<p>Son and female friend are spending 5 weeks in Peru and Colombia this summer. I’ve traveled extensively in Peru, but not Colombia.</p>
<p>They are going to Cuidad Peridad and Tayrona Nat.'l Park in Colombia. Anyone had any experience with those trips? Any other off the path suggestions for Colombia?</p>
<p>Sorry, but I’ve just got to ask why Colombia?</p>
<p>Why? They both have had jobs in Asia after college (Son in Taiwan and girl in Thailand)and each traveled extensively throughout Asia as part of that experience. Both are avid trekkers/hikers/campers.</p>
<p>I know they wanted to go to Angel Falls in Venezula, but the cost to get there would blow the budget.</p>
<p>Why not Colombia?</p>
<p>Tayrona is beautiful, I was there more than 30 years ago. The Colombian Atlantic coast if really nice, Cartagena is worth visiting also.</p>
<p>Be careful where they travel, there are some dangerous areas. I believe if they stay with the main roads, tourist spots and large cities they will be safe from the guerrilla butt watch for the pickpocket, scammers, etc.</p>
<p>My concern would be personal safety. If they are competent adventure travelers, and they have vetted the routes with other competent, recent travelers, then this might be OK. Parts of the country are under the control of the FARC or local warlords.</p>
<p>Venezuela is iffy right now because of the political situation, and the issue of personal safety. I have family and friends there, and could not in good conscience recommend it to anyone at the present time. Which breaks my heart. Wonderful scenery, wonderful people, great food, huge political/economic mess.</p>
<p>If you are renting a car, check underneath for incendiary devices.
My sister in laws twin had a car blown up. ( no one was hurt)
Just be aware, just as you would be any new place.</p>
<p>I too think that the Venezula situation is a crying shame. They are going to visit Cartagena.</p>
<p>On the safety issue, I have made suggestions in keeping with his decision to go there. Also, he knows of several close calls I had in the late 1970s and mid-1980s while traveling around in Central and South America. </p>
<p>We have discussed “street savvy” and I have traveled with him while he was in HS to several places where we had to be on alert. We had a guy die on one rafting trip when he was in junior high and my son kept his cool.</p>
<p>please make sure you check the travel warnings from the U.S. govt… otherwise, I would stay in populated areas and hire reputable assistance/guides when needed. Shouldn’t be too many issues other than normal travel issues in somewhat less developed countries. Please notify the U.S. Embassy of travel plans.</p>
<p>Machu Picchu is on my bucket list.</p>
<p>and fyi, the FARC is currently in a peace negotiation process with the Colombian govt. That said, it might be worth the travelers time to do some research on where the drug cartels are operating from, especially if they will be on the coast near where Panama connects.</p>