Americans planning trips to South America face new safety concerns following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia. The quake, which occurred on August 10, struck the western region of Chocó, resulting in at least 289 deaths and the destruction of over 26,000 homes, as reported by The Associated Press (AP). Communities in the area continue to deal with extensive damage.
The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory for Colombia due to various risks including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and natural disasters. Certain areas are classified under a more severe Level 4 warning. U.S. officials warn that criminals may target foreign visitors, with some schemes involving drugs to incapacitate victims before robbing or attacking them.
The epicenter of the earthquake was near San José del Palmar in Chocó, approximately 250 miles from Bogotá, according to the AP. Footage featured by Fox News Digital reveals the aftermath in Pereira, showcasing overturned furniture and scattered belongings.
In 2024, nearly 1.2 million visitors from the United States traveled to Colombia, according to the country’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism. Popular destinations include Cartagena, Medellín, and Bogotá. Although the quake occurred outside main tourist hubs, travelers should consider transportation and itinerary adjustments in impacted areas.
Travel expert and journalist Angel Castellanos, who has visited Colombia multiple times, advised planning strategies during such incidents. He stresses the importance of checking flights and routes for impacts and recommends travelers secure travel insurance early when making significant purchases like airline tickets and hotel reservations.
Castellanos also advises enrolling in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows travelers to register their trips with a nearby U.S. embassy or consulate. This precaution offers security by providing U.S. officials with itinerary details in the event of emergencies.