Traveling to Bogota Alone: Is Bogota Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

When I told most of the people I know, “I’ll be traveling to Colombia alone,” they would get scared. Most people probably just watched Narcos or any series of that kind. Why not go somewhere safer? Was always the first question they would ask. The truth is, I never felt scared about the possibility of traveling to Bogota alone (maybe because I’ve never seen Narcos or any of those series).

This guide is written thinking of those girls who want to explore the city of Bogotá and are asking themselves “Is Bogota Safe For Solo Female Travelers?” and are still struggling with the thought of exploring solo female travel in Bogota. It is also tough for those girls who, even though they are traveling with friends, still want to have authentic experiences around the city. This article will take you to one of the safest cities in South America for solo female travelers.

Despite past safety concerns, Bogotá has become a safe and welcoming destination for solo female travelers who are looking to explore its rich culture and beautiful landscapes.

Check the Spanish Version of this post.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Colombian Buddy for providing us with a complimentary tour with a buddy around the city. All opinions are my own. This blog post also might contain affiliate links that keep this page running with a small commission. Any sale done using those links at no additional cost for the reader. If you need more information read our Privacy Policy.

Planning Your Solo Female Travel to Bogotá

• Best Time to Visit: Bogotá’s cool, spring-like weather remains constant year-round, but the best months to visit are between December and March when there is less rain.
• Documents and Visas: Most nationalities, including U.S. citizens, can visit Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.
• Budgeting Tips: Bogotá is affordable for solo travelers. You can find budget-friendly accommodation, food, and public transport. A daily budget of $30-$50 can cover meals, transport, and entry fees to attractions.
• Packing List: Essentials include comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (light jackets for chilly evenings), a money belt for security, and travel insurance for peace of mind.

Is Bogota Safe For Solo Female Travelers: Find a Colombian Buddy

Meeting the Colombian Buddy team was one of the best things that happened while traveling to Bogota alone. Colombian Buddy is a company focused on giving tourists in Bogotá or Colombia alone the best experiences possible and tailoring them to their needs. If you are wondering “Is Bogota Safe For Solo Female Travelers?” Definitely a Colombian Buddy is an option for you. They also offer transfer services from the airport and guidance on getting to know other parts of the country.

On my Colombian Buddy tour, I had the chance to explore the center with someone who had a local vision of the city. That way, you can get first-hand tips on where to go, or you can even have someone go with you to those places.

Walking with Miguel in the city’s center, he took me to one of the most amazing places: la Calle de los Libros, or “the Books Streets”. If you can read in Spanish, you can find lots of books on this street for less than $1/1€. This is perfect when you go open to finding something new to read and discover new literature. I bought a lot of books to add to my collection.

As my Colombian Buddy took me to find my book, Heaven, it might take you to find your heaven in Bogotá. Check the Colombian Buddy website for more about their services and how they can help you have an amazing and safe trip.

Is Bogota Safe For Solo Female Travelers: Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is my favorite tool for meeting people everywhere I go, and while traveling to Bogota alone, it was a game-changer. Definitely, if you are asking yourself “Is Bogota Safe For Solo Female Travelers?” Couchfurgind might be an answer to that question. The Bogotá Couchsurfing Community is active and always plans dinners, hangouts, and trips, among others. The only issue that might arise from this might be a language barrier. It might be a little awkward if you don’t understand/speak Spanish.

If that language might be a hurdle for you, I recommend sticking to Couchsurfing’s Hangouts feature. In this feature, you can devise your plans or find people who have already planned and join them. The good thing about Hangouts is that it will be more likely to find someone who speaks English while traveling to Colombia alone.

This could be a good option if you’re looking forward to meeting locals and getting to know Colombian culture from the inside, looking at what to or what not to wear in Colombia, and other social skills that might help you in the country.

Is Bogota Safe For Solo Female Travelers: Free Walking Tours

The Free Walking Tours are always a great option to get the city’s first picture and meet people. On these tours, you get to know the major landmarks of the cities from a pretty general perspective. You will get all the juicy details firsthand and from a local, down-to-earth perspective. They normally last around 2 to 3 hours and are a great idea while traveling to Bogota alone.

Beyond Colombia is the company that offers the Bogotá Free Walking Tours. They offer tours in Spanish and English. The main attractions you get to see on this route are the neighborhood of La Candelaria, Bolívar Square, Botero Museum, and the Gabriel García Márquez, where the tour ends. You can catch this tour either at 10 am or 2 pm any day of the week. You only need to sign in on their website to be able to attend.

If you’ve done a Free Walking Tour before, you might already know that they work by tips. If you like the tour, you tip your guide at the end. In the case of Bogotá, it is recommended to tip around 20,000 a $30,000 COP ($7-$10). The truth is that most of the time, these tours are totally worth it. Not only because of the things you get to know about the city but also because you get to know other solo travelers.

Must-See Attractions in Bogotá

Bogotá is rich in iconic landmarks like Bolívar Square, the Botero Museum, and the Monserrate Hill, offering breathtaking views of the city. La Candelaria is the heart of the city’s culture, with its colorful streets and historic charm. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby mountains and parks, such as Simón Bolívar Park, offer beautiful hiking and cycling opportunities.

Traveling to Colombia Alone: Transportation

I know that Bogotá’s Transmilenio might be very intimidating, especially while traveling to Colombia alone. Even though I am a fluent Spanish speaker, that happens even to me. However, I still believe this is one of the things you need to do while visiting the city. Once you have mastered the trick and understand how the system works, you can definitely try it.

The worst thing that might happen to you is getting on a really full bus. You can avoid that by skipping the rush hours (7 am-9 am) (4:30-7 pm) and planning where exactly in the city you want to go. I am sure you’ll be able to master it really quickly.

– More information on Transmilenio here. (Site in Spanish)

Is Bogotá Safe For Solo Female Travelers: Accommodations

Solo female travelers have various accommodation choices, including budget hostels, boutique hotels, and Airbnb apartments. When choosing, consider staying in central areas like La Candelaria or Zona Rosa, known for their safety and proximity to attractions. Always check reviews on safety and cleanliness, and consider places that offer 24/7 security.

Is Bogotá Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

Yes, Bogotá is safe for solo female travelers. Bogotá’s safety has improved significantly in recent years, but it’s always wise to remain cautious. Solo female travelers should avoid isolated areas, stay aware of their surroundings, and not flash valuables.

Learning basic Spanish can also be incredibly helpful when navigating the city, especially when interacting with locals or using public services. Reliable transportation options, such as licensed taxis and rideshare apps like Uber, are recommended over walking at night.

Is Bogotá Safe For Solo Female Travelers FAQ

Is Bogota Safe For Solo Female Travelers: My Opinion

Traveling to Bogota alone was one of the least terrifying experiences in my life. To answer the question: “Is Bogota Safe For Solo Female Travelers?” I would totally answer yes, it is pretty safe for a solo female traveler in Bogotá. I can’t recall any moment I could say I felt true danger. Of course, it was all about common sense. Not carrying around a lot of valuables around the city. Also, keep any personal items you carry with you as safe as possible.

 

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