Health and Safety
For the most part, you can drink the water in all major cities. In smaller, more remote towns think twice. Colombia's pharmacies are well stocked, although you should bring some basic supplies to combat diarrhea. Bring plenty of mosquito repellent for all coastal or jungle trips; if you run out, local brand Nopikex works remarkably well. Some people experience dizziness and headaches upon arrival in Bogotá because of the thin mountain air. Until you acclimatize, avoid alcohol and caffeine, get plenty of sleep, and drink a lot of water and juice. Immunizations against the following diseases are recommended at least three months in advance of your trip: hepatitis A and B, tetanus-diphtheria, measles, typhoid, and yellow fever. The decision whether or not to take malaria pills should be made with your doctor.
A landmark peace accord to bring an end to the decades-old civil conflict with the guerrilla group FARC was officially signed in September 2016, and though the drug cartels continue to operate with relative freedom in the furthest reaches of the jungle, Colombia is safer than ever. Violent crime remains on the periphery of major cities, and petty crime in the tourist areas is the only real concern, but with common sense you can avoid most problems. Travel to Cali and Popayán–-and even farther south to San Augustín–-can be undertaken with no worries. Even Medellín has shaken off any vestiges of its sketchy past and is booming.
Avoid black-market money changers or any dubious transaction offering a better rate of exchange—counterfeit bills are a very real problem. Have nothing to do with drugs; the industry that produces and distributes them is responsible for untold misery in this country and will continue to be as long as there remains a demand. Possession of cocaine or marijuana can lead to a long sentence in an unpleasant Colombian jail. Don't accept gifts of food, drink, cigarettes, or chewing gum from strangers; there have been reports of travelers being drugged and relieved of their valuables.
