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Safety in Colombia & Bucaramanga

  • Simon Gygax
  • Apr 9
  • 1 min read

Is it safe to travel to Colombia? How is the current situation in the city of Bucaramanga? These days, many concerns regarding safety are reaching us. But actually there is nothing to worry and the situation in Bucaramanga is more peaceful then ever.

A street vendor selling fruits from a cart in the citz of Bucaramanga in Colombia
Street Vendor selling tropical fruits in Bucaramanga. The city belongs to the safest spots of Colombia

Colombia continues to face some challenges with armed groups in certain rural and border regions of the country. Areas like Catatumbo (Norte de Santander), Cauca, Chocó, and parts of Arauca are experiencing ongoing conflicts involving dissident factions of the FARC and the ELN. These conflicts have led to violence and instability in those specific zones.


However, Bucaramanga is not affected by these conflicts. Bucaramanga, located in the department of Santander, is widely regarded as one of the safer and more peaceful cities in Colombia. It enjoys a strong local economy, a vibrant cultural scene, and a growing tourism infrastructure. Visitors frequently describe it as clean, friendly, and welcoming.


Travelers can feel safe walking through the city’s parks, exploring its viewpoints, enjoying local cuisine, and discovering nearby natural attractions. Like in any urban area, it's important to take normal safety precautions—avoid poorly lit areas at night, keep personal belongings secure, and use official transportation services. If you decide to volunteer with us, you will always be in good company and we will secure the safety of our guests.


In short: Bucaramanga is safe to visit right now, and current conflicts in Colombia do not impact the city. Travelers and Volunteers are welcome to enjoy all that this beautiful destination has to offer.

 
 
 

2 Comments


tjalyon
Apr 10

Well said. How do you know about the city's safety record? Is this just from word of mouth or does this come from studies?

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Simon Gygax
Apr 10
Replying to

Hey Trevor - Thanks for asking! The info about Bucaramanga’s safety comes from a mix of official travel advisories, national crime stats, and reports from trusted sources like travel insurers and government agencies. Bucaramanga consistently shows up as one of the safer cities in Colombia, far from current conflict zones. It’s only partly word of mouth - as we asked all of our volunteers and they confirmed they felt totally safe in Bucaramanga — but there’s also real data behind it. For example:

  • The U.S. Department of State travel advisory for Colombia (Level 3) highlights high-risk regions like Catatumbo and Arauca, but doesn’t flag Bucaramanga or Santander as dangerous. (travel.state.gov)

  • A 2023 report by Insight Crime noted that Bucaramanga has one of the…

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