Colombia was, for decades, synonymous with danger. That Colombia still exists in some areas — but the major tourist destinations have transformed extraordinarily over the past 15 years. Medellín, once the world's most dangerous city, is now a thriving, creative metropolis that hosts more international visitors than ever. Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage city with a booming luxury tourism scene. Here's the honest 2026 assessment.
Smartraveller Rating
Australia's Smartraveller rates Colombia as "Exercise a high degree of caution" overall, with some border regions and rural areas rated "Do Not Travel." For Medellín, Cartagena, Bogotá and the Coffee Region — the destinations most Australians visit — the practical risk level for informed travellers is lower than the headline rating suggests.
Medellín
The El Poblado and Laureles neighbourhoods in Medellín are very safe by South American standards and have a thriving expat and tourist community. The city's cable cars, botanical garden, Pablo Escobar tours and street art scene attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Stay in El Poblado or Laureles, use Cabify or InDriver (not street taxis), and be cautious with your phone and valuables in public. Avoid Villa del Curro and other peripheral neighbourhoods without local guidance.
Cartagena
The walled city (Ciudad Amurallada) and Getsemaní neighbourhood are heavily touristed and generally safe during daylight hours and into the evening. Cartagena gets extremely hot — plan activities for early morning or late afternoon. The islands (Islas del Rosario) are beautiful and worth a day trip. Book through Viator for reputable operators.
Bogotá
La Candelaria and the Zona Rosa are the main tourist areas. Bogotá has a higher crime rate than Medellín or Cartagena but is manageable with standard big-city precautions. The Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) is one of the great museums in the Americas.
Key Safety Practices
Never use street hailing for taxis — always use an app (Cabify, InDriver). Don't display expensive phones, cameras or jewellery. Avoid walking while looking at your phone. "Scopolamine" (a drug slipped into drinks) is a risk in nightlife areas — never accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended. Avoid ATMs at night.
Travel Insurance
Essential for Colombia. Make sure your policy covers the country (some budget policies exclude higher-risk destinations). World Nomads covers Colombia and includes adventure activities. SafetyWing also covers Colombia on their nomad plan.
Our Verdict
Colombia rewards travellers who do their research and take sensible precautions. It's not a destination for wandering carelessly — but for informed, street-smart travellers, Medellín and Cartagena offer extraordinary food, culture, warmth and value that few South American destinations can match. The transformation of these cities over 15 years is one of the great urban stories of our era, and witnessing it firsthand is genuinely special.