Originally Posted by RandyRandy (Post 19411511)

Bogota is very safe for an American. While kidnapping for ransom is still a problem in Colombia, it almost never happens to an American. I believe the last Americans "kidnapped" by the FARC were three American CIA operatives whose recon plane was shot down in the jungle. So, unless you're planning some jungle recon, you should be ok from kidnapping.

Bogota is not without danger. It's divided into 3 parts - South, Central and North. The South is where the really poor people live - we're talking no running water and wild dogs running around. Don't go there. Period. I did several times, but that's because I'm stupid. Then there's El Central, which is the business district, also several universities, museums and lots of shopping. The area is great during the day, but at night you should take a taxi instead of walking. The red-light district is also here. This is where I've rented an apartment for January. At night I take taxis from in front of my building (which has security) to wherever I'm going. Then there's the North where all the well-to-do people live. Sometimes I stay there, but here's the problem - traffic in Bogota is brutal - no subway. As I find myself more in the center of the city, that's where I'm staying this time, to avoid the 45 minute cab rides from Central to the North.

Just don't flash money or jewelry and at night always take a taxi - but one that you've called and not randomly gotten in off the street and you'll be fine. And when you go to a bar - NEVER LEAVE YOUR DRINK UNATTENDED. There have been numerous cases of "Scopolamine" robberies where they put this powder in your drink and you become like a zombie and they'll take you to your apartment and rob you of everything.

I think apartments are the way to go, rather than a hotel. I have a nice one-bedroom in the Chapinero section of El Centro, and I'm paying $650 for the entire month. Everything is within walking distance - and the internet depends where you are. This apartment has great internet, the last one I stayed at didn't. But there's always an internet cafe within a couple blocks. I always get my apartments on www.airbnb.com. You can get apartments there for one night or more.

If there's anything else I can tell you - please let me know.

Originally Posted by blazin (Post 19411574)

There's an interesting documentary on Scopolamine here: http://documentary.net/worlds-scarie...devils-breath/

I seriously thinking about going back to Colombia for an extended vacation next year.... I spent a few weeks in Cartagena and Santa Marta late last year.... I plan to visit Cali and Medellin next time though.

Originally Posted by RandyRandy (Post 19411511)

Bogota is very safe for an American. While kidnapping for ransom is still a problem in Colombia, it almost never happens to an American. I believe the last Americans "kidnapped" by the FARC were three American CIA operatives whose recon plane was shot down in the jungle. So, unless you're planning some jungle recon, you should be ok from kidnapping.

Bogota is not without danger. It's divided into 3 parts - South, Central and North. The South is where the really poor people live - we're talking no running water and wild dogs running around. Don't go there. Period. I did several times, but that's because I'm stupid. Then there's El Central, which is the business district, also several universities, museums and lots of shopping. The area is great during the day, but at night you should take a taxi instead of walking. The red-light district is also here. This is where I've rented an apartment for January. At night I take taxis from in front of my building (which has security) to wherever I'm going. Then there's the North where all the well-to-do people live. Sometimes I stay there, but here's the problem - traffic in Bogota is brutal - no subway. As I find myself more in the center of the city, that's where I'm staying this time, to avoid the 45 minute cab rides from Central to the North.

Just don't flash money or jewelry and at night always take a taxi - but one that you've called and not randomly gotten in off the street and you'll be fine. And when you go to a bar - NEVER LEAVE YOUR DRINK UNATTENDED. There have been numerous cases of "Scopolamine" robberies where they put this powder in your drink and you become like a zombie and they'll take you to your apartment and rob you of everything.

I think apartments are the way to go, rather than a hotel. I have a nice one-bedroom in the Chapinero section of El Centro, and I'm paying $650 for the entire month. Everything is within walking distance - and the internet depends where you are. This apartment has great internet, the last one I stayed at didn't. But there's always an internet cafe within a couple blocks. I always get my apartments on www.airbnb.com. You can get apartments there for one night or more.

If there's anything else I can tell you - please let me know.

Originally Posted by RandyRandy (Post 19411593)

I've seen that documentary -pretty scary stuff and it's real. I know both Cali and Medellin well. To my taste, I like Medellin much more. It's a bigger city with perfect weather. Maybe 80 during the day and 65 at night. Cali is hotter and has much higher unemployment, thus more crime. But the Salsa Clubs are better in Cali - on Avenida Sexta. Better restaurants in Medellin - more international.

Originally Posted by MrMaxwell (Post 19412377)

Do you get along okay there with speaking english? Is the law pretty adult friendly, and american friendly?

Sounds like a great place.. I appreciate your posts very much (and everyones... I never expected so many good ones)!!

Originally Posted by inthecrack (Post 19410808)

Yes New Zealand for amazing scenery and adventure sports but forget about any hot chicks and fat asses.