Personal safety in the Valle del Cauca Department is a major priority, especially in the rural areas near the cities of Pradera, Florida, and Palmira. As of 2010 the guerrilla movements FARC and ELN have a heavy presence in many rural areas. (http://colombiareports.co...) These armed groups have for decades been notorious for killings and kidnappings throughout the country. Always travel with a trusted native Colombia when traveling anywhere in the Department. Also stay on main highways, especially during the night. Never travel alone.
Valle del Cauca is an area classified as "do not travel" by The Australian State Department due to the extreme amount of violence in this region. (http://www.smartraveller....) This travel warning was issued in December 2010.
As of December 2010 the U.S. State Department warns against travelling to Valle del Cauca and Cali. (http://travel.state.gov/t...)
