Colombia: The Don'ts of Visiting Colombia

[@ln14517]

The little villages and nature are the best part!

[@FieldOfDaisies2468]

Great video. I thought it was going to be a whingey don’t do this, don’t do that, but loved the positive spin on the don’t 😊 I will be there in 2 weeks!

[@lindab3240]

I had a wonderful birding trip there a few years ago - it's the country with the most bird species in the world and the countryside is amazing!

[@joseriascos]

I went in Santa Marta, Colombia last month and I loved my trip

[@PSYCHROCKS5]

This is an awesome video!! I'm so happy to see you visiting my homeland and enjoying what we have to offer ☺️ These tips were great!

[@charmainelawrence9580]

I love, love, love your channel!!!!!!!!!😊❤

[@woltersworld]

Thank you so much!

[@727jetjumper]

Lots of good advice from Mr Wolter. I used to live in Bucaramanga. There is lots to see and do in Colombia. They have multiple different climates, so plan ahead if going somewhere. Roads are typically winding mountain roads (~), and they're two lanes, passing may be hard to do, so don't plan to go anywhere fast. Roads may not be the greatest either.. lots of rain and mountainous terrain means landslides and washouts, so you might have a bumpy ride or have to take a long detour. Don't spend all your time at tourist locations, get out and see the Real Colombia.

[@SteveInNEPA1]

Arepa de chorizo is reason enough to go there!

[@woltersworld]

preach!!!

[@marimedgal]

I spent almost two weeks in Colombia in March and I had a great time. I went to Bogotá, Zipaquirá, Salento, the Cocora Valley and Barranquilla. I wanted to go to Medellín, but I didn’t have enough time. It’s a beautiful country!

[@caballerofelipe00]

Maybe for a next video video you can talk about Villa de Leyva and Barichara, very cool colonial places.

[@thewb8329]

Two big other don’ts are: 1) don’t forget to carry your own supply of toilet paper when out and about and 2) don’t wear expensive items like rings or jewelry and don’t have items out like your phone or camera exposed especially walking around Bogota because their are thieves walking around the streets looking for an easy opportunity to steal from you.

[@theodoresmith5272]

Depends on where. Barichara, salento, other colonial towns are pretty safe.

[@BlackPawn14]

True that about the TP. A lot of places (restaurants, cafés, malls, etc.) do neglect to stock toilet paper; bringing some just in case goes a long way. I think another Wolter's World video about Colombia mentioned the key Colombian saying: "No dar papaya" (in-context translation: "don't be a mark"). In this case: don't look like someone that has a lot that can be stolen; if you do, there's a higher-than-normal chance that you'll get robbed. Doesn't mean you WILL get robbed, but there's no point in risking it.

[@michaelkucinski4021]

@@BlackPawn14 What about hotels? They keep enough TP for their guests, right?

[@hpfend]

depends which part of bogota. sure chapinero or centro, especially at night, or anything south from centro can really suck. i usually stayed near zona G or Zona T which are VERY safe. but overall i felt much safer in the parts of colombia i visited, than in mexico, where i was born.

[@theodoresmith5272]

@hpfend I love both. These are large countries, and it's enviable that good and bad will be there.....with that said I think MC is the best big city in the Americas, and it isn't even close. I felt safe in Mexico in like guantajanto, villa villes, and San Miguel, but felt enough to also pay attention at times. I'm well traveled and no how to make myself look like a not worth it target. palenque, merida, and San Cristobal, I was more relaxed, but still stayed aware of my surroundings at times. In some places in colombia, you need to pay attention like any country. I was very muched relaxed in any of the colonial towns. Salento, barachari, ville la lavia were very safe. Most 2nd size cities are pretty good, too. Guatepe and cartagena, I felt relaxed but aware at times. I only went 1 time to those 2. So part of that was learning the town too. 2 things about traveling safely. 1 stay where tourists stay. I look up backpacking towns. That is about as rough as outsiders belong. Those are often pure tourist towns, and they like good reputations. Colonial towns are good. Look up what part of big cities to stay in. 2nd. First night somewhere, eat early before dark. If you see businesses closing like restaurants and the streets clear out at dark, go to your room. Lots of places not only in colombia but everywhere are like that. The good part is Colombians are up and out at 630am in mass. Only spanish speaking morning people on the planet. Lol. If the people, including children are out after dark, it's cool. When they leave, I leave. Interestingly, in peru, which is definitely a cooler country, they would be our til way 1030pm almost every night around the square. Truth is I've been to some of Central America, but ended up doing all of south America because of safety, price for what you get, it has many more features and history. Easy of travel. The people. Central America is either dangerous, and or so many con artist. South America is not really like that especially the Andes native American peoples. I've never felt so welcomed and taken care of.

[@andreschusan6086]

I went on an Adventure to Ecuador back in two thousand and eight. I met up with a girl that I was in contact with through work (floral import). It was love at first sight. We eloped after two days meeting of each other for the first time and two days later we booked a flight to 'Cartagena, Colombia' for our honeymoon. The people, culture, comida and the rich history surrounding this beautiful country was very impressive and I'll definitely go back, alone.

[@josephpanzarella1417]

Great tips. I would add that the advice about street vendors and "nothing for free" applies mostly to Cartagena and Santa Marta. Aggressive vendors are rare in the rest of the country.

[@ej1692]

The coffee situation there is slightly complicated. You'd think with their reputation it would all be amazing, but you need to be choosey about where you go. When you do go to a good place, the coffee is most definitely world class. The problem is there is a lot of mid tier or even bad places. The place where you buy a super cheap cafecito or tinto on the side of the road or at a little hole in the wall cafe restaurant will almost always be awful. You gotta go to cafes that are specifically specialized in coffee and that roast it on site.

[@michaelkucinski4021]

Can I buy good high-quality Colombian coffee there in a supermarket and brew it myself? If I'm at a hotel, can I get good coffee for breakfast? I normally drink about 1 US quart (that's a little less than a liter) of coffee every morning with breakfast.

[@ColombianLNP]

@@michaelkucinski4021 not necessarily at the supermarkets those coffees are also mid to low tier but at specialist shops and brew it yourself I recommend Xue Café in Bogota. Amazing coffee ☕

[@ej1692]

@@michaelkucinski4021 at some supermarkets you can find good quality coffee. The stuff they serve at hotel breakfasts will be at best mid, maybe good if it’s a really fancy hotel.

[@salimcueterpaternina]

​@@michaelkucinski4021Certain supermarkets, such as éxito! And Carulla have a specialty coffee dedicated section where you can buy some great Colombian coffee. I usually advice tourists when in supermarkets to look out for those coffee that have the most detailes information printed on the bags in order to get the best product. They usually have printed the altitude where the production was obtained, the flavors you may appreciare, the coffee variety, etc.

[@Lord13289]

You said the altitude and coffee ones twice! Otherwise great vid. I love Colombia

[@woltersworld]

When I film multiple parts sometimes they pop up again. my bad

[@mrn13]

Agreed about the safety if you travel family style, but as a young fella' out and about partying, there might be some safety "things" you might want to be aware of....

[@juanddv367]

I recommend that you do not exceed the consumption of liquor, do not stay drunk and alone in a bar, avoid conversations with strangers in a bar, this includes beautiful women, always avoid going to dangerous places at night, even more so if you are partying. For the rest, enjoy, dance, eat, visit the beaches, the cities (I recommend Medellin) and the nature that the country has to offer.

[@AnnmarieM-tu8ug]

I appreciate these videos. I was never thinking of visiting Colombia , but this is sure persuasive!

[@woltersworld]

We loved it. Jocelyn wants to to go back asap

[@danielsarpmp]

You got go Cali!!!!

[@woltersworld]

we will :)

[@billmiller4972]

A colleague from Colombia, when asked about the dangers, told me that the only danger is that you don't want to leave again.

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, awesome video

[@woltersworld]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kessas.489]

My sister in law brings me coffee from Colombia and it's fantastic! Better than the stuff you get!

[@theodoresmith5272]

Go where tourist go. The area south of medellin is really nice. He is what i do. Any place i go the first night, i eat early. Then see what happens as it gets dark. If colombians stay out, you can. If it clears out, clear out..then you know if you need to eat early at that location. Oh in the mornings, the Colombians will he out early.

[@LearningSpanishwithDrL]

Great video!

[@Chrisb8s]

Don’t expect any Colombia to ever be on time. Ever Oh on the coffee, I was surprised about how popular Nescafé is.

[@BlackPawn14]

It hits a key niche in the Colombian market, where it's cheap yet a "reliable" brand (there are cheaper local brands but those tend to be... not good, and "fancy" brands like Juan Valdez are very much on the pricey end; do note that while our cost of living is lower than in the US, our income is even lower). And... yeah. You still will want to be on time for some stuff (particularly "official" stuff such as tours and events), but you'll have to wait a bit.

[@abdielpalma4736]

You must come to Panama!

[@jocelynwoltersworld]

It is on the schedule! Finally!

[@Justgoflyaway7]

The Cool guy 🫵😎 Great video as always 😊👌 God bless ☝️ Stay safe man 💪😤 Cheerz from Auckland New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@hpfend]

agree 100% with the coffee. the tinto is usually very weak. it is axactly like he said. much depends on the type of roast. i prefer how it's done in italy. you will not get automatically get great tasting coffee in colombia wherever you go. not like in italy where even at a gas station you will get an excellent espresso.

[@hpfend]

people i agree are among the friendliest of all the countries i have visited. but when it comes to service i agree 100% youn need to be patient. service can be very slow. even at "fast food" restaurants they will take their time. efficiency is not very present in food service. but even so they are super friendly. if you're patient, you will still have a great time. if you're the hangry type you might get frustrated.

[@caballerofelipe00]

Cool video. Just one clarification. Toilet paper does go in the toilet in most places. If you’re in a big city you can almost certainly throw it in the toilet (Bogota, Cali, Medellín, Cartagena…). Trash cans in those places are there for trash you’re not supposed to throw in the toilet anywhere in the world. And I’m adding this comment because I believe I saw this in another video. Just ask where you’re staying what to do.

[@WahGwaanWorldWide]

Bali is the most safest place in the world

[@lampshade3795]

“Don’t think it’s for love.” LOL 12:30

[@Mrhitechmystery]

I hope Mark Wolters can go to Medellin and make videos from there too and please give advice on Medellin I heard great things about Medellin.

[@SansAziza]

Dude, I just want you to know.... I'm watching this because of you, not because I can afford to arrive there.

[@freakyflow]

Dear Wolters World ...Love your videos I think we chatted on a post long ago. Just wanted to tell you as a fellow traveler And a foodie Some of the best places in my area that wowed me for food : #1 Dinosaur BBQ Rochester NY (Ribs and brisket) #2 Anchor Bar Buffalo wings of course (Border guard seen red flags Because i was just there for wings) #3 Schwartz Deli Montreal (Montreal smoked meat) I took the meat And added it to a Poutine : ) Also a Fairmount bagel and lox with a coffee on Mount royal over looking the city - Yes i know i have to do "Katz deli" in NY And a chopped cheese And a malt #4 If you ever get to Manila : Sisig "See Sig" A pork cheek chopped up seasoned with calamansi,< (Lime) onions, and chili peppers. Great on a patio with a beer Think German pork knuckle in your video And Halo Halo A cheap asian twist on ice cream #5 Colombia has a good version of Empanadas And i hope you had 1 or 2 coffees there ! Oddly in the Philippines They love 3N1 Nescafe Too me forever to find a normal cup of joe

[@johnmc3862]

Always thought, ‘Don’t go there’ was great advice!

[@w_w_whitey]

All spot on. Also, don't wear all black on the coast. 😉 And above all, no de papaya!

[@2011andresme]

I guess as a colombian myself the biggest don't is continue perpetuating the stupid stereotypes created by hollywood about colombia in the 80's and that from time to time continue reinforcing with lame ass movies, you are not gonna find a hollywood's pablo escobar in every corner of colombia, anyway colombia is the third most visited country by tourists in latin america above argentina and brasil

[@111bryson]

My main advice would be to honestly skip the cities, and head straight to the more scenic areas. There are tons of beautiful colonial towns in the Eje Cafetero, Santander, Antioquía, etc where it's gorgeous and safe. The coffee in these areas is better since it's locally sourced. For whatever reason, they use the lowest grade coffee in the cities and it's not unlikely that the coffee is from another country anyway.

[@andeeharry]

thanks for sharing, I am always spelling the name wrong

[@VampiraVonGhoulscout]

Mark got possessed by Pazuzu @14:48

[@ch02424]

@woltersworld Mark what is the name of the hotel at 6:16 and is it in Cartagena?

[@jimmyj1969]

So, colombians also embrace the "Siga-siga" greek moto!

[@Tramptraveller]

♥♥♥♥♥♥

[@gopherdawg3457]

I need advice. I'll be in cartagena next year for a few days before a cruise. What are my options to learn conversational Spanish. Should I be concerned if I don't speak spanish

[@coolpiraterapstar]

What happened 14:45

[@lilstevert]

🤣🤣🤣

[@joshlunt7827]

*brush up on 17:03

[@hpfend]

do they have larger bills than 50k now? that's maybe around 10-11 euro at present? last time i went that was the highest available bill. and still whenever i paid with a 50k bill, often i would get asked if i don't have it smaller. if you change 500 euro or more into COP, you will get a stack of cash. can be a bit annoying as i don't like to have a visible "cash bulge" in my pockets to draw attention regardless of the country i am in.

[@FutileGrief]

We do have a 100k bill which is around 22€, but you will be the most hated person if you dare use it lmao. If you need to buy something that cost that much, you're better off paying with a card. However as with any trip you should keep different denominations for safekeeping just in case.

[@hpfend]

@@FutileGrief never seen the 100k bill. i just dislike having a huge bulge of bills in my pocket. and i don't want to pay everything with card. sometimes the exchange rate isn't that great. last trip to colombia was 6 years ago. hoping to visit again in 2026 this time with wife and kids.

[@michaelkucinski4021]

The elevation in the place in Nevada where I live is roughly 5000 feet MSL. Twenty-five years ago, I worked at a ski resort where the elevation was 8600 feet MSL. I am able to tolerate the elevations here quite well. I'm used to it. So, I should be able to tolerate high elevation places in Colombia, right?

[@juanddv367]

Bogota 8500 Medellin 4900 feet MSL

[@michaelkucinski4021]

@@juanddv367 So, it shouldn't bother me, right?

[@michaelkucinski4021]

@@juanddv367 Thanks for your reply.

[@juanddv367]

@@michaelkucinski4021 It is not something to really worry about unless you have some medical impediment to it of course, in Bogota in the first hours you can feel a little tired when you climb stairs or walk long distances, this symptom only lasts a few hours at most a day.

[@juanddv367]

@@michaelkucinski4021 It's not something to really worry about unless you have some medical recommendations of course. In Bogota, the first few hours you may feel a little tired when climbing stairs or walking long distances, but this symptom will pass in a few hours at most a day.

[@JordannGeorge]

Just and FYI that some of the tips were repeated

[@woltersworld]

@@JordannGeorge thanks

[@mrnarason]

don't get scoped

[@Cody---]

You'll meet many people named Tony Montana, just say no thx

[@jimgreen5788]

Mark, so Colombia is Latin America's cheese country--sort of its Wisconsin.

[@joshlunt7827]

You've repeated some tips on this video

[@japanneedsjesus]

I love the music! When you go to Egypt and make your video, you will have to use Egyptian music!

[@woltersworld]

the music is something my editors put in. it is pretty limited due to copyright issues. hence why the music sometimes doesnt always match. it is more just getting some music in there so there is something in the background

[@japanneedsjesus]

@@woltersworld Oh, that makes sense! I never thought about that.

[@japanneedsjesus]

🇪🇬🐪🌴

[@woltersworld]

we will

[@japanneedsjesus]

@woltersworld 😎 I have autism, so I'm just strange. That's one reason why I like going to other countries.... People don't think I'm that weird, they just think it's cause I am a foreigner.

[@japanneedsjesus]

I would like an honorable mention in your Egyptian video! Lol!

[@hpfend]

the obsession with their soups is very weird. ajiaco is just a chicken and potato broth with half a corn. and if someone ever offers you a Changua, i recommend you RUN! Changua is basically a milk soup with poached eggs and cilantro. looks and tastes as horrible as that sounds. colombian food in general isn't great, except for some street food and filled arepas. and all types of exotic fruits. uchuvas for example. love those! and hormigas culonas (big ass ants) are a surprisingly tasty snack. even if not the sexiest food. colombia has great ingredients, but sometimes lacks a bit of innovation and seasoning. and soups aren't exaclty eye catching.

[@wiseyungin]

Cali is a very dangerous city.. One of the most dangerous cities in the world, are you sure it's safe to visit man?? let alone Colombia as a whole? It has a level 6 from level 9 warning level from my country government in Eastern Europe hahah

[@jucadur]

@@wiseyungin avoid sketchy areas, don't walk alone, don't show off your valuables and you'll be fine

[@ej1692]

totally depends on where you go and what you are doing. There are super chill safe praceful towns an regions and rough areas of big cities that are super sketch. It is nuanced.

[@2011andresme]

Sure thing that's why ONU chose the city to be the host of the cop16, the biggest event related with the biodiversity in the world and that more than 1 million people from around the world came to visit the city, last october ..anyway good try, keeping informing yourself with the bullshit that shows social media hollywood and some tabloids

[@anthonydavis3424]

Stay at home please

[@juanddv367]

If you are afraid, don't go, let other people tell you the story