Colombia has a population of approximately 46 million and is the home to beautiful and varied geography, including rainforests, imposing mountains, and tropical coasts. Colombia had received quite a bit of bad press in recent years, but the great news is that security in Colombia is far better than it was a few years ago. This is especially true of popular business and tourist destinations like Bogota and Cartagena.

This is not to say the country is 100% safe and trouble-free. Just as there are parts of American cities you would be wise to avoid, there are parts of Colombia the average tourist should steer clear of. People who speak at least some Spanish will find the people of Colombia to be very friendly and welcoming. In fact, people who travel regularly to Central and South America say that Colombia is far safer than some other countries in the region.

Take the normal precautions you would take traveling to any foreign country, stick mostly to the popular tourist destinations and you should have a wonderful time enjoying a beautiful country. If you plan to rent a car in Colombia, brush up on the rules of the road, and stick to well-traveled areas. Always purchase car insurance with your rental. The few extra dollars will give you peace of mind in a country where driving can be a challenge.

Colombia is a beautiful place, and has a vibrant culture with wonderful people. Many travelers say they feel safer in Colombia than in many other South American countries. The country is in the process of shaking off a bad reputation from the “drug war” years of the 1980s and 90s, and it has made great progress. If you’re interested in seeing Central America, then Colombia should be on your itinerary.