medellin colombia travel advisory

Update April 12, 2024

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Colombia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 2, 2024, colombia - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with updates to the country summary.

Reconsider travel due to  crime  and  terrorism . Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest  and  kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

• Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism.
• The Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, and risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia.  

Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas.

Terrorist groups and criminal organizations continue operating and carrying out attacks in Colombia. They may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, police stations, military facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, airports, other public areas, and U.S. government facilities.

Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country and can be about a variety of political or economic issues. They can shutdown roads and highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Demonstrations and road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and may disrupt travel within and between cities. Protests can become violent and can result in fatalities and injuries.

U.S. direct-hire government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• They are not permitted to travel by road between most cities.
• Colombia’s land border areas are off-limits to U.S. government personnel unless specifically authorized.
• They may not use motorcycles.
• They may not hail street taxis or use public buses.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Colombia.

If you decide to travel to Colombia:

• Avoid protest areas and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Colombia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Arauca, Cauca, and Norte de Santander Departments – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is widespread. Terrorist groups are active in some parts.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens as U.S. government-personnel travel to these areas is severely restricted due to security concerns.

Colombia - Venezuela Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to the border of Colombia and Venezuela. U.S. citizens are at risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela.

The Colombia-Venezuela border is not clearly marked, and U.S. citizens should not go near the border due to the risk of crossing into Venezuela accidentally.

U.S. citizens attempting to enter Venezuela without a visa have been charged with terrorism and other serious crimes and detained for long periods. For more information, see the Venezuela Travel Advisory.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Colombia travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: April 17, 2024 13:14 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, colombia - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Colombia due to high levels of crime.

Border areas - Avoid all travel

• Caquetá, excluding the city of Florencia
• Cauca, excluding the city of Popayan
• Chocó, excluding the towns of Nuquí, Bahía Solano and Capurganá
• within 50 km of the border with Venezuela, excluding the city of Cúcuta
• within 100 km of the border with Panama
• within 50 km of the border with Ecuador, excluding the border crossing at Ipiales
• Norte de Santander, excluding the city of Cúcuta
• the Port of Tumaco and the city of Buenaventura

Regional advisory - Avoid non-essential travel

• Antioquia, north of the city of Buriticá, west of highway 62 and west of highway 60 along the borders with Choco, Risaralda and Caldas departments, excluding the cities of Jardín, Andes and Hispania
• Córdoba, south and west of the city of Montería
• Guainía
• City of Cúcuta
• Meta, excluding the city of Villavicencio and Caño Cristales
• Nariño, excluding the cities of Pasto and Ipiales
• Valle del Cauca, excluding the cities of Buga, Cali and Palmira
• Vaupés

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Movement restrictions for minors in Medellin

On January 31, 2024, local authorities issued restrictions on the movements of minors under the age of 18 in certain areas of Medellin where they are at a high risk for sexual exploitation. These restrictions will remain in place until July 31, 2024. Minors are not allowed in certain areas every day between 7 pm and 5 am unless they are accompanied by their parents or legal guardians and carry proper identification.

These areas include:

• El Poblado, including Parque Lleras
• parts of Corredor vial de la 33
• La Candelaria, including:
• Plaza de Botero
• Parroquia de la Veracruz
• parts of Corredor de la 70

If you are travelling with a minor in Medellin:

• ensure that they carry proper identification and a photocopy of their passport
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Decree restricting the movement of minors in high-risk zones – Mayor's office of Medellin (in Spanish)

Crime rates are high throughout the country, particularly in the main cities. In some cases, extreme violence leading to death has occurred.

Violent crime

Muggings and assaults occur even in the safer areas of Colombia’s cities. These incidents can turn violent. Firearms and other weapons are common in Colombia. Armed robberies are frequent and may occur on streets, in buses, taxis, restaurants and shopping malls. Criminals won’t hesitate to use weapons on victims who refuse to co-operate.

• Avoid walking alone in isolated or deserted areas
• Avoid travelling alone after dark
• Dress down and avoid wearing jewellery or watches
• Keep cell phones, cameras and other electronic equipment out of sight
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use ATMs inside banks, shopping malls and other public locations during business hours only
• If you're robbed, hand over cash, electronic devices and valuables without resistance

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse and cell phone snatching, is common in all parts of the country. Drive-by snatching by thieves on motorcycles occurs regularly. They occur in both impoverished and wealthier parts of the country.

• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Stay in reputable accommodations with good security
• Keep windows and doors locked at all times

There is a risk of kidnapping for ransom in Colombia.

Armed groups may target foreigners in all parts of the country, especially those who work for oil and mining companies. Business travellers and Canadian companies establishing operations in Colombia should take enhanced security measures to protect both personnel and company assets.

Choose living accommodations that have significant security measures in place and modern office facilities.

Express kidnappings

“Express kidnappings” are frequent and often occur in affluent areas, as well as in tourist areas. In this scenario, criminals kidnap the victim from the street or a taxi and force the person to withdraw funds from an ATM. The victim is sometimes held overnight so that a second withdrawal can be made the next day

• Avoid hailing taxis on the street
• If you're threatened by armed criminals, stay calm and don’t resist

Illegal armed groups

Illegal armed groups pose a major risk to travellers. These groups carry out violent attacks, such as bombings, and finance themselves through extortions and kidnappings. Attacks often result in casualties.

• Remain on well-travelled roads and paths when visiting remote locations
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times

There is a threat of domestic terrorism. Terrorist groups are active in some parts of the country. Attacks occur periodically.

Further attacks are likely. Targets may include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• military and police installations and vehicles
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• infrastructure, including energy facilities
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant during:

• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

• Avoid unattended packages or parcel and bring these to the attention of police or security personnel
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for the latest updates

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Card overcharging also happens, especially in popular tourist areas, where scammers target tourists by charging them elevated prices for services, food and drink.

Ask for a printed price list before ordering.

When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Fraudulent police officers

Thieves posing as police officers have approached foreigners to verify their documents or foreign currency in the intend to rob them.

If you face this situation:

• don’t hand over your money or documents unless you feel threatened
• request to provide your documents or currency at the nearest police station, your hotel or another public place

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations and strikes take place regularly throughout Colombia, especially in large cities.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, cigarettes or anything else from new acquaintances or someone in the street. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Scopolamine and other incapacitating drugs

Scopolamine is a drug that temporarily incapacitates unsuspecting victims, who become quickly disoriented and are vulnerable to crime.

Thieves may put the drug on pamphlets or wares distributed on the street. They may also slip it into food and drinks or blow it into the face of the victim. They often work in teams, with women easing the victim into a false sense of security. They then steal the valuables once the victim has been incapacitated. Dating applications and websites are often used by criminals to identify and lure foreigners travelling alone and looking to meet local people.

Incidents occur:

• in nightclubs
• in bars and restaurants
• on public transportation, including taxis
• on the street

Ayahuasca ceremonies

Spiritual cleansing and ayahuasca ceremonies, offered by shamans and other individuals, have led to serious illness, injury, assault and even the deaths of several tourists.

Ceremonies involve consuming substances that can cause medical complications and severely impair cognitive and physical abilities. They often take place in remote areas with no access to medical or mental health facilities or resources. Often, there is no access to communications with local authorities or emergency services. Facilities generally lack basic first aid or emergency plans to help those suffering from physical or psychological illness during these ceremonies.

Ayahuasca ceremonies are not regulated and individuals offering them are not licensed. There is no way to assess the safety of any of the services, the operators or the shamans.

Avoid participating in spiritual cleansing or ayahuasca ceremonies.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Incidents of attacks and sexual assault, including rape, have been reported throughout the country, particularly in tourist areas.

• Avoid travelling alone, especially after dark
• Stay in accommodations with good security
• Be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, especially regarding the acceptance of rides or other invitations
• Avoid hospitality exchange arrangements, such as shared accommodations

If you are a victim of a sexual assault or other crime, you should report it immediately to the police and the nearest Canadian office.

Advice for women travellers

Boat accidents have occurred due to unlicensed tour boats not meeting safety standards, including in Cartagena, Santa Marta and San Andrés.

• Choose a reputable boating company
• Ensure that your tour operator follows up-to-date safety regulations
• Don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy

Water safety abroad

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country, due to:

• road signs that are difficult to see or non-existent
• lack of lighting and guard rails
• livestock grazing on the roadside in rural areas
• pedestrians walking on the street

Road conditions

Driving conditions may be particularly hazardous during the rainy seasons, from April to May and from October to November.

Road habits

Drivers are extremely aggressive and reckless. They often drive at excessive speeds, are frequently distracted and ignore traffic controls.

Motorcycles are common and are often involved in traffic accidents.

Pedestrians don’t have the right of way, including at stop signs.

When travelling by car in Colombia:

• avoid driving at night
• avoid driving on secondary roads as they are often targeted by criminals
• don’t pick up hitchhikers
• keep your doors locked and windows closed at all times
• always place all belongings under your seat
• carry a cell phone
• park your car in a guarded parking lot when in a city

Local authorities may deny you entry to certain areas due to emerging security threats. Military checkpoints outside cities are common.

Strikes occur often in Colombia and associated roadblocks on major transit routes may cause significant travel disruptions.

Unauthorized roadblocks and bandits also pose a threat.

If you’re planning to travel by land in Colombia:

• dial 767 from your cell phone to receive advice on current road closures from the Colombian Highway Police information line (in Spanish)
• never hitchhike
• consult local media

Public transportation

Public transportation isn’t safe in Colombia. You should avoid using it.

City and rural buses are frequent targets for theft. Armed groups frequently stop and rob rural buses.

If you must take an overnight bus, keep your belongings close to you, not on the floor or in storage compartments, as they could be stolen while you sleep.

Express kidnappings and assaults often occur in unlicensed taxis.

• Use only reputable taxi companies through establishments such as hotels or ride-hailing apps

If you have no choice but to hail a taxi on the street:

• avoid cabs without licence plates
• never enter a cab if it already has one or more passengers
• note the licence plate number and name of the driver when you travel and immediately communicate this information to family or friends

El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá allows only authorized taxis to pick up passengers at its terminals. 

Arrange pickup in advance with your travel agency or hotel.

Transportation services  - El Dorado International Airport

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry restrictions at land and river borders with Ecuador

On January 11, 2024, the Government of Ecuador announced new entry restrictions in response to the ongoing state of internal armed conflict.

All foreigners entering Ecuador at crossing points with land or rivers borders with Colombia will need to present a criminal records check from their country of origin or residence. Both the original criminal record check and the Spanish translation must be apostilled and cover the past five years. Minors travelling with their family members will generally be exempt.

The Apostille Convention took effect in Canada on January 11, 2024. An apostille is a standard certificate allowing documents to be accepted in all countries where the convention is in effect.

Useful links

• Migration information – Ecuador Immigration Agency (in Spanish)
• Changes to authentication services in Canada
• Apostilles for documents

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Colombian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Colombia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days Business or work visa: required Student visa: required

Electronic Immigration Form  

You must complete a free electronic immigration form (Check-Mig) within 72 hours to 1 hour before:

• boarding a flight to or from Colombia
• entering into Colombia via land, maritime or river crossings 

You will need the following information to complete the form:

• flight details
• a valid passport
• a valid email address
• the address where you will be staying in Colombia
• a phone number

Electronic Immigration Form  – Colombia Migration Agency

As of November 14, 2023, you must pay an entry fee equivalent to $85 CAD in Colombian Pesos upon arrival in Colombia. You can only pay by credit card. The payment must be made upon entering the country during the immigration control process. There could be significant delays to make the payment, which could disrupt your travel plans.

You don't have to pay this entry tax if:

• your destination is the archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina
• you have a valid Colombian visa
• you are less than 14 years of age or more than 79 years old
• you are a member of the crew of international transport means (conditions apply)
• Entry tax for Canadian travellers starts on Nov 14, 2023 – Migration Colombia (in Spanish)
• Entry tax applicable to Canadian nationals  – Ministry of External Relations of Colombia (in Spanish)

Entry stamp

You must obtain an entry stamp in your passport when you enter Colombia by land.

You may be fined if you fail to obtain an entry stamp

Length of stay for tourists

The immigration officer will determine the permitted length of your stay when you enter Colombia. As a tourist, you may be granted a stay up to 90 days.

You will be fined if you overstay the specified period on your entry stamp. You may apply for a stay extension at the nearest Migración Colombia office. You may extend your stay up to a maximum of 180 days per calendar year. The final decision remains with the immigration authority.

Migración Colombia - Government of Colombia (in Spanish)

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina

If you plan to visit the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, you must purchase a tourist card at the airport before departure.

You must also show this card before you depart the island.

Drug screening

Colombia employs strict screening measures at its international airports to detect narcotics smuggling.

Customs officials may:

• search you and your luggage
• fingerprint you
• require you to undergo an X-ray inspection upon arrival or departure

Most airport customs inspectors speak only Spanish.

Dual citizenship

Canadian citizens who also hold Colombian citizenship must enter and exit Colombia using the following documents:

• Colombian passport
• Colombian identification card

Although local immigration authorities will allow dual citizens to enter without Colombian documents, they will stamp their foreign passport indicating that they must leave using Colombian documents.

Children and travel

Exit requirements for dual citizen children.

Whether travelling to a domestic or international destination, underage Canadian-Colombian dual citizens must present:

If under 18 and travelling alone or accompanied by a single parent

• an authorization to travel from both parents, written in Spanish and notarized at a local notary public or at a Colombian embassy or consulate abroad; and
• a Colombian birth certificate, notarized at a local notary public, or a long-form Canadian birth certificate and its official Spanish translation

If under 18 and travelling with both parents

• a Colombian birth certificate notarized at a local notary public; or
• a long-form Canadian birth certificate showing the parents' names, and its official Spanish translation.
• Authorization to travel for minors  - Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Spanish)
• Colombian Notaries Directory  - Superintendent of Notaries and Registry (in Spanish)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs  - Government of Colombia (in Spanish)
• Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 8 April, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are arriving from Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda, or have transited through an airport in one of these countries.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is recommended depending on your itinerary.
• Contact a designated   Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre   well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites .

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that   country entry requirements   may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest   diplomatic or consular office   of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Cutaneous and mucosal   leishmaniasis   causes skin sores and ulcers. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)   is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited is available in major cities. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Private clinics offer emergency services. They typically require advance payment in cash or by credit card.

If you don’t have proof of travel insurance, you may be transferred to a public hospital, where medical care may not meet Canadian standards.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Medical tourism

Canadian citizens have died or had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries in Colombia. 

Before leaving for medical travel:

• make sure you have done your research
• use reputable health-care providers only

Receiving medical care outside Canada

Some prescription medication may not be available in Colombia.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Altitude sickness

Bogotá is located at 2600 metres above sea level. In some parts of the country, you may experience health problems due to high altitudes.

Altitude sickness can be life-threatening. It may require immediate medical evacuation.

• Know about the symptoms of altitude sickness
• Find out how to prevent or reduce the effects of altitude sickness

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for breaking the law in Colombia can be more severe than in Canada, even for similar offences. No transfer of offenders’ treaty exists between Canada and Colombia. If you’re convicted of a serious crime, you must serve your jail sentence in Colombia. You may also have to remain in Colombia for a parole period following your release.

Detention conditions may be below the standards of Canadian prisons.

• Overview of the criminal law system in Colombia
• Arrest and detention

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

• Pack your own luggage and monitor it closely at all times
• Never transport other people’s packages, bags or suitcases
• Never exchange money for strangers, as this is a common practice among money launderers

Drugs, alcohol and travel

It’s illegal to import firearms into Colombia.

Conviction may result in lengthy prison sentences.

Political activities

It’s illegal for foreigners to participate in local political activities, rallies or public demonstrations in Colombia.

Political involvement may result in your deportation.

It’s illegal to export certain cultural artifacts with historical value from Colombia, such as:

• original paintings

Child sex tourism

It's a serious criminal offence to have sex with minors in Colombia.

Conviction may result in a lengthy prison sentence.

Child Sex Tourism: It’s a Crime

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Colombian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Colombia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Colombia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Colombia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Colombia, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Colombian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Colombia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Identification

Local authorities may ask you to show identification at any time.

• Carry photo identification at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa or residence permit in a safe place, in case they’re lost or confiscated

You must carry an international driving permit.

In the event of a car accident:

• remain at the scene 
• don’t move your vehicle until the authorities arrive

Failure to remain at the site may be considered an admission of guilt under Colombian law.

However, some accidents may attract a crowd that could turn hostile. If you feel unsafe:

• ensure your windows and doors are locked
• leave the area
• report the accident to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible

International Driving Permit

The currency in Colombia is the peso (COP).

You can easily exchange U.S. dollars and euros for pesos in banks and currency exchange bureaus.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. In rural areas, ATMs may be limited in availability.

Colombia is subject to various natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, torrential rains, floods and mudslides.

El Niño

The complex weather phenomenon called El Niño happens at irregular intervals of 2 to 7 years and can last 9 months to 2 years.

• Keep informed of regional weather forecasts before and during your travels, and plan accordingly
• Ensure you have adequate insurance to cover the consequences of such events, including the disruption of travel plans 

Learn about  El Niño

Seismic activity

There are several active and potentially active volcanoes throughout Colombia.

Debris from erupting volcanoes may clog rivers and cause them to overflow, which could in turn cause flash floods and landslides. Ash clouds may also cause disruptions to domestic and international flights.

Earthquakes

Colombia is located in an active seismic area. Earthquakes occur frequently. Dangerous landslides can also occur, even after minor earthquakes.

• Colombian Geological Service  - Colombia’s government (in Spanish)
• Latest earthquakes  - U.S. Geological Survey
• Earthquakes - What to Do?

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings  - United States’ National Hurricane Center

Rainy seasons

Colombia’s rainy seasons usually occur from March to June and from September to November. Incidents of flooding and mudslides can occur, especially in rural areas.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Local services

For emergency assistance, dial 123.

For non-urgent matters, you can reach the National Police by email at [email protected] .

Consular assistance

Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Venezuela

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Colombia, in Bogotá, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

• English (EN)
• Español (ES)
• Português (BR)

Is Medellin Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Colombia : Safety by City

• Barranquilla
• Bucaramanga
• Santa Marta

Medellin is the second biggest and most populous city in Colombia with 3 million people, located in the region of the Andes Mountains in South America.

It is very well known for its festivals that tourists can experience throughout the year if they decide to come to Medellin.

The Festival of the Flowers, the Christmas lighting, the International Poetry Festival, and the Jazz Festival are just some of them.

The must-see sights in Medellin are the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Junin pedestrian street from the Coltejer Building to Bolivar Park, Museo de Antioquia, and Parque Berrío.

This beautiful city has many things to offer in terms of culture, architecture, and entertainment.

• Warnings & Dangers in Medellin

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

The overall risk in Medellin is at the medium level since it is a city where both petty and violent crime acts can sometimes happen against tourists. To remain safe here and minimize the risk of trouble, you should perform activities during the daytime, avoid walking alone, call taxis by phone and do not show electronic devices, credit cards or money in public.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

The best advice in terms of taxis is to call them from your accommodation and always ask the driver to turn on the taxi meter. Driving in Medellin is horrific, so avoid driving your car. If you are a pedestrian, do not rely on traffic signs, since they are not respected. Remain very watchful when crossing the street, even on the marked pedestrian crossings.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Even though Medellin is considered a safe city for tourism, the crime rate does not support that fact. Petty crime is a serious problem and the theft of wallets, electronic gadgets and passports are increasing. Tourist sites are full of the police, so you can feel safe there, but try to avoid parks El Poblado and Laureles.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Flooding, landslides, and earthquakes are common natural disasters in Medellin. In case you happen to be there during any of these disasters, follow the advice of the local authorities.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Violent crime against tourists is not very common in Medellin, but it is important to avoid Comuna 13, Parque Lleras, Parque de las Luces, Parque San Antonio, Parque Periodista, Prado, Barrio Trinidad, and La Sierra especially after dark. Mugging strategies are at a high level and the process lasts a few seconds. It happens everywhere, at any hour, and if you happen to be the victim, just give them what they want. There is no point in arguing or defeating since that can make you more trouble.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Recent reports show that organized crime, related to the Medellín Cartel, a highly organized drug cartel in Colombia, has occurred repeatedly as a consequence of the fight against them. Tourists are not the direct targets but may be victims in case they find themselves at the place of the attack.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

The possible problems travelers can encounter here is the counterfeit money, so they should always exchange it at the airport or in a bank. Do not exchange money on the street even if they offer you a better rate. As in any other huge city, taxi drivers take advantage of tourists, thieves transform themselves into police officers and credit card skimming is frequent.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Since many women who visited Medellin had no issues, it is considered a quite safe city. Verbal harassment, like cat-calling or whistling, is frequent, but women just need to remain polite if this happens. They should be careful when on bus stations and in taxis, especially at night.

• So... How Safe Is Medellin Really?

This city is the economic and business center and a place full of shopping malls and skyscrapers.

Tourists are attracted by its culture, museums, and architecture.

While exploring the city’s landmarks, they need to be aware that the huge wandering population decreases after dark, and leaves dangerous streets susceptible to thieves and lawbreakers.

In case you are a vigilant and watchful person, who manifests self-esteem, there is no reason to worry about your well-being and you can enjoy your holiday in Medellin.

• How Does Medellin Compare?
• Useful Information

For most nationalities, a visa is not necessary when coming to Colombia, as a tourist and stay less than 90 days. On the other hand, there are countries whose citizens need to acquire a visa before they enter Colombia. Your passport must be valid during your stay here.

The local currency is the Colombian Peso and it is advisable to exchange your money since US dollars and Euros are rarely accepted. Credit cards are used here, but not to that extent as in other more developed countries. In case you need to use an ATM, those found in a shopping mall or large superstores are more secure than those on the street because there is a risk that somebody will rob you.

The 'City of everlasting spring' is the nickname for Medellin due to its climate. The weather is quite mild with an average temperature that ranges from 15 to 30 degrees C. Humidity is comfortable and cool air comes from the mountains surrounding Medellin. This provides Medellin with the perfect climate.

José María Córdova International Airport located in Rionegro is the airport that is used when coming to Medellin. Other airports which can be used as an alternative if you decide to come to Colombia are El Dorado International Airport, José María Córdova International Airport, and Rafael Núñez International Airport with non-stop flights to many places.

Travel Insurance

Colombia is a country where accidents can happen, in terms of luggage lost or theft, so what you need to have when coming here is travel insurance that will cover not only medical problems but any kind of loss of personal belongings.

Medellin Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Colombia - Safety by City

Explore medellin.

• Top 5 Medellin Neighborhoods for Travelers
• Where to Next?

6 Reviews on Medellin

Columbia correctly spelled is Colombia…

Wonderful trip!

I got a chance to see all of the must-see sights found in Medellin like Parque Berrío, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Museo de Antioquia, the Junin pedestrian street from the Coltejer Building to Bolivar Park. Everything was exceptional and we are already planning another trip in Colombia, in Medellin and other cities as well.

Fun place for young people

I wanted a vacation really badly so I booked a two-week stay in Medellin because it was dirt cheap, had warm weather and I can speak Spanish rather well.

Colombia gets a bad rep if you spend more than a few days in their country and watch local news you will see why. However, most of the incidents are gang-related, gruesome, but gang-related.

All of the locals I interacted with were happy to give me directions or simply to chitchat, don’t believe the naysayers, these people are not out to get you. Yes, they have pickpockets. Yes, they have scammers that will bump you in the street trying to sell random stuff because ‘gran descuento’. Yes, they might overcharge your cab ride – I always ask for an estimate beforehand. What country doesn’t have these flaws?

They excel when it comes to nightlife, you wont run out of clubs and they’re quite inclusive, if you’re gay you will have zero problems blending in. Plus, you will have your pick of gay bars and clubs.

Colombia as a country has a huge problem with pollution so if you’re asthmatic or have any other allergies you might find it rather hard to pace your breath. I can’t remember the last time I used my inhaler more than I did during my two-week stay there.

I was not a fan of the food, though… Local cuisine is not my cup of tea, if you’re a vegetarian you’ll have trouble finding decent salads that are something other than a couple of green leaves sprinkled with some oil.

So, watch your cash, phone, camera, avoid sketchy neighborhoods – believe me, you know it the second you see it. Walking around mindlessly with your eyes glued to the phone is simply asking for trouble, regardless if you’re in Medellin or NYC.

Dont let down your guard

i visited with my girlfriend and got mugged at Cerro el volador. it happened very fast, they were armed and Took all our stuff. maybe it was our mistake for going into a park with few visitors. we talked to some locals and they told us muggings like these do happen very often and more violent crimes are also not rare. on average 20 tourist get killed in medellin every year, most of them in Connection with prostitution or if they try to play the hero when getting mugged. Check colombian newspapers if you dont believe me. i dont want to spoil anyones fun or spread horror stories, i Just want to warn you: be careful! yes, Medellin is not as dangerous as it was 30 years ago, but it is still in no way a city in which you can be carefree. only take with you the valuables you really need, dont wave them around in public, take a copy of your Passport, leave the original in your Hotel. only take registered Taxis or uber. Metro felt safe too. dont walk around at night. avoid empty streets, even in broad daylight. ask your Hotel staff about Security risks and unsafe areas. and most inportantely: listen to your gut Feeling. If an area seems sketchy to you, it possibly is and should be avoided. even the centro around the big Museums can be seedy and doubles as a red light district. dont take unecessary risks, dont let Strangers into your Hotel room/ Airbnb. There are a Lot of muggings connected to tinder dates in the last years. dont leave your drink unprotected (this applies to men too!) and dont think that i am exaggerating because you know some people who had no problems at all – i definitively believe that the majority of tourists never encounter any serious crime, but some do and it can spoil your holidays or even worse – it is a serious Problem and not as rare as you might think. colombia is a beautiful country with charming people, but dont forget that it is also a very poor country compared to almost every western one. this means desperation and also crime. you will be a target for some. stay Safe!

Not heading in the right direction

Things have been going downhill in Medellin since 2023. Lots of guys getting killed meeting women down there. If not drugged, then kidnapped and stabbed or shot. Also, spontaneous robberies seem to be on the rise. There are still some relatively safer areas, such as Envigado and the graffiti area of San Javier, but these are more outliers. Even then, you still have to get from the airport to these areas, and then transportation back and forth. El Poblado is becoming more dangerous.

I had a good time when I went in October, but I also knew people there before I even arrived, and these were people I knew well enough to trust. If you don’t have any contacts down there, it’s more risky. If you go, don’t display your phone on the street, dress like a local, and never hail a taxi from the road. Also, if you are meeting a chica down there, it had better be someone you know exceptionally well.

2.5 stars. Wonderful place BUT in Dec 2020 as a single young female I was nearly kidnapped/robbed on arrival! My Uber (correct plates) set me up and stopped on the highway 10 mins in with the doors unlocked and windows down, didn’t explain why (he knew I spoke Spanish) and started texting someone long messages for close to 10 mins. I got out of it by yelling at him to drive but when I got to my Airbnb I could barely walk… Felt like I was moving through quicksand and had the worst headache of my life! Took 5 mins to cross the street. I stayed in the whole day but the rest of the trip was awesome! I really want to visit Bogota and Ctg but am afraid after that. I have extensive solo travel and this is the only place besides Rio during Carnival I ever felt fearful (nothing hpnd in Rio bc I look Brazilian, learned the language, and dressed like locals). The next time I booked a flight to Colombia there were massive demonstrations that left hundreds dead and blocked travel btwn cities. Luckily I canceled the flight same day! A friend visited that year and said some paramilitary or something blocked exits where she was and had machine guns and they were stuck maybe 2 days? I’m putting Colombia dead last in places to return to. Sad bc outside of crime it has so much to offer!

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Article Contents

• Medellin : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Home > Colombia > Medellin > Medellin Travel Guide

Medellin Travel Guide: An Instruction Manual for an Unforgettable Trip

Go Beyond the TripAdvisor Top 10

This post is part of Everything to Know Before Visiting Medellin , a collection of no-B.S., unique guides to an unforgettable stay in Colombia.

We made this atypical Medellin travel guide because we're tired of travel guides that tell us exactly what's "must do" but are really just rewrites of the TripAdvisor top 10.

Instead of telling you what to do, we're going to share with you what we think you should know about Medellin: what's where, what's unique, what's tasty, and what's nearby and worth checking out too.

We'll also make some specific recommendations, but those are more to give you an idea what's out there.

Try some things we recommend for sure, but also make your own discoveries. That's how we had our favorite experiences during our six months living in Medellin, and that's how you will too.

Ready? Listos?

Let's get into this Medellin travel guide.

Medellin Travel Guide Outline

• Before You Go – How to decide where to stay, and useful things to know before coming
• Things to Do – What's overrated and underrated, and our absolute favorites
• Food and Drink – How to stuff your face full of unforgettable goodness
• Medellin Getaways     – Hikes and towns near Medellin for fresh air, and a fresh perspective
• Elsewhere in Colombia  – Bogota, the Pacific Coast, and an epic trek
• Favorite Resources – Other online sources of Medellin tips

Before You Visit Medellin

Is medellin dangerous.

The parts of Medellin you're likely to visit are more dangerous than comparable areas in North America or Europe.

For instance, we heard no shortage of stories of friends and friends' friends and readers getting mugged, mostly when they were drunk and stumbling home alone, but even in broad daylight.

On the other hand, the vast majority of people we know and met, including many idiots who were asking for trouble, had no issues.

To stay safe, keep your valuables (including your phone) concealed in public, dress and act to blend in, heed locals' warnings about certain areas, and be extra careful at night. Common sense.

Where to Stay in Medellin

The mistake most newcomers make—we made it too—when trying to figure out where to stay in Medellin is to ask, "Should we stay in El Poblado or Laureles (or even Envigado)?"

Those districts are too huge. Your best bet is to find the barrio within one of those districts that's best for you.

Our guide of where to stay in Medellin ranks the city's top  barrios  in 12 criteria including food, safety, and affordability. That way, you can pick the ones that matter most to you and decide on the perfect place.

If you're too "busy" to go through that whole guide, here's a super-fast intro to the top 10 barrios we recommend you consider:

• Central Poblado: Most popular area for both tourists and long-term foreign residents. I sometimes almost forget I’m in Colombia when I’m in this part of town.
• Lower Poblado: More conveniently-located and low-key than Central Poblado. Still unmistakably Gringolandia.
• La Florida, Poblado: Swanky high-rise hotels and apartments, malls, and not much street-life.
• Central Laureles: Far from the metro, but full of cafés and eateries. It's where people who think El Poblado is "too gringo" go.
• La 70, Laureles: Closer to the metro than Central Laureles and more lively, for better and for worse.
• Northern Laureles: Laid-back, almost too laid-back, and well-to-do residential neighborhood.
• Central Envigado: Envigado’s small but happening “downtown” feels like you’re not in Medellin anymore, which was indeed the case not too long ago.
• El Dorado, Envigado: A true neighborhood feel, with row houses that have shops, bars, mini-markets, and other small businesses all along its narrow streets.
• Northern Envigado: Less street life than El Dorado, but a larger fine-dining / entertainment district, La Calle de la Buena Mesa.
• Downtown Medellin: On the rise and in the middle of the action. The most central for tourists during the day, but not the best at night.

Check out our Medellin neighborhood guide to decide which of these is best for what you're looking for.

Things to Know Before Coming to Medellin

Like everywhere, there are ups and downs to Medellin. And like everywhere, nobody tells you them before you get there.

Here are some of them—a quick cheat sheet of 10 good, bad, and fun things to know before coming to Medellin.

For all the details and twelve more things to know before coming to Medellin, see the full post .

Things to Do in Medellin

Our Top 10 Favorite Experiences

In the six months we lived in Medellin, we tried to see and experience everything. We gave the touristy things a go and explored all sorts of spots even locals had no idea about.

Of all our amazing (and not-so-amazing) adventures, these were our top 10 absolute favorites (in no particular order):

• Hiking Parque Arvi through the back door
• Forgetting Narcos and doing the Real City walking tour
• Gorging on as many menu del dias as we could all over the city
• Eating the most humongous piece of "mega-bacon" we've ever seen at  La Gloria de Gloria
• Heading for the hills to go hiking
• (This one's a secret)
• Escaping Medellin and visiting pueblos like Venecia , Jardin , and Jerico (NOT Guatape)
• Feeling like a superhero while paragliding
• Spending an afternoon checking out the highlights in Laureles
• Enjoying the best of El Poblado

For all the details on these amazing experiences, a handful more that just barely missed the list, and some things we recommend not to do, check our atypicial guide of things to do in Medellin .

Overrated and Underrated Medellin Attractions

We have the sometimes contentious opinion that some Medellin's "top" tourist attractions should be on the bottom of your to-do list.

They're not all terrible (except Pueblito Paisa). It's just that there are likely better ways to spend your time and money.

Here our favorite examples:

• Overrated:  Laureles, Parque Arvi, Pueblito Paisa, Uber, Poblado farmers market, Guatape
• Underrated:  Envigado, every other Medellin park, Cerro Pan de Azucar, taxis, Mercado Minorista, Jerico

Don't Overlook Envigado, Medellin's Version of Brooklyn

Located right next to the high-flying, rapidly-modernizing El Poblado district of Medellin, Envigado remains a hard-working, urban, unpretentious town that's yet to be swallowed up by globalism (or hipsters).

It's a pre-hipster Brooklyn.

We lived there for two amazing months. Here are some of our favorite things about it:

• The Neighborhood Feel: There aren't many "highlights" in Envigado, but it's a great place to wander. Kids play on the streets, old men sit on tables drinking guaro while watching life pass by, and crazy Christmas displays decorate the whole town in December. And nowhere did we feel safer.
• The Restaurants:  There's a fine-dining area called La Calle de la Buena Mesa, where you can pick where to eat based on your cravings that evening. In super neighborhoody El Dorado are some of our favorite spots like Pedacito de Amor and Pizzeria Burro . And there are La Gloria de Gloria and Trifasico with their enormous slabs of meat.
• Otraparte:  The coffee isn't that good and the WiFi sucks, but even so El Cafe de Otraparte is the cafe / hang out area we miss most about Medellin.

There's A LOT more than this, of course, which you can read all about in our comprehensive Envigado guide .

What Everybody Other Blogger Recommends for Medellin

When we moved to Medellin we read a lot of blog posts on what to do and see.

Then we had the idea of compiling all those recommendations into one.

Things quickly got out of hand.

By the end, we had consolidated tips from over fifty travel blog posts. The compilation is enormous and overwhelming, but maybe you'll find it helpful. 

Check it out .

Eating and Drinking in Medellin

Medellin's Best Restaurants for 20 Unique Occasions

We can't honestly tell you which are the "best restaurants in Medellin" because we haven't been to every one and tried every dish. Nobody has. But we can recommend some restaurants for specific occasions and cravings. For example:

• If you want to impress your partner with a romantic picnic in the park , go to In Situ
• If you need a rest, refresh, and refueling in Mercado Minorista (Medellin's city center produce market), go to Aqui Paro Lucho
• If you want Colombian cuisine with a modern, adventurous, and delicious twist , go to Alambique  (probably our favorite restaurant in Medellin)
• If you want to get high and/or eat really good gelato , go to  Nuovo Fiore

We have twenty recommendations in total. Check out our Medellin restaurant guide for all of them.

Medellin's Best Lunch Specials

Lunch is the best time to go out for food in Medellin. You can get high-quality, delicious meals including soup, a main course, a drink, and sometimes dessert for $3 to $6 USD. These specials are called menu del dias .

There are so many restaurants with menu del dias that it can be overwhelming, so Chris went a bit overboard to help you out. He went to over hundred places then made a list of his forty favorites.

See them all in his huge menu del dia guide .

The Best Colombian Coffee, Beer, Cheese, and Aguardiente

Are you sure your tastes aren't affected by branding and appearances?

And that's why do blind taste tests. In Medellin, we did some to determine who truly has the best coffee, beer, cheese and aguardiente in Colombia (or at least Medellin).

Here are the surprising blind taste test results:

• Best coffee : Rituales Cafe . Hands down. Read the full post here
• Best lager beer:  Heineken. Ugh. We can't believe it either. Read all about it here .
• Best Colombian cheese:  None. But if you force us, we'd take queso pera. Learn all about the weird Colombian cheeses here .
• Best aguardiente: Aguardiente is the local liquor and the best from our taste test (here) was Amarillo de Manzanares. More importantly, and regardless of which aguardiente brand you drink, read these nine surprising facts first.

An Intro to Colombian Drinks

You already know about Colombian coffee, but do you know what  viche ,  mazamorra , and  guarapo  are?

Here's a quick vocab lesson:

• Chicha : A fermented corn drink that was the locals' drink of choice before the Spanish came and screwed things up.
• Viche:  A home-brewed moonshine made from sugar cane that’s popular on Colombia’s Pacific Coast
• Chocolate Santafereño:  Hot chocolate with cheese inside.
• Limonada de Coco:  A hugely popular and super delicious and refreshing blend of coconut and lemonade.
• Mazamorra and Claro: Corn-infused milks that often come with your menu del dia (lunch special).
• Guarapo and Aguapanela : Drinks made from sugarcane. Guarapo is typically made by pressing the cane itself. Aguapanela is agua mixed with panela, unrefined cane sugar.

And there are even more Colombian drinks to know about. To see them all, where to get them, and how to drink them, check out our guide .

Medellin Getaways

Medellin Hikes

The quality and quantity of hikes near Medellin (many accessible by public transit!) was something we didn’t expect before coming. From waterfalls to caves to natural pyramids to Escobar’s old prison, whenever we ventured into the hills we were always rewarded for doing so. And every single time the views are incredible.

If you want to get some fresh air and develop a tight round tush the old-fashioned way (instead of artificially, like many women do in Medellin), we highly recommend it.

Some hikes are hard to find, so we've helped you out with a list of our favorite hikes in and around Medellin . For each hike, you’ll find a guide complete with directions, maps, and photos

Nearby Pueblos

Please, please, please don’t spend time in Medellin without visiting at least one of the nearby pueblos. It will completely change your understanding and perception of what Colombia and Antioquia is about.

And Guatape doesn’t count.

We went to a handful of pueblos and recommend them all highly, but there are plenty of others where you're sure to have an extraordinary travel story too. Here are the pueblos we wrote guides to:

• Jerico – A traditional town for religious pilgrammiges, it's now worth going to for an artisanal food pilgrimage, colorful sunsets, colorful waterfalls, colorful people, and colorful architecture. See what there's to do in Jerico , and what to eat on your own food pilgramage .
• Jardin  – Jardin is a bigger, lusher, and more tourist-friendly version of Jerico. Here are our favorite things we did there .
• Venecia – Venecia is for you if you don’t want to see any other tourists and/or plan to hike Cerro Tusa (the world’s largest natural pyramid). Read more here .
• Urrao  – The town itself wasn't our favorite, but it was cool for a couple of nights. Most importantly, it's close to the unbelievable and unforgettable Paramo del Sol. Check out these mind-boggling photos in our guide .

Elsewhere in Colombia

Paramo del Sol Trek

The trek to the Paramo del So is so mind-bogglingly cool that you forget to worry about how cold it can get (…well almost). Up at the highest point in Antioquia, there’s nowhere in the world with scenery like it. Read our guide here . Even if you don't like reading just go there for the amazing photos by our friend Oskar.

The Pacific Coast

Colombia's Pacific Coast was a no-go zone for a long time. It only very recently opened up for tourism again and started to appear on tourists’ radars. In other words, if you’re an adventure traveler now’s the time to go.

And from Medellin, it's an easy flight from the city center Olaya Herrera Airport .

Not knowing anything about it beforehand, we explored the Bahia Solano area for about a week. It turned out to be is a jungle, waterfall, and deserted beach paradise.

There’s so much to do that we couldn’t help but compile four different guides for the area:

• 15 travel tips for Colombia's Pacific Coast – Things you should be aware of, including how worried you should be about bugs and rain, what tour not to miss, and how not to miss your flight home.
• Where to stay around Bahia Solano – The pros and cons of all the options: remote beaches like Playa Mecana and Playa Cuevita, popular spots like El Valle and Playe El Almejal, or places in between like Playa Huina.
• El Valle travel guide –  Your extensive guide of to this small town El Valle that is so under-covered by tour guides and blogs that even Google Maps doesn’t show its streets.
• The Right Way to do the Cascada El Tigre tour – This is the only waterfall we've ever seen that falls right onto a beach. It's Chris' wet dream. And if you visit it the right way, you'll see a few more waterfalls and save some money.

You might assume Bogota isn’t worth visiting. It’s too big, busy, dangerous, and cold. That's what we thought.

We were wrong.

You might be as surprised as we were by what Colombia's capital has to offer. Check it out .

And once you've had enough of Bogota and are ready to return to Medellin, consider taking the bus and maybe stopping off somewhere along the way. We went to a town called Honda. It wasn't our favorite, but it was an experience nonetheless. Read all about how (and why) to bus between Bogota and Medellin, and what Honda's like, here .

Favorite Other Sites

Resources and communities that helped us discover many of the items on this Medellin travel guide.

• Catalyst Weekly  is the go-to resource to find out what foreigner-friendly events are going on while you’re in town.
• The Medellin Expats group on Facebook . It's full of lunatics, idiots, and self-promoters, but if you dig around you can find some truly helpful tips.
• Kinkaju Hikes and Adventures . Go on a hike, or a beer crawl, with a diverse and friendly group of people including local expats, local locals, and visitors.
• Tom Plan My Trip.  This guy went super deep with info to help you plan your trip to Colombia. You'll find lots of stuff we didn't bother to write because he already said it.
• Wikiloc.  It's the go-to app for finding and sharing hikes in Colombia. You'll have to pay $2.99 US to use it, but it's worth it.
• The Unconventional Route. That's us. Check out our extensive collection of Colombia-related advice here , ask us questions in the comments, or, if it's private, email us at info at theunconventionalroute.com.

How to Have an Awesome Medellin Trip

For all the ingredients you need to put together a magnificent Medellin trip— where to stay , what to do , what to eat , where else to visit in Colombia —see our Medellin Travel Manual.

Medellin Travel Manual

Our collection of blog posts that reveal the real Medellin.

And if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions to share with other readers, please share them in the comments!

Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

13 thoughts on “Medellin Travel Guide: An Instruction Manual for an Unforgettable Trip”

You guys rock! Headed to Medellín. On Thursday, have done almost zero research, this post just made my day, and soon to be vacation! Thanks!

Nice list. Also lived in Medellin for six months, back in 2017…we have the same consensus on Pueblito Paisa. ( https://hippospit.com/2019/04/24/pueblito-paisa/ )

What did you think of Colombian cheese? I’m rather impressed that you bought 18 and did a blind taste test…once, when we were living in Envigado, the refrigeration for half of our local Carulla was out for a week. They never bothered to replace the dairy stock…many leaps of faith were made.

Also wrote a little something about safety in Botero Plaza a little while ago…in case anyone is reading and considering a visit. https://hippospit.com/2018/11/13/botero-plaza/ Be careful.

Thanks R. Your description of Pueblito Paisa is spot on. Keep up the good work!

I'd say that if anyone thinks that any description of any city encompasses the totality of reality, then they have never been to a city. There is no city that isn't variegated from places you shouldn't go to, to places that are perfectly safe…from boring to exciting, etc. I couldn't disagree more with the conclusion that one needs to quickly walk away from Plaza Botero to the metro because it's dangerous or unsavory. I guess unsavory is in the eye of the beholder, but please…cities have all sorts and varieties of people all over the place. Pointing out a transgender prostitute (perhaps not transgender at all – perhaps just a cross-dresser, and presuming that person is a prostitute seems rather judgmental.) So what? That's life in the big city, and they are hardly threatening one's security. I'd also like to point out that there is an ebb and flow over months/years as to what is happening in any particular area. What may have been a couple of years ago may be totally different today. That's also part of the danger of writing/reading reviews.

Hey Phil. I don't understand: Which pointing out of prostitutes and hurrying from Plaza Botero to the metro are you referring to? I don't believe we mentioned that on the site. Or are you using these as examples to illustrate common misperceptions about Medellin overall? I also hope we aren't giving the impression of claiming to completely explain and outline Medellin with our blog. Like you said, we can't, especially since every person's perception differs. We just want this blog to give readers the tools and motivation to explore with their own fresh and unbiased perspective, which seems to be what you believe in as well! Enjoy Medellin!

Congratulations, that's a really good post. I will add maybe having a chocolate con queso up in Las Palmas Viewpoint (Medellin).

Thanks for the suggestion, Mr. Moto!

one of the best recaps i've read on medellin! well done!

Thanks Stephanie. I'm worried it might start getting out of date. Please let us know of your discoveries and recommendations. Enjoy!

Why the f*ck would you recommend Heineken, are you nuts? Colombia has amazing domestics and for cheap. Pilsen, Club Columbia, Poker, Aguila, the list goes on. GTFO out of here with that mess.

Try a Colombian beer blind taste test, like we did. We included Heineken as an outsider and it was the clear winner. We didn't choose. Our palates did. I'm not proud of it.

And thanks for censoring your commment with the *.

Just visited Medellin, and I can say this was a pretty bad guide. Guatape is not overrated, and Medellin is safer than several U.S. cities. Trying to scare people is classic gringo behavior. Uber is also safer than some of the taxi services, even though it is technically illegal.

Fair enough. It's a bit long in the tooth. And the guide is my subjective opinion.

Don't know where you get the impression I'm trying to scare people.

What do you think? (Leave a Comment.) Cancel reply

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Colombia Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Colombia. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Dengue in the Americas April 18, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, French Guiana (France), Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Martinique (France), Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.), Uruguay

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Colombia.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Colombia. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Colombia.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Colombia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Colombia.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Colombia. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Colombia, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Colombia. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in any of these countries.

Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old except as follows. Generally not recommended for travel limited to the cities of Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, or Medellín. Not recommended for travel limited to areas >2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, the archipelago department of San Andrés and Providencia, or the city of Bogotá (the capital).

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites, chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

• Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth
• From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink.
• Avoid Bug Bites

Chagas disease

• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Colombia, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Colombia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Colombia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Colombia. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Colombia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Colombia. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Colombia may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Colombia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Colombia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Home » South America » Medellin

Is Medellin Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

Medellin, once one of the most dangerous cities in the world, is finally showing the world how you are more than your terrible past. After suffering with drug gangs and violent crime of the worst demeanour for so long, the cartel days are finally behind the city of eternal spring.

Medellin is really special. It’s not just changed its violent past; it’s actively embraced all its ugly parts to make something beautiful. So today, staying safe in Medellin is pretty damn easy.

But like every big city , and especially in Latin America, it’s no stranger to having its own safety problems. So, is Medellin safe for tourists these days?

Well, petty theft, traffic, and scams are all still a concern. And although it’s not something that should bother you as a tourist, of course, gangs will never be eradicated completely.

Of course, ‘narco-tourism’ is in play. And actually, you can see it and contribute towards Medellin’s ever-growing, healthy economy.

Whether you’re a solo female traveller or bringing your family, it is safe in Medellin. But we need to get the safety tips straight. Here’s your guide to staying safe in Medellin.

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, as things change quickly. The question of “Is Medellin Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on who you ask.

The information in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practice common sense, you will probably have a wonderful and safe trip to Medellin.

If you see any outdated information, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Otherwise, stay safe friends!

Updated April 2024

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Is it Safe to Visit Medellin Right Now?

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Yes! Medellin is safe to travel to. The city had a recorded 1,400,000 international visitors last 2022. Most of them had a relatively safe experience.

The second largest city in Colombia , visiting Medellin is definitely something I’d highly recommend to all sorts of travellers. Compared to its reputation in the 1980s, when it had one of the highest homicide rates in the world , Medellin is markedly safer these days. 

But you have to be careful while travelling. Street crime still exists, traffic is rather chaotic, and, although violent crime is increasingly uncommon, it’s no stranger to petty crime. 

Oh and then there are the earthquakes (which you’ll experience everywhere while backpacking Colombia ), and the flooding in the rainy season. Both can be pretty bad. Knowing what to do in a disaster situation makes Medellin one of the safest cities in South America.

Just like the safety in Colombia overall, Medellin’s has become a whole new person. In 1993, when Pablo Escobar was out of the picture, safety concerns started to turn around. Crime has pretty much plummeted in general and, in fact, Medellin is safer than many other cities in Latin America.

Alongside Medellin’s drug renaissance in the 80s/90s, there was also a Communist insurgency happening. And while FARC stopped being an armed group in 2017, not everyone on that side was happy. Dissidents are still active.

Gangs still operate in the city. Though there’s absolutely no reason for these to affect you as gang violence is typically inter-gang.

And let’s talk again about those earthquakes…

They’ve been INCREASING over the past few years. Usually, they’re barely a wobble, but researchers are worried that Medellin isn’t sufficiently prepared for a big one. Make sure you know the drill, therefore.

In conclusion, whilst Medellin is safe to visit right now, situations can change. Keep an eye on what’s going on in the city.

Check out our detailed  where to stay guide for Medellin so you can start your trip right!

When choosing where to stay in Medellin, a bit of research and caution is essential. You don’t want to end up in a sketchy area and ruin your trip. To help you out, I’ve listed the safest areas to visit in Medellin:

• El Poblado – One of Medellin’s main neighbourhoods, with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops; it is known for its lively night scene. There are large shopping malls and a ton of bars and clubs. It’s our top recommendation for where to stay in Medellin for nightlife or as a solo traveller. There’s also a strong police presence during the day and even at night. That means more security guards, more cameras, and less crime – at least on paper. 
• Laureles – Laureles may not be the most famous neighbourhood in Medellin, but it’s our recommendation for the safest place in Medellin. It’s quieter and more pedestrian friendly than other parts of the city while still being within easy reach of the hustle and bustle.
• Envigado – Sleep well in a peaceful and relatively safe place to stay in Medellin, Envigado has everything for comfort. Being more rural, a range of outdoor adventures are right on the doorstep. Look out for pickpocketing during the day but you should be pretty safe from gang related crimes. Just keep in mind, wandering off alone or going off the beaten track.

Places to avoid in Medellin

While the City of Eternal Spring is far from the most dangerous city in South America, it isn’t necessarily known to be the safest place to visit either. Always use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings.

Particularly after dark and late at night, nowhere is 100% safe here. When you arrive at your accommodation, ask the staff which areas are best to avoid. These people usually offer the most solid travel safety tips . 

Prado and the most historic district, El Centro (aka La Candelaria), become arguably the most desolate area of Medellin after dark . Commuters and cops leave the area and it becomes decidedly unsafe.

Although some of these places are also cool to visit during the day, these are places to avoid in Medellin for various reasons:

• Comuna 13, Parque Lleras (cool to visit but known for sex tourism)
• Parque de las Luces (NOT recommended after dark)
• Parque San Antonio (pickpockets)
• Prado (nice, but a hotspot for drugs)
• Parque Periodista
• Barrio Trinidad (this is where everyone goes to get drugs)
• and La Sierra

It’s important to know that all of the places can technically be visited. They just have a higher crime rate than others, but those crimes are usually not targeted towards tourists, besides petty theft. So these can become safer areas in Medellin for tourists to visit, too.

Keeping Your Money Safe in Medellin

One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.

The best solution? Get a money belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Medellin is no longer the crime hotspot in Pablo Escobar times. To its credit, it’s had a miraculous turnaround. From one of the most dangerous cities in the world to a modern and inviting hub, it’s a surprising change of fate.

BUT that doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe all the time. So here are some safety tips to help you stay safe in Medellin.

• Don’t walk around shady areas – Medellin is generally safe, but there are some areas to avoid. Don’t wander around after dark.
• Keep valuables close – and hide your money well – especially on public transport.
• Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/ currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt .
• Take taxis at night – and make sure they are official taxis. 
• Try to blend in – Don’t flaunt wealth. Look at what the locals are wearing. Weirdly, only tourists wear shorts in Medellin, too. 
• Don’t walk with your phone out – it’s an easy (and valuable) target for thieves.
• Watch out at ATMs – pay attention to your surroundings.
• Be aware of spiking – Always keep an eye on your drinks and food, and never accept cigarettes from strangers. 
• Take a good medical kit with you – you never know when you might need it!
• Plan your routes – looking like a lost tourist WILL make you more of a target for thieves.
• Be wary of overfriendly strangers – they’re more than likely trying to scam you .
• If someone wants your stuff, give it to them – It’s not worth it.
• Don’t look for drugs – Hey, I don’t want to be a killjoy, but drugs are the epicentre of Colombia’s dark past.
• Be careful during rainy season – Colombia has two: April-May and October-November.
• Know what to do in an earthquake – and check local news.
• Learn Spanish – at least a bit.
• Remember the national emergency number: 123

Basically, it’s all about travelling smart. Colombia isn’t the violent scourge of Latin America that many perceive it to be, but it’s a safe city for millions of people.

Yes! You can definitely travel to Medellin safely alone. 

But of course, travelling by yourself does put you at risk of being more of a target sometimes. Before you head out on your trip, here are some great tips to help you solo travel Medellin like a boss…

• Read reviews and research for the best hostels in Medellin . Staying somewhere social is good for making friends. Choosing a good, safe area will make getting around easy.
• Speaking some Spanish really is going to enhance your time . This will help with everything from reading bus timetables to getting the best recommendations, and to even…
• Make some travel buddies! There is safety in numbers and it fights the travel blues.
• Keep in touch with people back home . Let them know where you’ll be. At the very least, keep a new travel friend up-to-date.
• Get a SIM card . Maps, emergency contact, last-minute accommodation, etc.
• Don’t push yourself too much. You don’t need to burn yourself out.
• Know your limits – whether it’s drugs, alcohol, or a crazy, spontaneous motorbike adventure , know when to call it a day.

Surprisingly, it’s pretty safe in Medellin for solo travellers. Remember to pay attention to your surroundings, but if you’re not looking for trouble, it doesn’t come looking for you in Medellin.

Yes, Medellin is safe for solo female travellers – and lots of them come here. So the chance to meet cool people in this cool city is high.

Unfortunately, like most places in the world, you’re going to have to think about different safety aspects than many cis-male travellers, for example. And, like other Latin American countries, macho society still needs work in Medellin.

A few tips for travelling safely as a solo female in Medellin can’t hurt. Here we go:

• Check out reputable hostels for women . Get to know other female travellers, and share safety tips and stories. There are female-only dorms if you prefer. 
• Make friends with your hostel staff. They have all the best recommendations for cool (and safe!) places to go. 
• Free walking tours are good to get to know the city’s culture and knowing the dangerous areas to avoid.
• Ignore any catcalling. It’s not the time to break boundaries – walk on and don’t stress yourself out.
• DO NOT walk around by yourself at night time . I’ll say this to all men too – but for solo women, this is a no-no.
• Let me mention spiking again here. Keep an eye on your own drink and DON’T accept anything from strangers .
• Police will help tourists . So if you have a problem, anything from being lost to feeling like you’re being hassled, go and talk to the police.
• Use a body-tight bag – keep your belongings as close as possible.

Although Colombia has a reputation for being a macho society, it has pros and cons… This DOES mean more catcalls and comments. But it ALSO means that men look out for women. 

That said, solo women travellers in Medellin can be safe. It doesn’t mean watching over your shoulder every second, but it means staying aware of your surroundings.

Laureles is one of the safest and expat-friendly neighborhoods in Medellin. While it doesn’t offer that many attractions, it’s a great area to base yourself if you’re worried about security and getting a good nights sleep.

Yep! Medellin is safe to travel for families. In the City of Eternal Spring, the weather is GREAT – not too hot and too cold for your little ones. Perfect.

But yeah, I hear you parents: you need to know a little more than that to have a safe trip to Medellin with the kiddos.

Okay, so the city is not always easy to walk around. The pavements aren’t exactly top-notch. The drains are deep and the curbs are high, so prams or pushchairs are pretty out of the question. 

The metro is generally fine to take children on, but during rush hour things can get pretty hectic, making it not ideal. And, yeah, don’t expect things like child car seats in taxis. 

I don’t think I need to preach to the choir about finding solid, well-reviewed accommodation for the family. Airbnbs in Medellin are fairly priced and ideal for groups.

Aside from these things, Medellin IS safe for children. Your kids will probably be the centre of attention with the locals because Colombian people are all about family. The kids will be a great icebreaker and will allow you to meet even more friendly locals.

Driving is pretty hazardous in Medellin. Traffic gets bad, especially in El Poblado and El Centro. 

Motorbikes, big buses and taxi drivers seem to have little to no consideration for everyone. So, may the odds be ever in your favour. Even as a pedestrian, the roads take no mercy.

Since Medellin’s public transport is very good , I think this is the best option to get around safely. The Medellin Metro is the only one in the WHOLE of Colombia and it is a god-send. 

These have specific routes, and their own dedicated lanes, meaning traffic isn’t that much of a problem. Just watch out for pickpockets and rush hours.

There are public buses but you’ll need to speak Spanish to understand it . I advise caution using the bus at night. It’s probably best just to take a taxi.

Taxis ARE safe in Medellin … but make sure your taxi is legit. The company logo should be there and the license plate number should match up with the sticker in the windscreen. Have your accommodation call one or go to taxi ranks.

When you’re in busy areas of the city, it’s a good idea to lock the doors. And to keep yourself extra safe, call someone while riding in the cab (or pretend to) and give the license plate number – so the taxi driver understands that someone else knows where you are. 

Better yet… Uber is safe in Medellin .

In fact, Uber has a good reputation for being particularly safe in Medellin. There’s none of the usual taxi hassle (i.e. being overcharged) and you won’t have to worry about having the right small bills to pay the driver since you pay in-app.

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to Medellin without…

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

Yesim stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travellers.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Medellin.

Is Medellin safe at night?

No, Medellin is not safe at night, especially for solo travellers and females. If possible, stay inside after dark or stick with a large group.

Is Medellin safe for tourists?

Yes, Medellin is safe for tourists as long as they stick to the rules and respect the culture. Being aware of your surroundings is a must in Medellin, no matter where you are. Unless you’re actively looking for trouble, you shouldn’t have a problem in Medellin.

Is it safe to walk around Medellin?

Walking around during the day in Medellin is safe. Stick to the touristy areas and you’ll be perfectly fine unless you wander off alone into small side streets. We wouldn’t recommend walking around at night in Medellin.

What is the safest area to stay in Medellin?

El Poblado is the safest and best area to stay in Medellin. It’s filled with expats, great restaurants, a lively nightlife scene and plenty of affordable accommodation. This doesn’t mean that you can drop all caution. Keep your eyes open no matter where you are and watch your belongings to add another level of safety to your trip.

No dar papaya ( don’t give papaya) is a phrase famous in pretty much all of Colombia. The meaning is basically: “don’t put yourself in a situation where you will be vulnerable.” And that is how I sum up the safety of Medellin.

Medellin has quite literally come up leaps and bounds in the last few years. From being a city practically run by drug lords, to one that’s winning awards. It’s honestly mental.

Gangs and street crime do still exist though. The best way to stay safe in Medellin is to basically not give papaya i.e. put yourself in a dangerous position. Don’t walk around at night in certain areas, don’t get in a taxi with a sketchy-looking driver, don’t talk to that over-friendly stranger, don’t buy drugs; these situations can be easily avoided.

Stick to safe areas, get taxis (or better yet – Ubers) after dark, and make friends with other people exploring this cool city at the same time you are. Keep your wits about you, trust your gut, don’t make yourself vulnerable, and you’re bound to have an AMAZING TIME in this beautiful city.

Looking for more info on traveling to Medellin?

• Let me help you choose where to stay in Medellin
• Swing by one of these fabulous festivals
• Don’t forget to add an epic national park to your itinerary
• Check out my favorite Airbnbs in the centre of all the action
• Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Medellin travel guide!

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Share or save this post

Obvious thing not pointed out is that thieves are attracted to money . Where’s the money ? Poblado and Laureles. Most dangerous places ? Poblado and Laureles

If you don’t know Spanish don’t be walking around outside the busy tourist areas at night. Keep your phone in your front pocket. Avg daily wage is $10. The streets of Poblado are overflowing with Venezuelan immigrants without jobs selling crappy cocaine

I have been solo traveling Colombia by motorcycle for 2 years with one year spent in Medellin

Most dangerous places in Colombia for tourists is easily Cartagena and Santa Marta

I’ve visited Medellin five times this year it’s safe unless you’re stupid but if that’s the case United States isn’t safe if you’re stupid

God Bless to whoever is involved with this great website. It truly makes me feel like I’ve been there already. I was nervous about Medellin but after reading this page I feel like I have the confidence of a lion. Great information thank you

What do you mean by “down that beer”?; finish it up? I’m asking because the translation you posted doesn’t make much sense to me. I’m colombian. Otherwise, very good article! Thank you

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Medellín Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Medellín is the most popular city in Colombia (maybe even South America). It’s a hot spot for digital nomads and remote workers, expats, and travelers who come to backpack Medellín as they travel through Colombia.

Set in the Aburrá Valley, Medellín has a temperate year-round climate that makes it one of the fastest-growing cities in Colombia. It’s full of skyscrapers and high-rise apartments against a backdrop of stunning mountain peaks.

It also has enough activities to fill weeks on end: microbreweries, museums, walking tours, parks, street art, food tours and markets, and incredible nightlife. It has a festival of flowers, hosts the annual giant fashion conference Colombiamoda , and hosts multiple arts festivals throughout the year — from salsa and flamenco to poetry, photography, and more!

After two decades, the city is finally shedding its shady cartel past that made it the most dangerous in the world. Today, the public transportation system is comprehensive, the city is tech-forward, and everyone is optimistic about the future. It’s no surprise so many expats move it!

This travel guide to Medellín will help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you stay safe as you explore this amazing destination!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Medellín

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Medellín

1. Visit the Botero sculptures

Fernando Botero is probably the most famous Colombian artist. The largest collection of sculptures is in his birthplace of Medellín, 23 of which are scattered around Plaza Botero. Some of his most admired pieces include “The Hand,” “Roman Soldier,” and “Man on Horseback.”

2. Learn to salsa

I know when it comes to salsa in Colombia, Cali is king, but Medellín is close behind it. You can’t come to Medellín and not take at least one salsa class, especially since most bars in the El Poblado area have free salsa and bachata classes. Whatever night of the week you want to go out, there’s a free class somewhere!

3. Ride the cable car to Parque Arvi

Parque Arvi is a nearby park outside the city connected by a gondola. It’s a scenic ride with stunning views of the city, and it costs around 16,000 COP round-trip. There’s a food market at the top, and the park itself has hiking trails through a eucalyptus forest and along lakes and lookout points.

4. Day trip to Guatapé

A trip to the colorful town of Guatapé is a must. It’s just a few hours away via bus so it can easily be done in a day, either on the public bus or as part of a tour. At El Peñól, climb the 740 steps to admire the view of the region. If you can, stay a night.

5. Tour La Sierra

The La Sierra barrio walking tour takes you completely off the beaten path, up into the hills of Medellín on a tour of the barrios (neighborhoods). A tour with La Sierra Tours costs 150,000 COP, and proceeds go towards a soup kitchen that feeds local school children.

Other Things to See and Do in Medellín

1. tour of comuna 13.

This is the most popular tour in Medellín. Comuna 13 is one of the most vibrant and colorful of all of the comunas in Medellín, thanks to the street art you see everywhere. Previously, this was one of the most dangerous areas in the city but became a popular hotspot thanks to its outdoor escalators and public cable cars. A tour around Comuna 13 costs anything from 30,000-90,000 COP. There are some free tours too, or you can wander here on your own. It’s safe during the day but don’t wander around on your own at night.

2. Visit the Memory House Museum

Skip the controversial Pablo Escobar tour and visit the Museo Casa Memoria instead. This museum beautifully and sensitively captures the stories and memories from the armed conflict. Here they share stories of real people, and it gives you insight into what life was really like living in the most dangerous city in the world. You may notice that in general Colombians don’t want to talk about the “troubles” — they prefer to look forward instead, so it can be hard to understand what the average Colombian has lived through. This museum brings that difficult past to life so you can better understand the city and its people. Admission is free and they run tours in English on Tuesdays and Fridays.

3. Wander Parque Lleras

Located right in the center of the gringo hotspot of Poblado, this park is full of people all day and night. There are street vendors, food sellers, musicians, and people drinking well into the early hours of the morning. It’s a good spot to people watch and hang out.

4. Visit Pueblito Paisa

It’s a little bit cheesy, but admission is free so if you find yourself with some spare time visit Nutibarra Hill (Cerro Nutibarra). Here you’ll find a replica of a typical turn-of-the-century Antioquia town. It’s a fun way to peek into Colombia’s past. Because it is located upon one of the hills in the middle of the Aburrá Valley, it offers sweeping views of Medellín and the surrounding area too.

5. Dance the night away on a Chiva

A Chiva is a party bus. It’s a very Colombian thing to do, and if you get the chance, you should embrace the chaos and party Colombian style. The main Chiva season is December when many workplaces hire a Chiva for their “office party.” It is also very common for hostels to organize Chivas for backpackers. Most Chivas have only a few seats on one side, lots of flashing lights, and maybe a pole or two. They take you on a very slow tour of Medellín while you dance and drink on the bus. The bus normally makes a few stops so you can use the bathroom, buy more booze, or continue dancing in a nearby bar.

6. Visit the Museo de Arte Moderno

The Museum of Modern Art, located in a refurbished industrial building, is an awesome work of art in itself. It’s an enormous building of concrete and metal meant to resemble the city’s barrios that keep building up into the hillsides. Many people have a love-hate relationship with modern art (it’s not my personal favorite) but even I enjoyed my visit here. The collection is small, but there’s also a beautiful photography section on the bottom floor.

7. Go paragliding

For those seeking adventure, Medellín is the perfect location for paragliding , with several tour companies operating in the mountains just outside Medellín. A basic tandem flight costs 250,000 COP and lasts 15 minutes (you can pay extra for a longer flight though). If you add in door-to-door transportation, it’s 375,000 COP per person (with discounts available if you’re a group).

8. Take a tour to a coffee farm

If you aren’t planning a trip to the Coffee Region of Colombia (the area between the three cities of Manizales, Pereira, and Armenia), then Medellín has a lot of coffee farms within an hour’s drive from the city that you can visit. Most of the farms that run tours are small family-run coffee producers who subsidize their income by providing tours. Tours start from 189,000 COP. Go with either Expedition Colombia or head to La Casa Grande Hacienda for a tour.

9. Enjoy the café culture

Over the past few years, a multitude of hip cafés have opened up across Medellín, mostly in the areas favored by digital nomads and expats (Laureles, El Poblado, and Envigado). Although Colombia is well known worldwide for its coffee, most of the best coffee has traditionally always been exported. This meant that until a few years ago most Colombians didn’t actually drink their own homegrown coffee. This is rapidly changing though, and you can get some fantastic specialty coffee in Medellín.

10. Tour a cacao farm

Taking a tour of a cacao farm is similar to visiting a coffee farm: you learn about the process of how chocolate is made, from seed to chocolate bar. You also learn from the farmers about how they came to farm cacao. Many of them were farming illegal drugs, and as part of a government initiative, they took a grant to start farming cacao instead (this is one of the many government programs working to clean up the country). Tours start at 75,000 COP per person.

11. Visit Minorista Market

Opened in 1984, the Minorista Market is a daily market where you’ll find the widest selection of fruit I’ve ever seen. It can be a little tricky to get to if you aren’t used to the colectivos (crowded public buses), but if you can find a few friends to share a taxi or Uber, it’s just a few COP each. You’ll also find fresh meat, seafood, and clothing here, as well as bars and restaurants if you want to sit back and take in the scene.

12. Eat your way around Mercado Del Río

Mercado Del Río is a trendy gastronomic market where you can eat some of the best food in the city. The market has an informal atmosphere, good wine, beer from around the world, and lots of restaurants serving small dishes made for sharing. It is more expensive than eating on the street, but it’s not expensive considering the quality of the food and drink. Bring an appetite!

13. Explore Jardín Botánico

The botanical gardens offer a quiet retreat from the noise and chaos of the city. They also host numerous events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. Spanning over 34 acres, the garden is home to around 4,500 flowers and more than 139 different bird species. There’s also a nice (if not overpriced) restaurant in the center if you feel like spending more time here relaxing and taking in the scene.

14. See a soccer game

Soccer (fútbol) is religion here and, if there are games when you’re here, you should really try to see one. Medellín has two local teams: Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín. Supporters of each team occupy bleachers at opposing ends of the stadium since things tend to get rowdy and violent when they are near each other. Tickets are under 40,000 COP.

15. Wander the Cementerio Museo de San Pedro

Built in 1842, this cemetery is also a museum where you can see the monuments and graves of many famous Colombians, including novelist Jorge Isaacs and former Colombian Presidents Carlos Eugenio Restrepo and Mariano Ospina Rodríguez. There are a lot of large marble mausoleums and statues here. Keep an eye out for special events such as midnight tours and movie nights. The cemetery is small, but it’s also close to the botanical gardens so you can do both one after the other. It’s free to visit.

16. Visit a microbrewery

There is a big craft beer scene in Colombia, and Medellín has over 30 breweries and microbreweries. Some of my favorites include 3 Cordilleras, Cerveza Premium Apóstol, Medellín Beer Factory, and 20 Mission Cerveza. I highly recommend visiting a couple while you’re in the city.

  For more information on other cities in Colombia, check out these guides:

• Bogotá Travel Guide
• Cali Travel Guide
• Cartagena Travel Guide
• Santa Marta Travel Guide

Medellín Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Dorm rooms with 4-6 beds cost around 35,000 COP per night, while dorms with 8 beds or more cost closer to 20,000 COP. Medellín has a lot of higher-end hostels as well, with some dorms costing as much as 72,000 COP per night. A private room costs from about 60,000 COP per night for two people, although most are between 85,000-150,000 COP. Free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities are standard and some hostels also include free breakfast.

Budget hotel prices – Two-star hotels start at 60,000 COP per night but average closer to 90,000 COP per night. Most budget hotels include free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.

Airbnb is another affordable option here, with private rooms starting at 50,000 COP per night (though they average around 80,000 COP). An entire home/apartment costs around 280,000 COP per night.

Food – Colombian food is a blend of indigenous, Caribbean, and European traditions. While ingredients and popular dishes vary by region, common staples include maize, potato, cassava, rice, and all kinds of tropical fruit (dragon fruit, papaya, guava, passionfruit). Fried plantains, chicken soup, tamales, empanadas, meat pies, and roasted piglet are just some of the delicious popular dishes you’ll encounter.

If you’re on a budget, stick to cheap eats like arepa, empanada, and bandeja paisa (a hearty meal of pork, rice, beef, fried egg, plantain, and more). Also try the mondongo, a traditional tripe soup. It comes with a ton of side dishes (including giant avocados). You can usually find these for just a few thousand pesos.

In fact, traditional food in Medellín is so affordable that it’s often more expensive to eat at a fast-food spot like McDonald’s, which costs around 20,000 COP for a combo meal (compared to just 16,000 COP for a meal at a local restaurant serving traditional cuisine).

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 40,000 COP.

A beer at the bar costs around 8,000 COP while buying it at a store is half that price. A latte/cappuccino is around 4,900 COP.

Some of my favorite places to eat in Medellín include Mondongo, Carmen, Mercado del Rio, 20 Mission, Pergamino Café, Hatoviejo, and 37 Park.

OXXO stores are a great place to stock up on snacks and alcohol — most are open 24 hours. For a week’s worth of groceries, expect to pay around 90,000 COP for basic staples like rice, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, and some meat and cheese.

Backpacking Medellín Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Medellín, my suggested budget is 115,000 COP. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking some meals and eating cheap street food, taking the bus to get around, limiting your drinking, and sticking to mostly free or cheap activities like free walking tours.

On a mid-range budget of about 235,000 COP, you can stay in a budget hotel or private Airbnb, eat out for all your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take some guided tours, and do more paid activities like visiting museums or doing a food tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 500,000 COP per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in COP.

Medellín Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Medellín is super affordable if you stick to eating local street food, stay in dorm rooms, and use public transportation. However, it’s also easy to splash out here on the delicious food and the lively nightlife. Here are some ways to help you save money during your visit:

• Take a free walking tour – There are plenty of free walking tours available, which make for a great introduction to the city. This is the best (and cheapest) way to explore while getting a detailed overview of the city and its culture and history. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – While accommodation is cheap here, staying with a local via Couchsurfing makes it free. Not only do you save some money, but you get firsthand knowledge from a local who can share their insider tips and advice with you!
• Cook your own meals – While eating out isn’t too expensive here, if you’re on a budget it is cheaper if you cook your own meals. Head to a local grocery store and save your budget!
• Don’t stay in Poblado – Poblado is where all the Westerners/expats live. That means food and accommodation in this area is going to cost more, so avoid staying here if you’re on a budget.
• Pack a water bottle – The tap water here is safe so bring a water bottle with you to avoid buying single-use plastic. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw , which has built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Medellín

There are a few areas in Medellín that are popular with backpackers, tourists, and expats alike. Laureles and the Estadium areas are very safe, have good nightlife, have more greenery, and feel a bit less “touristy.” El Poblado and Envigado are the most popular areas to stay in for tourists and backpackers (but also a bit pricier).

Here are some of my recommended places to stay in Medellín:

• Los Patios Hostel Boutique
• Sugar Cane Hostel
• Hostel Rango Boutique
• The Wandering Paisa Backpackers Hostel
• The Black Sheep Hostel

How to Get Around Medellín

Public transportation – The main method of public transportation is the Metro. It’s reliable, cheap, quick, and easy to use. You can pay per ride, which costs 2,500 COP. The Metro consists of two rail lines, five cable car lines, a tramcar line, and some buses that connect to Metro stations.

If you are planning on staying in Medellín for a while, it’s worth getting a Cívica card (metro card). If you are only in town for a few days it’s probably not worth it, as there are a lot of forms to fill out and the queue can take over two hours sometimes.

Local buses are referred to as colectivos. While the Metro is easy and efficient to use, the colectivos are the complete opposite. If you need to colectivo somewhere, it is best to ask a local to help you as there are no maps or timetables. The colectivos have a fixed price which you can see on the front of the bus.

Bike – Medellín has public city bikes (EnCicla) available to use for free for one hour at a time. After that, you get charged for the time used. The catch is that the registration process is a bit annoying. You need to get a Metro/Cívica card (lots of form filling and waiting in line), then once you have your Metro card, you need to go online and complete more forms. It takes three working days to be processed. Then you need to go to an office to finish off the process. It is quite a bit of work, and the pass is only valid for one week.

Taxi – Taxis are cheap and relatively safe in Medellín. Although it is ok to flag down a taxi in the street, it is advisable, especially at night, to use an app like Tapsi or Easy Taxi. They work just like Uber although they won’t charge your card, so you need to pay cash. It is by far the safest way to take a taxi if you need one, and the taxi is metered. A base charge is about 4,650 COP and then 3,925 COP per kilometer.

Although Uber is not legal in Colombia it is widely used and considered as safe as using Tapsi or Taxi Fast. If you need to make any longer journeys, Uber is generally a bit cheaper, but more expensive for longer journeys. So it is worth checking all three apps for pricing differences.

When to Go to Medellín

Medellín doesn’t really have seasons so there is no bad time to visit. It is known as the city of eternal spring because the climate feels like spring all year round. It rains often, but mostly through the night, and rarely for more than an hour or so. Expect cool mornings, hot days, and mild evenings. The temperature averages somewhere between 16-25°C (62-78°F) most of the time.

Christmas in Medellín is magical, as lights completely cover the city in the most festive display you have ever seen. There are festivals, lanterns, concerts, parties, and Christmas markets galore.

The other great time to visit is in August during the Feria de Las Flores (Festival of Flowers). This is a weeklong festival with the highlight being the world-famous parade of silleteros, a huge parade of flowers that comes through Medellín carried by flower vendors. People from all over Colombia travel to Medellín during this time and the city fills up so be sure to book your accommodation in advance if you want to attend.

How to Stay Safe in Medellín

Safety is often one of the biggest concerns for people when planning a trip to Medellín. Once the world’s most dangerous city, it still has somewhat of a bad reputation for those who are only familiar with the city’s past.

Fortunately, things have improved dramatically here over the years. However, theft is still very common. They have a common saying in Colombia, “No dar papaya.” This translates to “don’t give papaya.” What it really means is don’t give anyone the chance to steal your stuff — because someone probably will!

That means no walking around with your phone out, never keeping anything in your pockets (especially when on public transport), and always keeping hold of your bag.

If you are eating out, keep your backpack on your lap or place your foot or a chair leg through your strap. It is very common for someone to do a bag swap (meaning they swap their empty bag for yours) so keep your bag secure at all times.

You should also use caution when withdrawing money from an ATM. Avoid the ATMs on the street if possible and go into the bank to use the ATM. That way you can put your money away discreetly without being watched.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here. There’s a lot so keep an eye out!

Look for hotels or hostels with 24-hour security. You always want someone around in case you need assistance.

Avoid drug tourism. The drugs cartels have crippled this country so it’s really disrespectful. Also, doing drugs here is illegal and you don’t want to end up in a Colombian prison!

There are a few no-go areas in the city, but as a tourist, you shouldn’t ever find yourself accidentally wandering into one of these areas. As a general rule, don’t walk around the downtown area at night. Stick to Laureles and El Poblado for nights out, and if you are on your own, it is always safer to be in a taxi than walk. Use one of the taxi apps so you know who your driver is.

If you experience an emergency and need assistance, dial 123.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Colombia, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Medellín Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Medellín Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Colombia and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in Bogotá: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Medellín: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Is Colombia Safe to Visit?

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Colombia?

14 Things to Do in Medellín (and the ONE thing NOT to do!)

My 21 Favorite Places to Visit in Colombia

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Medellín Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do, and More

Looking for travel adventure, eats, and endless experience in a perfect urban mountain metropolis? Medellín, Colombia should be high on your list. Medellín is almost always between 63 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit. In Colombia, the weather is dictated by elevation rather than location. With its borders both above and below the equator, the country remains hot n’ steamy at sea-level Cartagena, cool on Bogotá’s plateau high in the Andes Mountains, and, not unlike the best of Goldilocks’ burglary, Medellín is juuust right, tucked into the Aburrá Valley under mountains that keep the warm air in and the rain out.

Where to Stay

What to eat, how to save money on your trip.

There are almost endless places to visit, view, and eat under the Medellín sun. Colorful homes line up next to colonial hotels, modern museums, and swanky hotels . Music adds spice to the air, as do grilling meats and the lights that splash across the evening. After you’re done with consumption, the city offers an abundance of urban retreats. Swim, hike, fly across the sky via this Manual guide.

(*Speaking of flying, a State Department Advisory warns that there is still a pandemic and it hasn’t missed Colombia. Like many places, however, new cases have dropped precipitously since the third wave of the pandemic has ebbed. Proof of COVID-19 is required for travel to the country.)

There are a number of wonderful neighborhoods to explore in Medellín. To find the best place to stay in is to choose between the various barrios, likely between the La Laureles and Poblado larger districts.

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With over 300 neighborhoods to choose from, visitors should start with the handful where most expats and visitors begin. These include, but are not limited to Central Laureles, Northeastern Laureles, Central Poblado, Lower Poblado, and La Florida, Poblado.

Marquee Medellín

Here’s all the Marquee has to offer: Panoramic views of the city, soothing dark brown walls under a warm light color scheme that brings out a stunning collision of modern chic and Old World charm in a snappy downstairs bar. On the rooftop is the requisite sleek outdoor swimming pool and view out over Medellín. And when you’re ready to feast, head to the Marquee Restaurant for a solid selection of Colombian chef-designed meals.

The Marquee is situated in the heart of Parque Lleras and the crowded, popular El Poblado neighborhood. International flights to Medellín land at José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), which is situated in the city of Rionegro, approximately 13.5 miles east of the Marquee Medellín.

Terra Biohotel

How about contributing a positive impact to your environmental stamp on Medellín in a hotel designed for comfort and sustainability ? The Terra Biohotel instituted an intelligent use of resources to create a pleasant environment where you and the planet can breathe more comfortably.

From lush vertical gardens to solar-powered heating, you won’t find a more eco-friendly hotel in Medellín. Ask for one of the upper-floor rooms, and you can look down from your balcony to the city’s spectacular spread. And head out from Terra to the tree-lined Conquistadores neighborhood, one of the Medellín city center’s greener spots, with iconic Nutibara Hill just a couple of blocks away. Terra Biohotel sits 15 miles east of the José María Córdova International Airport.

There are plenty of fruit and veggies , Paisa, food from the Antioquia region (of which Medellín is the capital), is heavy and laden with meats, sausage, beans, eggs, and rice. It’s not nearly as spicy as you’ll find food in Mexico to be and there’s also plenty of sweet to go along with the savory, combining to create a pleasant combo.

• “$” = budget-friendly or cheap
• “$$”= average
• “$$$”= expensive

At Carmen, you’ll get to try innovative Colombian cuisine in a lush setting lined with plants & trees. Accolade after accolade assures that gastronomes need to find their way to Carmen.

Run by an American-Colombian couple (both Cordon Bleu chefs), Carmen’s menu melds Colombian flavors with a strong Californian influence. Revel in innovative meat and flavor combos like tamarind pork belly or in fresh fish swimming in sweet sauce.

At Carmen, diners have various eating areas to choose from. An elegant, naturally lit dining room overlooks an open kitchen and greenery outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. Step outside of this 1950s retro ambiance into the verdant garden to dine in the conservatory.

Best for lunch and dinner; $$$.

Browse the Menu

For a more Continental take on typical Colombian food in El Poblado, you can’t miss Ocio. Modern European influences give old school Colombian dishes new life. influences such as the amazing Chicharron.

Parisian trained chef Laura Londoño partners with her husband Santiago Arango to bring fresh-picked, slow-cooked delights like pork belly salad, beef braised for 12 hours, and irresistible ‘Tres Leches’ for dessert.

The cherry on top? There are 1980s tunes always overhead and a select wine and cocktail list in front to enjoy a meal with no pretense.

Best for dinner; $$.

The city abounds with parks, public spaces, cafes, libraries, museums, and walking the vibrant streets, much of it accessible by outdoor escalators and public cable cars . In the City of Eternal Spring, flowers have their own fairs, colors and art abound amidst a green space that leads up to forests dotted by small village life and surrounding nature reserves.

Enjoy the Café Culture

Though Colombia is the best place in the world to grow coffee , it was difficult to find a cup of Colombian coffee in Medellín a decade ago. Most of the country’s best coffee has been exported, so until a few years ago, most Colombians didn’t actually drink their own homegrown brew. This, however, is now changing for the better and you can find some fantastic local coffee in the city.

This couldn’t be more true than the endearing Café Aroma del Barrio. The heart of the infamous Comuna 13 neighborhood was once a no-go zone but now has turned into an artistic and entrepreneurial hub. Here at the Aroma del Barrio, the baristas here know how to whip up some of the best cappuccinos, limonada de coco (coconut limeade), and other quality coffee drinks Medellín has to offer. The tiny places numerous local and international visitors, a list which includes former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

Explore Parque Arvi

Looking to fly in Medellín (or at least be carted up a steep green mountain flank)?

Parque Arvi is worth a visit to get the flavor of the outdoors surrounding the springtime city. Take the gondola right from the subway to the park’s entrance and get a wonderful vista of the city’s hills, descending valleys, and cityscape.

Parque Arvi spans 16,000 hectares and includes over 1,500-year-old trails. At the park entrance, you can stop in for supplies at a small market and use the place as a launching place for a self-guided or tour-guided walk. It costs 5,000 to 7,000 Colombian pesos ($1.50-$2.25) depending on the trail (most trails are 2-4km long).

Visit dozens of different bird and butterfly species along the way.

View the Park

First, a word: You do need to take care in Colombia as it is the gateway between two continents. This means opportunity for crime as people and goods flow through maybe the most biodiverse nation in the world. Medellín is like most other places: Be mindful of where you go, what you do, and where you stay.

That being said, saving money in Medellín is as easy as traveling there. The American dollar goes very far compared to Colombian pesos. Be mindful of that when deciding on where to spend your money. If you can have an incredible time and contribute to the local economy, all the better.

Experiences

Medellín is large, so you’ll find the need for transportation to many places. Taxis and semi-legal Uber rides will cost you, but when you get to your destination, there’s often plenty to be experienced around you. Save money by taking a walking tour of any of the neighborhoods. There’s no shortage of free or cheap tours.

Real City Walking Tours , for example, offers an excellent free tour and an informative introduction to the city. You’ll get a lot of good tips, and the guides are great people. Be sure to tip when the tour wraps up!

Selina Medellin sits in the heart of the hip Provenza neighborhood and is surrounded by culinary hotspots, buzzing bars, and authentic coffee shops. Selina Hostel is not the cheapest, but it is the perfect location from which to launch your Medellín adventure. There’s a range of accommodations options to suit every travel budget. Included are coworking space, a nice bar and cafe, a wellness area to practice yoga, and even a rooftop music studio.

This curated programming stretches into art, photography, and cooking alongside a melting pot of people from around the world. You can even dance away long evenings with local DJs spinning electronic music late into the night.

Vehicle Rentals

Localiza has some of the best deals as the most reputable local agency, renting cars for about $30/day. Others like Alamo and Enterprise are also available.

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Tucked in a remote corner of southwest Texas, chiseled mountain peaks meet the bone-dry Chihuahuan Desert in the vast wilderness of Big Bend National Park. Adventure comes in many forms in this 1,252-square-mile reserve. You can hike to the top of lofty peaks, go paddling on the Rio Grande River, soak in hot springs, and observe wildlife amid the park’s diverse habitats. Beyond the park, there are ghost towns to visit, scenic drives to experience, and magnificent night skies to admire. In fact, the stargazing is so impressive that Big Bend was named an International Dark Sky Park back in 2012. Given the logistical challenges of getting here, you’ll want to stick around a while to make the most of your stay.

Here's what you need to know on where to find the best that Big Bend National Park has to offer. The Lay of the Land Photo by Robbie, licensed under Creative Commons, and made available by Flickr Image used with permission by copyright holder

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Why Has the U.S. Issued Level 3 Travel Warnings Against These Popular Countries?

• Travel News

Reconsider travel to two Caribbean nations.

Colombia has climbed the charts for U.S. travelers. It’s a gorgeous escape with beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture. The city of Medellin, which was once ravaged by violence, has seen homicide rates drop in the years since Pablo Escobar’s death, and it has become popular with tourists.

However, the South American country still makes news for all the wrong reasons—organized crime, drug cartels, robbery, kidnappings, and homicides. In March, a British tourist was killed by muggers while he was hiking in Medellin. In March 2020, two U.S. soldiers were drugged and robbed in Bogota. The same year, a Swiss and a Brazilian were kidnapped and then rescued in the country. Colombian cities are among the riskiest in the world, and travelers should take notice, according to the recent advisory by the U.S. Department of State.

Related: Multiple Travel Warnings Have Just Been Issued Against This State

Reconsider Travel

On May 11, 2023, the State Department updated its Colombia travel advisory to Level 3: Reconsider Travel. “Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas.”

Terrorism is a major concern, according to the department, and high-profile events, hotels, shopping centers, and public transportation systems can be attacked. Travelers have also been drugged with the incapacitating drug scopolamine and assaulted; victims have been targeted in bars or through dating apps. Muggings, pickpocketing, ATM frauds, and robberies in taxis are also possible threats.

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Some areas have received a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning, including the Colombia-Venezuela border. “The Colombia-Venezuela border is not clearly marked, and U.S. citizens should not go near the border due to the risk of crossing into Venezuela accidentally and being detained for illegal entry.” The U.S. government has limited resources in Venezuela and might not be able to offer emergency services.

Related: Forget Cartagena, Explore This Untouched Colombian City

Other Countries Chime In

It’s not just the U.S. State Department that’s encouraging people to be extremely careful in Colombia . The U.K. specifies areas to avoid in Colombia and warns travelers about crime, terrorist attacks, and protests. Canada recommends a high degree of caution and asks its citizens to avoid all travel to border areas. The Australian government also advises travelers to exercise a high level of caution in Colombia due to crime and terrorism. 

Governments are highlighting the frequency of violent crimes, kidnappings, petty crimes, demonstrations, terrorism, fraud, and drugging. If you are traveling to Colombia, pre-book your transportation, stay in hotels with security, don’t resist robbery attempts, don’t walk alone or hail cabs from the streets, and don’t leave your things unattended.

Advisory for Jamaica 

Another country that received a Level 3: Reconsider Travel warning is Jamaica . The Caribbean island nation has a high murder rate, and the State Department says that sexual assaults, robberies, home invasions, and homicides can occur, even at all-inclusive resorts. The advisory claims that authorities don’t effectively investigate crimes, and emergency services aren’t up to U.S. standards. 

“The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica has for several years been among the highest in the Western Hemisphere,” the advisory states. In fact, last year Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared a state of emergency in nine out of 14 parishes to curb violence.

If you decide to travel to Jamaica, make sure you enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Programme (STEP) and stay vigilant. Check the list of parishes that are on the Do Not Travel radar and avoid these high-risk areas completely.

Related: How to Take a Road Trip to Jamaica’s Lesser Known Gems

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Medellin Travel Tips: A Guide to Visiting Medellin, Colombia

If you’re planning a trip to Colombia, then it’s more than likely you’ll be heading to Medellin, one of the most visited cities in the country. If you’ve landed on this page whilst researching the city, then we hope you’ll find everything you want to know prior to visiting Medellin in this travel tips post.

This guide aims to answer every question you might have, such as how to get to Medellin and get around the city, where to stay and eat, how to stay safe, the best time to visit and how many days you should plan to spend there.

If you’d like to see what we got up to in the city, then make sure to watch our dedicated  Medellin video  on our  YouTube channel . For more Colombia videos check out our  Colombia Series .

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but it will help us to keep this site up and running! Learn more about our affiliate policy.

Table of Contents

Introducing Medellin, Colombia

Medellin is located in the Aburrá Valley, over 400 km northwest of the country’s capital, Bogotá . Due to an elevation of 1,495 m (4,905 ft) above sea level, the city enjoys mild temperatures all year-round. For this reason, Medellin is often called the City of Eternal Spring.

With a population of over 2.5 million people, Medellin is Colombia’s second most populous city. It was founded in 1616 by Francisco de Herrera Campuzano under the name San Lorenzo de Aburrá. The name was changed again before the city became officially known as Medellin.

Located on the main route between Bogota and the Caribbean Coast, Medellin became an important transport hub in the 20th century. During this time, it also became a major centre for coffee production.

Unfortunately, between the 1970’s and 1990’s, drug-related violence and crime increased dramatically in Medellin. Since the 1990’s, the city has undergone a massive transformation, and in 2013 it won the Urban Land Institute’s Innovative City of the Year Award.

Today, Medellin is one of the most popular cities to visit in Colombia . In recent years, it’s also become a favoured hub for digital nomads and remote workers.

Is Medellin Safe to Visit?

Safety is one of the questions travellers always have, especially when it comes to countries like Colombia.

There’s no denying that Medellin has had a very troubled past, and that it used to be a city people would avoid. However, Medellin has undergone huge positive transformations, and safety in the city has improved massively.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It is still a huge city with some best-to-avoid areas. We’ve heard and read stories about many petty crimes happening in the city. There are also some scary and violent stories on the internet. Despite this, Medellin is considered one of the best digital nomad cities in South America , with plenty of foreigners staying in the city for longer periods.

Top Medellin Travel Tip. We never go anywhere without travel insurance, so make sure to buy one prior to your visit too. There are many different companies out there offering varying levels of cover depending on your needs. We personally use  SafetyWing , who offer a high level of coverage at a much more affordable price than most other insurers.

Crime Related Medellin Travel Tips

• Follow the  ‘no dar papaya’  rule, which means don’t make yourself a target for crime.
• Don’t walk alone at night. Places like La Candelaria/El Centro can become unsafe after dark, so pre-book a taxi or get an Uber instead.
• Be extra vigilant in busy plazas, bus terminals and on public transportation. Keep your valuables hidden where possible and wear your backpack on your front just like the locals.
• Phone snatching is probably the most common type of theft you might encounter. Make sure not to walk out of a building with your phone in your hand. Instead, look where you have to go before you leave a building so you won’t look lost.
• Try to avoid using public transportation during rush hours. It’ll be super crowded and you’re more likely to get pickpocketed. We used  money belts  to store our cash and travel cards and always felt more secure with these on.
• We recommend having a physical SIM card or an eSIM so you have a local phone number with 4G coverage. For an eSIM you can use  Airalo , which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone.
• Make sure to also have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark , which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 
• Research and book your accommodation in safer neighbourhoods, so you don’t have to worry about your belongings when you’re out exploring.

Health and Safety Related Medellin Travel Tips

One thing you want to avoid on your holiday is getting sick, especially in a foreign country where you might not even speak the language. Here are a few of our personal health and safety related tips to reduce the risk of getting ill or injured during your trip. For more official information, check out Colombia-specific health advice from the  National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) .

• Drinking tap water in many big cities in Colombia is considered safe. However, it can still upset your stomach if you’re not used to it. We recommend using a filtered bottle such as  WaterWell , or buying bigger bottles of water and filling up a reusable water bottle, if you’re concerned.
• Don’t take drugs or talk about Pablo Escobar. This is a very sensitive topic and people don’t want this to be the main reason tourists visit the country. Under the influence of drugs you’re also more vulnerable and an easy target.
• Don’t leave your food or drink unattended, especially in bars at night, to avoid getting spiked.
• There are many pharmacies in Medellin where you can buy medicine, so only bring your prescribed medication and some basic painkillers.
• Don’t flush toilet paper down the toilet because it can block the system.
• Make sure to watch where you’re going otherwise you may end up in a random hole with a twisted ankle. More than anywhere else we’ve been in  South America , Colombia is just full of pavements with uncovered manholes.
• Protests can happen on short notice, which can impact roads and transportation. Make sure to check the local news for up-to-date information.

Can You Use English in Medellin?

The official language in Colombia is Spanish. Generally speaking, in big cities like Medellin there very likely will be some people who speak English, especially in the touristy areas. Medellin is also a huge digital nomad and expat hub, so you’ll hear more English as you walk around in areas like El Poblado. You can also book English speaking tours and many of the museums have descriptions in both languages.

However, don’t rely on only using English, especially if you’re planning on staying in less popular areas, using the public transport system or exploring the city without guided tours. We highly recommend learning some basic phrases in Spanish prior to your visit. It’ll come in handy when taking taxis, ordering food in restaurants or asking for directions. Colombians are very friendly and helpful.

Don’t forget to download the Google Translate app, which can be a lifesaver. Practicing a country’s native language is always nice and people will appreciate your efforts.

Top Tip  – You can always ask the person if they speak English first, but come prepared in case they don’t.

Best Time to Visit Medellin, Colombia

Medellin enjoys a spring-like climate all year round thanks to its elevation of 1,495m (4,905 ft) above sea level. The average temperatures range from 18-22°C (64-72°F). Regardless, the city still has two main seasons; wet and dry. The wet season is from April to November and the dry one is between December and March.

How Many Days to Spend in Medellin

Medellin is a big city and there is plenty to do. To get a good feel for the city, we recommend spending a minimum of three days in Medellin. That way you can take a tour of Comuna 13, visit its historic centre and wander around El Poblado. You can also squeeze in a day trip to Guatapé and La Piedra del Peñol.

However, if you have some additional days to spare, we suggest adding an extra day to your Medellin itinerary. This would allow you to explore the city at a slower pace, go on a day trip to Parque Arvi for a well needed nature retreat, or spend an additional night in Guatapé.

Read Next: 3 Week Colombia Itinerary – How to Plan a Trip to Colombia

How to Get to Medellin, Colombia

By Plane. The easiest way to get to Medellin is by plane. The city has two airports, Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) and Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH). The first one provides both international and domestic flights, whilst the latter is only for domestic flights. It depends on where you’re coming from, but there are many direct flights between Medellin and other major cities in Colombia, such as Bogota and Cartagena. There are also a few direct international flights to Medellin from North, South, and Central America, as well as some from Europe. You can check where you can fly direct to Medellin from on  this website.

From the airport you can reach the city centre via airport taxis, shared taxis (taxi colectivo) or the airport shuttle bus. It’s worth noting that only white taxis are allowed to serve the airport.

Find Flights to Medellin ✈️

By Bus. Bus travel between cities in Colombia is a popular and affordable way to travel for both locals and backpackers alike. Travelling by bus will also give you the chance to stop at other places of interest along the way.

There are two bus stations in Medellin, Terminal del Norte and Terminal del Sur. You will arrive to the North Terminal if you’re coming from cities such as Bogota or Cartagena . If you’re arriving from places like Jardin or Cali, you would arrive to the South Terminal. Some of the bus companies you can use are Expresso Bolivariano ,  Expreso Brasilia , and Rapido Ochoa .

Our main online sources that helped us to find bus routes and companies operating to and from our next destinations were  Busbud.com , Bookaway  and  Rome2Rio .

How to Get Around Medellin, Colombia

Whenever we can, we enjoy exploring a new place on foot. You can discover so much more whilst walking than by taking taxis everywhere. Most attractions are close together once you’re within the La Candelaria / El Centro, El Poblado or Comuna 13 districts, so are great to see on foot.

If you’ve just arrived in the city, it’s always a good idea to  join a free walking tour  where you won’t just see, but also learn, a lot about Medellin.

Top Tip. If your visit lands on a Sunday, then make sure to join in with the tradition called Ciclovia. As part of this initiative, sections of some of the bigger avenues are closed to car traffic and opened up for cyclists and pedestrians. There are Ciclovias all across the city, such as on Avenida El Poblado.

Safety Tip. Whilst you can walk around La Candelaria / El Centro on foot, make sure to be cautious because you can quickly end up on a street that isn’t considered safe for tourists. We also don’t advise walking around on your own at night here either.

To move between neighbourhoods and visit places located further away we recommend using Medellin’s Metro. It is part of the Aburrá Valley Integrated Transport System (SITVA – Sistema Integrado de Transporte del Valle de Aburrá ), and is the only metro system in Colombia.

There are currently two metro lines: Line A (north to south) and Line B (city centre to west).

In order to use the metro you’ll need to purchase a travel card, called Cívica Eventual, which costs 10,000 COP / $2.50 USD. Then you can top that up with however much credit you need for your rides across the city. A one-way journey is normally 3,210 COP ($0.80 USD). For more information on rates and routes you can check out the  official website .

You can check out Medellin’s Metro Map to see which station is closest to you.

Cable Car (Metrocable)

A cable car system also operates in Medellin, connecting neighbourhoods located on the hillsides with the metro stops.

There are currently six Metrocable lines. You can use your Cívica Eventual card for the gondolas as well as the metro. The best part is that if you’re already on the metro system and wish to transfer onto the cable car, there’s no extra charge. The only route where you have to pay extra is for Line L to Parque Arvi. For this journey, a one-way ticket is 13,700 COP ($3.50 USD).

Another way to get around Medellin is by taxi. You can hail one down or pre-book them through your hotel or hostel. You can also download apps such as Tapsi, Cabify, or Easy Taxi to book a ride.

Drivers can drive a little aggressively and the traffic in Medellin can be a bit mad! Many people use motorbikes to avoid the rush, and they can come out of nowhere from any direction, which can feel quite chaotic when you’re in a car. Seatbelts are also rarely available in the back seats.

It’s always good practice to have a local SIM card so you can follow your route on Google Maps. We always do that to make sure we’re not being taken the long-way around or somewhere completely different to where we want to go.

Now, Uber is actually not legal in Colombia, but in big cities such as Medellin it’s well-used. However, ride sharing apps like Cabify pretty much work like an Uber and are legal.

Where to Stay in Medellin, Colombia

Medellin is split into 16 different comunas or neighbourhoods. The most popular one visitors and digital nomads stay in is El Poblado. It is considered a safe area, although it’s worth highlighting that no district is completely safe.

The leafy neighbourhood of El Poblado has a great variety of hotels and hostels. You’ll also find a ton of cool cafes, bars, and restaurants here. It also has great nightlife, making El Poblado a good option if you want to experience the city after dark.

Click here for hotel options in El Poblado.

Another popular area to book your stay in Medellin in is Laureles . It is slightly more affordable than El Poblado but still has plenty of amenities such as cafes and restaurants. Laureles has more of a local atmosphere than the upscale El Poblado.

Click here for hotel options in Laureles.

Similar to Laureles, Belén is also a great option when staying in Medellin. It’s affordable and more authentic, with less tourists and expats compared to El Poblado. There are still plenty of amenities, but it’s harder to meet other travelers, and you’ll likely need to use Spanish more.

Some might consider booking a place in El Centro / La Candelaria , however that area doesn’t have the best reputation, even in daylight. If you do end up staying in the centre, then just make sure not to walk on your own after dark and be extra cautious when entering or leaving your accommodation.

Tips for booking your accommodation. Make sure to read the reviews and check the area thoroughly before booking your stay. This is especially important if you’re in Medellin for longer than a few days. We personally don’t mind spending a little extra on accommodations in buildings with better security.

Where to Eat in Medellin, Colombia

There are plenty of places to eat in Medellin and you definitely won’t get hungry as you’re exploring the city. Below are some of the favourite spots we ate at during our stay:

• Naturalia Cafe is a lovely cafe in the Laureles neigbourhood serving lunches and deserts, including plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
• Pergamino is another great food spot in Laurales. It serves some really good coffee, light lunches and cakes.
• Restaurante Vegetariano Govindas is a vegetarian restaurant serving some filling lunch menus in the heart of La Candelaria / El Centro.
• Mercado del Río is a trendy food market in a huge warehouse in El Poblado. It has over 50 food and drink stalls where you can try both Colombian or international cuisine.
• Apilados de Autor serves delicious and healthy meals in El Poblado.
• Cafe Velvet is a great spot in El Poblado serving really good coffee.
• Juan Valdez Cafe  is basically the Starbucks of Colombia. Whilst it’s a large chain, we definitely enjoyed popping in here for a quick coffee and some pastries.

Do you want to learn more about Colombian cuisine? Then make sure to  book a street food tour  to have a fantastic gastronomic experience.

• 9 Things to Do in Medellin
• How to Visit Comuna 13 in Medellin
• Guatape and Piedra del Peñol: A Day Trip from Medellin

Final Thoughts on Medellin Travel Tips

Before arriving to Medellin we did a ton of research. Backpacking across Peru and Ecuador , we met fellow travellers who shared their own experiences in Colombia. We definitely received mixed feedback on the country, so didn’t arrive with very high expectations.

However, Medellin is a city that absolutely blew us away and became one of our favorite cities anywhere in the world. We can see why it has become so popular with digital nomads and expats.

With that being the case, Medellin is generally considered a safe city, but we were still cautious and stayed vigilant even in the safest neighbourhoods. We visited most places on foot or by metro and never had an issue. Whilst you can sometimes end up in unfortunate situations through no fault of your own, if you follow the general rules around safety you’ll most likely be fine.

Have you ever been to Medellin before? If so, what was your experience? If not, would you feel more confident spending a few days in the city after reading our guide? Let us know in the comments below.

Now, let your adventure begin,

Our Top Travel Resources

Accommodation:  For hotels we always use  Booking.com  and  Hostelworld  for hostels. We also book longer stays on Airbnb or  Vrbo.

Flights:  To find the best flight prices we always check  Skyscanner ,  Google Flights  or  WayAway.  Then we also check the airlines’ websites too for comparison.

Car Rentals:  We use  Discover Cars  when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies.

Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

Foreign Currency:  Whenever we can we prefer to pay in local currency and for that we always use our  Wise card.   We can easily withdraw money from the ATM or pay by card at most shops and restaurants.

Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

eSIM and VPN: To get data abroad we use  Airalo which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone in over 190 countries. Make sure to have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 

Remember…It all starts with a Pin…

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U.S. State Department Issues New Travel Advisory Update For Colombia

On January 2, 2024, the U.S. State Department renewed its travel advisory for Colombia , advising Americans to reconsider their travel plans to the country. The advisory cites concerns about crime and terrorism as the primary reasons for this caution.

Do not travel to these Areas of Colombia:

• Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism.
• The Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, and risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia.

In Colombia, widespread violent crime, including homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is prevalent, alongside organized criminal activities like extortion and kidnapping. Terrorist groups and criminal organizations operate in the country, posing a threat to various public places and U.S. government facilities with potential attacks. Demonstrations, often disrupting transport and travel, are frequent across Colombia and may escalate into violence, leading to injuries or fatalities., says the advisory.

Safety tips for travelers to Colombia

Steer clear of areas where protests and large gatherings are happening.

Keep up-to-date with local news for any urgent updates and adjust plans accordingly.

Maintain a discreet presence.

Stay vigilant about your immediate environment.

Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts and assistance during emergencies.

Follow updates from the U.S. State Department on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter .

Review Colombia’s Country Security Report.

Have an emergency plan ready and familiarize yourself with the Traveler’s Checklist .

Safe and popular places to visit in Colombia

Medellín : Once known for its turbulent past, Medellín has transformed into a vibrant, modern city. Ideal for urban explorers and culture enthusiasts, it offers innovative public spaces, art, and festivals.

Bogotá : The capital city, rich in history and culture, is perfect for those interested in museums, architecture, and urban nightlife.

Cartagena : Known for its colonial charm and Caribbean beaches, this city is ideal for history buffs and beachgoers.

Santa Marta : Offering beautiful beaches and proximity to Tayrona National Park, it’s great for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts.

Coffee Triangle (Pereira, Manizales, Armenia) : The heart of Colombia’s coffee region, it’s a must-visit for coffee lovers and those interested in rural tourism.

The Ultimate Medellín, Colombia Travel Guide [ 2023 ]

If you’ve been hearing a lot about Medellín and Colombia lately, you’re not alone. Not only has Lonely Planet called Colombia the 2nd Best Country to Visit, but Travel & Leisure called it “South America’s Best Kept Secret” this year.

Colombia is in that perfect tourism sweet spot between being off-the-beaten-track and right on the cusp of becoming one of the hottest destinations. And it’s easy to see why. This country has everything. Lush Amazonian jungle? Check . Beautiful tropical islands? Check . Stunning snow-capped Andes mountains? Check. Bustling cities and a thriving fashion market? Check. Charming colonial cobblestone streets and rich Latin American culture? Check.

It’s a country that’s just begging to be discovered, but the fact that it is still relatively unfamiliar to the international tourism market makes it all the more cool. Plus it means you won’t be fighting crowds to get to the best spots when you visit. Win/win. 

Colombia has a ton to offer in terms of destinations, from Cartagena , to Santa Marta, to Bogota, but… ask anyone who’s been to Colombia, is from there, or has lived there and they will give you one single piece of advice — Make sure you see Medellín. 

When I was told that, I’ll be honest, I had my doubts. I immediately questioned the idea of flying 2 hours inland to a valley in the middle of Colombia. A city instead of the beautiful Colombian coast? What could possibly be  so  cool about this place? I hadn’t read any blogs on it, seen Instagrams of it, or heard much about it at all. In fact, I’ll admit that all I naively knew about it was from Narcos.  But, my first 4-day weekend trip was all I needed to spark my love affair with the capital of Colombia’s Antioquia region, and I’ve now been back over ten times!!! I love it so much I decided to manufacture my swimwear line – Watercolors by Kenny Flowers – in a boutique, women-run factory in Medellin! ( which you can read more about here ), just so I could have an excuse to spend as much time as possible in Colombia! (and because the manufacturing here, and the people, are amazing!)

I usually choose to stay in Medellin for at least a couple weeks at a time, because it’s just so wonderful… and fun!! Oh and you can bet that I’m now one of those people here to tell you all about why you can’t go to Colombia without visiting Medellín.

Here is your guide to Colombia’s capital of cool, Medellín:

Table of Contents

What to see and do in Medellín

Visiting Comuna 13 is an absolute must for anyone coming to Medellin! This barrio, or neighborhood, used to be Medellin (and possibly Colombia’s) most dangerous neighborhoods, but in the last 10 years has completely changed to become a beautiful (and safest!) place to visit for tourists, as well as a symbol of Colombia’s urban transformation and ‘New Colombia’. It’s known for its vibrant street art, bright culture and lively atmosphere. We had so much fun here!!! 

You don’t have to do the walking tour here but I’d recommend it so you get more of the history!! This is easily one of the most popular and best tours to do in Medelin.

Day Trip to a Pueblo

One of the best parts about Medellín is the breathtaking countryside and adorable pueblos that lay just beyond the city’s reach. In Colombia, one of the most common cultural traditions is that families will have second homes, or fincas, in the countryside. They’ll travel to these fincas on weekends to get away from the city, and will spend their days in pueblos like Guatapé, Jardín, San Antonio de Pereira, or Santa Fé de Antioquia, hanging out in the beautiful towns and parks, and having long leisurely meals outside.

Shop my Colombia dress here

Is Guatapé the most colorful town in the world or what?! This adorable little pueblo about an hour and a half from Medellín is a must-do on any trip to Colombia. I recommend hiring a driver and tour guide through this company to take you there. Their prices are reasonable and their tour guides make sure you see all the beautiful parts of Guatapé.

Where to stay in Guatape:

Stay at el bosko for a super cool experience i loved it so much. great food, too..

Aside from how absolutely breathtakingly colorful the town is, the main attraction of Guatape is even more (literally) breath-taking… the “Rock of Guatape” –

El Peñon de Guatape

Zig-zagging 600 vertical steps up, this 10-million-ton rock overlooks the gorgeous lakes of Guatape. The attraction was created after a group of friends scaled the rock in the 1950s using nothing but a wooden plank, and someone got the bright idea to build a staircase in the rock’s singular, gaping crack. The best part? The freshly made mango micheladas at the top.

A little further away than Guatape (about 3 hours from Medellin), lies an adorable pueblo in the Andes mountains called Jardín. This fittingly named lush mountain pueblo is by far one of my favorite day trips from Medellín.  It’s not touristy in the least, because it is still so undiscovered by everyone except the Colombian locals, but it’s here that you can find Colombian coffee farms, waterfalls, and a beautiful colorful town and plaza surrounding a catholic church. I highly recommend you take a day tour with this company … The guide is so knowledgable about Medellín and Colombia’s history, and a tour with him is just as much about the amazing culture of this beautiful country as it is the adventure of exploring such a cool spot.

Pueblito Paisa

This pueblito or “mini pueblo”, is a little like the vibe you get from the pueblos outside of Medellin, but right in the city! It’s a great spot to have lunch and walk around.

Pueblito Paisa , Tunel av nutibara , Medellin 050030, Colombia 

Plaza Botero

This spacious (and hectic!) plaza houses 23 larger-than-life funky bronze statues by Medellín’s favorite sculptor, Fernando Botero. The open air museum is one of Medellin’s main attractions.

Plaza Botero , Carrera 52 at Calle 52

Take the Metrocable to Parque Arvi

One second, you’re taking in a spectacular bird’s eye view of Colombia’s second largest city as your cable car crawls over a mountain ridge, and the next, you are suddenly flying above a gorgeous forest with no city in sight. Parque Arvi takes you high above the city into an ecological park in Medellin’s eastern Santa Elena district.

Parque Arvi , open 9am-6pm

Where to Stay in Medellín

You’ll want to base out of the El Poblado neighborhood of Medellin . It’s bursting at the seams with cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs and hostels and is definitely the hottest (and safest!) neighborhood of the city.

The Best Hotels in Medellin

*Medellin is definitely not known for its luxury hotels, so while you won’t find a Four Seasons here, there are definitely some great (and very affordable) places to stay in the city!*

The Click Clack Hotel

Medellin’s brand new (and coolest) hotel with restaurants and bars lining its lobby. It’s a super cool space, and in the perfect location in Poblado for a Medellin hotel. The rooftop is super chic and fun for drinks, and has a swimming pool! Plus the bottomless brunch on the first floor is the place to be on weekends!

Also, even if you’re not staying here, highly recommend going to the greek restaurant EGEO for tapas, cocktails or dinner. SO GOOD! 

Check out The Click Clack

Find a hotel in Medellin: Booking.com (function(d, sc, u) { var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js');

Apartamentos Loma Verde, Medellin

This is where we’ve stayed a few times when we’re in MDE! If you’re looking for more of an apartment in Medellin to stay in during your vacation to the city, this is your spot. It’s easy, comfortable and modern – and feels more like a hotel than an apartment building but you get all the conveniences of your own apartment – like a kitchen, and a washing machine!! (big win) There’s a gym and a small rooftop pool with gorgeous views. It’s also in the perfect location in El Poblado, just above Parque Lleras. This is one of my go-to places to stay when I’m basing for a week or a few weeks in the city.

Hotel Du Parc Royal Medellin

This 4-star hotel is only around $100/night and is a great more luxurious option in El Poblado. It’s right near Parque Lleras and its french luxury vibes will have you feeling like you’ve found the perfect oasis in the city.

Hotel Los Recuerdos

If you’re overnighting in Guatape, make sure you check out Hotel Los Recuerdos for a beautiful family-friendly, affordable resort with a gorgeous infinity pool that overlooks the steps of El Peñon de Guatape.

Where to eat in Medellín

Oci.mde .

This buzzy upscale restaurant in El Poblado was my favorite meal in all of Colombia. Owned and operated by a husband-wife duo, chef Laura spent eight years at culinary school and working in Europe at several Michelin-starred restaurants, and her husband, architect Santiago, is responsible for OCI’s impeccable interior design. Highlights on the menu are the AMAZING 12-hour braised shortribs, the prawns cooked in tomato and chili jam with crispy quinoa and basil (the crispy quinoa was one of my favorite things I’ve ever tasted!), the pork belly and grapefruit salad with pickled carrot and mint and of course the macadamia-nut ice cream sandwich with salted caramel for dessert.  And the best part? This may be arguably the best restaurant in Medellin, but the prices are still very much Colombian (entrees like the short ribs will only cost you around $15 USD!!!!!)

Moshi Medellin

This sleek, chic Japanese restaurant in El Poblado is another one of my favorite meals in Colombia. EVERYTHING on this “Caribbean/Japanese fusion” menu is to die for, and some of the most innovative, high-quality food you’ll find anywhere in Medellin. The chef’s choice menu is amazing – and if you order a la carte definitely get the pork bao buns and the spicy crab hand roll. I also love the Patagonia pinot noir they have by the glass on their wine list!

El Alambique

Don’t expect English menus here. This hidden gem local-favorite is my new favorite buzzy restaurant in Parque Lleras (central Poblado). It’s SUCH a cool space, the decor is amazing, and the food is some of the best Colombian-fusion in the city. The cocktails are amazing and the scene is so cool. If you guys go to one of my restaurant recs on your trip to Colombia, make it this one. Order the shrimp tacos appetizer, and the beef brisket (!!!) and thank me later. 

JETSET TIP- don’t be thrown off by the understated, speakeasy-like entrance to the restaurant, just keep walking straight and up the stairs. 

THE BEST MEXICAN IN MEDELLIN. And maybe even better than in Mexico. When I say I’m obsessed with this place, I am not exaggerating. I often go 3 times a week. This gem is the newest restaurant by the famed chef/restauranteur behind El Cielo (also a must-do in Medellin for a fancier meal, but you have to make a res 2 weeks in advance, at least). Aguafresca, on the other hand doesn’t take reservations, and serves up easily some of the best (and most affordable) gourmet Mex cuisine of your dreams. Order the hongo quesadillas (mushroom), the chilaquiles, the tacos al pastor, and some mezcal margs!

Do the tasting menu!!! Carmen is like French cuisine mixed with Asian and Colombian influences. The atmosphere is intimate and upscale, and the five-course tasting menu includes things like their delish ceviche, their solomillo de cerdo, cooked for 12 hours, glazed with tamarind and palm sugar and served with Peruvian yam, Szechuan beans with ginger vinaigrette, and a spicy pork sauce.

Criminal Taqueria

For more casual mexican in Medellin, head straight to Criminal – during the day, at night, or even for late night. It’s in the heart of El Poblado and the tacos are SOOOO GOOD. It’s also super trendy – and one of the most instagrammable spots in Medellin. 

Bonhomía Salumería

A perfect spot in El Poblado for tapas, meats, cheese and charcuterie on one of the best outside terraces in Medellín. Did I mention they have frozen Sangria?? Yeah. You gotta go here.

Pizza, delicious salads, amazing sangria, and an adorable ambiance. Olivia is your perfect casual dinner or lunch spot in El Poblado.

Restaurante Malevo

This cozy Argentinian steakhouse is a perfect dinner spot in the Manila neighborhood. Call ahead and reserve a table on their patio, and get ready to eat a lot of meat and delicious empanadas. Welcome to South America.

This super-chic restaurant is one of my favorite places to go out to dinner in the El Poblado neighborhood. Great cocktails, great food, and great for groups for a dinner pre-going out in Poblado.

The absolute best empanadas you’ll ever eat in Medellin – order them on Uber Eats or Rappi and thank me later! Ask for some spicy sauce, too! I love the chicken and the beef. YUM!

Al Alma Cafe

This is the cafe I sometimes work from when I’m in Medellin. It’s so cute, and their food is delicious! They have fresh baked pastries and lots of breakfast, brunch and lunch options. It’s a go-to.

My absolute favorite coffee shop in Colombia for the best quality Colombian coffee . I pretty much go every day when I’m in Medellín.

Go here for a glass of delicious wine and yummy appetizers before a night out in Medellin! Super chic. Tell them Jetset Christina sent you!

The App To Download as Soon As You Land in Medellín:

The first thing you’ll want to do when you land in Medellín is download an app called Rappi – this app is INCREDIBLE. I seriously wish we had something as great as it in the states. Think of it like an Uber eats for everything in your life – with VERY low delivery fees. For $2, you can have top restaurants, groceries, medicine, ANYTHING delivered right to your door, within about 30 mins. They even have Rappi shopping! So like Amazon Prime but on steroids. And Rappi stands for rápido, so they are so fast! It makes a hard case for ordering Acai bowls to your hotel room after a long night partying at Bolivar rather than getting up and going out for breakfast (my favorite bowls are Berry Good Acai – just search it in the app!)

The weather in Medellín

Safety in Colombia

I’ll start out by saying that I didn’t feel unsafe in Medellín for one second.  But, due to the country’s rocky past, I know that this is a hot-button issue for many people who are wondering just how safe the country is today. A lot of feeling safe in any big city comes from knowing the neighborhoods to stay in, and which to stay away from. Use common sense and caution, of course, but know that Colombia is not as dangerous as it is made out to be from its reputation of the 1970s and 80s. I felt completely safe in the neighborhood of El Poblado, even in the nightclubs. If you’re in the Plaza Botero (the chaotic center more toward downtown), keep your belongings close to you in the crowds.  On public transportation, stay aware and don’t flash your wealth. I would also note that as a woman, I felt much safer traveling with a man and probably wouldn’t have felt as comfortable had I been traveling alone. It also helped that we both knew how to speak Spanish, as they almost exclusively speak Spanish in Medellin.

There is still a US government issued warning against travel to Colombia, which reads: 

Tens of thousands of U.S. citizens safely visit Colombia each year for tourism, business, university studies, and volunteer work. Security in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years, including in tourist and business travel destinations such as Bogota, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Medellin, and Cali.

However , violence linked to narco-trafficking continues to affect some rural and urban areas. Despite significant decreases in overall crime in Colombia, continued vigilance is warranted due to an increase in recent months of violent crime, including crime resulting in the deaths of American citizens.

My travel philosophy has always been that dangerous crimes can happen anywhere. They happen every day in my home city of San Francisco, and are commonplace in many of my favorite travel destinations. It’s not uncommon to hear news stories or read travel advisories and feel extremely nervous about traveling to a certain destination, but I am a firm believer in not letting that fear of danger get in the way of seeing the world. While everyone’s travel experiences are different (and one negative experience or secondhand negative experience can forever affect your feelings toward safety in a certain destination), I think it is very important to see the world with an open mind, while staying optimistically cautious and aware.

What do I need to be on the look out safety-wise in Colombia?

This all being said, a lot of people ask safety-related questions like, “should I wear my jewelry in Cartagena?” and to that I say it’s best to leave your expensive jewels at home, and be as bare as possible so as to not attract attention to yourself as a potential target to criminals. I would not wear fancy jewelry in Colombia, or bring name brand luggage (such as Louis Vuitton), etc. They call it ‘don’t dar papaya’ which translates to don’t give papaya, meaning don’t give yourself up as a flashy easy target for criminals. 

If you’re a guy traveling by yourself or with a group, please also be aware that there is a crime happening often in Colombia of Colombian women drugging foreign men to rob them at night. (crazy, I know! but please watch out!)

You also might see many signs in Colombia saying “SAY NO TO THE SEX TOURIST”, many establishments have these signs up and will flat out deny service to sex tourists, which is great. Sex tourism is unfortunately a trend in certain cities in Colombia, but there is a lot of active action happening against it making it a less than ideal place for these people to travel to, thank goodness. I only mention it so that you aren’t put off if you see one of these signs at a restaurant or hotel, this is a good thing!

PS – Follow   @JetsetChristina on instagram  to keep up with all of my travels!

& don’t forget to  like jetset christina on facebook .

*Please note that this post contains affiliate links to some hotels! If you choose to book one of the hotels I recommended, I would so appreciate you using these links to do so! An affiliate link basically just means that at no cost to you at all, I get a small kickback from the booking site for bringing them your business! If you have any questions at all, please see my advertiser & affiliate policy page here .

PS – have more questions on Colombia or any other destination? Join the JETSETTERS secret facebook group to get & give travel recs to our Jetset Christina community and connect with other #JSCJetsetters!

Check out my other related posts.

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The best airbnbs in Cartagena for a group

Must-dos in Colombia

The Ultimate Cartagena Travel Guide : Planning a trip to Cartagena

20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Bali

The Perfect Bali Itinerary

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Medellin, Colombia

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WRITTEN BY: Christina

Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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THANK YOU! This is what I needed to know and you made it vibrant.

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Great post, I will be in Medellin in just under a week and can’t wait to try out some of these restaurants and the Rappi app (sounds fantastic)!

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Canada urges visitors to Colombia to exercise “high caution”

In a comprehensive update to its travel advisory on February 14, the Canadian government has issued a robust warning to its citizens planning to visit Colombia. The advisory emphasizes the need to exercise “a high degree of caution,” given the persistent high levels of crime and the risk of sexual exploitation of minors in Medellín.

Canadians are “strongly advised” to avoid all travel to specific border areas due to the considerable risk of kidnapping and violent crime associated with the presence of illegal armed groups and criminal organizations. These areas include:

Arauca: Region grappling with the influence of illegal armed groups, ELN, Second Marquetalia, Estado Mayor Central (FARC Dissidents).

Caquetá: Excluding the city of Florencia, where the risk of criminal activities is notably high.

Cauca: Excluding Popayan

Chocó: Excluding the towns of Nuquí, Bahía Solano, and Capurganá.

Venezuela Border: Within 50 km, excluding the city of Cúcuta, known for its strategic location and potential risks.

Panama Border: Within 100 km, posing risks due to illegal activities in border areas.

Ecuador Border: Within 50 km, excluding the border crossing at Ipiales, where heightened vigilance is essential.

Norte de Santander: Excluding the city of Cúcuta, a region marked by border complexities.

Port of Tumaco and Buenaventura: port cities where gangs are prevalent.

The “Regional advisory” provides nuanced guidance, cautioning against non-essential travel to specific areas in these departments and cities:

Antioquia: North of the city of Buriticá, west of highways 62 and 60 along borders with Chocó, Risaralda, and Caldas, with exceptions for the towns of Jardín, Andes, and Hispania.

Córdoba: South and west of the city of Montería.

Guainía, Guaviare, and Vichada: Departments where FARC dissidents and ELN operate.

The sexual exploitation of minors in Medellín is highlighted in the Canadian advisory, with specific references to where youngsters are at most risk. In January, the Mayoralty of Medellín banned the movements of all persons under the age of 18 between 7 pm and 5 am unless accompanied by their parents, legal guardians, and carrying proper identification.

The areas with mobility restrictions include El Poblado and Parque Lleras; parts of the Corredor vial de la 33; La Candelaria (Plaza de Botero and Parroquia de la Veracruz); parts of Corredor de la 70. If you are traveling with a minor in Medellin, make sure they carry proper identification and a photocopy of their passport.

The advisory delves into other security concerns, offering advice for travelers to mitigate threats while in Colombia:

Violent Crime: Cautioning against muggings and assaults, even in seemingly safe areas. Recommendations include avoiding walking alone in isolated areas, dressing modestly, and keeping valuables out of sight.

Petty Crime: Highlighting the common occurrence of pickpocketing and snatch-and-grab incidents. Travelers are advised to secure belongings, stay in reputable accommodations, and keep windows and doors locked.

Kidnapping: Recognizing the persistent risk, particularly targeting foreigners. Special emphasis is placed on choosing secure accommodations and taking enhanced security measures for business travelers.

Express Kidnappings: Warning of the frequent occurrence of express kidnappings, especially in affluent and tourist areas. Travelers are advised to exercise caution when hailing taxis and remain calm if threatened by armed criminals.

Illegal Armed Groups: Identifying the major risk posed by these groups, with recommendations to stay on well-traveled paths and remain aware of surroundings when visiting remote locations.

There is also a comprehensive guidance on fraud prevention, credit card and ATM fraud, and warning of fraudulent police officers, as well as section on spiked food and drinks. Travelers are encouraged to exercise vigilance when handling credit cards or accessing an ATM in public areas.

The advisory mentions boating safety in popular destinations such as Guatapé (Antioquia); Barú and Cartagena and Santa Marta (on the coast), and the importance for visitors to choose a reputable boating company, ensure tour operators follow up-to-date safety regulations, and not to board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

In terms of public transportation, the overall recommendation is that it “isn’t safe” and tourists should avoid city buses as they are frequent targets for theft, and rural buses as they are frequently stopped by armed groups. “If you must take an overnight bus, keep your belongings close, not on the floor or in storage compartments, as they could be stolen while you sleep,” states the advisory.

The updated security assessment on Colombia comes during the same week a Canadian citizen is suspected of murdering a 20-year-old woman in Medellín and abandoning her body in a suitcase. Jesse Gilbert Wiseman left the country for Central America and an Interpol Blue Alert has been issued for his arrest.

On Tuesday, 60-year-old Salo Lloyd died in a Medellín hospital after suffering severe trauma to his head, death that is being considered ‘suspicious’ given where Mr. Lloyd was found and the possibility that he may have fallen while intoxicated.

Seven foreigners have died in Medellín this year and cases that involved online dating, spiked drinks with Scopolamine (Burundanga), and other incapacitating drugs. “Thieves often work in teams, with women easing the victim into a false sense of security,” warns the advisory.

The City Paper was founded in 2008 as Colombia’s first free English language newspaper. A decade later, it was awarded the country’s Manuel Murillo Toro medal in communications for contributing to informed and objective coverage of Colombia.

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Ultimate Medellin Travel Guide

By: Author MC Miller

Posted on Last updated: July 29, 2023

Categories City Guides , Colombia , South America , Travel Guides

Far from the heady days of the 80s when Pablo Escobar terrorized the population contemporary visitors to Medellín will find a thriving modern city and welcoming natives looking to change a tarnished reputation one smile at a time.

The Medellin travel guide covers what to do, where to stay, which day trips you can’t miss, and what to eat & drink.

At the end we’ll share with you some tips for day trips, and where you should travel next in Colombia. Plus find out the best way to travel from Medellín to Salento .

Essential Things to do in Medellin

Medellín is a sprawling city with a diverse range of things to do to keep everyone happy.

We cover the things we did which we actually enjoyed.

Taking a trip to Park Arvi is a cool way to kick back to nature for a day.

While there are some nice forest tracks at the top, the best part of this place is getting the metro cable up.

The nature view as you ride the metro cable is absolutely stunning.

The metro cable also gives you a birds eye view of how the locals live as you pass communities on the way up.

If you are so inclined, you can even experience some adrenaline junkie sports such as zip lining at Park Avri.

The hours of operation of the cable going to Park Avri are 9.00am to 6.30pm.

How to get to Park Arvi

Take the metro cable first to the community of Santo Domingo.

You can explore Santo Domingo for a while and taste some traditional street food including arepas and plantains on your way to Park Avri.

This section of the metro cable costs 2200 pesos per person.

From there, take a second metro cable to Park Avri for 5000 pesos.

Metro Cable to Park Avri

Hiking in Park Avri

Plaza Minorista Fruit Market

Colombia is full of exotic fruits and the good news is you don’t have to leave the capital to find them.

If you want to try all the exotic fruits Colombia has to offer be sure to take a trip to Plaza Minorista fruit market .

This place is also your best bet if you want to score some good deals on fruit.

How to get to Plaza Minorista

To get to the Plaza Minorista market, take the metro to Minorista station.

We visited this market by ourselves. However, if you are interested in knowing more about the fruits at this market then you can always sign up for an exotic fruits tour for 45,000 pesos per person.

Plaza Minorista fruit market

Guava Fruit @ Market

Lleras Park

If you are looking for a trendy area to enjoy a beer in the park or a nice hipster restaurant to eat, look no further than Lleras park.

While this area is practically dead during the day, it comes alive at night and is definitely worth checking out.

Parque San Antonio

Perhaps the biggest reminder of Medellin’s past as the worlds most dangerous city can be seen at Parque San Antonio.

Here, two bird sculptures of the famous Columbian artist Fernando Botero stand. In 1995, one bird was blown by a guerrilla group killing 20 people.

These days the sculptures stand as a symbol of the progression the country as made – from a country living in fear to the Medellin of today where people walk around the street without fear.

Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica

This cathedral was once dubbed the biggest in the world by a prominent travel advisory who hadn’t bothered to visit the city.

While this claim is in fact incorrect, the cathedral is still worth half an hour of your time as it is just gorgeous inside.

Plaza Botero

In Plaza Botero, you can admire many of the statues of the artist Botero which play with size proportion and surround Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe, a gothic checker board pattern style building designed by a Belgian artist.

Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe

Botero statutes

Plaza Cisneros

Plaza Cisneros is yet another example of the transformation of the city of Medellin.

The area used to be dangerous and plagued by drug violence.

However, nowadays light columns have been inserted to symbolise the hope and prosperity of the city.

If you visit at night, the columns illuminate with light. There are also complimentary bathrooms in the area.

Go on a free city walking tour

The free city walking tour will take you to many attractions including Parque San Antonio, Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza Botero, Plaza Cisneros among other things.

Our guide taught us many interesting facts about the city including not to offer Papaya, meaning if you give someone an opportunity they will take it.

In other words, take care of your belongings or someone will take the opportunity to take them from you.

The tour is free but the guide expects a tip for his or her time at the end.

If you prefer to hear more about the transformation of the city, a better tour may be the Pablo Escobar Tour  which costs around $60 per person.

Real City Walking Tours

Take a day trip to Guatape

Just two hours outside of Medellin lies the gorgeous, colourful town of Guatape where you can experience ‘the best view in the world’.

We were pleased this wasn’t just a marketing gimmick – the view is really special. Below is a photo of the incredible rock(?) you climb.

We wrote about how to get to Guatape from Medellin – there’s photos of the incredible view too!

Where is the best place to stay in Medellin?

Most tourists chose to stay in the El Poblado area of Medellin.

This is primarily due to the safety of the area and the proximity to bars and restaurants. We would highly recommend staying in this area. Read our post for more details about the best places to stay in Medellin .

You can get a clean and comfortable double room for $20 -30 USD a night.

We stayed at a place called  Guest House Poblado  which we would highly recommend because it was clean and comfortable.

Guest House Poblado

View at Guest House Poblado

Medellín Restaurants & Bars

Medellin is a very cheap city by Western standards. However, it is a little more pricey compared to other cities in Columbia.

Expect to pay between 10,000 to 30,000 for a meal at a cheap to moderate restaurant in the city.

A beer usually costs between 3,000 – 6,000 pesos depending on where you go and what you order.

A trip to Medellin wouldn’t be complete without trying the typical Colombian dish Bandeja Paisa.

You can buy the dish all over the city. We would highly recommend trying the restaurant  Mondongos.

It costs 30,000 for a huge dish that could easily feed two. If you want to keep costs low, Medellin also has some great street food to try.

On virtually every corner, you can buy an Arepa or a fried plantain with cheese (our personal favourite) for around 3000 pesos.

Another interesting thing to try in the city is the refreshing Colombian drink, Guarapo, which you can buy off street vendors in the city centre for only 1000 pesos.

Columbia is also home to some of the world’s best coffee so if you are a coffee lover you are sure to find a good cup while in Medellin.

For great Colombian coffee in the Poblado area, try Velvet cafe . For a place with great wifi, Starbucks has recently entered the Medellin market and sells coffee (by Starbucks standards) at bargain basement prices.

Guarapo drink

Bandeja Paisa

How to get to Medellin?

From Medellin, there is easy bus connections to Bogota, Cartagena and Salento Colmbia . Check out the best Salento Hotels including instagrammable eco lodges, romantic hideaways and the most pumping backpacker hostels near the party zones.

Here’s a guide to traveling from Medellin to Cartagena by air and bus. 

Arriving in (MDE) Medellín Jose Maria Cordova Intl

Good news: Uber is legal in Colombia! This makes getting to and from Medellín Jose Maria Cordova Intl airport fast, simple and cheap. No need to haggle for deals.

MDE, commonly abbreviated when discussing it to Medellín Jose or Cordova Intl, is south west of town, about a 30 minute drive in duration.

Before you set off, download our 2 Week Colombia Itinerary which covers important tourist destinations you must not miss. You can easily spend much longer using this itinerary.

MC Miller is a travel blogger and writer who has travelled America extensively and abroad to over 80 countries. He founded Couple Travel The World in 2017. Since then, he has spent over 6 years on the road as a full time travel couple. When he not traveling he likes to spend quality time with his partner Bett, planning our their next date or romantic getaway!

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Medellin mayor takes stand against child sex tourism after arrest of miami pharmacist.

Christina Vazquez , Reporter

MIAMI – Federico Gutiérrez, the Mayor of Medellin, Colombia hosted a news conference Friday regarding the federal case of a Miami pharmacist which experts say is bringing new attention to the prevalence of child sex tourism in Colombia.

The suspect, Stefan Andres Correa, also appeared in Miami federal court.

Authorities said just as Correa stepped onto a Miami International Airport jet bridge to board a flight to Bogotá Friday, an outbound border search revealed the 42-year-old — traveling alone — was carrying about nine cellphones.

On some of those devices, Homeland Security Investigations agents based out of MIA would discover photos and videos of Correa raping young girls and a conversation with a sex trafficker about his plans to victimize an 11-year-old girl, prosecutors allege.

Court documents state that in a graphic series of text messages, Correa promised that both the trafficker and the girl would get $300,000 Colombian pesos — about $75 — and the girl would receive an iPhone, as long as he was allowed to rape her in Medellín.

#DigitalDeepDive : Miami case casts spotlight on ‘horrific’ #childsextourism in Colombia— #SoundOn ▶️—Lawrence Gumbiner, international consultant and retired U.S. diplomat explains why Medellín, Colombia has developed a reputation for child #sextrafficking . https://t.co/QsGtI1EtLd https://t.co/KRXlm3nT52 pic.twitter.com/bXNqqbt7x5 — Christina Boomer Vazquez, M.S. (@CBoomerVazquez) April 26, 2024

Federal investigators revealed that Correa admitted to flying to Colombia on numerous occasions with the intent of engaging in sexual activities with minors on numerous occasions.

Investigators disclosed that Correa had traveled to Colombia approximately 45 times in the past two years, a revelation that sparked outrage from Medellin’s mayor.

During the conference, the mayor expressed incredulity over the lack of intervention regarding Correa’s actions and announced new measures to combat child sex tourism in Medellin. These measures include the seizure of properties from owners who enable the sexual exploitation of minors.

Read more: Miami pharmacist’s trafficking case casts spotlight on ‘horrific’ child sex tourism in Colombia

Larry Gumbiner, an international consultant and retired high-level U.S. diplomat, emphasized the dark underbelly of child sex tourism in Medellin, which has flourished amid the city’s international tourist boom.

“It built into a crescendo when they found an American citizen with two underage girls in his hotel room,” said Gumbiner. “I think it has exploded to the realm of public opinion and the political system has to now deal with it.”

Gutiérrez recently announced new measures to combat sex tourism including seizing properties from owners that allow the sexual exploitation of minors.

“I think finally for the political system, it reached a breaking point where the mayor felt he had to do something,” said Gumbiner.

In federal court Friday, Correa’s public defender agreed to a pre-trial determination at this stage, in a case that is also being heard in the court of public opinion in Colombia.

His next court appearance is scheduled for next week.

The United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Florida Spokesperson told Local 10 News in a statement Friday: “The Department of Justice does not provide arrest/booking photos.”

A spokesperson for CVS confirmed Correa last worked there in May of 2022.

A Walmart spokesperson also confirmed Correa last worked as a pharmacist for Sam’s Club in Orlando back in 2021.

Copyright 2024 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Christina vazquez.

Christina returned to Local 10 in 2019 as a reporter after covering Hurricane Dorian for the station. She is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist and previously earned an Emmy Award while at WPLG for her investigative consumer protection segment "Call Christina."

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