Hey just wondering if anyone can share some insight as to what it's like to get through the airport in Bogota? I have a 5 hour layover there coming up on my way to Cartagena and I have to change airlines. Lacsa to Avianca. My Spanish is just good enough to get by and I wanted to know how difficult or easy it is to get around that airport. Also, how's it been in Colombia lately? Haven't heard of many American kidnappings in the past few years. Any input would be appreciated. I am going to visit a friend and his family for a couple of days. Thanks.
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Bogota Colombia Travel
- Thread starter habubuaza
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In 1982 my brother-in-law Chet Bitterman was kidnapped by the M-19 then killed 6 weeks later. I don't know where you get the idea that kidnapping doesn't happen now. Every day in Colombia, especially in Bogota, someone is kidnapped and held for political or monetary ransom. Be careful, El Dorado itself is pretty safe but I wouldn't go exploring without knowing Spanish and knowing where you are and why you are there.
habubuaza said:
If you don't leave the airport, it's pain free. The airport has some of the heaviest security I've seen, and is very nice. You'll find that 99.9% of the people in Colombia are among the friendliest you'll ever meet. Unfortunately, the other .1% are pretty big assholes, but you shouldn't have to worry about that if you don't leave the airport.
If you do plan on leaving the airport in Bogota, PM me and we can talk some more.
Also: If you're a gringo, no matter how good your spanish is, be sure your friend either meets you at the airport in Cartegena or provides you with specific instructions on which cabs are safe to take. In general, the larger, well marked cabs are OK, but don't travel alone in one if you can help it. Don't, under any circumstances, take a freelance (unmarked) cab your first time in Colombia.
All your checked bags will be searched on flights leaving the country, and your carry ons will be searched more than once. Everyone gets patted down before boarding international flights. Don't try to bring anything on board that you aren't supposed to or the consequences will be quite unpleasant.
Having said that, Colombia is beautiful and (most of) the people are great. Staying out of trouble is, most of the time, just as much a matter of common sense there as it is here at home. Enjoy the trip!
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Nice to see that some people have good things to say about Colombia.
Cartagena is a great place to visit and to party. As far as Bogota, it is a nice city too, but just like any big city in the world, you have to know where to go and where not to go. If you stay in the city for the most part is safe, it can get tricky when you go out to the country side. Although there are some places that are very safe and Colombia has some of the most beautiful sightseeing in the world (also the most beautiful women!).
As far as the people is concerned, like hawg2hawk said, as long as you are friendly and open minded, the are super nice, just don't be a showoff or arrogant because you are an american and you'll have a great time
If you have any more questions you can PM me.
Let us know how it goes.
Cartagena is a great place to visit and to party. As far as Bogota, it is a nice city too, but just like any big city in the world, you have to know where to go and where not to go. If you stay in the city for the most part is safe, it can get tricky when you go out to the country side. Although there are some places that are very safe and Colombia has some of the most beautiful sightseeing in the world (also the most beautiful women!).
As far as the people is concerned, like hawg2hawk said, as long as you are friendly and open minded, the are super nice, just don't be a showoff or arrogant because you are an american and you'll have a great time
If you have any more questions you can PM me.
Let us know how it goes.
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