This is the Latin American country they don't recommend visiting because it's 'dangerous'.

In Latin America, there are destinations that fascinate with their culture and landscapes , but they also generate warnings among travelers. Experts and travelers agree that not all places are equally safe, and some require special precautions. Which place do they recommend avoiding?

This year, the U.S. Department of State issued an update to its travel alert system, recommending that its citizens reconsider travel to Colombia due to elevated security risks. The warning is based on an increase in threats such as organized crime, kidnappings, civil unrest, and terrorism. As such, the country was classified as Level 3 on the security scale, which indicates that travelers should seriously assess the risks before planning their visit.

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Which regions of the country are the “most dangerous”?

The departments of Arauca, Norte de Santander, and Cauca (except for its capital, Popayán), as well as the entire land border with Venezuela, have been classified as Level 4 , the highest alert category. In these areas, extreme violence, kidnappings, and clashes between armed groups are significantly more frequent. Alerts were also raised about possible arbitrary detentions on the Colombian-Venezuelan border, where the U.S. government's ability to intervene in the event of incidents affecting its citizens would be limited.

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What are the tips for safe travel?

Beyond the United States' perspective, even if a destination doesn't have any risk alerts, basic safety measures always help prevent problems, especially if you're visiting the area for the first time. Some essential recommendations include:

1. Stay informed: know the area, transportation, customs, and possible local risks.

2. Take care of documents and valuables: carry copies of your passport, cards, and store valuables in safe places.

3. Be discreet: avoid displaying money, jewelry, or expensive equipment in public.

4. Move with caution: prefer reliable transportation, avoid poorly lit or lonely areas, and do not walk alone at night.

5. Establish communication: Inform someone you trust about your itineraries and keep your phone charged with emergency contacts.

6. Have an emergency plan: know where hospitals, police, and, if applicable, your country's embassy or consulate are located.