I hope to visit Colombia for two or three weeks in December. I would like to include Bogotá, Cali and the north coast. I am travelling alone and am a little concerned about safety.
Colombia distils the best of South America - dramatic mountain scenery, lush Amazonian jungle, intricate history and vibrant culture - into a single country.
An ideal trip begins in the colonial city of Cartagena on the north coast (accessible via Miami on American Airlines). Explore the city and its beaches, then head along the Caribbean to the resort of Santa Marta, gateway to the sensational seascapes of Tayrona National Park. Then fly to Bogotá for a brief visit, focusing on the colonial "village" of La Candelaria. Finish your trip at Cali, now blossoming as the salsa capital of the nation. You can return from here via the US, probably on American Airlines.
You're right to be alert to safety issues: consult the latest Foreign Office (fco.gov.uk) and US State Department (travel.state.gov) advice before you go. But with the help of a good guidebook (I tend to use Lonely Planet's) and advice from other travellers, you're very likely to stay safe. An alternative is to sign up for an organised adventure trip through a company such as Exodus, Explore or Intrepid.
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