Would you go to Colombia right now?

Thanks everyone (Yvonne, Terry, Durito).

I've bought my ticket this afternoon and am leaving.... TOMORROW!

Can't wait. If you have any other hotel/hostel recommendations - let me know - I'll be checking this when I'm not sipping a fruity drink or exploring somewhere...

I appreciate all the advice everyone here posted. I don't pay attention to the media hype. Never have, never will (I hope). So while Jorge's analogy may have good intentions - it's not applicable to me or the situation. Nor are his copy & pastes... But the US and New Zealand consulates have Colombia rated almost as bad as Iraq and Afghanistan for security! (Yes, I know the US State department can be worse than your mother as far as paranoia/concern/worry/etc...). Between that and my own keeping up with the news -- I wanted to know what the REAL story was from REAL travelers on the road in Colombia.

Thanks again!

I preferred to stay in hostels with a party atmosphere, and this list reflects that.

Bogota- Hostal Sue or Platypus
Medellin- Palm Tree Hostal, Black Sheep Hostal
Popoyan- Hosteltrail
Santa Marta-HOTEL MIRAMAR
Taganga- LA CASA DE FELIPE or Pelikan Hostel
Cartagena- Hotel Holiday
San Gil-Macondo Hostel
Cali-GUEST HOUSE IGUANA

I hope this list helps. I also think its okay for you to admit that the media can influence you, whether you like it or not. I mean, its the reason why you initially posted this thread. I also think you ought to apologize to Jorge.

You will find colombia much safer IMO than the central american countries. I would research border areas with Ecuador or Ven before heading that way if you had planned it (although have a friend in Cucuta now who says he had no problems).

For your questions - yes would go and do, as I live there. Yes I have used long haul busses and I would again now for the main tourist routes,
I would have no probolem with my GF etc traveling alone as long as she has experience.

For Cartagena to Santa Marta and vice versa, you can use super taxis. They are cheap, 50,000 pesos and faster / safer (ie mini van with 6 people). They also pick you up from your hotel and drop you off at your next one. If u do however decide to use the local bus, I found them to be fine and safe.

In Santa Marta I would not stay at mirimar as found it to be a drug infested party place. Casa de Felipe in Taganga 5 km away is a much better option, and the owner has lots of info etc. RecentlyI was down Santa marta way and ventured to Rodadero - this my was my place in the Santa Marta region. Great beach, relaxed, friendly, quieter (during non touist season) and my hotel was 40,000 for myself and GF. Try to get to Park Tayrona, if even for a day awsome beaches.

In Cartagena I prefer to stay in Bocogrande (although many do not like that and prefer Getsemeni / old city). I find it less hassle, and nearer to the beach (that people sit on). No problems walking the streets in Bocogrande to find a cheap hotel. My one is normally around 40,000 K with A/C Tv, two blocks from the beach (name is on the tip of my tongue).

San Gil is great - no probelms with local bus from Bogota to there. Macondo is a good hostel run by an Australian. Was pretty quiet when i was there. Barichara is a great small colonial town an hr or so away. God for a day or arvo visit.

Another option from Bogota is Villavicencio - really liked this town. Nice weather, relaxed. Although if you have to choose, Villa de lleva is much better. From Bogota make sure you do a day visit to Zipaquira and the Salt Cathederal - I found it pretty awsome.

I

For Cali...Iguana is closed at the moment. I was there a week ago and they had serious problems with the plumbing that resolved in closing the premises. I am not sure if it is permanent or not. I assum you can find out on the website.

As for Bogota, Sue and Platypus. Stayed in both and didn't like it very much. The rooms were dingy and not very clean but there is a party atmosphere, that's true. Depends on what you like. I really liked Aragon. Cheap and cheerful and there's always loads of people staying there too. Good to meet people too.

Anyhow, enjoy your trip. I am sure you will, Colombia is fantastic!

id say that travelling in colombia is the safest it has been for well over ten years...as mentioned six Colombian tourists were kidnapped from an extremely remote beach in the pacific coast two months back... four of which have since been released. the truth is the FARC are not interested in kidnapping backpackers. im sure they could quite easily if they wanted to. ive been stopped by the guerilla myself on a bus from Medellin to Quibdo, an interesting experience that was over in 30 minutes after a little lecture.. youre no more likely to run into problems in colombia than you are in ecuador or peru or venezuela or mexico, brazil,, in fact some of those countries are a lot more dangerous than colombia. the problems with ecuador and venezuela will only effect economic relations with colombia.. the idea of ecuador or venezuela invading colombia is beyond laughable.. well from a hostel owners point of view there are only more and more foreigners coming to colombia... the wave is well and truly upon us

enjoy colombia,, i do every day,
kelvin, blacksheep

apologizing to Jorge. I don't think that's necessary. He hasn't added anything helpful

At least he tried to be helpful. And I dont know how is in another brances but here in the SA branch regulars tend to be friendly and helpful. Here is like a family and you were really rude. Colombians are such a beautiful, friendly, helpful and warm people...dont be rude with them please.

Enjoy Colombia.

I have to agree with Anahi 79... the attitude towards Jorge was very disturbing, particularly from someone calling themself 'seasoned'. This is an open forum in which many eyes seek information. In my travels to South America, I have found Jorge's comments and input very helpful and very 'real'. For someone so 'seasoned', your tolerance appears lacking and certainly your ability to simply skim over information thought inapplicable.

I hope Jorge continues to add to this forum.

As for myself, I returned from Colombia in December, 2007, but I doubt my experience and impressions would help as it seems you are only interested in CNN-on-the-scene real and current reporting. Nevertheless, I had a wonderful time exploring many spots off the grid of the tour books and only met wonderful people, though certainly witnessed the effects of the current problems. I am already planning my return.

Enjoy your trip... tranquila

NYC Girl ,can you tell me why you have been VERY RUDE to Jorge more than once?

Maybe the IP will learn better manners on her current travels. A thank you would have sufficed. And Jorge's cut and paste jobs were a mine of helpful information last year when I went to Argentina. A lot of useful information in this thread, too -- all provided free by helpful people. Thank you.