Colombia was the country that tested me the most. I arrived with curiosity and left with a mix of admiration, exhaustion, and a sharper sense of awareness. This post isn’t a warning or a love letter — it’s a reflection. A list of things I wish someone had told me before I packed my bag and crossed the border.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or adding Colombia to a longer South America route, here’s what I learned the hard way.

Table of Contents

Click on the topic of interest for faster navigation:

• Safety is a Strategy

• Budget Travel Isn’t Always Worth It

• Not All Cities Are Equal

• Small Towns Are Where Colombia Shines

• Transport Is a Mental Game

• Culture Is Rich — But Not Always Relaxed

• You Don’t Have to Love Every Country

• Final Thoughts

Safety is a Strategy

I didn’t expect to be robbed outside my hostel in Bogotá. I didn’t expect to be grabbed in broad daylight in Santa Marta. But both happened. And they changed how I moved through Colombia.

What I wish I knew:

• Daylight doesn’t guarantee safety. Some of my worst experiences happened before noon (also in Ecuador).

• Don’t wait outside for your Uber. Only step out once the car is confirmed and visible.

• If a street is empty, there’s usually a reason. Locals avoid certain areas for good reason — follow their lead.

• Dating apps come with risks. I skipped them entirely after reading about scams and express kidnappings.

Want the full story of what happened while I was traveling in Colombia?

Read more

Why Colombia Was My Most Challenging Country to Backpack

Budget Travel Isn’t Always Worth It

Colombia is often marketed as a cheap destination. But I found that the value didn’t always match the price. Hostels were basic, food was repetitive, and saving money sometimes meant sacrificing safety or comfort.

What I wish I knew:

• Expect to spend $55–65 USD per day even with modest choices.

• Local food is affordable but limited. Menu del día is a good deal, but don’t expect variety.

• Flights are often safer than buses. Especially for entering or exiting the country.

Would you like to know the full budget breakdown and how Colombia ranked among all the 8 countries I visited on my South America trip?

Read more

How Much It Costs to Backpack South America for 6 Months

Not All Cities Are Equal

Of the bigger cities, I visited Bogotá, Medellín, Santa Marta, Cartagena, and Cali. Each had its own rhythm — and its own risks.

What I wish I knew:

• Bogotá has a good cinema and street art, but I wouldn’t stay more than a couple of days.

• Santa Marta felt tense and unpredictable. I wouldn’t return.

• Cartagena is touristy but beautiful — worth more than just a stopover.

• Medellín was the most dynamic city I visited, and I felt safer there than in Bogotá or Santa Marta.

• Cali was fun for salsa, but not essential unless you’re into nightlife.

Small Towns Are Where Colombia Shines

Salento, Jardín, and Minca were the places where I finally exhaled. They felt slower, safer, and more welcoming.

What I wish I knew:

• Salento is postcard-perfect and a great base for Cocora Valley hikes and coffee tours.

• Jardín is less touristy and ideal for a reset.

• Minca offers jungle views, waterfalls, and a break from the chaos of the coast.

If I could redo my trip, I’d spend more time in these places — and less in the cities. Want to read what I did and what I would do different according to the itinerary?

Read more

Backpacking Colombia: 3 Weeks Itinerary

Transport Is a Mental Game

Buses are the backbone of backpacking Colombia, but they’re not always smooth.

What I wish I knew:

• Roadblocks happen. On one ride, children were removed from the bus at a makeshift checkpoint. It ended fine, but it was tense.

• Overnight buses are exhausting compared to other countries. And not always the safest option.

• Uber is safer than taxis. But only if you double-check the license plate and wait inside until it arrives.

• Flights might be a better safety option rather than long-distance bus, even though it's more pricy.

Culture Is Rich — But Not Always Relaxed

Colombia is full of color, music, and warmth. But it’s also a place where you need to stay alert.

What I wish I knew:

• Street vendors can be overwhelming. Especially in touristy areas like Cartagena or Rodadero Beach.

• Personal space is different. I was grabbed more than once — not always aggressively, but enough to unsettle me.

• Tourist zones are not always safer. In fact, they can be prime spots for scams and theft.

You Don’t Have to Love Every Country

This one took me a while to accept. I met travelers who adored Colombia. Who extended their stay, who raved about the people, the food, the energy. And I believe them.

But my experience was different. And that’s okay.

What I wish I knew:

• It’s okay to feel uneasy. You’re not doing travel wrong.

• You don’t have to push through. If a place doesn’t feel right, leave.

• Travel is personal. And Colombia, for me, was more about resilience than relaxation.

Final Thoughts

Colombia taught me a lot — about awareness, boundaries, and the kind of traveler I want to be. It wasn’t the easiest country I visited, but it was one of the most formative.

If you go, go prepared. Go with your eyes open. And go knowing that it’s okay to have mixed feelings.

Because travel isn’t just about the places you visit. It’s about how those places make you feel — and what you carry with you after you leave.

Want a full guide for Colombia? Read more here: Ultimate Backpacking Colombia Guide (2025 Update)

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