Colombia (Lonely Planet, 5th Edition) - Jens Porup [252]
SPIKED DRINKS
Burundanga is a drug obtained from a species of tree widespread in Colombia and is used by thieves to render a victim unconscious. It can be put into sweets, cigarettes, chewing gum, spirits, beer – virtually any kind of food or drink – and it doesn’t have any noticeable taste or odor.
The main effect after a ‘normal’ dose is the loss of will, even though you remain conscious. The thief can then ask you to hand over your valuables and you will obey without resistance. Cases of rape under the effect of burundanga are known. Other effects are loss of memory and sleepiness, which can last from a few hours to several days. An overdose can be fatal.
Burundanga is not only used to trick foreigners – locals have been on the receiving end too, losing their cars, contents of their homes and sometimes their life. Think twice before accepting a cigarette from a stranger or a drink from a new ‘friend.’
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Guerrillas & Paramilitaries
There are still isolated pockets of guerrilla activity in remote parts of Colombia, particularly the high mountains and the deep jungle. Parts of the Chocó and the jungle regions east of the Andes (except Leticia and surrounds) may be dangerous. The southern regions of Los Nevados National Park are said to harbor armed gunmen.
If you stick to the gringo trail it is unlikely that you will encounter guerrillas. Going off the beaten track, however, should be done with great caution. Your worst-case scenario is kidnapping, for financial or political ends. If it makes you feel more comfortable, avoid night buses or fly intercity, although this is probably being overcautious.
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DISCOUNT CARDS
Unless you are a Colombian high-school student your student card will be of little financial advantage. That said, Colombia is a relatively cheap country to travel in, and students with modest budgets will find the country pleasantly gentle on the wallet.
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EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
Most of the countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Colombia have their embassies and consulates in Bogotá. Some countries also have consulates in other Colombian cities.
Argentina (Map; 1 288 0900; Av 40A No 13-09, piso 16, Bogotá)
Australia (Map; 1 236 2828; Carrera 16 No 86A-05, Bogotá)
Bolivia Bogotá (Map; 1 215 3274; Transversal 12 No 119-95); Cali ( 2 553 6386; Carrera 40 No 5C-102)
Brazil Bogotá (Map; 1 218 0800; Calle 93 No 14-20, piso 8); Cali ( 2 893 0615; Carrera 2 Oeste No 12-44); Leticia (Map; 8 592 7530; Carrera 9 No 13-84); Medellín (Map; 4 265 7565; Calle 29D No 55-91)
Canada (Map; 1 657 9914; Carrera 7 No 115-33, piso 14, Bogotá)
Chile (Map; 1 620 6613; Calle 100 No 11B-44, Bogotá)
Costa Rica Bogotá (Map; 1 636 2681; Calle 103 No 16-60); San Andrés (Map; 8 512 4938; Novedades Regina, Av Colombia)
Cuba (Map; 1 621 7054; Carrera 9 No 92-54, Bogotá)
Ecuador Bogotá (Map; 1 542 7121; Calle 72 No 6-30); Cali (Map; 2 661 2264; Av 5AN No 20N-13, L-103); Ipiales (Map; 2 773 2292; Carrera 7 No 14-10); Medellín (Map; 4 512 1303; Calle 50 No 52-22, oficina 603)
France Bogotá (Map; 1 638 1400; Carrera 11 No 93-12); Bucaramanga ( 645 9393; Calle 42 No 37-19)
Germany (Map; 1 423 2600; www.bogota.diplo.de; Carrera 69 No 25B-44, piso 7, Bogotá)
Honduras Bogotá (Map; 1 249 2195; Calle 65 No 8-26, oficina 201); San Andrés (Map; 8 512 3235; Hotel Tiuna, Av Colombia)
Israel (Map; 1 327 7500; Calle 35 No 7-25, piso 14, Bogotá)
Italy (Map; 1 218 7206; Calle 93B No 9-92, Bogotá)
Japan (Map; 1 317 5001; Carrera 7 No 71-21, torre B, piso 11, Bogotá)
Mexico (Map; 1 610 4070; Calle 82 No 9-25, Bogotá)
Netherlands (Map; 1 638 4243, 638 4244; Carrera 13 No 93-40, oficina 201, Bogotá)
Panama Barranquilla (Map; 5 360 1872; Carrera 54 No 64-245); Bogotá (Map; 1 257 4452; Calle 92 No 7-70); Cali (Map; 2 880 9590; Calle 11 No 4-42, oficina 316); Cartagena (Map; 5 664 1433; Plaza de San Pedro Claver