Colombia

[ICriedAllTheWayToTheChipShop]

Would you? I'm looking at going somewhere in South America, and I was really keen on the idea of Peru for all the Inca stuff and Andean scenery. But I've read a lot of stuff on travel forums about it being really over-developed, and the high crime levels in the main tourist spots, and I think I've been put off. Then I saw a tour to Colombia, and I somehow just really fancied it.

I know it has its own problems with crime and it doesn't have archaeological sites to the same extent, but the biodiversity is attractive and I do like a monastery. I haven't decided but was wondering if anyone had been and what it was like?

Just to add, I'm a solo traveller and I would be going as part of a tour group, not on my own. I don't mind travelling alone most of the time but think either Colombia or Peru would be a bit iffy in that respect.

My MIL went a few years back with a female friend . Both in their 60s. They said it was amazing and had a fantastic trip.

I went to Colombia last year on a group tour and couldn't recommend it more! It's a stunning country, the locals were incredibly friendly and it didn't feel too touristy (with the exception of Cartagena). I really did have the best time there.

Obviously I took more precautions than I do in Europe but I was pleasantly surprised with how safe I felt most of the time. I think being with the group helped a lot.

Peru is also high on my list but I am slightly put off by the political situation there at the moment. Things look to have calmed down for the time being but who knows what will happen. I'd go for Colombia any day!

Would you consider Central America? Nicaragua is an almost undiscovered gem of colonial architecture, lakes and volcanoes. Its also safe. Colombia is beautiful too.

Also done a group tour to Columbia and was great! As was Peru to be fair!

Thanks all, that's very encouraging. @painauchocolat123 did you feel safe getting out your camera or phone to take pictures?
@user1477249785 I have thought about Costa Rica but I'm not sure about the rest of Central America. It looks beautiful and I'd love to see the Mayan stuff in Guatemala and Honduras, but I think it's a bit dicey for me as a lone female traveller. Having said that, Cuba is also on the list!

Yes I did. One person did lose their phone (most likely stolen) but they had it in their pocket while walking along a crowded street. Could happen anywhere imo if you’re not careful.

I felt perfectly safe in Peru. It was a fantastic country and so varied and interesting. The political situation is uncertain at the moment, but frankly the overdeveloped, unsafe description does not match my experience just 8 months ago. Granted it's busy in machu picchu, but it's one of the most famous sites on earth, you can't really avoid that. I've been to the great wall of china, petra, and others and they were far more packed with tourist tat than MP was.

I also want to go to Colombia, but it's quite a different type of trip.

Thanks @wistfullyfocused , I may come back to the idea of Peru at some point. This trip won't be next year so the political situation may have settled down by then. I think I just read too many tales of sexual assaults on lone women in Cusco and Puno, but I'm aware that can happen anywhere, and I shouldn't let it colour my views. I want to go to both really!

I know someone who goes there for paragliding. He loves the country.