Medellin was named by numerous sites as one of the best places in the world to visit in 2023 and for good reason. Known as the City of Eternal Spring for its amazing year round climate, Medellin has it all. It’s the cultural capital of Colombia, with amazing restaurants, nightlife, museums and history and right outside the city is beautiful nature and adventure sports.
In addition, the value of the Colombian peso vs most currencies makes it one of the best values in the world.
Now that this beautiful country is safe again it should be on your travel list.
Here is what you need to know for your trip.
Visa
For U.S., EU and UK Citizens, visa not required for stays of 90 days or less.
When to Go
Medellin is known as the City of Eternal Spring as the weather is great all year so there is no wrong time to go.
The climate in Medellín is warm over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 62°F to 78°F.
The rainy season is from April to May and October to November, and dry season is December to January and July to August although in the rainy season it usually rains hard for an hour and then clears up.
The Major Festival is the The Flowers Festival (Feria de las Flores) which takes place in August. For information on this and other festivals in Medellin see:
Flights
Main airlines are Spirit, American, United, Avianca and JetBlue
You can check for the best prices on flights at google flights.
The cheapest airline is usually Avianca but note the small print as this is a no frills airline and you need to pay for may things which are included in the price of other airlines ie choosing you seat, water and snacks and most importantly luggage.
Main Airport: José María Córdova International Airport
To City- by taxi: 80,000 pesos (about $21) about 40 minutes to City Center.
-by bus: (Bus Company Combuses)- two options- for the southern part of the City (such as Poblado) leaves you at San Diego Mall (about 50.minutes), for northern part of the City leaves you at Plazuela Nutibara (about 60 minutes). You can buy the tickets on the bus for about 11,000 Colombia pesos (about $3).
For personal pick up in comfortable SUV, contact Jorge Parra at +57 310 4890579 (about $40).
Currency & Credit Cards
The Colombian Peso.
For the Exchange Rate for US dollars see: Exchange Rate
Most places do not take US dollars.
Credit Cards can be used in most places.
The exchange rate at the airport is very bad. Best way is take out from Bank ATM’s (available at the airport). these have the best exchange rate although some have a small service fee depending on the bank. For ATM’s look for Banks or places with the sign Cajeros.
Safety
Medellin went from one of the most dangerous cities in the world doing the Narco Wars time with bombs going off around the city to now a safe city. Like most cities there are good neighborhoods and bad ones, I would advise staying in El Poblado or Laureles. Most parts of the city are safe in the day time, at night I would always take a cab to and from destinations, luckily in Medellin taxis and Uber are cheap and plentiful.
Medellin doesn’t have a lot of violent crime but they do have petty crime like pick pockets. So to keep safe follow the rule for most cities; don’t flash cash or valuables, don’t do illegal things like buy drugs and dont get too drunk.
There were a few cases of tourists being drugged with scopolamine by woman at their hotels who then robbed them (and a couple that died because the dosage was too strong) so be careful who you bring home.
I would advise not going to someone’s apartment you do not know, if you bring someone to your hotel they should leave their ID at the front desk and watch your drink.
Electricity
In Colombia the standard voltage is 110 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. For U.S residents there is no need a power plug adapter in Colombia. As some sockets are 3 prong, you may want to bring 3 to 2 prong adapter.
Water
Medellin tap water is safe to drink. It is treated and filtered to remove impurities and contaminates before it is distributed to homes and businesses.
Neighborhood to Stay in
The best neighborhood for travelers is Poblado. Its central and has great restaurants cafes and bars and is the most foreigner and tourist friendly.
Hotels
Tour Guide
For Personalized VIP service at great rates, please contact my friend Jorge Parra. Airport pick up, guided tours, sightseeing, security and information
Tel +57 310 4890579 Instagram e-mail jorgee1010@gmail.com instagram: @jorgeparra
To do:
For the best experiences and a perfect week in Medellin see: Perfect Week in Medellin
Conclusion
I have traveled to more than 85 countries in the world and too many cities to count and Medellin is one of my favorites cities in the world. I actually cut the cord and move there this year! It is a beautiful city, full of energy with lovely people. An amazing experience awaits you.
Please let me know what you think or if you have any questions or comments. Hope these posts are helpful and interesting.
Enjoy the City of Eternal Spring
