Travel & Security
Colombia has travel opportunities available depending on time allowed. Several sites are accessible by bus, taxi and rides with friends within about three hours from Cali. In addition, within weekend range are historic villages, tourist sites, and coffee plantations. You will be able to find this information upon arrival from travel agencies, Isabella Quevedo, or other imports.
The school also has a director of security, Andrés Calderon. His office is in the Bodega area next to FECOB (the Credit Union) and the Transportation Office. Please talk to him when planning any trips outside of the city. As well, he will send out a memo before vacations advising the staff on the current security situation in the country.
As the security situation (both real and perceived) is often on the minds of both local and import teachers, I have included below some remarks made by current import staff about their feelings about security and traveling here:
Some thoughts about security:
“I am careful.”
“I don’t travel at night.”
“I ask lots of questions.”
“We recognize there are places where we don’t go, can’t go; however, we did go hiking.”
“Security is not something to be paranoid about, but use your head.”
“I think it is important to listen to the advice given by the school and other Colombians.”
“I have never been afraid to travel here and have never had problems; of course, you must be wise and listen to and ask for advice from people who know”
“The security situation is something to be concerned about IF you plan to travel in areas that are less well known, if you like hiking in rural areas, for example.”
from a single woman…
As a single female living in “the most dangerous country in the world,” you will surely receive several stern warnings both before you come down and when you arrive. The extent to which you internalize those warnings and allow them to dictate your behaviors will depend, of course, on your experience living and working abroad, especially in developing countries, your age and maturity, your lifestyle, and your personality. I’m a very laid back person, and never felt rattled or discouraged by all of the negative press Colombia receives. I listen to the advice given to me by locals, do a bit of my own research (which includes asking more locals what they think about a certain trip I want to take, or cycling route, etc.) and then make a decision. And I don’t look back. I feel safe here – yes, the men chat you up and check you out wherever you go because you are different. Taxi drivers always ask me if I have a boyfriend or spouse, so I always just lie and say yes. My life is definitely limited in ways here that it isn’t in Canada, but I knew that would be the case before I came here. It’s worth it!
…and some thoughts about travel experiences…
“We walk a lot in the city. There are definitely safe places to explore on foot. We think going with established groups is good, the Cali Hiking Club, for example.”
“They say Ecuador is good and inexpensive and safe to travel in.”
“Galapagos is a MUST SEE – a once in a lifetime experience.”
“Go with the flow is the tip for traveling in Colombia. Be flexible and plan as you go and have a travel buddy who has similar travel ideas.”
“Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia are excellent for hiking and traveling – see any Lonely Plant book.”
“I loved my trips to Salento, Manizales, Providencia, Bahía Solano, Bogotá, Villa de Leyva, and Silvia; they are all great, so varied and unbelievable; I do, however, check before I go anywhere!”
“The Cali Hiking Club is an excellent source.”
“I loved Armenia and Salento.”