Is Bogotá Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Thieves on motorcycles or on foot target pedestrians using smartphones in the Chapinero neighborhood, particularly along Carrera 7 and around the Chapinero Alto and LGBT-friendly bar strip on Calle 62. The snatch typically happens in seconds — a rider pulls alongside the sidewalk, a passenger grabs the phone, and the motorcycle accelerates before the victim can react. The area sees heightened incidents on weekend nights when foot traffic and distraction levels are high.

How to avoid: Keep your phone out of sight or in a front pocket when walking on busy Chapinero streets. If you must use your phone, step into a shop or doorway. Never walk while looking down at your screen near the road edge. Use navigation via earphones with the phone stowed rather than holding it up. Stay on well-lit central stretches of Carrera 7 and avoid side streets after dark.

Where: Carrera 7 between Calles 53 and 72 in Chapinero; Calle 62 bar strip (Chapinero Alto); side streets around Carrera 5 and 9 near university campuses; Avenida Caracas at night

Passengers in unlicensed taxis are driven to multiple ATMs under threat and forced to make withdrawals. This is a serious and documented risk throughout Bogotá, not limited to any one neighbourhood.

How to avoid: Use only Uber, InDriver, or Cabify with trip tracking. Never hail an unmarked taxi from the street in Bogotá, regardless of the time of day.

Where: Throughout Bogotá, especially around El Dorado International Airport arrivals, La Candelaria neighborhood, and the Chapinero bar district; night pickup points on Avenida El Dorado and around TransMilenio stations

Bogotá is the city most associated with scopolamine (burundanga) worldwide. The drug is administered in drinks, cigarettes, or occasionally blown in someone's face, causing complete amnesia and compliance. Victims are walked to ATMs.

How to avoid: Never accept food, drinks, or cigarettes from strangers. Keep drinks covered and in sight at all times. Be especially cautious in bars and nightclubs frequented by tourists.

Where: Bars and nightclubs in Bogotá's Chapinero and Zona Rosa entertainment districts; La Candelaria historic center; Parque 93 nightlife area

Scopolamine, derived from the borrachero tree, is odorless and can be blown into a victim's face, applied to paper, or slipped into drinks. Victims lose free will, hand over valuables voluntarily, and have no memory of events. Reported near bars and clubs in Chapinero and La Candelaria.

How to avoid: Never accept drinks, cigarettes, or food from strangers in bars or on the street. Be extremely cautious on dating apps — some report matches using this drug. Do not leave drinks unattended. Avoid accepting flyers from strangers as the drug can be on the paper.

Where: Bars and clubs in Chapinero Alto and La Candelaria, Bogotá; around Parque de la 93 and Zona Rosa nightlife strip; also reported in hostel common areas in the historic district