are there actally probs in Columbia??

[carliO]

Hi Folks,
I met an german biker in Peru which told something that the rebels in Columbia got more active again, he recommended not to go to columbia at the moment (esp. the south).
I didn´t found anything in the news up to now-is there anyone who knows more???
Cheers from Mancora Peru

[*Touring Ted*]

There are always problems there...

Is it a reason not to go ?? NOPE !!

There are troubles in many places. You will find that unless you're exceptionally unlucky, you will be totally fine. Stay on the highways, don't travel at night and listen to the locals.

That rule pretty much works anywhere in the world.


P.S. It's Colombia. A common mistake but it drives the Colombians crazy lol

[carliO]

Hi Ted,
thanks for the hint with the "o".
Regarding safety, I know ColOmbia is not Switzerland and that there are always Problems-I just heared that there are recently (since a week) a bit more trouble than always-so do you have actual infos?

[*Touring Ted*]

Originally Posted by carliO

Hi Ted,
thanks for the hint with the "o".
Regarding safety, I know ColOmbia is not Switzerland and that there are always Problems-I just heared that there are recently (since a week) a bit more trouble than always-so do you have actual infos?

Nothing current i'm afraid..

I was there 2 years ago while there was the possible outbreak of war with Venezuela.

You will find all that stuff very rarely filters down to the people at the bottom. aka US !!

Check the fco website for any serious issues but please take it all with a pinch of salt..

Try and find some Colombians on the hubb (there are a few) and ask them or go through the blogs and ride reports of people who are there now or been recently. Most of them have email addresses or at least you could PM them on the hubb.

Ed

[hook]

Don't waste your time on internet trash-talkers. Contact an HU community in Colombia (over to your left on the HU site). Riders/locals there will give you current info about where you want to go and where they have been. Bogota has a thriving community. Two year old info in this part of the world is as useful as used toilet paper. H.

[*Touring Ted*]

Originally Posted by hook

Don't waste your time on internet trash-talkers. Contact an HU community in Colombia (over to your left on the HU site). Riders/locals there will give you current info about where you want to go and where they have been. Bogota has a thriving community. Two year old info in this part of the world is as useful as used toilet paper. H.

I wasn't giving 2 year old information ! I directed him to find current information from locals.

Ted

[Road Hog]

Colombia was great in Nov. Can't have degenerated that much. Don't miss out on Colombia.

I am sure someone who has been there last week or are there now will answer this but if not get in touch with Casa Blanca hostel, I am sure they will give it to you straight.

Bob

[kaiserkyhl]

Hi Guys

Mike from Casa Blanca here.

Colombia is as calm and safe as it has been the last couple of years. Of cause there's an election coming up soon, which mean that everyone are eager to make headlines. And there where some local demonstration on the workers day May 1. that made a little trouble in Bogota.

Other than that, I will still plead that I believe that Colombia now is one of the most safe and least corrupt countries for travelers in Latin America!!!

There's no reason to miss this beautiful country. See you

[Mike51]

My daughter and I rode from Bogota south through Cali and down into Ecuador about 6 weeks ago. Lots of police and military presence, and all we met were friendly. One group of police gents we met on the road couldn't believe we had just ridden through Central America, which THEY considered to be dangerous -- go figger.
There was an incident the night after we left Cali on the road near Santander. Key word is "night". Stick to the main roads and ride during the day -- very likely never have a problem.
We both agree, it was some of the best riding and friendliest people of our entire trip. Would not hesitate to go back, not for a minute.

[farqhuar]

I also had no problems in Colombia, albeit it was quite a few years ago.

It seems to me that the only people who get into trouble are those who go looking for it - in my opinion, so that they can profit from the tale later by writing books / making TV docos etc.

[marlydog1812]

colombia is amazing to ride in. I live on the North Coast and have traveled all of Colombias main roads the last year North of Armenia. There are reports of shadyness South of Cali but if you stay on the main road and get off at night its clear sailing. My friend just went from Bogota to Peru and back this month with not one issue.

DONT SKIP COLOMBIA, the word is getting out Colombia is the most enjoyable country in S. America

[kaiserkyhl]

Originally Posted by marlydog1812

colombia is amazing to ride in. I live on the North Coast and have traveled all of Colombias main roads the last year North of Armenia. There are reports of shadyness South of Cali but if you stay on the main road and get off at night its clear sailing. My friend just went from Bogota to Peru and back this month with not one issue.

DONT SKIP COLOMBIA, the word is getting out Colombia is the most enjoyable country in S. America

Well, this south of Cali shadyness rumor is years old. We've had more than 200 bikers do this route coming north or heading south this last year and Cali is perfectly safe as well!

I have personally done this area several times on bike, in car and bus!