Colombia

[ICriedAllTheWayToTheChipShop]

I'm starting to think about my 2026 trip, and was looking at joining a group tour in Colombia, going as a solo traveller. However, there would be some free afternoons in Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena so I would be going off on my own some of the time. I suppose I just want to get a handle on how safe this is for a lone woman? I'm not an especially nervous traveller and as a slightly fat middle-aged woman I've never suffered from being hassled. But I am aware that Colombia has had a reputation for street crime, even though it's vastly safer than it used to be, and I want to be realistic about how much I'll be able to see by myself. Anyone been, especially alone?

Have a look at Midlife chic’s blog - she recently travelled to those cities and talks about safety.

Ah, thanks, I will do.

Hi. I got back from Colombia yesterday after 2 weeks there, half of it solo travelling. It was amazing. I avoided big cities until the end and had a nice soft landing in the coffee region, followed by tayrona and Minca. Bogota is definitely sketchy but very interesting at the same time and you just need to have your wits about you. It was definitely fine as a solo female and I think being middle aged and non white was a bit of an invisibility cloak.

I went in 2014 and never felt unsafe anywhere during the daytime (assuming you’re sticking to relatively busy and tourist-y areas, not wandering around quiet residential neighbourhoods).

There was quite a bit of catcalling compared to other areas I’ve been to, but I was in my early 20s so perhaps more of a target. And it was all shouting from a distance, no one actually approached me or made me interact.

In terms of street crime, I never had any issues and don’t know anyone I met travelling who did just walking around during the day. Any thefts I heard about were luggage from buses etc.

Sounding good - if I heard catcalling from a distance I would just assume it was aimed at someone else, so no worries there. It's staying on the list!

I think if you're going on a group tour there's a good chance you can team up with others on the tour to do something together on the free afternoons. I went to Colombia with my DP a couple years ago and although I wasn't on my own much we were travelling independently. I found most places felt safe and people were friendly. It helps if you can speak some Spanish.
We used the metro in Medellin - easy and safe. The same ticket allows you to use the cable car so you can just go up and back without getting off and admire the views. There is a part of central Medellin near the art gallery which was a bit seedy but just don't hang around there! I did think Bogota central could be dodgy but just get a taxi direct to where you want to go (Gold Museum is v.gd) and stick to tourist areas, have your wits about you. Cartagena old town is very busy with tourists, you could do a walking tour. I think there are tourist police there but felt safe. Lovely to just wander around, find a nice cafe and watch the world go by.