Here are Tips for Traveling to Bogota Colombia! From not joking about drugs to avoiding pickpockets and malaria, this city is a wonderland! Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to having an unforgettable vacation. But before you get started, read these safety tips first:
1. Avoid joking about drugs
During your visit to Colombia, make sure you avoid joking about drugs and drug trafficking. While Colombians have long been involved in drug trafficking, it is still taboo to make joking comments about it. It is also disrespectful to Colombians. Even if you’re joking about cocaine, don’t try to take any of it, and don’t ask locals to buy you some.
The FARC has long controlled the production of cocaine in Colombia. However, after signing a peace agreement with the government in November 2016, the FARC declared its intention to leave the jungle in the next two years. This means that other criminal gangs will step in and take over the production of cocaine, which could lead to another round of violence. In fact, the number one reason to avoid buying cocaine in Colombia is because of the violence. According to Gustavo Siva Cano, the drug war is responsible for 450,000 deaths.
2. Avoid altitude sickness
Traveling to Bogota means you’ll be near the Amazon rainforest, which is high in altitude. As you rise from sea level to 4,000 meters, your red blood cells begin to drop, a condition known as altitude sickness. It’s rare, but it does occur. Fortunately, Bogota’s low altitude makes the experience more bearable. However, if you’re not used to traveling to high altitudes, you should be aware of the risks and precautions you should take to avoid altitude sickness.
The altitude in Bogota is higher than that of La Paz, but it’s still below the soroche line, making the city’s climate much more moderate than other South American cities. You should take it easy on your first day, and consider bringing over-the-counter pain relievers. You may also want to take a natural remedy such as coca tea, which is made from the leaves of the coca plant. This tea tastes like green tea and acts as a mild stimulant similar to caffeine. It’s believed to have medicinal properties that can prevent and cure altitude sickness.
3. Avoid pickpockets
If you are planning on visiting the fascinating colonial city of Bogota, Colombia, then you should be aware of some safety guidelines. The city features a neoclassical performance hall, several museums, and an old church that dates back to the 17th century. While the city is safe, you should still be wary of pickpockets, who are known to prey on tourists. Make sure to keep your valuables visible at all times, and to avoid being hugged by random strangers.
Make sure to plan your route in advance to avoid getting lost. Bogota is a friendly place, so you will be greeted by friendly locals who will try to help you if you need it. Also, make sure to keep a copy of your passport in your wallet. If you happen to get picked up, you can ask for assistance from the local police, which will alert them to your whereabouts.
4. Avoid malaria
To prevent malaria, you should avoid traveling to low-lying areas of Bogota and surrounding regions. There is no vaccine against malaria, and the disease can be fatal. While it is not present in Bogota, most municipalities along the Pacific coast and other inland areas are at risk. If you’re traveling to the highlands or inland areas, you should avoid exposure to mosquitoes, use insect repellents on exposed skin, and sleep under a mosquito net.
In addition to malaria, there is a risk of the mosquito-borne illness, Chikungunya. You should stay away from mosquitoes, drink bottled water, and take a protective hat or bandana when you go outdoors. Also, try to avoid having a mosquito bite, as it could result in severe sickness and even death. It is advisable to seek medical advice before traveling to Colombia, especially if you are pregnant.
5. Avoid HIV
Regardless of where you travel to in Colombia, you need to know how to avoid the risk of contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. Although Colombia is a relatively safe country, there are still precautions you need to take. First, make sure that your passport is valid for six months past the date you plan to depart. You also should check whether your travel insurance covers you when you are in Colombia. If so, you can avoid any additional expenses. Second, keep your personal possessions close to you.
Third, it is important to make sure you have the correct vaccination. This will protect you from getting infected with the virus. While the Caribbean coast has seen a reduction in cases, the cases of COVID-19 remain high in Bogota. To combat the situation, make sure you get vaccinated and ensure that you don’t come into contact with people who are infected. You should also make sure that you have the correct medications and medical supplies when you arrive.
6. Avoid AIDS
If you’re planning a trip to Bogota, Colombia, it’s a good idea to be aware of the risks of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. In Colombia, sexual tourism is high, and the country’s ‘coffee belt’ is one of the most popular tourist destinations. To prevent contracting the virus, it’s best to avoid public transportation and be sure to carry the proper vaccination.
To avoid contracting AIDS, you’ll want to be aware of the local drug culture. AIDS has become widespread in Colombia due to high levels of social inequality, low healthcare access, and sexual tourism. The most common HIV infections are found among women. Women are especially vulnerable to the disease, as are those who use illegal drugs and inject them. Infection with AIDS can cause serious health problems and even fatalities.
7. La Candelaria is a district for street art in Bogota Colombia
This historical part of the city is a great place to see street art, which includes the best pieces from both local and international artists. These pieces are displayed on walls, storefronts, parks, cultural institutes, and shipping containers. The neighborhood is also home to the oldest plaza in Bogota, which features colonial architecture mixed with modern architecture and art. You’ll also find many local artists who are part of street art collectives.
If you are interested in street art, La Candelaria is the place to go. The district is home to the Museo del Oro and Museo Botero, as well as colorful murals and celebrated graffiti. The city is becoming more accessible to tourists thanks to competitive airline companies and the government agency Pro Colombia, which is promoting tourism and reinvesting in the local economy. With the recent peace treaty between the US and Colombia, the city has seen many foreign tourists.
In La Candelaria, many of the works depict sensitive topics such as violence, poverty, and colonization. The infamous Guache mural, for example, draws attention to the issues facing Colombia’s indigenous peoples by blending traditional iconography with modern techniques. And RTZ and Forero, two other artists involved in the collective, portray the agrarian past paired with contemporary images of bulldozers and crop dusters.
8. Avoiding residential areas in Bogota Colombia
When visiting Bogota, Colombia, it is a good idea to avoid the residential areas. You should avoid these areas for several reasons. The biggest one is the possibility of being attacked or mistreated by the locals. However, many locals are friendly and will help you if you are in trouble. It is a good idea to plan your route ahead of time so you don’t get lost or in danger.
Another good reason to avoid residential areas is safety. The city is home to several crimes and gangs. Although the drug trade rarely affects foreigners, it is a common practice to be pickpocketed. In fact, people have been robbed at gunpoint in La Candelaria. Be aware of the potential dangers of drugs while you are in Colombia. Drug use is considered disrespectful and will increase the risk of getting into trouble.
In addition to being unsettling, the country also experiences high levels of street crime. In the city, pickpockets and muggers may attack you, so you’ll want to avoid areas where you’re likely to be targeted. Additionally, if you’re traveling alone, avoid using your mobile phone in public areas. Lastly, don’t forget to protect your belongings when traveling to Colombia.
9. Getting around in Bogota Colombia
If you are new to the city, you’ll want to make sure you know how to get around in Bogota Colombia. There are several free walking tours you can take. The City Park is a great place to walk around and enjoy the fresh air. The botanical gardens nearby are also a great place to unwind. Then, when it’s time to head home, there are plenty of places to eat, shop, and relax.
There are a number of public transportation options in Bogota, including taxis. However, there are risks involved when taking the bus. First, it is important to know that buses are not regulated like taxis, so make sure to ask before you board. Taxis are plentiful and should be regulated with meters. You can identify a licensed taxi by its license plate. Secondly, be sure to ask the driver where the bus’s last stop is so that you know where to get off.
10. Getting around by taxi
Getting around in a taxi in Bogota is easy. There are cabs everywhere in the city, and they are an excellent option for long-distance travel, as well as for traveling with luggage. If you have a large group, you can hire a private driver. Make sure you ask your hotel receptionist for advice regarding the cost of a taxi. You can also use an app called Calculadora de Tarifas to help you determine the cost of a taxi ride.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of hailing a taxi, you can take advantage of the city’s extensive public transport system. The city has a reliable bus system called the TransMilenio. It runs all over Bogota and connects the city’s airport with neighborhoods on the outskirts. The system’s buses cover 112 kilometers (70 miles) and move 2.2 million people daily.