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@snowy_again
I see your point Ashe, but if you/one carry on stereotyping places by a minor part of their characteristics, then that denigrates the place and it becomes self fulfilling.
I think Peru was more dangerous than Locombia, as there was a dedicated industry in ripping off gringos. At least in Colombia, my experience was that people were surprised you were there and were interested in finding out what you were there for, as tourism wasn't that popular.
As for Colombia travel now, I don't think the internal security for overland travel is as good as it was the last time I was there... so I was going to suggest the road trip from Bogota, via Santa Marta to Cartagena, but it seems as if you'd need to take some local advice as to whether you're safe from banditry.
Oddly, I found North Bogota to be much rougher than South, but I ended up staying in Candeliera most of the time, as it made transport easy, and commuting easier.
San Augustin in the south, has some amazing archaeological sites; go rent a horse for the day and avoid the peculiar Germans.
Medellin and Cali were great, if soley for the people watching. I've got a hankering for guanabana now. Hmm Bogota street food. I'll be off to Brixton on Monday for empanadas.
Just don't look like an American. I can't stress that enough.
Oh and if you're going cos you think its the land of cheap white. You'll be disappointed. Its there, but culturally, you'll be frowned upon - its a bit like sniffing glue.