Already recognized as one of the world’s most dangerous countries, Colombia has recently seen the kidnapping of two large groups of tourists near Utria National Park, an area known for its dramatic coastline and touted as an eco-tourism destination. Twenty-six tourists on a fishing trip were abducted a few days after a group of 12 mostly teenagers were taken hostage at La Fortuna, 60 miles north of the park. In an attempt to reduce incursions of guerrillas and drug traffickers, Ecuador is closing the Rumichaca border crossing between Tulcan, Ecuador and Ipiales, Colombia at night beginning Sept. 1.
