Planning a trip to Colombia in 2025 and wondering which places are not only beautiful but also safe? You’re not alone. While Colombia has transformed into one of South America’s rising travel hotspots, concerns about safety still linger for many visitors.
The good news is, the country has made significant progress in reducing crime and improving security, especially in regions that welcome international tourists. But the reality is clear: safety varies from place to place, and choosing the right destination can make all the difference in your travel experience.
Whether you’re traveling alone, a couple, or with your family, it’s entirely possible to see Colombia and feel safe and secure. From cities that have remade themselves through civic investment to small towns where crime is almost unheard of, you’ll discover a broad variety of safe, engaging places to visit.
In this post, we will outline the Best Places to Travel in Colombia in 2025 if safety matters, supported by facts, recent statistics, and local knowledge.
Best Places to Travel in Colombia in 2025 If Safety Is Your Priority
Colombia has proven to be one of the most dynamic destinations in South America, blending nature, culture, history, and diversity. Yet for most travelers, safety is still paramount. Despite how far Colombia has progressed since its dark past, the fact is that safety remains location-dependent. Travelers need to be aware and discerning about where they visit, particularly in 2025 with tourism on the rise.
This is a traveler’s guide to the safest places to visit in Colombia for those who value safety—based on traveler accounts, public records, and local reports. You’ll get first-hand information on each destination, what makes it safer compared to others, and what awaits you when you arrive.
Why Safety in Colombia Is a Big Topic
Safety in Colombia remains a major topic for travelers due to the country’s complex past, which includes decades of civil conflict, instability, and drug-related violence. However, in the last 20 years, Colombia has made notable progress in creating a safer environment—particularly in areas that attract international visitors.
These improvements are supported by tangible results. For example, tourism in Colombia grew by more than 250% between 2010 and 2023, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
Medellín, once considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world, has seen its crime rate fall by over 80% since the 1990s, marking a dramatic turnaround. On a broader scale, the Global Peace Index 2024 ranked Colombia at position 138 out of 163 countries.
While this shows there’s still work to be done, it also reflects steady progress over recent years. With that context in mind, it’s important to highlight the specific cities and regions in Colombia where safety, accessibility, and travel experience come together to offer the most rewarding visits.
1. Medellín – The Comeback Capital
Medellín is a city in the Aburrá Valley in the department of Antioquia. It’s one of Colombia’s most discussed cities because it’s turned around from being a city that was previously associated with violence to a clean, tech-savvy city.
Why It’s Considered Safe:
Medellín has greatly enhanced its public security. Government and private sector security initiatives have assisted in lowering crime rates, particularly in tourist-popular neighborhoods. El Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado are some of the neighborhoods that provide safe environments, constant police presence, and well-developed infrastructure. Violent crime is mainly restricted to remote neighborhoods away from tourist areas.
What You Can Do There:
Medellín provides a mix of city life and green areas. You have the option of taking the Metrocable to the hillside neighborhoods, walking through local markets, visiting museums, and experiencing nightlife in secure, patrolled neighborhoods. Public transportation is reliable and popular among locals and tourists alike.
2. Cartagena – Historic Charm by the Sea
Cartagena is a beach city in the Bolívar department. Famous for its old walled city and Caribbean coast, it’s among the most popular tourist spots in Colombia.
Why It’s Considered Safe:
Cartagena’s economy relies strongly on tourism, and hence security is a top concern. Local police have high visibility in main tourist locales like the Walled City, Getsemaní, and Bocagrande.
There can be petty theft, but it is infrequent with normal precautions. Violent crime is extremely infrequent in the principal areas that tourists visit.
What You Can Do There
There, you can stroll through colonial streets, go to castles and museums, and unwind on nearby islands such as Islas del Rosario.
It is a good location to experience cultural attractions, cuisine, and ocean scenery with relatively minimal threat compared to the rest of the nation.
3. Salento – Coffee Country Without the Crowds
Salento is a tiny town in the Quindío department, within the middle of Colombia’s Coffee Region. It is peaceful, picturesque, and perfect for people who want to get away from the city.
Why It’s Considered Safe:
Salento has a small population base and strong community feeling. The town is tourist-dependent, and locals are friendly and defensive of visitors. There’s an overt but subtle police presence, and crimes are few. Violent crime doesn’t exist here.
What You Can Do There:
You can visit coffee farms, hike through the Cocora Valley, and enjoy the peaceful rural atmosphere. Local guides and tour operators are available for most activities, and it’s easy to explore the area on foot or by jeep. Accommodations are generally family-run and trustworthy.
4. Bogotá – Safer by the District
Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is a big city and has many diverse districts. Although the city in general is more complicated when it comes to safety, there are some areas that are visited often and are generally safe for tourists.
Why It’s Considered Safe (In Specific Zones):
Tourists are advised to concentrate on areas like Chapinero, Zona G, Usaquén, and Parque 93. These areas are more lit, have patrols, and less crime. Candelaria is safe for touring in the day but best avoided at night.
What You Can Do There:
Bogotá is rich in cultural sites such as the Gold Museum, Botero Museum, and Monserrate hill. You may also visit street art, enjoy concerts, and sample foods from different cuisines. Taxis or app transportation are advised over public buses at night.
5. Villa de Leyva – Colonial Town with a Quiet Vibe
Villa de Leyva is a colonial town several hours northeast of Bogotá. It’s famous for its well-preserved buildings, cobblestone streets, and tranquil atmosphere.
Why It’s Safe:
Being a small town with a low crime rate, Villa de Leyva is invariably mentioned among the safest towns in the country. It’s walkable, friendly, and has a local community. Both the town and surrounding nature attractions are easily accessible for visitors.
What You Can Do There:
Stroll through the old plaza, shop at artisan boutiques and museums, and go on day trips to natural wonders like Pozos Azules or El Fósil. It’s a good place for history buffs and people who want a peaceful, risk-free setting.
6. Barichara – Colombia’s Prettiest Town (and Safest)
Barichara is in the Santander department and is commonly referred to as Colombia’s prettiest small town. Both national and foreign tourists visit in search of a peaceful retreat.
Why It’s Considered Safe:
Barichara boasts one of the lowest crime rates in Colombian tourist areas. Its compact size and active community make it simple to get around and secure for independent travelers. Lodging and restaurants are largely family-owned with good reputations.
What You Can Do There:
Make the most of strolling down cobblestone streets, appreciating colonial architecture, and trekking the Camino Real path to the nearby town of Guane. You can explore artisan boutiques and vistas as well. The tranquil environment makes this one of the best recommendations for avoiding crowds and tourist areas.
7. Santa Marta – Gateway to Natural Wonders
Santa Marta is a northern Colombian coastal city that acts as the hub for visiting natural parks and beaches. Although there are areas to avoid within the city, some central districts are welcoming to visitors.
Why It’s Considered Safe (In Select Zones):
Areas popular with tourists like El Rodadero and the old town are patrolled regularly. Petty theft is the most common report of crime, rather than major incidents.
Guided visits into the Tayrona National Park and the Lost City are carried out under strict security measures.
What You Can Do There:
From Santa Marta, you can reach beaches, waterfalls, and mountain trails. Tourists appreciate day trips to Tayrona Park, diving in Taganga, and hiking in the Sierra Nevada area.
Proper planning and local information, and it’s a safe and rewarding base for nature enthusiasts.
8. Guatapé – Day Trip with a View
Guatapé is a tiny town two hours east of Medellín and famous for its multicolored buildings and the iconic El Peñol rock.
Why It’s Considered Safe:
Guatapé is a small town with extremely low crime levels. It’s favorite among locals and tourists alike, and all the main sights are within walking distance of the town center. Police patrols are regular, and visitors generally don’t feel unsafe walking around even at night.
What You Can Do There
You may hike the El Peñol rock for panoramas, stroll through the colorful town, and go boating on the reservoir. It is great for a quiet day trip or overnight excursion. Public buses or guided tours from Medellín are widely available and felt to be safe.
Practical safety tips for traveling in Colombia
Even when visiting the top Best Places to Travel in Colombia, practicing simple safety routines can be a great contributor to your overall experience. Perhaps the biggest tip is to use reputable transportation apps like DiDi, Cabify, or InDriver rather than calling for a taxi on the street.
These apps have driver verification and tracking, which provide an added layer of security. When planning your activities, it’s best to move between cities or explore new neighborhoods during daylight hours, as this reduces the risk of encountering unsafe situations.
In public areas, avoid wearing flashy jewelry or openly displaying expensive electronics like cameras or smartphones, as these can attract unwanted attention.
When you need to cash out, always withdraw using ATMs that are within banks or malls instead of those openly placed in streets, which are more prone to card skimming or theft.
Finally, don’t shy away from seeking guidance from hotel personnel or locals whom you trust to know where not to go or how to travel around safely. These simple precautions aren’t only important in Colombia—they’re a good travel habit anywhere.
Conclusion
Colombia in 2025 is a land of possibility for travelers who seek cultural richness, natural wonder, and thrilling adventures—and safety. It’s true that not all areas are secure equally, but many areas in Colombia have strived to become friendly, tourist-friendly places.
Places such as Medellín and Cartagena, and smaller towns like Salento, Barichara, and Villa de Leyva, provide unforgettable experiences with comparatively minimal danger if you only visit well-known and patrolled zones.
The secret to a secure and rewarding trip is being aware, prepared, and informed. By selecting destinations known for their safety record, employing safe transportation options, staying out of high-risk areas, and practicing sound travel habits, you can travel Colombia confidently.
From tranquil coffee towns to vibrant cities that have become better, the nation boasts a great range of travel possibilities for those who place safety first.
Whether hiking through Andean landscapes, strolling cobblestone streets, or lazing along the Caribbean coast, Colombia has it all for any type of traveler—without compromising peace of mind.
