Safety in the Llanos and Selva

Traveler Advice

By Lorraine Caputo

The security situation in the Llanos and Selva can be summed up in two words: War Zone. This is where the FARC and other factions of the Colombian civil war have their strongholds, and where the heaviest fighting between them and the Colombian military are presently taking place.

In the Llanos, the major cities are okay. Avoid traveling off the main roadways. Always ask local advice about the safety of anyplace further down the road you may want to travel to. Expect many military checkpoints; have your documents at hand. River travel is said to be secure now because of heavy military patrols on the principal waterways. However, the roads to the river ports may not be yet secure.

Likewise, the Selva rivers are reported to be heavily patrolled. The Leticia area is safe. Around Puerto Asís is considered problematic at this time. Near here is where in, March 2008, the Colombian military bombed Ecuadorian territory in an operation against the FARC. Residents on both sides of the border continue to report fighting.

In terms of more mundane hazards, malaria and yellow fever are common in both the Selva and the Llanos. Take proper measures against mosquito bites and take malaria medication. A yellow fever vaccination is essential. Both regions are home to spiders, snakes and scorpions. Shake your clothing and shoes before putting them on. Be aware of where you put your hand in the wild, and don’t lift logs or rocks. Don’t swim in rivers and lakes early morning or late afternoon, or if you have wounds or otherwise are bleeding. This is when piranha and other fish are feeding. Take care near waterways at night, for caimans can be a dangerous threat.