ACES Colombia

Advantages: Beautiful country, not overrun with tourists
Disadvantages: Some risks are inevitable

...Mention Colombia, and most people think of drug cartels, kidnappings and general lawlessness. The real picture is not nearly as bad. I'll shortly be heading out to South America and making my second visit to Colombia. It is a beautiful country, the people are (on the whole) amazingly friendly and helpful, and the security situation is not nearly as bad as it was in the early 90's. Yes, there are risks. People do go missing, kidnappings and killings happen - but then where in the world is anyone totally safe. I don't believe the risk is such that no-one should consider travelling there. At the same time, don't expect travel there to be totally easy - some places are off-limits, and others are difficult to get to and not really set up for tourism. But it's worth the trouble.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: People,Food, Scenery,Weather
Disadvantages: Theives

...I have been to colombia about 6 times, and i wish more people would visit this country, the country is immediety associated with kidnapping and drugs, but why does the news never meantion the beauty that is in this country? the mountains, the fauna, the people... There are many things to do and see in colombia from Bogota , which is a typical city - i recomend visits to the gold museam, simon bolivas house and monstarate (wheather you hike up - i did it and i did not have any problems, but best to go with people who know the way or on sundays when many people go up, or take the lift) to travelling to the cost of Cartengena and Santa Marta which have beautiful views and lovely climate, trips to san Agustin are always worthwhile to learn about pre-colombian history. The food is wonderful and cheap , and you get complete meals started... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: A country of extremes
Disadvantages: Its a long flight

...I went to Colombia for the first time in August 2006 with my family and friends asking 'why?' The immediate response to my decision to travel there was that it was a place of drug runners, murderers and thieves and yes, maybe parts of the country are best left alone but the rest of it is so big and so beautiful that to not see it is a crime in itself. I stayed in Quindio but we traveled hundreds of miles in all directions from there, as far as Medellin, Bogota, Corcora, Villa de Leyva and Gautape. Each turn in the road brought with it a new visual experience and a view more spectacular, although the 8 hours taxi ride from Quindio to Bogota was one I might not repeat. Mountain folk on horses pull up alongside the 4 x 4's, children sit on the side of the road selling corn or arepa, streams tumble down mountains and the earth is red covered... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful