Is it safe to travel from Bogota to Pereira in bus?

Question

I have not been to Colombia in 7 years and I am going to Bogota, however, I have family in Pereira that I have not seen in years. Going on a plane cost way too much. How is the experience on a bus to Pereira from Bogota? Is it safe? Will I pass any Guerilla hotspots? And how are the road conditions? Will it make me sick to my stomach? Thanks, I just want some information because I really want to visit my family!

Is taxi or renting a car any safer?

Answer 1

I dont reccomend it. BUT! if you can afford to fly try Boliviariano. I looked at the fare and its 41,000 pesos. (21 dollars each way) I would get the preferencial bus.. its the biggest and most comfortable. Also, they are the ONLY ones who dont go for sobre cupo. They are the best and have the biggest bus' that go there. The road is windy... so take some NON drowsy drammamine.

There are military retenes along the way.. FARC are easy to tell -not only by their uniforms - but by their boots. Old beat up non shiny boots - Pretty good guess its Las Farc.

Even when you get stopped by Colombian military it can be heart stopping. One time on the way back from Giradot, we got stopped by the army. Took all of us off the bus, looked at my passport and checked all the Colombians for their military service IDs. One kid didnt have one and they conscripted him right then and right there.

Answer 2

Travel by bus in Colombia can offer many hazards.  The civil war and FARC is my least concern in this part of the country.  Common crime and the way Colombians drive would scare me more.

Answer 3

I don't know how much you're looking to spend, but there is a brand new discount airline that opened up in colombia about 2 months ago. It doesnt fly to Pereira, but it does fly to Armenia which is near by. You can take a bus from Armenia to Pereira, which would be closer than taking a bus from Bogota. Here is the website.  I think round trip is about $130 USD. I'm also including the link to another site that is a colombian message board if you want to ask your question there too.