Is Pereira safe?
Reasonable in Pinares and Circunvalar with care. Phone theft and robberies on quiet streets are the main risks; the city centre needs caution after dark.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- Homicide rate in Colombia: 24.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Colombia: 15.4 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123.
Safety in Pereira at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Phone snatching, bag theft on buses and in the centre, and robberies on quiet streets at night; drink spiking is reported in some bars. |
| At night | Circunvalar and the Pinares malls are lively and safe. Take Uber or a radio taxi rather than walking or hailing street cabs. |
| Solo women | Doable for solo women with usual city care. Expect catcalling; use ride apps at night and watch your drink. |
| Other risks | Earthquakes: the Coffee Region sits on active faults; Landslides on mountain roads in heavy rain; Altitude and cold at Los Nevados National Park |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Taxi 'paseo millonario' express kidnappings targeting hailed street cabs
- Fake police asking to check wallets or phones
- Drink spiking by new acquaintances in bars
Take care
- Central Pereira streets after dark: robberies and drug dealing
- Hailing taxis off the street instead of using apps
- Remote hikes near Los Nevados: weather and altitude
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry your passport or a copy; police checks are common.
- Buying drugs is illegal, and street deals are a common setup for robbery.
How Pereira compares in Colombia
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Salento | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Guatapé | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Andrés | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Minca | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Palomino | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Villa de Leyva | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Gil | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Jardín | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Leticia | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Medellín | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cartagena | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Bogotá | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Santa Marta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cali | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Barranquilla | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Pereira | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Pereira safe for solo female travelers?
Doable for solo women with usual city care. Expect catcalling; use ride apps at night and watch your drink.
Is Pereira safe at night?
Circunvalar and the Pinares malls are lively and safe. Take Uber or a radio taxi rather than walking or hailing street cabs.
What is the crime rate in Pereira?
Phone snatching, bag theft on buses and in the centre, and robberies on quiet streets at night; drink spiking is reported in some bars. Nationally, Colombia records 24.9 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Pereira?
Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123.
More about Pereira
Going to Pereira solo?
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Sources
- Aeropuerto Internacional Matecaña
- Megabús Pereira
- Colombia Travel (ProColombia)
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.