Tag Archive for: Medellin Colombia

The 9 Things We Miss About Colombia

In our previous blog post, we talked about Our Expat Story and how my husband and I ended up in Medellín Colombia. Sadly, we had to leave Colombia after 4 years due to visa issues.

Join us as we take a stroll down memory lane and reminisce about the 9 things we miss the most about our beloved Colombia.

1. The Colombian People

Oh, how we miss the warmth and friendliness of the Colombian people! From the bustling streets of Medellín to the tranquil villages in the coffee region, we were embraced with open arms and always met with genuine kindness and hospitality.

Their willingness to help us and their infectious joy made us feel at home, creating lasting connections and precious friendships.

2. The Culture

Colombia’s vibrant and diverse culture is a treasure trove of traditions and celebrations. We were captivated by the lively music, colorful dances, and the rich history.

Being part of various festivities and celebrations alongside the locals brought us a sense of belonging and an appreciation for the deep-rooted cultural pride that defines Colombia.

3. The Possibility to Live a More Humble Lifestyle

Living in Colombia taught us valuable lessons about what truly matters in life. In a culture that values family, community, and experiences over material possessions, we embraced a simpler and more humble lifestyle.

It was refreshing to focus on personal growth and connection, rather than the relentless pursuit of material wealth.

4. The Weather

Ah, the eternal spring of Medellín! The city’s perfect climate was a dream come true. We reveled in the year-round mild temperatures and the pleasant absence of extreme weather.

Unlike the cold Swiss winters or the sweltering summers in other places we explored, Medellín’s weather offered the perfect balance that we dearly miss.

5. Christmas in Colombia

Colombia takes Christmas celebrations to a whole new level! The festive spirit starts in November, with daily fireworks, parties, and beautiful cribs depicting the story of Jesus scattered all over the place.

The breathtaking lights that illuminated the entire city added a magical touch to the season. Each year, a unique theme brought Christmas to life, creating a festive ambiance that left us in awe.

6. The Slower Pace of Life

Life in Colombia moves at a more relaxed pace. We cherished the leisurely mornings walking our dog in the nearby park, the unhurried conversations with friends, and the moments of simply savoring life’s pleasures.

In a world that often demands constant hustle, Colombia gifted us the luxury of slowing down and appreciating the present.

7. Always Something Going On – Festivals and More

In Colombia, there is never a dull moment. Festivals, carnivals, and cultural events offer a continuous stream of excitement and celebration.

We loved being part of the lively gatherings, soaking in the vibrancy of the locals, and indulging in the colorful festivities.

8. The Flora and Fauna

Colombia’s natural beauty is unparalleled. Witnessing hummingbirds on a daily basis, spotting parrots soaring across the sky, and being surrounded by the breathtaking diversity of flora and fauna made our daily lives extraordinary.

Nature’s wonders in Colombia were a constant source of wonder and appreciation.

9. Low Cost of Living

Living in Colombia allowed us to stretch our budget further. The reasonable cost of living enabled us to enjoy a higher quality of life without breaking the bank. Accessible healthcare, public transportation, affordable services, and budget-friendly dining experiences.

We were even able to save money by eating out instead of cooking at home! A lunch menu comes with soup the main plate with a protein of your choice, rice, plantain, a little salad, and fruit juice for around $2.50!

Conclusion

As we reflect on our time in Colombia, our hearts overflow with gratitude for the profound impact this beautiful country had on us. Though circumstances led us to leave, Colombia will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

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Medellín vs Cuenca: Comparing Two Popular Expat Destinations in Latin America

Medellín, Colombia and Cuenca, Ecuador have become increasingly popular destinations for expats, digital nomads, and retirees.

Both cities offer a unique charm, vibrant cultures, and an array of attractions that cater to various lifestyles and preferences.

In this comprehensive blog post, you’ll learn about the many facets of living in these two amazing cities, including the pros and cons of each, comparing aspects such as living conditions, cost of living, infrastructure, and safety.

Hopefully, this will help you make an informed decision about which city might be the ideal destination for your next adventure or new home abroad.

Medellín, Colombia: A Jungle With a City In It

Medellín ColombiaMy first impression of Medellín, Colombia was that it’s a jungle with a city in it.

Medellín is nestled in the Andean mountains, but the elevation is low enough that it has lots of tall trees and tropical greenery, which provides an amazing backdrop for the bustling city life.

Pros of Medellín Colombia

Medellín is a fascinating blend of modern comforts and jungle-like surroundings. It has a lot of great things going for it, such as:

  • Scenic beauty: Surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, Medellín offers a stunning landscape.
  • Pleasant weather: With a year-round spring-like climate, Medellín is known as the “Land of Eternal Spring.”
  • Lower elevation: While still at 4,900 feet / 1,495 meters, it’s much lower than Cuenca so it’s warmer and the air is easier to breathe.
  • Vibrant culture: The city is known for its colorful murals and diverse population of Colombians and other South Americans, plus tourists, digital nomads, and expats from around the world.
  • Cleanliness: In the neighborhoods we visited, streets were well-maintained, and dogs were on leashes.
  • Modern infrastructure: Medellín has drinkable tap water and a wide variety of restaurants catering to all tastes and dietary needs.
  • Transportation: Affordable taxis, buses, and a metro system are available throughout the city, along with Uber.
  • International airport: Direct flights to some locations in the United States and other countries make Medellín easily accessible.
  • Affordability: Housing, food, and restaurant prices are comparable to Ecuador and much lower than the United States or Canada.
  • High-quality healthcare: Colombia is known for its excellent healthcare facilities and is consistently ranked high by CEOWorld Magazine.
  • Housing options: While high-rise living is popular in Medellín, townhomes and single-family homes are available if you’re willing to venture further out. Check out our Medellín Colombia Real Estate Tour for more about housing in Medellín.
  • Kaime Medellin ColombiaExcellent restaurants: We ate at a variety of amazing restaurants in the Zona Rosa tourist area of El Poblado. You’ll find everything from street vendors to high-end gourmet restaurants, and the prices are very affordable compared to the US.
  • Service culture: Compared to Ecuador, Colombia has a high-quality service culture. Restaurant servers, drivers, tour guides, cashiers, etc. are attentive and care about the quality of service you receive.

Cons of Medellín Colombia

We enjoyed our time in Medellín and plan to go back, but a few things make it less than perfect:

  • Crowded city: With a population of more than 2.5 million people, Medellín can feel quite congested.
  • Colombian Peso: Conversion rates may be tricky for those used to the US dollar and the value fluctuates a lot.
  • Heavy traffic: The city has heavy traffic and swarms of motorcycles, which might be concerning for some. After getting moto-robbed in Guadalajara, Mexico, the swarms of motorcycles had us constantly looking over our shoulders.
  • Safety concerns: Moto-robberies, pickpocketing, kidnapping, and other safety issues are a significant concern. It’s important to be cautious and avoid certain areas, especially at night. It’s also common for sex workers and Tinder daters to lure foreigners to a restaurant or hotel room where they are roofied and robbed.
  • Tax residency: Staying in Colombia for more than 183 days per year might make you a tax resident, so consult a tax professional before moving there long-term.
 

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Cuenca, Ecuador: A South American Gem

Cuenca Ecuador View from Mirador Turi

Cuenca, Ecuador is a charming UNESCO World Heritage city with a rich history and stunning architecture. Like Medellín, it is also known as the “Land of Eternal Spring” for its pleasant weather.

While much smaller and about 1,000 miles / 1,600 kilometers south of Medellín, Cuenca shares some similarities with its Colombian counterpart in terms of cost of living, quality of life, and available amenities.

However, they differ in population size, safety levels, and currency (Ecuador uses the US dollar).

Comparing these two cities is a valuable exercise for those considering a move to Latin America.

Pros of Cuenca Ecuador

Cuenca offers a slower pace of life, a welcoming expat community, and a unique blend of culture and nature that make it an attractive destination. It’s also much smaller than Medellín with a population of roughly 500,000 people.

Here are a few things we love about Cuenca:

  • Cuenca Ecuador New CathedralUNESCO World Heritage Site: Cuenca is rich in history and architecture, with Inca ruins right in the city.
  • Beautiful rivers and linear parks: The city has 4 rivers running through it, and numerous parks that offer scenic trails and relaxing spots to sit and read a book.
  • Land of Eternal Spring: Known for its mild temperatures, Cuenca offers pleasant weather throughout the year.
  • Walkable city: Most of the city can be explored on foot, with taxis required only occasionally for longer distances or heavy loads.
  • Incredible restaurants: Cuenca boasts a wide array of affordable, delicious, and beautifully plated food options. Check out Popular Expat Restaurants in Cuenca Ecuador for our recommendations.
  • Diverse expat community: The city is popular among retirees, families, and singles of all ages from around the world.
  • English speakers: Cuenca has a larger population of English speakers compared to Medellín, and a large number of Ecuadorians who speak English, making it easier for non-Spanish speakers to settle in.
  • Quality healthcare: Ecuador (especially Cuenca) is known for its excellent and affordable healthcare; CEOWorld Magazine consistently ranks it higher than the US. It’s easy to schedule appointments with high-quality medical professionals, and many speak English. Check out Our Ecuador Healthcare Experience for more details about healthcare in Ecuador, including costs and quality of care.
  • Affordable living: Housing prices in Cuenca are comparable to Medellín, with the overall cost of living being similar and about one-third of the cost in the United States.
  • Drinkable tap water: The tap water in Cuenca is safe to drink and tastes better than in Medellín (it’s not so heavily chlorinated)
  • Ecuador's Unique USD CoinsEcuador is on the US Dollar: The official currency in Ecuador is the US dollar, making it convenient for US American expats. It’s the exact same currency (except for a few special coins minted in 2000 that are not legal tender back in the US). Check out Money and Banking in Ecuador for more on this topic.
  • No tax on foreign income: Foreign residents do not pay tax on their foreign income, although it’s essential to consult a tax professional for accurate and up-to-date advice.
 

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Cons of Cuenca Ecuador

Like any place, Cuenca is not without its challenges:

  • High elevation: Cuenca is located at 8,400 feet / 2,560 meters above sea level (almost twice the elevation as Medellín), which can result in cooler temperatures and thinner air.
  • Limited international flights: While there is a semi-direct flight to Miami, Cuenca’s airport is small, and all international flights require a connection in Quito or Guayaquil.
  • Increased crime rates: Petty theft and robberies have become more common in Cuenca and throughout Ecuador, so it’s essential to be cautious.
  • Laid-back service quality: Ecuadorians have a more relaxed attitude toward service, which can be both a blessing and a challenge for expats adjusting to the local customs. At restaurants, you may need to find your server to take your order or bring the bill. And we often find that they deliver the courses in the reverse order (entree, appetizer and then drinks) so we have learned to order one thing at a time so we get things in the proper order.

Final Thoughts

Both Medellín and Cuenca are beautiful cities with their unique qualities.

Medellín may be better suited if you’re seeking a larger, modern city with great service, lower elevation, and direct flights to the US.

On the other hand, Cuenca might be the right choice if you prefer a smaller city with a slower pace of life, great restaurants, cooler temperatures, a higher safety level, and the convenience of spending in US dollars.

And remember, visiting each city before committing to a move is always the best way to get a true feel for what life there would be like.

Watch Our Video Comparing Medellín Colombia to Cuenca Ecuador

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.

 

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Medellín Colombia Real Estate Tour: 4 Amazing Properties

If you’re a real estate enthusiast like us, you’ll definitely enjoy this post about our recent real estate tour in Medellín, Colombia.

We had a blast exploring four amazing properties with a range of prices to fit almost any budget.

As an added bonus, we’ll also compare these Medellín homes to similar properties in Denver, Colorado, where we used to live.

Spoiler alert: Medellín offers some incredible value!

Property 1: Sabaneta Condo with Stunning Views

Sabaneta Condo ExteriorOur first stop is a beautiful 11th-floor condo in Sabaneta, a township on the south end of the Medellín metro area.

The Sabaneta Edificio Living high-rise condo building offers breathtaking views, and the surrounding area is filled with awesome amenities and a picturesque park.

This safe and authentic neighborhood offers a real taste of local living.

Sabaneta Condo Details:

  • 3 bedrooms
  • 2 bathrooms
  • 958 sq ft / 89 m2
  • HOA approx. $77/mo
  • Asking Price: $102,000
  • Price per sq ft: $106
  • Map

Comparable Condo in Littleton, Colorado (Suburb of Denver):

  • 3 bedrooms
  • 2 bathrooms
  • 1,072 sq ft / 100 m2
  • HOA $325/mo
  • Asking Price: $397,500
  • Price per sq ft $371 (3.5x more)
  • Zillow Listing

Watch Our Medellín Colombia Property Tour

Property 2: Terraza Grande – A Spacious Oasis in El Poblado

Plaza Manzanares Condo ExteriorNext up is a roomy first-floor condo in the gorgeous Plaza Manzanares complex, located in El Poblado, walking distance to the popular Zona Rosa tourist district.

This property has a huge terrace, lots of natural light, and is close to various restaurants, bars, and other attractions.

It is move-in ready, but there is potential for updating the kitchen and baths if desired.

Plaza Manzanares Condo Details:

  • 3 bedrooms
  • 3 bathrooms
  • 1,500 sq ft / 153 m2
  • HOA approx. $160/mo
  • Asking Price: $182,000
  • Price per sq ft: $121
  • Map

Comparable Condo in Downtown Denver, Colorado:

  • 2 bedrooms
  • 2 bathrooms
  • 998 sq ft / 93 m2
  • HOA $632/mo
  • Asking Price: $385,000
  • Price per sq ft $386 (3x more)
  • Zillow Link
 

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Property 3: Rincón del Aguacatal – Avocado Plantation Corner

Aguacatal Condo Exterior Medellin ColombiaOur third destination is a 14th-floor condo in Rincón del Aguacatal (Corner of the Avocado Plantation).

This condo is also in El Poblado, but it’s closer to Santafé Mall and El Castillo, and not walkable to Zona Rosa.

The views from this property were simply incredible, and the natural light that filled the space was a huge plus.

Aguacatal Condo Details:

  • 3 bedrooms
  • 4 bathrooms
  • 2,206 sq ft / 205 m2
  • HOA approx. $159/mo
  • Asking Price: $243,000
  • Price per sq ft: $110
  • Map

Comparable Condo in Greenwood Village, Colorado (Suburb of Denver):

  • 2 bedrooms
  • 2 bathrooms
  • 1,658 sq ft / 154 m2
  • HOA $1,276/mo
  • Asking Price: $1,049,000
  • Price per sq ft $633 (almost 6x more)
  • Zillow Link

Property 4: Casa Blanca – A Dreamy Single-Family Home

Casa Blanca Exterior Medellin ColombiaFinally, the final property is a charming single-family home in Urbanización San Sebastián De La Alameda, on the eastern edge of El Poblado in the El Tesoro neighborhood.

This stand-alone house in a gated community has an incredible garden, high ceilings, and three balconies. The third level features an attic space with an additional bathroom, making it a unique and versatile property.

Casa Blanca House Details:

  • 3 bedrooms + attic
  • 4.5 bathrooms
  • 4,036 sq ft / 375 m2
  • HOA approx. $155/mo
  • Asking Price: $370,000
  • Price per sq ft: $92
  • Map

Comparable House in Wash. Park (Denver, Colorado):

  • 4 bedrooms
  • 3 bathrooms
  • 2,977 sqft / 277 m2
  • No HOA
  • Asking Price: $1,850,000
  • Price per sq ft: $621 (almost 7x more)
  • Zillow Link

A Special Thanks to Juan Camilo Villegas

Juan Camilo Villegas and Amelia Medellin ColombiaWe couldn’t have experienced this real estate tour without the help of Juan Camilo Villegas, who graciously showed us these properties.

Finding homeowners willing to let us film their homes for YouTube isn’t easy, and Juan’s expertise and organization made our tour a success.

Please note that we took this tour in January 2023, so these specific properties might not be available anymore, or the prices may have changed (especially with the currency fluctuations). However, Juan can definitely help you find other amazing homes in Medellín.

You can connect with him through his Facebook Page, and be sure to tell him you saw our post!

The Amazing Value of Medellín Colombia Real Estate

Our tour of these four properties left us in awe of the incredible value that Medellín real estate offers compared to Denver, Colorado!

It’s hard NOT to fall in love with the beautiful homes, vibrant neighborhoods, and stunning views that this Colombian city has to offer.

For a deeper dive into Medellín’s neighborhoods, check out our previous video: Where Expats Live in Medellín Colombia.

And don’t forget to let us know in the comments which property was your favorite. Happy house hunting!

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.

 

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Best Neighborhoods to Live & Work in Medellín Colombia

Have you ever visited a place and immediately felt like you could live there? That’s how we felt when we visited Medellín for the first time!

We quickly discovered why Medellín is so popular with expats and digital nomads – the transition to living there would be very easy.

From the solid infrastructure to the excellent healthcare, great weather, and awesome people, this city has everything we look for in a place to live.

While we were there, we toured a few of the most popular neighborhoods with Juan Camilo, a local tour guide, and learned what makes each one unique.

Laureles Medellín Colombia

Let’s start with Laureles, the most popular neighborhood among retirees.

This area is safe, walkable, and offers a variety of restaurants. It’s very flat, which makes it accessible if you don’t like walking up hills after dinner or with a load of groceries.

We were also pleasantly surprised to find that condo options are very affordable in this area. You can find really nice condos, fully furnished including all utilities for around $1,000 USD per month.

Laureles Medellín ColombiaThe mercados are one of our favorite places to practice our Spanish, as most people don’t speak English. And Laureles has a great mercado! Our guide taught us how to eat the little mangos by biting off the tip of the mango and squeezing it from the bottom up like a tube of toothpaste until all the juice is drained into your mouth. Or in our case, all over the floor and our shirts!

La Floresta Medellín ColombiaLa Floresta Medellín Colombia

Next to Laureles is La Floresta, a smaller and more affordable neighborhood, but it’s still walkable over to Laureles.

It offers a variety of neighborhood grocery stores and it’s family-friendly, making it a great option for people with small children.

This area is quiet and not a party area, perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle.

El Estadio Medellín ColombiaEl Estadio Medellín Colombia

El Estadio is another popular neighborhood in Medellín, but more-so with the locals than foreign residents.

It’s where the professional fútbol (soccer) stadium is located and it’s known for its entertainment options such as bars and nightclubs.

The metro rail system runs through El Estadio, making it easy to get around the city.

Sabaneta Medellín ColombiaSabaneta Medellín Colombia

Sabaneta is located at the far south end of the Medellín metro and it’s the most affordable option, with fully furnished rentals available for as low as $450 per month.

We loved the authentic feel of this neighborhood, seeing the older generation playing chess in the park. Sabaneta is also safe and close to public transportation.

El Poblado Medellín ColombiaEl Poblado Medellín Colombia

Finally, we have El Poblado, the most popular neighborhood in Medellin that made the New York Times list of must-visit places in 2023.

We stayed in a highrise AirBnB condo in the Blux building about a 10 minute walk uphill from Zona Rosa where the restaurants and nightlife are located.

This area is very popular with tourists, digital nomads, and foreign residents from all over the world. El Poblado is known for its gastronomy and nightlife, and we loved the energy and variety of shops and restaurants.

While it’s hilly, it’s still walkable and has a river with lots of big trees and plants. The grocery stores in El Poblado include Carulla and Exito, as well as many other small neighborhood shops.

 

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There are big shopping malls, such as El Tesoro, Oviedo and the Santafé in El Poblado, but you’ll want to catch a ride to them if you’re staying near Zona Rosa.

This neighborhood also has excellent healthcare and some of the clinics are popular for medical tourism.

The major downside of El Poblado is the cost. It’s the most expensive area in Medellín with expensive high-rise condos everywhere. Rents start around $1,000/month and go up considerably depending on the condo, location and amenities.

Final Thoughts

So, what’s our favorite neighborhood in Medellín? While we really enjoyed Laureles for its flatness and authentic feel, we have to say that El Poblado was our favorite.

Despite the hills, we loved the young energy and variety of restaurants, and we can’t wait to go back!

If you’re ever in Medellin and looking for a great neighborhood to visit, be sure to check out one of these five options.

If you’d like to know more about Medellin, make sure to watch the top 10 things that surprised us the most about Medellin.

Watch Our Video About The Best Neighborhoods in Medellín

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.

 

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Medellín Colombia: Even Better Than We Expected!

Our first trip to Colombia was even MORE surprising than we expected! We spent a week in Medellín in the neighborhood of El Poblado, which the New York Times just listed as a “must-visit place in 2023.” We also visited some of the other neighborhoods, like Laureles, La Floresta and Sabaneta.

So, in this article, we’ll tell you about the top 10 things that surprised us about Medellín, Colombia.

#10 Medellín Is a Modern City

Medellín ColombiaColombia may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of modern cities, but Medellín may just surprise you.

The city is full of high-rises and great places to live, including the AirBnB in the Blux building where we stayed. It was a studio apartment on the 13th floor with incredible views of El Poblado!

The city has reliable utilities and internet with wifi speeds in our AirBnB of 100mb download/30mb upload.

And you can drink the tap water, which is a huge plus! However, it is highly chlorinated so it tastes a bit like pool water straight out of the faucet. Chlorine evaporates at room temperature so I filled our bottles and left them sitting on the counter and the pool flavor dissipated after a few hours.

The city has a great transportation system, including a metro, buses, taxis, and Uber.

#9 Medellín Is Clean

Medellín is a clean city without a lot of graffiti, and street cleaners keep it tidy. You won’t find m

Medellin, Colombia

uch trash on the streets, and the air quality is surprisingly good, especially when compared to other Latin American cities like Guadalajara or Mexico City.

The locals had their dogs on a leash and picked up after them, and we didn’t see any stray dogs, so that means we didn’t see a lot of dog poop on the sidewalks.

#8 Medellín Is Walkable

Medellin is a very walkable city, with nice wide sidewalks without a lot of hazards, although we did see a few open holes.

The city is also pedestrian-friendly, and El Poblado even closes down some of the streets to cars on Sundays so that everyone can enjoy walking, jogging, or bike riding.

Parts of the city are hilly, especially where we stayed in El Poblado. We typically walked downhill to the main restaurant area and then took an Uber back.

Amelia did make me walk back uphill a couple of times after dinner (because it’s good for me) and I was cursing her name the whole way!

#7 Medellín Is a Foodie’s Paradise

Kaime Medellin ColombiaMedellín is known for its gastronomy, and there are lots of restaurants to choose from in the neighborhoods we visited, especially El Poblado.

You can find international cuisine as well as traditional Colombian dishes. Some of our favorite places were Florez Food Garden, Kaime, and AMA Restaurante.

The city also has several mercados and grocery stores, including Carulla, Éxito, Jumbo Santafé, Tienda D1 de Todos, and most neighborhoods have a farmer’s market on the weekend.

#6 There Are Lots of Foreigners in Medellín

Medellín is a popular destination with young and old travelers from all over the world, and we heard lots of languages spoken during our trip. However, you still need to speak Spanish, as it’s the main language used in the city.

The city is particularly popular with digital nomads and retirees, and El Poblado is known for its nightlife and party crowd.

#5 Medellín Is Crowded!

With a population of 4 million, Medellín is bigger than Quito, the capital of Ecuador. The traffic can be bad, and there are lots of people on motorcycles, so beware of moto robbers.

#4 Medellín Has Great Weather

One of the things we loved about Medellín was the perfect weather!

At an elevation of around 5,000 feet, the city has a mix of sun, clouds, and rain. Temperatures are typically in the 70s and 80s F, making it comfortable to explore the city throughout the day.

However, it’s still important to wear sunscreen during the day and bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.

#3 There’s Lots To Do In Medellín

Medellín has a ton of activities and attractions to offer. From shopping to museums to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone.

Santafe Mall Medellin Colombia Ice SkatingWe enjoyed visiting Santafé Mall. It’s HUGE and has a wide variety of shops and attractions. It’s has an inner and outer ring with 5 levels and a rotating display that changes monthly, featuring dog shows and flower gardens. It had an ice skating rink when we visited.

If you’re interested in exploring the city’s culture and history, you can check out the sculptures of the famous Colombian artist Botero in Plaza Botero.

There are also plenty of parks to enjoy, including the beautiful gardens of the El Castillo Castle, which you can visit for just 17,000 pesos (about $3.50) to walk around the grounds or 20,000 pesos (about $4) for a castle tour.

For those looking for day trips, Medellin offers plenty of options. You can go bird watching, visit the nearby town of Guatape or Santa Fe de Antioquia.

#2 Medellín Is Super Affordable

One of the most surprising things about Medellín was how affordable it is. The cost of living is low, making it a great destination for budget-conscious travelers.

You can find fully furnished rentals for as little as $400 per month, and cell phone plans start at just $10 per month. Internet service is also reasonably priced at around $40 per month.

Getting around the city is also affordable, with bus fares costing less than $1 and taxis costing around $2 for local fares.

Whether you’re a budget traveler or just looking to save some money on your next trip, Medellín is a great destination.

#1 Medellín Is a JUNGLE with a CITY In It!

Medellin ColombiaFinally, the most surprising thing about Medellín is how green it is!

Despite being a bustling city of 4 million people, Medellín is surrounded by mountains and filled with lush greenery, including big trees, flowers, and plenty of birds.

It truly feels like a jungle with a city in it!

Conclusion

Medellín is an amazing city that surprised us in many ways. From its modernity to its affordability to its natural beauty, Medellín has a lot to offer travelers.

Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s culture, enjoy its great weather, or just soak up the greenery, Medellín is a destination that should definitely be on your list.

Plus, with a variety of visa options, including a new digital nomad visa, Medellín is a great place to work and play! We certainly plan to spend more time there in the future!

Watch Our Video About Medellín Colombia

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