A country like no other, many curious tourists wonder if Colombia is safe to travel. Here’s my best advice as a solo female traveler on how to eat, drink and enjoy time with locals.
When I told friends and family I was heading to Colombia, their reactions were predictable: concern, worry, and questions about safety.
And I get it.
Colombia still carries its reputation from decades past, and even recent stories like fellow Canadian YouTuber Alina McLeod’s attempted robbery at gunpoint in Santa Marta can make anyone think twice.
Is Colombia Safe?
I’ve traveled through Colombia multiple times as a solo woman, and I’m here to tell you it can be safe…if you’re smart about it.
I’ve spent the last 15 years traveling the world for this website. I’ve been to this country several times to write about traditional food in Colombia.
Here are the safety tips I’ve gathered, which apply to everyone, not just women.
Location Matters—A Lot
Where you stay in Colombian cities makes a massive difference in your safety.
In Santa Marta, for example, a taxi driver gave me specific boundaries: “Calle 13 up to about 20, starting at the malecon (waterfront) up to the main drag is good. Outside that, it gets risky.”
I initially stayed at a hostel outside this zone. During the day? Fine. At night? Not so much.
I quickly moved to Hostel Espanolete on Calle 13, which had:
- Central location
- Security guards nearby who would warn me about unsafe streets
- Plenty of people around at all hours
This basic advice holds true everywhere: don’t walk down empty streets, especially at night.
If there are no streetlights and closed shops, find another route or take a taxi—even if you’re with others.
Day vs. Night Safety
What surprised me about Santa Marta was how lively and secure it felt after dark, at least in the right areas.
The Malecon (waterfront) is well-lit with families strolling, friends gathering, and security everywhere. You can’t go far without seeing police, city security or private guards.
That said, nighttime requires extra precautions:
- Don’t bring your phone to clubs. So many travelers at my hostel had their phones stolen while partying. The thief bumps into you, takes your phone, and disappears into the crowd.
- Avoid ATMs after 10:00 pm. Period.
- For men: Be extremely cautious of overly friendly women. Colombia doesn’t have a culture of casual hookups. If someone you just met on Tinder offers to come to your hotel or wants to go home with you from a club, be wary. Scopolamine druggings (which can be fatal) are a real threat here.
Food and Drink Safety
One of Colombia’s biggest draws is its incredible food, and yes, you can enjoy street food safely by following a few guidelines:
- Don’t drink the tap water in Santa Marta (or most Colombian cities). Locals don’t drink it either.
- Avoid “bolis” vendors with coolers of cheap, flavored water in plastic baggies. It’s basically Kool-Aid made with untreated water.
- You CAN enjoy fresh juices from street vendors with those big “fish tank” containers. These Colombian drinks use filtered water and are absolutely delicious. My favorites are made with Colombian fruits like pineapple smoothies, corozo and agua de panela con limon.
- Skip the bright red/orange street sausages that appear in the afternoons. Locals call eating them “playing roulette” with your stomach. Not all street food in Colombia is safe, so just ask at your hotel what NOT to eat.
- DO try street arepas—they’re generally safe and delicious. I recommend Arepas Yiya for both traditional arepas and safer versions of those tempting electric pink sausages in Santa Marta.
- Get up early! I’ve always had a feeling that thieves like to sleep in so Colombian breakfasts are my favorite meal as you get the early birds. It’s also when I go to the ATM. Go early, but not SO early that no one is on the street.
“No Dar Papaya” – The Golden Rule
If you learn just one Colombian phrase, make it “no dar papaya” (don’t give papaya). It means don’t put yourself in situations where you can be taken advantage of.
In practical terms:
- Don’t walk around with your phone out, even in supposedly safe areas. I duck into stores when I need to check Google maps.
- Be strategic when using cameras. When filming my video in Santa Marta, I asked permission to use a restaurant patio while it was closed, with security and police nearby.
- Dress like locals: Colombians dress nicely but not flashy. Women rarely wear flip-flops except at the beach. Avoid looking like a “slouchy backpacker”—it screams tourist.
- Learn Colombian slang to make friends and then get all their best tips.
- Seeking drugs, prostitution, or gambling? You’re going to meet the wrong people and significantly increase your risk.
- And as a female solo traveler I do not trust anyone who approaches me first, especially if it is in English. This is true is every country because the chance it’s a scammer is too high.
Transportation and Tours
In any country I prefer to use ride share services like Uber so that there is a record of my driver. But it doesn’t exist in every city in Colombia.
I’ve taken yellow cabs in Santa Marta from the bus station without issue. They’re affordable and safe. If you’re out late, spending the extra dollar or two on a cab is absolutely worth it.
I avoid motorcycle taxis entirely based on local advice: “Some are fine, some aren’t—not worth the safety risk as they drive like lunatics.”
For tours to beaches and attractions, book through established agencies rather than street vendors. This ensures you’re with licensed, insured operators.
My Biggest Colombia Travel Tip
My last tip isn’t about safety but how we behave as visitors. You’ll encounter people selling tours, souvenirs, and food—sometimes persistently.
Remember that tourism is their livelihood, especially after tough economic years.
When declining offers, do so with grace. A simple “no, gracias” with a smile shows respect. We’re guests in their home, and Colombia is truly an amazing place that deserves our respect.
With awareness, common sense, and these tips, you can experience the warmth, beauty and incredible culture Colombia has to offer safely and memorably.