Originally Posted by RandyRandy (Post 19706520)

I'm interested in the source of this information.



I think it's very safe for foreigners in Bogota, even more so if they act like you do.

I've been going to Colombia for 13 years. I've seen Colombia get safer and safer throughout the years, largely in part to Alvaro Uribe, the Colombian president from 2002-2010. He focused on security and got results.

Bogota is divided into 3 sections: North, "El Centro" and the South. The North is where the middle class and upper class live, El Centro is the business district and the South is where the poor people live. The North is very safe, and private security is everywhere, just in case. El Centro is very busy during the day and kind of desolate at night, but some nice luxury apartment buildings are now being built and occupied in El Centro. This is where I like to stay.

Don't go to the South. For a foreigner, it is dangerous - you would stick out like a sore thumb. Nothing to do there anyway - I'm talking wild dogs in the street, sketchy electricity at best and piles of garbage everywhere. Stay away.

Bogota is a very international city. They have "Zonas" that cater to foreign tourists. Zona Rosa and Parque 93 are the two popular ones. Go there and you think you're in an affluent suburb in the US. All the top shops, great restaurants and bars and clubs - and no danger. The last thing the Colombians want is something bad to happen to a tourist - especially in one of these Zonas. The police there are courteous and helpful. I recommend staying in either Zona for a first time visitor, especially if your Spanish is limited.

I love the weather in Bogota - ranges from a high of 70 during the day to 45 at night. For me, perfect. Bear in mind, most local apartments do not have air conditioning, heat or hot water. Those catering to tourists would provide you with a heat lamp or maybe fireplace. Taking a hot shower in Bogota can be annoying. Most places don't have hot water heaters - they have this little contraption that is attached to the shower head, where you have as good a chance of getting electrocuted as getting any decent hot water! I'm kidding (a little).

If you like to play golf - there are 20 courses in and around Bogota, and the weather is perfect golf weather. Very easy for a foreigner to play exclusive clubs.

Great restaurants, great weather, great women - that's why I'll be "retiring" there soon.

Beware of the two rainy seasons - April/May and November/December. Usually rains every day for about six weeks during these months - sometimes all day. Just makes it more difficult to get around.

Hit me up if you need any more info.