Is it safe to travel to Colombia as a Volunteer? My Honest Answer After Living Between Switzerland and Colombia

Amazing Sundown in the Llanos Region - Many travelers raise safety concern before traveling to Colombia. In general, and with common sense, there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

If you tell your friends or family that you are planning to volunteer in Colombia, chances are you'll hear the same question: "Isn't Colombia dangerous?"

As a Swiss citizen who has spent several years living between Switzerland and Colombia, I understand where that question comes from.

Before my first trip, I had the same concerns. Like many foreigners, most of what I knew about Colombia came from news headlines, documentaries, and Netflix series. The country's reputation abroad is still heavily influenced by its difficult past. Today, after spending months every year in Colombia, marrying a Colombian woman, building friendships across the country, and welcoming hundreds of international volunteers through Voluntours Colombia, my answer is simple: Yes, Colombia can be a safe destination for volunteers – if you travel with common sense and realistic expectations.

Colombia Is Not What Most People Think

One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is how different Colombia feels compared to the image many people have in their minds. Modern cities, coworking spaces, excellent restaurants, vibrant cultural scenes, digital nomads, international students, mountain villages, indigenous communities, wildlife reserves, Caribbean beaches and snow-capped mountains all exist within the same country.

Of course, Colombia still faces challenges. There are regions where organized crime is present, and some areas are not recommended for tourism. But the same can be said about many countries around the world. The reality is that most volunteers spend their time in established destinations, community projects, hostels, nature reserves and local communities where tourism is common and safety risks are manageable.

My Personal Experience

When I first arrived in Colombia, I was cautious - and I still am, but in a relaxed way. After travelling extensively through regions such as Santander, Boyacá, Bogotá, Cartagena, the Amazon, Los Llanos and the Pacific Coast, I learned that the most common risks for travelers in Colombia are usually not violent crime but rather the same issues you might encounter in many parts of the world:

• Pickpocketing

• Leaving valuables unattended

• Taking out your phone in the wrong place

• Using unofficial transportation

• Walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas

Most incidents can be avoided through basic precautions and common sense.

Why Volunteering Is Often Safer Than Backpacking

One thing many people don't realize is that volunteering often provides an additional layer of safety. When you volunteer, you are not arriving completely on your own. You will have:

• Local coordinators

• Accommodation arranged

• A daily schedule

• Community connections

• Guidance about safe areas and local customs

At Voluntours Colombia, for example, our volunteers are connected with local organizations, community leaders and project coordinators from day one.

Instead of arriving as a tourist who knows nobody, you become part of a local network.

That makes a big difference.

What About Bucaramanga?

Many of our volunteers start their journey in Bucaramanga. The city is often called one of Colombia's hidden gems. Unlike Medellín, Cartagena or Bogotá, Bucaramanga receives relatively little international tourism. Yet it offers a high quality of life, beautiful parks, a pleasant climate and easy access to mountains, waterfalls and nature.

Is Bucaramanga crime-free? No city is. But compared to many larger Colombian cities, Bucaramanga feels calmer, less chaotic and more authentic. Many of our volunteers tell us they feel surprisingly comfortable after only a few days.

Safety in Rural Areas

Some of our programs take place in more remote regions such as:

• The Amazon

• Los Llanos

• El Cocuy

• Nuquí on the Pacific Coast
  

People sometimes assume remote automatically means dangerous. In reality, many rural communities feel incredibly peaceful. In the Amazon, for example, your biggest challenge may be mosquitoes rather than crime . In Los Llanos, you are more likely to encounter capybaras, caimans and cattle than any security issue. The key is traveling with trusted local partners who know the area and understand current conditions.

Common Sense Goes a Long Way

Whenever volunteers ask me for safety advice, I usually give the same recommendations:

• Don't wear expensive clothes or display expensive jewelry.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

• Whenever possible, travel with company.

• Ask locals before visiting unfamiliar neighborhoods.

• Be aware of your surroundings.

• Learn a few words of Spanish.

• Trust your instincts.

These habits are useful in Colombia, but honestly, they are useful almost anywhere in the world.

The Biggest Risk: Missing Out

Many people never visit Colombia because of fear. I understand that. But after years of traveling throughout the country, I believe the biggest risk for many travelers is not coming at all. They miss:

• Incredible biodiversity

• Genuine human connections

• Warm hospitality

• Unique volunteer opportunities

• Indigenous cultures

• Wildlife experiences

• Life-changing personal growth

Colombia is not a perfect country. No country is. But it is one of the most fascinating, welcoming and rewarding places I have ever experienced.

Final Thoughts - Is it really safe to travel to Colombia?

So, is it safe to volunteer in Colombia? My honest answer is yes. Not because Colombia is free from problems, but because millions of Colombians live their daily lives here, millions of travelers visit every year, and most volunteers have an incredibly positive experience.

Travel smart. Stay informed. Choose trusted organizations. Respect local advice. Do that, and Colombia may surprise you in the best possible way. I know it certainly surprised me.

— Simon Gygax

Founder of Voluntours Colombia, Swiss traveler, volunteer coordinator and proud admirer of Colombia