Here are the facts: The murder rate in Colombia is much higher than in the U.S., but what you must keep in perspective is that if you take a very, very small number and multiply it 5 or 6 times you still have a very small number. Ask yourself, whether you´d be concerned with visiting Washington D.C.? Probably not, because even though it is the "murder capital of America," you would feel safe because you would only visit and stay where it is safe. The same applies to your trip to Colombia. You will only be staying at the best and safest neighborhoods. This is not going to be a scenic trip of Colombia. This will be a scenic trip of the women of Colombia visiting you in secure surroundings.
Another key factor to consider is that most of the murder and kidnapping involve politics, drugs and guerrilla warfare. Most of these activities do not take place in Northern Colombia where you will be staying. There are two primary reasons for this:
Firstly, the coastal areas draw tourists that the government protects for tourism revenue. While Barranquilla is a business city and not a tourist destination (except during the
Carnival), it is between two cities that are tourist destinations and receives extra protection as a result. The few roads along the coast allow for the searching of automobiles to prevent trouble from entering the area.
Secondly, Northern Colombia has a five-month dry spell when the jungle becomes semi-barren. This prevents the natural canopy coverage that the guerrillas get in other regions of Colombia. It also prevent the growing of cocaine which requires more rainfall than the region provides. So the guerrillas never inhabit this region.
Colombia leads the world in kidnapping, but it´s not of Americans. Kidnapping has to be planned. Unexpected visitors whose routine are unknown are not targets. The only Americans that find harm are the ones that go outside into the country as if they were backpacking in Europe. With the aid of American dollars Colombia has been capturing and killing guerrillas and making a significant dent in the kidnapping and murder rate. You can rest assured that you will be well-guided and thus avoid any increase in risk that would be harmful to you or your experienced personal assist who will always be at your side.
Due to the high poverty rate in all of Latin America there is plenty of petty crime, but you will not be a tourist and you will not be roaming the unprotected areas. Your travel will be confined to where it is safe and sheltered. You will be able to visit Cartagena, the number one tourist destination in Colombia which has a well-protected toll road from Barranquilla and also Santa Marta. Travel destinations to these particular cities are secured in order to protect the tourist trade. Understand that while Colombia is more dangerous than the U.S. there is a very small-to-insignificant chance of being a crime victim. I do not feel the slightest concern with my safety in Colombia because I only go and do what reasonable men would go and do, as will you. The women also understand that we are making or reviewing the recommendations of where and where not to go, so you will never be placed in any risk. So you needn´t have to have security concerns on your mind. We have already minded this for you.
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Colombia.
