This year I set to see more of South American and visit Colombia for the very first time. I could only make a brief one-week stop, and chose Medellin, without doing too much homework or know what I’m in for. I do not speak any Spanish, and safety is something that I care about, so I wasn’t sure how things would work out.
There are some beautiful spots and very interesting things to explore and see, so once you overcome the initial challenges and get out of your comfort zone to try different things there is actually quite a bit to see and do, just need a bit of planning and a bit of caution. The posh neighborhoods are terrific with lots of lovely cafes and restaurants, and the once crime-infested now tourist attraction parts of the city are colorful and lively, and all quite enjoyable.
I’ve met expats there who love the place and have lingered for years. Not sure I’m quite there yet, but I could see the charm, especially if you know some Spanish, and enjoy vibrant social night life on the cheap.
Hope to make it back to explore more of the country some day soon. For now, here are my visions of Medellin Colombia, with a quick daytrip detour to Guatapé…
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