Welcome to Medellin Colombia, “The City of Eternal Spring!”

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Columbia has always been tied to violence and armed conflict for much of its recent history, which has led to a perception of the country as a dangerous place. It has been associated with the illegal drug trade, particularly the production of cocaine. This has contributed to the country’s reputation for drug-related violence and crime, as portrayed in media and popular culture. The country of Colombia has been plagued by the reputation of Pablo Escobar for decades, keeping it from reaching its tourism potential until now.

Years of real-life Cartel activity and portrayal in popular culture have made many people wary of traveling down south. Actually, it’s replete with its fair share of economic, societal, political and even environmental issues. However, it has so much going for it.

Medellin, Colombia has become a massively popular destination for tourists, digital nomads, and backpackers alike, with its tourism popularity growing 41% over its pre-pandemic numbers.

For those who have had a chance to visit Medellin, it’s easy to see why there has been a boom in tourism. It is home to natural beauty, trendy bars, and a welcoming population. It’s widely considered the most developed city in Colombia. The climate is optimal, beating out the colder, grey climate of Bogota, whilst avoiding the stifling heat of the coastal region.

Until 2020, Medellin had enjoyed a steady increase in tourism – an amazing achievement when considering the crippling chains of the city’s past. Tourism has brought employment, economic prosperity, infrastructure and pride to Columbia.

The infrastructure in Medellin is definitely the best in the country. For example, it’s the only city with a metro system or a metro tram. Despite this, the city is already materializing a new metro line (Metro 80). This is expected to be fully realized by 2025.

Colombia is a corrupt country, yes, but the Medellin Metropolitan Area is definitely one of the least corrupt parts of Colombia. Actually, research of what is happening in Medellin shows that they have a great plan for future development; this encompasses plans for: education, economic growth, transport, LGBT rights, environmental care and more.

The exciting burst in popularity has caused an increase in tourism costs: hotels and Airbnb are much more expensive than they were before the pandemic, but still more affordable than many tourist cities. You can expect to spend between $700 and $1000 on an apartment in Medellin for one month, of course depending on size and how far in advance you book it.

Naturally, the cafes, bars, and restaurants have also caught on the influx of tourists and have begun charging accordingly. However, you can still have a good dinner and a night out for pretty cheap in Medellin if you look slightly off path.

Now, when you are travelling somewhere, you usually check out the weather, and the weather in Medellin is a massive plus. It is known as “The City of Eternal Spring” – meaning, temperatures stay a mild 60-80 degrees throughout the year.

While cartel activity has mostly died down, parts of Medellin can be a little dodgy at night. Medellin is generally safe for travelers in terms of violent crime but there has been a recent string of armed robberies and petty crimes against tourists occurring as of late 202.

Colombia is a diverse and complex country with much more to offer than stereotypes may suggest, and opinions about it can be quite nuanced. Visitors and those interested in Colombia are encouraged to do their own research and engage with a wide range of perspectives to form a more accurate understanding of the country.

Happy travels!