Why do latin people say that there is no racism in there countries in other latins say yes it is?

I was talking one day to this colombian kid at the bus stop we got to talking about things in the world he told my he has been in the U.S. for two years now i ask him is there racism in colombia he said yes if a latin person tells you that there is no racism in south america in colombia they are liars. He told me that they are very racist towards black colombians and indians i said wow.? Want to hear what people got to say about that.