Ask The Experts

Why the car is not the star in Colombia; staying respectful in spiritual places; where to find reptiles in East Africa; and the perfect British road trip – our experts put you in the know.

Q Is a self-drive trip in Colombia safe? What precautions should I take along the way?

Lauren Howard, via email

A Safe? Maybe. But worth it? Maybe not. Buses cover most of the country (except parts of the Pacific Coast and Amazonia, which have no road access); they’re also good value and comfortable, from local minibuses to luxury long-distance coaches. Several Colombian airlines offer competitive fares, too, saving you travel time, which you can then spend exploring.

Nevertheless, if you’re set on driving, it does allow more flexibility to go where and when you like. La Guajira, in the isolated north-east, has few buses, so it’s recommended either to hire a car or use a tour operator. Some hotels, particularly those outside cities, have secure car parks.

Precautions? Number one: beware Colombia’s erratic drivers, especially when overtaking. While most Colombians you meet in person will be charming and gracious, once they get behind the wheel of a car, anything goes. Truck drivers can be aggressive, too, speeding up close behind you and overtaking unpredictably – anytime, anywhere.

Road conditions also vary widely, and many are susceptible to landslides during the wet season. Check locally for road closures and roadworks. Car hire is prohibitively expensive for some, and petrol is not cheap either – around US$3 (£2.14) per gallon for standard petrol, US$3.50 (£2.50) per gallon for super. And roadside assistance for breakdowns and accidents is virtually nonexistent, so take care.