Solo Female Travel in Colombia – My Ultimate Guide!

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about solo female travel in Colombia. Tips, personal advice, interesting facts and the safest places to visit as a solo female traveler in Colombia.

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Please Note – although this post is geared towards solo female travellers, you will find a lot of universal information and advice here that will apply to any kind of solo traveller in Colombia. Enjoy!

Colombia is a much safer travel destination for solo female travelers than the media and many people out there make it out to be.

Of course, you do have to be careful, and yes, you need to be aware of the ”kind of dangers” that you might not have to worry about in other places around the world. You can’t compare Colombia to some super safe countries like Malta or most Balkan countries for example.

But it’s not nearly as dangerous as you think once you know where to go, what to do and what not to do.

In fact, as I announced that I would be traveling alone to Colombia, most of my friends thought I was crazy. But my travel motto is: Don’t believe what they say, go see! And after traveling through Colombia for 4 months, it’s now one of my favorite countries ever!

I travelled everywhere by public transportation, stayed in hostels and made tons of friends, partied, hiked (even alone), ate awesome food, had adventures and spent many chilled days at the beach. I extended my visa and didn’t want to leave. Convinced yet?

In this solo female travel in Colombia guide, I will tell you everything you need to know, give you all the important tips and, above all, tell you why you should consider travelling to Colombia in the first place.

Disclaimer – This post is my opinion that is derived from my personal experience. I travelled to Colombia for a total of four months and loved it so much that I truly didn’t want to leave. So yes, some of my opinions could be biased, yet I will do my best to be as accurate and neutral as I can.

Why should you travel to Colombia?

Colombia is a wonderful, vibrant and super friendly travel destination. I guarantee that it will become one of your favorite countries in the world!

There are different types of travelers, and none is better or worse.

But the kind of traveller you are will determine how much you will love Colombia. Because there is no question that you will love it. The only question is how much.

If your ideal trip is a luxury stay at a resort in the Maldives, you could probably find a substitute on the Colombian island of San Andres. Yet, you would be missing out on the authentic and extraordinary vibe of the country, which you can only experience if you immerse yourself in the different sides of Colombian culture and landscape.

I was taken aback by the incredible beauty of Colombia’s nature as I was by the Colombians’ hospitality and kindness. But it is hardly luxurious, often hot and sticky, loud, hectic, and unpredictable.

I loved Colombia’s crazy busses, unpaved roads, haggling, and ever so present loud music (Colombians know how to have a good time) as much as the vibrant and diverse culture, incredible kindness, genuine interest in people and variety of landscapes, climates and a never-ending array of places to explore.

Whatever is it that you are looking for, you will find it in Colombia. Amazon jungles, Coffee region colonial towns and small Caribbean beach towns, rivers, waterfalls, vast rolling hills, palm trees in the mountains, and not one but two totally different deserts! This country is so diverse it will inevitably blow your mind.

So if you are planning your trip to Colombia as a solo female traveler (or any solo traveler), I will do my best to give you as much advice as possible to make your trip flawless and enjoyable. Let’s begin!

First things first – Is Colombia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

There are places in Europe where I would feel less safe than in some parts of Colombia. How safe traveling in Colombia is, will depend largely on which area you will visit.

Of the most visited cities, Bogota and Cali are the places where you would have to take the most precautions, but I wouldn’t let this stop you from traveling there.

Medellin and Santa Marta are relatively safe cities, and everywhere along the Caribbean coast or in the Coffee Region of Colombia, you will be safer than you think.

But is Colombia safe for solo female travelers?

Generally speaking, Colombia is a safe backpacking and travel destination for solo female travelers, if you mostly stick to the popular tourist destinations and follow safety tips. But even some off-the-beaten-path locations are pretty safe too.

What you need to be most aware of are petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing. This is one aspect of safety in Colombia that need to be considered more in-depth and I will cover it in more detail later in this post.

I traveled along the Caribbean Coast of Colombia all the way to the La Guajira desert and hiked in Coffee Axis. Solo. I did my research, stayed careful, and had an awesome time!

I strictly followed some guidelines though!

I only took my phone out when I really had to. I have never been walking down the street talking on the phone and don’t recommend you do it either – but this is the case in all of Latin America. 

Before heading out into an unknown barrio in the cities, I asked at hostel if it was safe to walk there. Whenever I arrived in the city or pueblo, I always asked if the area was safe to walk alone. And I avoided wandering around the city late at night. 

It is very improbable that you would be kidnapped. Those days are way gone. Of course, like everywhere else, you just need to be careful and be aware of your surroundings and where you are heading. I am always more cautious in all Latin American countries, and that, of course, includes Colombia.

Most importantly follow all the safety tips and use common sense. Make friends in hostels and try to go out in the group. A great way to meet other travelers is also taking part in experiences or organized activities. But to be completely honest – I did a lot of things alone and I am still here telling you all those stories 🙂

A Safety Tip – Taking a free walking tour or a city bike tour is not only a great way to explore Colombian towns like Bogota or Cartagena, but also to get your bearing around and ask your guide all the safety questions and recommendations. You can ask your guide where is safe to go and where you should stay away from and of course get all the awesome recommendations.

Is Colombia a good destination for first-time solo female travelers?

The answer to this question is not straightforward. Colombia is a complex, complicated country.

If you have never traveled solo before and feel apprehensive about it, Colombia is probably not the best choice.

I am being straight here. Latin America can get overwhelming, especially if you don’t speak the language or never travelled alone before.

Colombia is not always a bed of roses. In fact, It isn’t most of the time. Don’t forget that tourism only flourished there in the last fifteen years or so (although the travel infrastructure, including the quality of hostels, really surprised me).

People in Colombia (especially outside of big cities) live a simple life. There are not many health and safety notices, if you trip and fall, just pick yourself up (although most likely someone will come to help you), you will be stopping the busses in the middle of nowhere, and gringo tax will be added to any price as a default.

If the bus has no air conditioning, all doors and windows will stay open, no one will ask you about your allergies in the restaurant, and you will have to learn to enjoy cold showers. Limited water and electricity supply are normal. And so are the power cuts.

For a first-time solo traveler, arriving in Colombia can be a culture shock. But if you believe your skin is thick enough and you want to make Colombia your first-time solo female travel destination, go for it, just get well prepared (by reading all of this post!)

If it’s your first time travelling solo and you are determined to visit Colombia start with cities like Medellin or Cartagena. Those towns have great infrastructure, are largely catered for tourists, and are packed full of ex-pats, digital nomads, and other travelers. The safest part of Colombia is definitely the Coffee Triangle including Salento, Jardin, or Filandia. This is where I hiked solo and felt totally safe walking around the town in the evening.

Things to know before traveling to Colombia solo

Here are some essential safety tips for solo females traveling in Colombia:

Most important safety tips for solo female travelers in Colombia

The below advice and information are not meant to scare you or stop you from going. Yet, I don’t want to paint a perfect picture where the picture is flawed. I want to make sure you are aware of possible dangers and plan your trip accordingly. If you stick to the below tips, your trip will be just awesome!

No dar Papaya

No Dar Papaya means – don’t give papaya! This is a famous saying in Colombia meaning – don’t announce yourself as an easy target and don’t advertise your belongings to those who might want to steal them.

Don’t take unnecessary things with you when walking around the town. Just pack money for the day, keep the phone in your bag, preferably in a bumbag or a bag in front of you, and don’t wear diamond earrings. Don’t walk alone after dark around empty streets.

This also means Don’t leave your belongings unattended. I was lucky when I left my phone on the table in Cabo de la Vela and people went looking for me to hand it in. Colombians are generally honest and kind. But thieves are there as well. Don’t push your luck.

You know, just use common sense. And most of all, listen to your intuition.

Whenever I took my phone or camera out to take photos, I always looked around to check if the surroundings felt safe and if there were no suspicious activities around me. Much less so in the coastal towns, but still, it’s a good practice.

Always ask for the price upfront and don’t be afraid to haggle

If you won’t, you will pay the gringo tax. You probably will anyway, but juggling will make it smaller.

And always ask for the price before you commit to anything. A sample of a massage is never free and if you don’t want to buy that bracelet from a beach vendor, don’t put it on.

Avoid walking around the town alone well after dark

Yes, it’s getting dark in Colombia around 6:30 pm. I am not telling you to stay homebound after this time. Just use common sense. Again, do you see the pattern here? Haha

When I first arrived in Santa Marta, on the first evening I went out around the town with a couple of friends I made in the hostel.  The town was full, and buzzing, and felt safe to walk around in the early evening hours. So the next day, I felt ok to have dinner at Parque de Los Novios by myself and return to the hostel before 9 pm.

When I returned to Santa Marta one month later, I made more friends in the hostel and we went clubbing. But there were locals among us (hostel owners) and we looked out for each other and took a taxi back to the hostel.

Always try to stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t get too complacent.

Don’t take drinks from strangers

If alone, buy a beer that was opened in front of you, a cocktail from a reputable bar and preferably, don’t get drunk.

I am not saying don’t have fun. I had plenty of that in Colombia. But stick to having crazy nights out when you are with people you can trust, that will walk you back to the hostel and will take care of you if needed. This is crucial. We are girls. We know very well that not only in Colombia, but a drunk girl can also easily become a target. However, from my experience, I was more often looked after than in any kind of danger. Yet, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

But Do go out!

By all means! Colombia is a party-goer paradise! But if you are staying late, go with friends and make sure there is someone there to walk you home or wait with you for your taxi. Please, please do not walk back home alone after the party! If you are alone, try to stick to a couple of beers and get someone from the club or bar to call you a taxi. Don’t wave one out on the street.

What should you wear in Colombia as a solo female traveler?

I only mention it here as I have seen a few bloggers mention it in their posts and I wanted to comment on it.

I would say one thing – unless you want to wear expensive fur and diamond rings, seriously don’t worry about it. You don’t have to sacrifice your personal style or scorch your backside in jeans in 40 degrees of heat just to fit in. Most likely, you will be recognized as a gringo anyway.

Yes, Colombian girls like wearing jeans. But also many girls in Spain in the summer, which I find impossible. Wear jeans, shorts, hippy pants or skirts, T-shirts or dresses. Just be comfortable. Be you. That’s my advice.

If there is one thing I would advise you to wear in Colombia, it would be confidence.

Try to fake it if you feel you struggle with it. I do that all the time. I only pretend I’m confident. I am pretty shy, for real. Walking around the town confidently will help you with huggling, and sometimes will even allow you to avoid or minimize vendor harassment. If you look like you know where you are going, you will be less likely to be offered multiple tours and so on.

But truly, If you are not a middle-aged guy with a baseball cap, polo shirt tucked in your pants and camera hanging from your neck, you will fit in just fine.

Use ride-sharing apps

Whenever you can, take UBER or DIDI when in areas that you are not familiar with or after dark. It is cheaper and much safer than local taxis.

Carry a photocopy of your passport when out and about

You might be asked for your passport by the police and they have a right to do that. Yet the copy is perfectly fine. You want to keep your passport safe in the locker of your hostel but always carry a photocopy.

Dont be worried if the bus you are travelling in will get stopped by police or soldiers. This is totally normal.

This actually happened to me only once on the way from Cartagena to Playa Blanca (yes I went by bus). The bus was stopped by the army and we were asked to leave the bus. After asking me what I was doing in Colombia and looking into my bag, the young soldier smiled at me and said, ‘Bienvenidos a Colombia’. It can be intimidating. But be polite, answer the questions and don’t worry. They are not looking for you, that’s for sure. 

Some parts of Colombia are a no-go

Although there are still parts of Colombia that are deemed dangerous, mostly due to narco-trafficking and Guerrilla and paramilitary activity and tourists are discouraged from going there, the days of Colombia being one of the most dangerous countries in the world are well gone.

In fact, even some departments, like Choco or Meta, are slowly opening to tourists, with Pacific Coast and Cano Cristales slowly appearing on backpackers’ itineraries.

Do exercise caution if you decide to venture into those areas. Do your research, check the safest ways to get there (often by direct flights) and skip the night bus journey altogether.

Departments that should be avoided according to national advisory are: Nariño, Cauca, Putumayo, Caquetá, Meta, Guaviare, the Catatumbo region in the Norte de Santander department, northern Antioquia, and southern Bolivar.

Overnight busses in Colombia are mostly fine

Especially in very touristy areas. I took an overnight bus from Armenia to Bogota and had a very pleasant journey.

Don’t be a hero!

In an unlikely case when a robbery, just hand in your belongings. No wallet or phone is worth more than your health or life.

If using an ATM, do it during the day and preferably inside the bank.

Things to know while traveling in Colombia solo

If traveling for the first time, stick to the most popular destinations

Some parts of Colombia are still considered dangerous but no suggested travel itinerary will send you there. So just stick to the beaten path. Towns and regions that are popular among tourists are safe and there is a great infrastructure.

The most popular and recommended towns for first-time solo travelers in Colombia are:

Those are just a few but if you are interested in a complete Colombia itinerary be sure to head over to this post!

Make friends with locals

It won’t be very hard anyway. The most friendships I made were with Colombian travellers and taking into the streets in their company was a lot of fun. They will take you to places that tourists don’t know about and they will make you feel safe. They know where to go and where not to go. And they definitely know how to party!

Forget your diet when traveling in Colombia

Before I arrived in Colombia I was on a pescatarian Keto diet. Did I stick to it? I probably could if I was very determined. But I wasn’t, so I didn’t. Colombian diet is very carb-heavy and sugar is literally in everything. Juices, smoothies, coffee, you will get it without asking for it. If you don’t want to dangerously spike your insulin levels, ask for no sugar upfront.

Trying to stay out of carbs? Good luck in Colombia! Rice, empanadas, arepas, patacones, aquapanela, rum and coke, carrot cake, Buñuelos (incredible dougnuts), arequipe …. I can go on forever. Incredible foods, all full of carbs.

But don’t get me wrong, you will also eat amazing fresh fish and ceviche in Colombia as well as tonnes of incredibly delicious fruit. Ah! And avocado in Colombia is to die for. Not only incredibly cheap but juicy and delicious (very big as well).

The restaurants across the country are also great and with both street food and restaurant dishes being very reasonably priced you be tempted constantly. You can eat healthy in Colombia if you want. If you want to ….

Eat out in Colombia!

Eating out in Colombia is very affordable and amazing. The only time I cooked was when I just really fancied it, not because I wanted to save money. I actually think it’s more affordable to eat out than to cook in Colombia.

You can eat as cheap or as luxurious as you want. You will find great upmarket restaurants, as well as typical local restaurants catering for locals. You can get your lunch (almuerzo) from a street vendor in a takeaway box or grab an empanada. In all bigger cities, you will find vegan and vegetarian restaurants, sushi joints, Italian eateries and so on.

On the coast, you will eat the freshest fish served with coconut rice and patacones. This will be accompanied by soup and a drink and often will not cost you more than 5 bucks. And you have to try the Ceviche!

In many coastal locations, you will be able to grab fresh coconut water (served in the coconut), refreshing fresh lemonade and cups of fresh fruit. Travel to Eje Cafertero and get a plate of Salchipapa (fries with hot dog sausages) or chorizo from a street vendor. 

The service in the restaurants is great! A voluntary tip of 10% is often added to the bill, but if it’s not, please leave a tip. The food is great and cooked with love and the service is friendly, why wouldn’t you!

Enjoy the music!

Music is ever present in Colombia.

Colombians love to party, dance, rum and coke and aguardiente. I went to a boat party where shots of aguardiente were served from 10 am. In many restaurants, bars, and discos, you can actually buy alcohol by a bottle. You will see a group of friends or families around the table sharing rum or other drinks.

Yet, I have never seen drunk people. Not in the way we see them in some European countries. People don’t trip and lie on the street, no one gets aggressive drunk, and everyone just has a good time. At least, this is my experience.

When the music is on, in the club, everyone dances. And they dance well! I was so jealous. It looks like it just runs in their blood. Because it does!

But I understood everything when once in Rincon del Mar I saw a kid’s party. A couple of boys, no older than five, danced to a song I would not play to children, and exercised the moves a lot of adult gringos would not even dream about!

Take public transport in Colombia

I have traveled around Colombia using all sorts of public transport, and I found them ranging from safe to semi-safe (depending on how adventurous you are). Yes, riding on a moto-taxi in the middle of Cartagena without a helmet on while holding onto your backpack isn’t the safest thing to do. 

Or sticking your head out of the window of the bus because it’s just so hot that you need to get some air probably isn’t the best idea either.

I, however, never had any real safety issues while using public transport in Colombia.

While using public transport in Colombia, you can feel as safe or as adventurous as you are prepared to be. The intercity and night buses are great, large, comfortable, and a pure pleasure to travel by. The city buses are a completely different story. But there is always Uber, Bolt or DIDI. Domestic flights are also painless and very cheap.

When in smaller towns, you will have the option to use the so-called Colectivo. This term might be new for you so let me explain.

Colectivo is basically a shared mini bus (sometimes just a car). Most of the time, it is a regular car or a minivan that will take you from one town to another. There will be no timetable as they are always waiting until the vehicle is full. Those are often faster options. It is totally safe to use colectivos in Colombia.

If you consider taking a taxi – always use Uber-like services. It’s not only cheaper but much safer.

If you get a chance, do take a ride in the Chiva bus or Willy jeep in the Colombian coffee region. This is definitely a great adventure.

Medellin has a fantastic public network with a very modern metro and cable car system. There is no metro in Bogota, but you can use the buses or Uber. In some towns like Santa Marta or Cartagena, check the price with the driver before getting into the taxi. The same goes for moto-taxis.

Stay in the Hostels!

Hostels in Colombia are amazing. The facilities are great, I slept in some of the best dorms and I met all of my friends while staying in the hostels. Many hostels host parties, cater to people’s working hours, and offer world-class facilities. Don’t miss out!

Enjoy and make friends for life!

The longer I stayed in Colombia, the more I loved it. I met awesome people and made friends for life. People in Colombia are just like you and me. Actually, I often felt they were kinder, more down-to-earth, and truly interested in what I had to say. Embrace it, and have a blast!