I've been thinking about taking another trip to Colombia. I want to know if it's safe since there have been so many news reports about the rebel armed forces. Thanks! <BR>

just got back labor day from b-quilla and cartegena. everything was fine. after i left , there was a nationwide commotion with car burnings. foreigners were told to stay indoors for the day. <BR> <BR>the nice areas in the big cities are safe. - safer than los angeles <BR> <BR> <BR>

I agree with Elliott--we've been to Barranquilla & Cartegna twice and had no problems, as long as we stayed in the nicer areas. Our first trip we made a round trip on the public between Barranquilla & Cartegna. I think it might depend on just where in Colombia you are going to visit, but if you are going to the larger cities, you shouldn't have too many problems.

If it makes you feel any better, my wife and I are planning on visiting Colombia at the end of this month. We'd like to visit Cartagena. Although not all areas are safe for foreigners, there are some areas that are safe to visit.

could anybody give an idea of how things are in barranquilla? is it peaceful there? is there any risk about being kidnapped in this city? someone told me that people at the airports in colombia will take note if you are not a native and then they will send the message to someone that will follow you. have anybody heard of this? are americans welcome in this particular city? I have also heard that barranquilla and cartagena are allright.

just got back from b-q berfore carnival. <BR>weather was not too hot with a nice breeze. <BR>you can get kidnapped anywhere. one has to be careful. <BR> <BR> 1 do not let anyone take your bags at airports unless there aare official. <BR>2 only take official taxis. in b-q, a taxi stand at the airport will take your name and destination and give you a written estimate of your trip, then give it to the driver. <BR> <BR>the major hotels have special drivers that they know, wait at their taxi stands. <BR> <BR>it is always safer to call a taxi than to hail one on the street. ask for cab # <BR> <BR>do not get into a taxi with 2 males in it. <BR> <BR>try not to travel alone ; i do it. <BR> <BR>do not talk to anyone on the street unless you start the conversation. if things feel uncomfortable, go back to your hotel.