Travel Guide to Medellin, Colombia

The only travel guide you will need. Colombia is home to rich culture, stunning scenery and spring like climate all year round. Not sure about your next destination? Check out our destination deals and book your next stay in Medellin.

Everything you need to know about Colombia and Medellin all at one place   

Before Departure

Entry Requirements

Ever since the pandemic started, travel requirements haven’t been the same. Take into consideration everything we provide as information before departure so there are no surprises at the gates. 

Before departure for Colombia, you will need to fill in a pre-registration form for entering the country. As well as that make sure you carry a mask with you during the flight. 

If you are vaccinated for covid-19, there won’t be a need to get tested before visiting. You will be able to enter without a problem. Just make sure you have your certificate with you digitally or printed.  

If you’re not fully vaccinated or are unvaccinated for covid-19, foreign nationals who have started but not completed their vaccinations, have had their final dose less than 14 days before travel or are unvaccinated will be able to enter Colombia showing proof of a negative PCR or Antigen test issued no later than 72 hours prior to boarding. 

Other vaccines you may need, you can find information on that here – Travel Vaccines and Advice for Colombia | Passport Health (passporthealthglobal.com).

Visas

Certain countries may need to apply for a tourist visa to enter Colombia. A list of the countries that are exempt or need one you can find here – I need a visa | Chancellery (cancilleria.gov.co)

Other types of visas may be required for persons traveling to Colombia for reasons other than tourism. If this is your case, you can check the requirements for study visas at https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/visa/m-estudiantes.  

If you’re looking for a work visa, go to 

https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/visa/m-trabajador. 

Apps to download as soon as you land

Rappi!

Think of it like an Uber Eats for everything in your life – with 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! 

Climate

As we already mentioned, Medellin is known as the city of eternal spring with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The least rainy months to visit Medellín is during their Summer (December-March). 

Exploring Colombia

What you need to know

On your trip to Colombia, you will have the chance not only to explore Medellin but also to indulge into the Colombian culture and visit other cities along the way too. But first let us prepare now so that we don’t think about anything besides having fun when there.  

If you are coming from the States or another country which uses inches and miles, this will be an interesting transition for you as Colombia’s units of measurement are centimeters, kilometers and the temperature is in Celsius. 

Electricity 

In Colombia, you’ll find the following power outlets: flat 2-prong sockets or sockets with a third, round prong. But don’t worry; it’s easy to find power adapters and voltage regulators at any hardware store or department store. 

Bear in mind that the domestic power supply in Colombia is 110 volts of alternating current or 60 hertz (110V AC, 60Hz). 

Facts about Colombia:

• Bargaining is common in some places in Colombia but try not to overdo it and respect the owner’s work, not only to buy something on the cheap
• You can buy water in big plastic bags, and although it is not the most practical thing, it helps you save some money as it is cheaper than bottled water. Same as any other developing country, Colombia also has a huge problem with plastic. Try to reduce your plastic consumption to the very minimum by using a reusable water bottle.
• It’s better to have cash than rely on a credit card. As it is not very safe to carry around a lot of money with you, always withdraw only as much as you need for a few days. Just make sure that your next destination has an ATM.
• Sunscreen, bug repellent, or mouthwash you are used to, will be several times more expensive than in your home country. Bring some with you to avoid surprises and save money.
• If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before travelling to Colombia, because of the Zika virus, see:
  https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/zika-virus.
• It’s Colombia, not Columbia. The number one way to grind a Colombian’s gears is to spell the country Columbia. For some reason all north Americans want it to spell it this way, but it’s incorrect.
• There is still a strong police presence in Colombia. You can see police officers and soldiers everywhere around. And it takes time to get used to the fact that they are not here because something is going on, but they are on the streets to make sure that no issues will arise. Safety has been increasing in this country every year.
• Learn a few phrases in Spanish, as Colombians appreciate foreigners speaking their native language.

Medellin

The city of eternal spring is welcoming you this year! We have included information to guide you through the city. 

Medellin has its own metro and metro cable, systems that have made the city an example of mobility and social integration. This city is also among the 75 best cities to work in according to the Nestpick index. The cultural offer of this city is 22 museums, and 6 libraries open to everyone, in addition to more than 25 shopping malls and 6 areas of national and international restaurants for all tastes. 

What to do in Medellin?

Day trip to Guatape 

It is about an hour and a half from Medellín is a must-do on any trip to Colombia. It might be good to hire a driver to take you there. Their prices are reasonable, but if you are not sure let our host know and we will do our best to lead you in the right direction.  

El Peñon de Guatape

Zigzagging 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.  

Most famous neighbourhood in Medellin

El Poblado

Welcome to El Poblado, your new neighborhood in Medellin. Safe, walkable, and cosmopolitan, this lively neighborhood is filled with some of the best cafes, restaurants, and bars in town. Set against the backdrop of the Andes mountains, this popular area is famous for its red brick high-rises. 

N.B Bring comfortable shoes! El Poblado is not a flat city. You must constantly climb up and down those small hills. It is a great exercise, no need to visit the Gym.  

Modern, bright, and filled with plenty of cozy corners, visiting the Provenza neighborhood is the perfect place to set up shop. You’ll be close to plenty of lunch spots and cafes. With reliable Wi-Fi you’ll be ready to dive right into work. After a fresh cup of Colombian coffee, that is. 

Dining in El Poblado

• El Cielo: Offers a unique fine dining experience with a focus on molecular gastronomy. 
• La Brasa Roja: Known for their rotisserie chicken and traditional Colombian dishes. 
• El Zocalo: Offers Mexican cuisine at reasonable prices. 
• La Fondita: A casual eatery that serves traditional Colombian food including arepas, empanadas and bandeja paisa. 
• La Hamburgueseria: A great spot for burgers and other casual fare. 
• El Poblado Grill: A casual spot that serves a variety of grilled meats and other traditional Colombian dishes. 
• La Esquina de los Jubilados: A casual spot that serves traditional Colombian dishes at low prices. 
• La Piazza: Offers a variety of Italian dishes at affordable prices.
• Taqueria El Paisa: Offers a variety of Mexican dishes at low prices. 
• La Fonda Paisa: A family-friendly spot that serves traditional Colombian dishes at low prices.