Colombia is a country of one route and very friendly people. A travel buddy is rarely more than a hostel kitchen away.
The route, and where people meet on it#
| Stop | The easy way in |
|---|---|
| Bogotá | Hostels in Chapinero, the graffiti tour, a Monserrate morning |
| Medellín | Laureles or Poblado hostels, salsa class, a Guatapé van, Comuna 13 tour |
| Salento / coffee region | The Cocora Valley walk, a finca tour |
| Cartagena | Getsemaní hostels, Plaza de la Trinidad at 9pm, a Rosario Islands boat |
| Santa Marta | Tayrona hammock camps, Minca hostels, the Lost City trek (four days with the same group) |
Online, before you go#
Post your trip on Roavi Community: city, dates, what you like. Travellers heading there in the next two weeks appear in the same place, and Local Friends in the city can message you. How the community works. The general guides: how to find a travel buddy and travel communities and apps.
Medellín, in particular#
The easiest city in Latin America to meet people. Medellín solo travel, how to meet locals in Medellín, Medellín nightlife, first time in Medellín.
Safety with a new travel buddy#
"No dar papaya" applies to new friends too. Meet in public, keep your own money and room, don't lend for a "lost card", and treat dating-app plans with the care is Medellín safe? describes. For the country: solo travel in Colombia and is Colombia safe for Americans?
A local first#
A Local Friend in Medellín or Cartagena is someone who lives there, a few hours at a rate they set, and the fastest way into the city's real places. Many solo travellers start with one and meet everyone else from there. How to meet locals in Cartagena and in Bogotá.
Start Colombia with someone who lives there.
Meet a Local Friend in MedellínUsing Facebook for it: travel buddy Facebook groups and Medellín expat groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do solo travellers meet in Colombia?
Hostels in Medellín's Laureles and El Poblado, Cartagena's Getsemaní and Bogotá's Chapinero and La Candelaria; salsa and Spanish classes; shared vans to Guatapé; the Lost City trek; Tayrona's hammock camps. Everyone is on the same route.Is there an app to find a travel buddy in Colombia?
Roavi Community lets you post a trip with your city and dates and see other travellers heading there in the next two weeks, plus Local Friends in the city who can reply. Facebook groups for backpackers in Colombia are also active.Is it safe to travel Colombia with someone I just met?
Usually, with the same habits locals use: meet in public, keep your own money and room, don't lend for 'emergencies', and be careful with anyone from a dating app who wants to go to a private place. Read the Medellín safety guide before you go.Which city in Colombia is best for solo travellers?
Medellín: the best hostel scene, eternal spring, salsa and Spanish classes, and the easiest city to meet people. Cartagena for a few days, Bogotá for a start.Do I need Spanish to make friends in Colombia?
Not with other travellers, but a little Spanish changes everything with locals, and Colombians are patient with learners. A Spanish class is also where you meet people.
