
Johnathan,
Thank you for the valuable information sir.
Its much appreciated.
Loved reading your comments as well.
Regards.
Having just had a nice phone snatched out of my hand when I was in a cab and shoutlying thereafter been harassed by beggars and one street thug who walked out of his way to chest bump me, anyone who thinks this article is out of line is either lucky or perhaps a participant in crime. Bogota is rated the 7th most dangerous cit’s in the world. Believe it.
I stayed in Bogota for just one Month. Everything was fine until I got on this really crowded Transmilenio Bus. I got pickpocket for my cell phone. I had a small book bag directly and I wore it in front of me. I had my hand on my bag. But they still got me. I must say that there was a lot of noise with people pushing and saying excuse me as the were trying to get off and on the crowded bus when it was made its stops. Something told me to look down at my bag to check. Right under where my hand was I noticed a small opening and I thought OMG..... I quickly searched for my phone and it was gone. A lady next to me asked me "Que estas buscando? "Que estas buscando? Which means what are you looking for in Spanish. I was just so upset that I didn't even answer her. Besides I didn't know her. She could have done it. Also I didn't want her and everyone on the bus to hear my Spanish American accent. I felt like a target and so violated! So I just got off at the next stop. Searched my bag again. Then waited for the next bus. Which was not even crowded. It's a lesson learned. During my month in Bogota I took the transmilenio many times and I was fine. But this one was by far the most crowded bus I took. Also I must note that before I got on the bus I was looking at my phone briefly to see if my directions was correct then I quickly put my phone in my bag as the bus pulled up. I think someone must have been watching that. These people are professional and are really good. Excellent. Do not underestimate these pickpocketers.
Also I wanted to add. I did read this article before going to Bogota. It has great tips. Bogota for me was a great experiance. I will actually be returning. I felt safe during the day in areas like La Candelaria and Plaza Bolivar. I did not go to these areas alone and at night. If I did come home at night which was really rare, I always took an uber or I used the Tapsi app. If I needed to go anywhere in the City by car I felt safer with my cheap uber rides. I also used the Transmilenio bus system. But please avoid it when its way to crowded. The following bus is usually a lot better. Also if you are on a crowded bus beware of all the noise and pushing. These are distractions and sometimes it's the pickpocketers themselves working in groups. It's usually never just one person. It's a tactic they use as I later found out from locals. Now I know and I'm ready to go back to Bogota as I really did have a nice time. The good out weighed the bad.
When I visited Bogota in 2014, I found a small hotel far from the tourist areas (in a residential district), and felt very secure walking around after dark (after the first night jitters). My first day there I got on an express bus on Transmillenio, going to the opposite end of town, and ended up reaching my hotel at 11:30 PM. The number of bus options can be quite confusing at first.
An easy to read copy of the Transmillenio system map I brought with me came in quite handy.
The people were very helpful. Especially those who spoke English, since at 6'5" I stuck out as a tourist. Some offered business cards with phone numbers, in case I ran into trouble, or needed someone to arrange something. I never felt the slightest bit unsafe during my 1-week visit, something I can't say the same for growing up in the Chicago area.
I did, however, keep my money in a pouch hanging around my neck to avoid worrying about pickpockets. I would not keep anything important in a pocket while riding a crowded bus.
The question currently is whether the mass demonstrations in Bogota will continue or subside and whether to continue with the already purchased trip insured by World Nomads or not. To be seen. Apparently World Nomads policy is to follow strictly the Canadian government or similar travel advisory and if your local government has not yet updated their opinion for adding Bogota to the list, then you might be stuck without any trip cancellation claim. I'll keep you posted: if Bogota's situation deteriorates to the point I feel unsafe I will have to cancel my trip , perhaps see not claim coverage as a consequence if the canadian government doesnt include Bogota in their list.
This article is 100% completely wrong. What political violence? wtf, not the 80s buddy. Ive lived here for 21 years and Ive never gotten mugged or seen someone else getting mugged. Just chill. Bogota is like any other city around the world. Just dont go to sketchy ass barrios and thats all. Its pretty easy to know when you are on a sketchy barrio because it looks like it and it smells like it. thats all.
Their job is to sell insurance. They will try to scare you so you buy it, dont buy it, youll be completely safe without it.
Para pedir taxi es mejor usar inDrive que Uber o DiDi. Sale mucho más económico sin perder calidad
Mi consejo es usar indrive. Conductores verificados, seguimiento del viaje y mucha más tranquilidad