Unveiling Colombia’s Dual Nature, Balancing Beauty and Risk in a Land of Contrasts
Colombia is renowned for its natural beauty and culture, but it grapples with significant violence, including criminal activities by gangs and terrorist groups like FARC and ELN, leading to a high risk of theft, kidnappings, and violent crimes in some of the most dangerous places in Colombia, although there are also safer regions to explore within the country.Photo(Gettyimages)
Exploring Colombia’s Shadows and Navigating Safety in a Land of Natural Beauty
Colombia, a nation renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich culture, harbors a dark side marked by staggering levels of violence. This violence encompasses a wide spectrum, ranging from the activities of dangerous gang members to the presence of notorious terrorist groups like FARC and ELN.
Travelers to Colombia need to exercise caution and be aware of the risky areas to avoid. One of the Most Dangerous places in Colombia is the prevalence of theft and the constant risk of kidnappings. As a result, taking precautionary measures becomes imperative when exploring this nation’s diverse landscapes.
Furthermore, the general crime rate across South America has been on the rise since 2004, with violent crimes such as kidnappings and car jackings experiencing a significant surge in recent years. Homicide statistics in Colombia reveal the grim reality of daily life, with a significant number of lives lost due to violence.
While visiting this country can be a rewarding experience, it is not without its dangers. However, it’s worth noting that Colombia also boasts safer regions where travelers can explore and enjoy their trip without becoming another crime statistic. In the following paragraphs, we will outline some of the Most Dangerous places in Colombia that you should steer clear of if you seek a trouble-free journey within its borders.
Buenaventura
Photo(stock.adobe)
READ ALSO: The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Baltimore: After Dark
Buenaventura has long been known as one of the most dangerous places in Colombia, marred by persistent violence that has seeped into the surrounding rural areas over the years. The city’s transformation into a war zone, fueled by drug trafficking conflicts, has brought about a grim reality of kidnappings, torture, extortion, and murder, all tactics employed by those seeking power through violence or intimidation.
During the 70s and 80s, it was considered Colombia’s most dangerous city, instilling fear in those who dared to approach due to the ongoing battles between warring factions and drug traffickers vying for control of drug routes within this port town, making it one of the most dangerous places in Colombia. While there has been a significant decrease in violence since 2016, marked by a truce agreement that ended decades of civil strife, caution is still advised for those considering a visit to Buenaventura, given its history as one of Colombia’s most unsafe places.
Cali
Photo(Gettyimages)
Visitors to Cali should keep in mind that the city can be safe for tourists, despite being on the list of most dangerous places in Colombia. There are still risks for anyone who doesn’t take precautions against crime, though. Colombia and Cali are still overcoming the reputation that violence, drugs, or Narcos brought upon it in early decades. But what many people don’t know is this was over 25 years ago, with Pablo Escobar long dead and buried by now!
Cali has been making strides in improving its economy in recent decades, while Colombia continues to be a hotspot for drug trafficking, terrorism, and human rights violations, making it one of the most dangerous places in Colombia. A tourist can visit almost any part of Cali and feel very little risk, especially compared to bigger cities like Bogotá, where violent crimes still happen every day. However, it’s important to note that it’s not entirely risk-free.
Arauca
Photo(Wikipedia)
According to the Overseas Security Advisory Council’s (OSAC) 2020 Crime & Safety Report, Arauca is considered one of the most dangerous places in Colombia and is strongly discouraged for travelers to visit.
In one of the most dangerous places in Colombia, which is Arauca, ongoing unrest is a deeply concern. The Transitional Justice Administrative Group (GATJ) is actively targeting government and FARC officials, using threats of violence, especially those who have cooperated and given testimony related to criminal activities or terrorism in the area. In the department of Arauca, various security forces, including the Colombian National Police (CNP), the DAS, the Army, and the National Liberation Army (ELN), have conducted numerous operations, primarily aiming at illegal armed groups involved in drug trafficking, illegal mining, and extortion.
Public officials engaged in probing terrorist groups have encountered threats from the GATJ, an entity recognized for its readiness to employ violence to suppress witnesses who offer evidence against these criminal factions. This scenario underscores the substantial difficulties and hazards prevailing in Arauca, rendering it one of the most dangerous places in Colombia.
.READ ALSO: Student Loan Forgiveness Scams Target Borrowers As Loan Payments Resume In October
