Infrastructure

Great strides in infrastructure are a result of a recent dedication to improving communications and utilities. The greatest strides however are the result of deregulation of foreign participation in infrastructure projects. With this deregulation Colombia has experienced great leaps in all aspects of its modernization. Today in South America Colombia ranks third in modern infrastructure behind Brazil and Chile.

Telecommunications have seen the largest improvements and are considered quite good. Roads and transportation are adequate and may be the recipient of the next round of major improvements. Many would like to see improvements in Colombia’s sea ports, air ports and roadways.

Road ways in Colombia provide adequate access to most of the country and while most are paved and in good repair, remote areas will have dirt roads that can sometimes be hard to navigate. Bogotá is home to Colombia’s most modern International Airport and sees daily flights to and from countries and cities around the world. Both bus and taxi travel are common in the metropolitan areas of Colombia while air transportation is most common for travel throughout the country due in large part to the mountainous regions of the country. Roads in these areas are often plagued by landslides and repair can sometimes take long periods of time to complete. For these reasons and others, air travel within Colombia is far more reliable and faster then other common modes of transportation.

Medical care in Colombia is adequate in the metropolitan areas of the country but in outlying areas travelers should be cautious. If a medical situation arises many of the private health care providers will require payment at time of treatment including emergencies. Some clinics may accept credit cards as payment while others will only accept cash. If you have limited resources beware as you might have to forego the private facilities and seek care at clinics below what most first world countries would consider safe and sanitary. Travelers insurance is always advisable. Knowing where the best health care facilities in the region your staying is always a good idea.

1 Security

Colombia’s reputation for inner conflict and drug trafficking is known world wide but in recent years great steps have been taken to reduce and eliminate these threats. Evidence of these steps can be seen throughout Colombia. In fact the tourist trade has grown consistently over the last years of the 20th century and is continuing into the the new millennium. Today tourists in the mertropolitan areas of Colombia practice normal traveling precautions and experience a safe atmosphere while visiting.