If you’re thinking about visiting Colombia but find yourself wondering, “Is it really safe?”, you’re not alone.
For decades, Colombia has battled with an outdated image—one shaped by conflict, headlines, and Netflix series. But the reality on the ground in 2025 is far more nuanced, and far more hopeful.
As a local guide born in Colombia, trained in tourism in the UK, and someone who has both traveled the world and returned home to share my country with visitors, I want to offer you an honest, practical look at what safety in Colombia really means for today’s travelers.
Colombia has changed, dramatically
Let’s be clear: Colombia still has challenges. Like any country, it’s not perfect.
But the image many people have of Colombia from the 80s and 90s is no longer relevant to most travelers.
In recent years, Colombia has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure, improved internal security, and seen a boom in visitors from all over the world.
Places like Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Salento are now recognized as vibrant, welcoming, and increasingly safe destinations. The growth of boutique hotels, responsible tourism initiatives, and local tour companies (like ours) shows how far the country has come.
Is it 100% safe? No. Is it travel-safe? Yes, if you’re smart
Just like visiting New York, Paris, or Rio de Janeiro, you’ll need to travel with common sense.
Here’s what I recommend to all of my travelers:
- Avoid displaying valuables in public. Keep phones, cameras, and jewelry discreet.
- Be extra careful in crowded places, like bus terminals or large markets.
- Use private transportation when possible, especially at night.
- Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods without a guide—some areas of cities still have safety concerns.
- Follow local advice. When you travel with us, we guide you based on up-to-date regional info.
The vast majority of visitors never experience any problems—and leave Colombia amazed by how different reality is from expectation.
How we handle safety at Guaia Tours
At Guaia Tours, your safety is our priority from the moment you land.
That’s why:
- We work only with verified accommodations and trusted local partners.
- All tours are private or small-group and include door-to-door transportation.
- We monitor local alerts and news daily, especially in rural areas or during elections.
- We plan each route personally, ensuring every destination is both enriching and appropriate for visitors.
When you travel with me, you’re not alone—you’re with someone who knows the country deeply and wants you to experience it with peace of mind.
What about the headlines?
Yes, there are still parts of Colombia where it’s not advisable to go—remote conflict zones, border areas, or regions with limited infrastructure.
But here’s the truth: these are not places tourists ever go to—and certainly not with us.
Our tours focus on safe, accessible, and culturally rich regions, from the coffee highlands and Caribbean coast to colonial towns in Boyacá.
And because we’re based here, we’re always aware of what’s happening locally.
So… should you come?
If you’ve been dreaming of Colombia, don’t let outdated fears hold you back.
Come for the landscapes, the food, the music, the people. Come with curiosity and respect, and come with the right guide.
Colombia is changing. It’s opening its doors. And for the 2025-2026 season, it’s more ready than ever to welcome the world.
I’m Juan David Concha, your guide and travel companion. I’ve studied tourism in Cambridge, lived abroad for over 20 years, and now dedicate my life to showing visitors the real Colombia—safely, authentically, and with heart.
Let’s design your journey together.
