29 Things You Should AVOID when Coming to Colombia - Colombian Travel Guide

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Welcome to Colombia
Colombia is a country with a lot of history, part of it is something that Colombians do not want to remember. Violence, drug trafficking in Colombia and Pablo Escobar are part of this tragic history for Colombians. That is what many foreigners know about Colombia, despite the fact that Colombia is much more than that.
For this reason, when you come to Colombia these are topics that you should avoid mentioning in front of Colombians.
Also, since tourism in Colombia has developed, many foreigners come to the country to do unpleasant practices and ruin the reputation of this beautiful country, which has a lot to offer, for this reason it is very important that you watch this video before coming to Colombia and know what you should avoid doing when coming to Colombia.
Hey there! My name is Colombiafrank, and I’d like to welcome you to the beautiful country of Colombia. As you probably guessed, I’m a bit of an expert on Colombia travel, and I’ve got lots of great advice on Colombia tourism that will allow you to make the most of your experience as you travel Colombia.
I began traveling Colombia back in 2015 after finishing up my first semester here in Bogota working towards my MBA. I immediately fell in love with the country and the wide variety of adventures and opportunities that traveling Colombia has to offer. As a country rich in both natural and cultural diversity, your Colombian travel experience will not disappoint.
Before you can begin your Colombia travels, we must get you here first. As a foreigner myself, I understand how difficult it can be navigating your way through a foreign country. But fear not because Colombiafrank is here to help you with your travels to Colombia so that you can avoid the common mistakes and get right to the good stuff. Just think of me as your go to Colombia travel guide!
So, come see for yourself what tourism Colombia has to offer!
BOOK YOUR TRIP TO COLOMBIA NOW
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Pelecanus is a travel agency located here in the historic city-center of Bogota, in the heart of the Candelaria. We specialize in creating custom travels and luxury tours throughout Colombia. From Medellin and Cartagena to the Amazon and the Andes, we’ve got you covered. With excellent bilingual guides in a wide variety of languages, we have everything you need to create a truly unique and memorable Colombian holiday.

#colombiatravelvlog #travelcolombia #travelingcolombia

[@robertalmgren3090]

A lot of this can be summarised with "Do not be a dick." Which is solid advice everywhere I feel.

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

well....

[@ville666sora]

Unfortunately a lot of people don't know how to be anything but a dick lol

[@derrickkolpanen9054]

Right? Like not calling the African demographic of the country… slaves…

[@ValentinaBP97]

everyone should love Colombia, Colombia is not drugs, it is a country full of love for foreign people Colombia is not drugs, Colombia is a paradise. Always love in colombia

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

so true

[@patyg.v1113]

🙏🏻❤️🤗

[@salvaxicancolombia7278]

This is by far the best Chanel on Colombia 🇨🇴

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

thank you

[@arte7sol]

100% thank you!!! From a native Colombia who grew up in NYC USA, this list had to be said.

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

I think it helps

[@cawicker3410]

Columbian girl I dated here in the U.S. said same thing about cocaine and how annoying it was everyone assumed coming from Columbia, her family must be drug dealers. Then I found out her Dad was on year 7 of a 10 year house arrest sentence for trafficking a truck load of cocaine to NY.

[@Sapientiaa]

Lmfaooooooo

[@Rustipipes]

7x to Colombia now, Gringo from the US. This advice is not mutually exclusive. Overall learn the culture and be respectful. In my humble opinion the Colombian people are better people than my own. They are more helpful, kind, considerate, engaging and humble. Americans: you are ‘not all that’. I’d put a Colombian driver against amy American and win every time. Coming to this amazing country has changed me for the better. Every bit of advice Frank shares here is ‘spot-on’, please please do not ignore it. Thank You Frank!

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

Thank you Russell!

[@triciaallen2119]

Hi Frank, I just found your channel. My parents are Colombian, and I lived in Cali as a child. It is unbelievable how people ALWAYS bring up drugs, the show 'Narcos' and Escobar, the minute they know my heritage! They never even mention the export of coffee, which we are also known for. I always have to educate people that Colombia is so much more than that. It is so infuriating that people associate the country with such a negative stereotype.

[@galvestonflyfishing3987]

Your so right about those guys filming the girls, I'm watching videos about colombia because I'm going to visit a friend there so I wanna see what to do but when you look up "colombia" or "medellin" you just get a bunch of videos talking about how easy or pretty the women are AND I DON'T CARE I JUST WANNA SEE THE COUNTRY AND ITS NATURAL BEAUTY!!!!

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

thx for your comment

[@oswaldorivaroli9776]

Thanks Frank, you are very honest showing the beautiful and the dark sides of our MARVELLOUS country (very accurate analysis) Thanks for feel the Colombian problems as yours as well... Colombia adopted you and I know you're happy there... Gracias por tus buenos consejos Parcero!! To All viewers and travellers, welcome to Colombia!! You'll love this Magic country.

[@TacynMegan]

as a colombian i never thought colombian coffee was anything special but then i was lucky to travel over the world and well...lets just say i know appreciate my coffee alot lot LOT more

[@gloriabond9008]

Wow, I am so glad I found your channel! I was born in Bogotá Colombia & my American family wants to visit sometime. As I started to watch some of your videos, I realized how helpful they are. Thanks for doing these videos. I'm going to share them with my family. Some day, God willing, we will travel to the beautiful country that is Colombia. Thanks again ColombiaFrank. Que las bendiciones de Dios te acompañen este día.

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

Please do!

[@hofe304]

Hola Frank. Great video. I agree with the comment about the high bridge. My Colombian wife was also appreciative of this video and the comments about respecting the culture.

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

thx, I am happy you agree

[@stevan9299]

Very accurate! Thank you for letting foreigners know what to expect here.

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

Glad you liked it!

[@chrisrobinson79]

Another good video frank. Plenty of great advice. Look forward to meeting you when I get there take care. 🙋‍♂️😎🌴

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

Any time

[@chrisknowles2578]

Exellent video. To me these are all obvious points but I often experience tourists who just don't understand!! I went to Colombia in February and had a great time and met some very friendly people. If you take the usual tourist precautions all of which you have mention in your video then you will have a safe and enjoyable trip. It is always welcomed when you show respect to the local people when you travel. You don't need to be fluent in Spanish but it is good advice to learn basic phrases, (please, thankyou etc etc). I always laugh when I see travel videos about Colombia and 'time-keeping' is mention!! I met a girl in Bucaramanga and every date we went on she was 20 minutes late. At the time it was a bit frustrating but now I understand... lol Thankyou for your videos ....

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

thx for your comment Chris

[@juanpablofuentesgonzalez4862]

Gracias Frank por mostrar las cosas positivas y tambien las cosas negativas, hay que ser honestos siempre con todo, y gracias por estar aqui y apoyar e este pais.

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

claro que si, somos todos colombianos!

[@reinabedoya214]

Excellent video . You just said the truth about Cocaine .Most people have a wrong idea about Colombia and this subject . I appreciate your words . Thanks 💛💙❤️

[@russelcapatoy2965]

I love this video. Very informative!

[@billbmsn]

I spent many months in Medellin and I did not find the legacy of Pablo Escobar to be a difficult topic for my friends. They have put him into perspective. He's gone and Medellin has largely been transformed into a modern city that is no longer the murder capital of the world. In fact, it is probably one of the safest cities in Colombia. Politics are a troubling issue in any country. At least in Medellin I did not find corruption to be very noticeable. Yes, I heard some police will solicit bribes for minor offenses. Perhaps Medellin is a special case, but many of the warnings you issued do not seem to apply there. I agree visitors should try to speak Spanish as much as possible, although I did find that when people learned I was from the US, they wanted to practice their English. We had a lot of fun with me speaking Spanish and them English. Sex with minors? Jeez, you shouldn't have had to mention that. Perverts don't care what you say, but normal visitors do not need that warning. I fell in love with Colombia during my visits. The people are extremely friendly (everyone is amigo) and fun-loving (they know how to party, and make the most of all the Catholic holidays).

[@geraldgwinnett344]

Thank-you. Excellent video about this great country .

[@ABETTA-kz6mt]

also please buy souvenirs directly from indigenous people or traditional artisans. This is because 1. the quality is so much better than what you can get at a mall or in touristy places 2. you are supporting their family and it really makes a difference

[@danielthomas9871]

Where do we buy those?

[@ABETTA-kz6mt]

pro tip for wayuu mochilas: if it smells like ass even after washing it is the real deal and great quality that will last you a lifetime

[@ABETTA-kz6mt]

@@danielthomas9871 just avoid big shopping malls, at least in medellin and the coast parts of the country there's ladies on the street selling their okama (embera beadwork), mochilas wayuu and souvenirs literally outside the metro stations

[@danielthomas9871]

I’ve never heard of wayuu machila but after looking it up they look beautiful. Does the ass smell go away?

[@ABETTA-kz6mt]

@@danielthomas9871 it does! it might take like 5 washes and a week or so of wearing but its worth it

[@sarahhumphreys3980]

I really want to visit Colombia. From what I have seen in you tube looks beautiful.

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

in real it is even better!

[@sarahhumphreys3980]

@@COLOMBIAFRANK yes I bet it is. 😊

[@Eddie-ud4bb]

@@COLOMBIAFRANK I was in Bogota last August. Was ok

[@mauriceputz]

Glad that I found your channel :) i‘m from austria ans ans friend and I will visit colombia next year in july or august, hope nothing bad happens there in world and we can visit the country, i just look so amazing and I only hear good things. We will spent about one month there. Do you have any tips to get friends there when we arrive? Execept online...

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

learn spanish

[@mauriceputz]

@@COLOMBIAFRANK ahora si :)

[@aribosch9064]

Shalom I am Jewish from Israel...I been in Cali

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

Great, I hope you dance a lot of salsa!

[@PaxeVitae]

nice video haha im from colombia but i liuve un usa i love my two countris

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

Super!

[@user-bi9qb1il5f]

Hello Frank how can I get a hold of you? I like to purchase a travel ticket coming from Dubai to Colombia on May 25th to June 25th, plus i like to know what are some of the safer hostels to live in, in Bogota, because I'm sending my 30 years old niece who would like to come and check into your university? Thanks

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

Hey Frances You can email me to [e-mail] Also in the description section of each video you will find the links to the various websites we run

[@fredricbooker2892]

I’m a coffee broker I deal with Kona coffee from Hawaii.. Colombian coffee’s OK are used to be one of the high best coffee shop gay and the quality Jesko down considering do you shakers. And plus Colombian coffee is heavily saturated in the market now back in the 80s and 70s the coffee was a lot better because majority Osam pic and sun-dried and even evaluate it by the farmers for the forms before they put it out there but now it’s totally different

[@richardahearne3057]

Hi Frank First time seeing you My son and I are planning on taking a holiday in Columbia for about 10 days.Where would you suggest we should go ? Thanks Richard

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

Dear Richard If you like having us organizing your trip, we are more than happy to help. You can write me to [e-mail]

[@ShaunybIam]

Great information. Question do you have to get shots to enter the country or is that just the Amazon? Thank you

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

everything that can be transmitted by mosquitos is recommended. check out our medical blog

[@fredricbooker2892]

How do you think the Haitians Feel Puerto Rico Dominican Republic Cuba all the places were affected by Spain which is predominantly all Catholic countries so pretty much what you’re saying those countries that affected by Spain was pretty much the same thing is done to Colombia

[@maresgoez]

Hi Frank. Very good video, telling it as it is!

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

Hey, thanks

[@antonysilva636]

Hey Frank 👋 your absolutely correct 👍 im in Bogota right in the center, i would like to meet you to book some travel tickets to cartagena therefore i would like to met up. Im in Most famous Hotel in Bogota Tequendama hope im very close to your office.,( ibook this hotel online but i didn't know this hotel was famous until i checked in) your absolutely correct Colombia is wonderful country with wonderful people, your 20 think not to do are correct i can add few things to it ...travels thank you very much coming to Colombia ans respect what Frank says 👏 and those who are dont want to come to this wonderful i call it one of the beautiful place on earth please dont talk about bad things which happened in the past, past is past 🙏 percent is to enjoy peacefully future is blessed yet to come if you put your mind and soul in to it ...finally i give kudos to Frank try to educate 👏 general public to give respect to get respect 🙏 i cane to Bogota to experience the true culture to my self , im so happy i choose to be here... i will all the best to you Frank hope to meet you oneday.

[@user-ry1cc1im6f]

I have a very hard time trying to find real colombian coffee in Japan 😓 ... I think corrption is more linked to the independence .. But yes it is a topic hard tp talk about.... Abortion is allowed in three cases 1. Violation 2. Mother's life is on risk 3. Baby has a disease (malformation) which can not be treated . Excelent explanations!!! Greatings from a colombian in Japan

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

Saludos desde Bogota

[@fredricbooker2892]

Now you’re wrong if you know your history Spain dropped off slaves in Colombia. So that’s why most Afro Colombians speak Spanish because they were imported there by Spain. Now with Spain reach Colombia they were just indigenous people tribes until spay rape their way through and took slaves as well at least other people were developed so you cannot break them down in different categories they’re all Colombians. I’m a history major. So before you categorize people and put them in different ethnic groups she really can’t. Like Mexico there’s light Hispanics. And also those like Hispanics derive from Spain as well so what are you talking about

[@fredycastro1620]

Thanks for the video! I will be in Colombia next week

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@brotherbryan2414]

Good video good information, I had to watch to the end to see if you knock over your coffee.

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

hahhaha so far never happened

[@nakosimpson7459]

I like the video

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

thank you

[@davemiddleditch9741]

Haha love the comment about the Dutch!🤣

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

references are always good ;-)

[@algabba]

Yes, must Colombians are always late and not much considered about it.

[@edgar7503]

I am sure 100% that you have wrong information, always cocaine come from Peru and Bolivia, Ecuador was the only route used by drug traffickers to take their drugs to Colombia and from there to the largest consumer and support for paramilitary groups USA.

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

what are your sources then?

[@fredycastro1620]

Don’t refuse a drink? Hmmm it does not sound very safe 🤔

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

no problem with that

[@frankg.3018]

Gutes Video, Frank Viele interessante Informationen zu Kolumbia. Aber nur als Rat für deine Videos: Manchmal dachte Ich, ich bin auf dem Hamburger Fischmarkt....wenn du verstehst was ich meine. 😅

[@DaveG-qd6ug]

Good one Frank !

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

thank you

[@json1940]

I like your videos :)

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

Thanks! 😃

[@uweschulz5771]

.A very helpful video. By the way at 1. November 2021 I´ll arrive for the very first time in Colombia. I´ll stay in Bogota for the first days and I I´ll go Medellin, Cali and Cartanega. I hope to see a lot from the Country but I´m honest I´m very interested in Latina woman.

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

then I hope you speak spanish

[@cristobalgonzalez6164]

Hola buen video , una cosa que es muy mal visto para nosotros los colombianos es que llegues aún lugar a comprar y no saludes o digas deme un café o algo así. Siempre se pide el favor

[@thelegend3841]

This is all real talk!

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

very real ;-)

[@Didi-no6xx]

I don't think that there is still any African slaves there. In english The better way to call out black people of Colombia's ethnicity would be Afro descendants but not slaves. 🤷🏿 That was a big mistake and hope you'll change it by respect. Nice content after all. 🙌🏿☀️🙌🏿

[@annjean8709]

Agreed!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@andresfelipeforeroosorio9799]

dale like si hablas español y eres Colombiano

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

si, espero todo el mundo va a dar like ;-)

[@samhellion]

Kudos for calling out that particular national group about that horrible disgusting business model

[@normayate8602]

Café de Colombia

[@todosnesesitamosamor3035]

I want to work there!!!!!! I'm bilingual......

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

Just do it ;-)

[@bradshultz8385]

@@COLOMBIAFRANK Notes on paper indicate preparation and organization. That’s a good thing

[@rodrigosepulveda4559]

Delivery is too slow, subjects are obvious; all countries have their share of touchy subjects and the rule of thumb is not to discuss anything with negative content. No need to spend more than 5 minutes talking about it. Colombia is an amazing country, I've been there many times and people are very tolerant, and welcoming, you can discuss anything and learn as you go, Colombians won't take offense like the europens, and will always welcome you, despite your political differences, so no need to worry so much about this. That's my two cents.

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

This is my experience, good to know that you had a different one. Cheers from Bogota

[@ticani2]

Your videos are great and I enjoy them, but I had to turn them off because your ding noise scares the crap out of my dog

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

jajaja I am sorry about that

[@algabba]

Sure!!! More than USA? 😄😄😄

[@hanlens_on_hiatus]

Those Israeli's what's that about?

[@SyrianSanjoob]

Unbelievably annoying

[@Hector-ze7ed]

I can't have a smart phone in Colombia?? I'm phuckT! I'm going in a month... i plan to live off my phone.

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

very good plan

[@chadsalas1375]

Dude, that intro was rediculous!

[@davidcruzbaez6136]

cocaine is legal.....if a cop stops you tell him to take you to the embassy, period

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

wrong

[@Eddie-ud4bb]

I went to Colombia for my drugs. *no. Not coke or anything.. a regular drug from the drug store I need to take no matter what. 1/10th the cost of the same thing in the USA. So it was worth it for me to fly there to get it & load up

[@davidportnoy3237]

Columbians like tusi and Marijuana.

[@borfried]

"African slaves" is not an ethnic group. Smdh. Come on. Be better, man!

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

What is it then, give us the solution! Come on, be better man! ;-)

[@borfried]

@@COLOMBIAFRANK This was an opportunity for you to learn. But good to know that you only think of black people as “African slaves”. Your education on ethnicity is your sole responsibility. Google it. Read on it. Learn from it. Or you can stay ignorant, I don’t care.

[@johnmichael3016]

Dude, English is obviously not his first language. Don't get your underwear in such a wad. If you're so pissed off about it then YOU BARE RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP CORRECT IT! Help the world instead of whining and moaning. If you offer a solution and he refuses to take it, that's when you can gripe.

[@Sapientiaa]

@@borfried Bro he’s Swiss. Relax. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@annjean8709]

​@Sapientia , Still, this is no excuse for such ignorance this day in age. Come on, do better!!

[@pd1648]

You need to speak from the heart not a piece of paper. How about being positive? Keep away from the scrambled eggs.

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

thx, i am very positive but realist. what is wrong with notes on a paper?

[@baphot8976]

#1: dont threat an guaracha enjoyer

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

what is this?

[@baphot8976]

@@COLOMBIAFRANK It's like the version of electronic music made by weed smokers

[@baphot8976]

@@COLOMBIAFRANK also known as aleteo, zapateo. Somethimes in colombia they love to put that music on parties

[@nakosimpson7459]

11:10 the only thing good of buy drugs in colombia it's that it's sheap and 100% coke

[@nakosimpson7459]

Compare to the us where it's expensive and is really trash

[@kellykelly6101]

Sarcasm for us IS VERY RUDE! PLEASE DON'T DO IT

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

true

[@neveryoumind4466]

Still have slavery in Colombia? 😂

[@user-ry1cc1im6f]

He was talking about the ethnic origins ... It stopped before USA could stop it

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

We are all slaves of our destiny ;-)

[@annjean8709]

That was very offensive! Slavery was abolished a long time ago.

[@aranjuezdavao]

very annoying

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

I know!

[@ProphetYaw]

I will love to have your email or contact

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

Just send me an email to [e-mail] My contact information is actually very easy to find