VivirLatino

I've been to Colombia five times and have never had any problem whatsoever. In large cities such as their capitol, Bogota, one would use the same common sense and precautions as one would in any large metropolis. The problems of misconception are largely due to American media always painting the picture of Colombia with a narco slant. Even if it's a story about a disterous avalanche, the article finishes with something to the effect that 'Colombia is the world's largest supplier of cocaine' and it's not even relevant to the story at hand. The truth of the matter is that the people involved in the drug trade and the various rebel groups are comprised of a minute, tiny fraction of the Colombian population - with millions and millions of people remaining who are among the sweetest and kindest people on the planet.

I've been to Colombia five times and have never had any problem whatsoever. In large cities such as their capitol, Bogota, one would use the same common sense and precautions as one would in any large metropolis. The problems of misconception are largely due to American media always painting the picture of Colombia with a narco slant. Even if it's a story about a disastrous avalanche, the article finishes with something to the effect that 'Colombia is the world's largest supplier of cocaine' and it's not even relevant to the story at hand. The truth of the matter is that the people involved in the drug trade and the various rebel groups are comprised of a minute, tiny fraction of the Colombian population - with millions and millions of people remaining who are among the sweetest and kindest people on the planet.

Personally, I hate the bad rap that Mexico City gets, so I can understand how Colombians feel. I was at a party with a guy from Bogota who was like "you lived in Mexico City for so many years?!", practically shrieking from fright. I told him I felt the same way about Bogota, and he couldn't believe it. It's all about perceptions and misconceptions. If you are familiar with a place, call it home, it's not threatening to you.

I love Colombian culture and would go to Colombia in heartbeat, if I could get over my biased view of it.

I am married to a Colombian woman and have been to Colombia many times. I was married in Cartagena and had over 35 American visitors come to both Bogota and Cartagena. Most of my friends told me that they the best vacation of all time while in Colombia.

Although there are problems in Colombia, someone tell me a Country that does not have problems. If you act responsible and treat the country like you would treat your own home town, it is the most wonderful place to visit. The people, food, culture and party are second to none and I have enjoyed visiting Colombia and would recommend it to anyone.

I am Colombian and I have to sadly admit that it's hard to sell people on the idea of going to vacation to Colombia. Nothing's ever happened to me and things are becoming much more safer now. Many Latin Americans and Europeans are venturing into what was once for many "unchartered territory." Americans on the other hand don't go really.
I think we definitely need more Americans to go but that won't happen until the U.S. Media stop painting such a negative view of the country. Kidnappings are down almost 70 percent, murders are down and things in general are safer. In the major cities people have to be careful as they would be in any other large Latin American city. There is insecurity and crime but it's not as terrible as people assume. When you step off the plane in Colombia you're not landing in a jungle in the middle of a war with people shooting at each other like crazy selling drugs. That's a Hollywood stereotype. It's a beautiful country with wonderful people.
I think we need more Latinos from the U.S. who are not Colombian to go and visit. The metropolis of Bogotá, beautiful Medellín, party capital Cali, the colonial walled-city of Cartagena, the beaches of Tayrona, the Rosario Islands, the coffe farms in el Eje Cafetero, the beautiful fincas in los Llanos, visit San Andrés island. It's an amazing country, trying to improve it's quality of life and it's image around the world.
Visit Colombia for yourself, you won't be disappointed, and you'll be able to spread the word of the wonders of Colombia.
Viva Colombia!!!