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Home » South America » Medellin

Is Medellin Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

Medellin, once one of the most dangerous cities in the world, is finally showing the world how you are more than your terrible past. After suffering with drug gangs and violent crime of the worst demeanour for so long, the cartel days are finally behind the city of eternal spring.

Medellin is really special. It’s not just changed its violent past; it’s actively embraced all its ugly parts to make something beautiful. So today, staying safe in Medellin is pretty damn easy.

But like every big city , and especially in Latin America, it’s no stranger to having its own safety problems. So, is Medellin safe for tourists these days?

Well, petty theft, traffic, and scams are all still a concern. And although it’s not something that should bother you as a tourist, of course, gangs will never be eradicated completely.

Of course, ‘narco-tourism’ is in play. And actually, you can see it and contribute towards Medellin’s ever-growing, healthy economy.

Whether you’re a solo female traveller or bringing your family, it is safe in Medellin. But we need to get the safety tips straight. Here’s your guide to staying safe in Medellin.

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, as things change quickly. The question of “Is Medellin Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on who you ask.

The information in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practice common sense, you will probably have a wonderful and safe trip to Medellin.

If you see any outdated information, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Otherwise, stay safe friends!

Updated April 2024

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Is it Safe to Visit Medellin Right Now?

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Yes! Medellin is safe to travel to. The city had a recorded 1,400,000 international visitors last 2022. Most of them had a relatively safe experience.

The second largest city in Colombia , visiting Medellin is definitely something I’d highly recommend to all sorts of travellers. Compared to its reputation in the 1980s, when it had one of the highest homicide rates in the world , Medellin is markedly safer these days. 

But you have to be careful while travelling. Street crime still exists, traffic is rather chaotic, and, although violent crime is increasingly uncommon, it’s no stranger to petty crime. 

Oh and then there are the earthquakes (which you’ll experience everywhere while backpacking Colombia ), and the flooding in the rainy season. Both can be pretty bad. Knowing what to do in a disaster situation makes Medellin one of the safest cities in South America.

Just like the safety in Colombia overall, Medellin’s has become a whole new person. In 1993, when Pablo Escobar was out of the picture, safety concerns started to turn around. Crime has pretty much plummeted in general and, in fact, Medellin is safer than many other cities in Latin America.

Alongside Medellin’s drug renaissance in the 80s/90s, there was also a Communist insurgency happening. And while FARC stopped being an armed group in 2017, not everyone on that side was happy. Dissidents are still active.

Gangs still operate in the city. Though there’s absolutely no reason for these to affect you as gang violence is typically inter-gang.

And let’s talk again about those earthquakes…

They’ve been INCREASING over the past few years. Usually, they’re barely a wobble, but researchers are worried that Medellin isn’t sufficiently prepared for a big one. Make sure you know the drill, therefore.

In conclusion, whilst Medellin is safe to visit right now, situations can change. Keep an eye on what’s going on in the city.

Check out our detailed  where to stay guide for Medellin so you can start your trip right!

When choosing where to stay in Medellin, a bit of research and caution is essential. You don’t want to end up in a sketchy area and ruin your trip. To help you out, I’ve listed the safest areas to visit in Medellin:

• El Poblado – One of Medellin’s main neighbourhoods, with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops; it is known for its lively night scene. There are large shopping malls and a ton of bars and clubs. It’s our top recommendation for where to stay in Medellin for nightlife or as a solo traveller. There’s also a strong police presence during the day and even at night. That means more security guards, more cameras, and less crime – at least on paper. 
• Laureles – Laureles may not be the most famous neighbourhood in Medellin, but it’s our recommendation for the safest place in Medellin. It’s quieter and more pedestrian friendly than other parts of the city while still being within easy reach of the hustle and bustle.
• Envigado – Sleep well in a peaceful and relatively safe place to stay in Medellin, Envigado has everything for comfort. Being more rural, a range of outdoor adventures are right on the doorstep. Look out for pickpocketing during the day but you should be pretty safe from gang related crimes. Just keep in mind, wandering off alone or going off the beaten track.

Places to avoid in Medellin

While the City of Eternal Spring is far from the most dangerous city in South America, it isn’t necessarily known to be the safest place to visit either. Always use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings.

Particularly after dark and late at night, nowhere is 100% safe here. When you arrive at your accommodation, ask the staff which areas are best to avoid. These people usually offer the most solid travel safety tips . 

Prado and the most historic district, El Centro (aka La Candelaria), become arguably the most desolate area of Medellin after dark . Commuters and cops leave the area and it becomes decidedly unsafe.

Although some of these places are also cool to visit during the day, these are places to avoid in Medellin for various reasons:

• Comuna 13, Parque Lleras (cool to visit but known for sex tourism)
• Parque de las Luces (NOT recommended after dark)
• Parque San Antonio (pickpockets)
• Prado (nice, but a hotspot for drugs)
• Parque Periodista
• Barrio Trinidad (this is where everyone goes to get drugs)
• and La Sierra

It’s important to know that all of the places can technically be visited. They just have a higher crime rate than others, but those crimes are usually not targeted towards tourists, besides petty theft. So these can become safer areas in Medellin for tourists to visit, too.

Keeping Your Money Safe in Medellin

One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.

The best solution? Get a money belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Medellin is no longer the crime hotspot in Pablo Escobar times. To its credit, it’s had a miraculous turnaround. From one of the most dangerous cities in the world to a modern and inviting hub, it’s a surprising change of fate.

BUT that doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe all the time. So here are some safety tips to help you stay safe in Medellin.

• Don’t walk around shady areas – Medellin is generally safe, but there are some areas to avoid. Don’t wander around after dark.
• Keep valuables close – and hide your money well – especially on public transport.
• Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/ currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt .
• Take taxis at night – and make sure they are official taxis. 
• Try to blend in – Don’t flaunt wealth. Look at what the locals are wearing. Weirdly, only tourists wear shorts in Medellin, too. 
• Don’t walk with your phone out – it’s an easy (and valuable) target for thieves.
• Watch out at ATMs – pay attention to your surroundings.
• Be aware of spiking – Always keep an eye on your drinks and food, and never accept cigarettes from strangers. 
• Take a good medical kit with you – you never know when you might need it!
• Plan your routes – looking like a lost tourist WILL make you more of a target for thieves.
• Be wary of overfriendly strangers – they’re more than likely trying to scam you .
• If someone wants your stuff, give it to them – It’s not worth it.
• Don’t look for drugs – Hey, I don’t want to be a killjoy, but drugs are the epicentre of Colombia’s dark past.
• Be careful during rainy season – Colombia has two: April-May and October-November.
• Know what to do in an earthquake – and check local news.
• Learn Spanish – at least a bit.
• Remember the national emergency number: 123

Basically, it’s all about travelling smart. Colombia isn’t the violent scourge of Latin America that many perceive it to be, but it’s a safe city for millions of people.

Yes! You can definitely travel to Medellin safely alone. 

But of course, travelling by yourself does put you at risk of being more of a target sometimes. Before you head out on your trip, here are some great tips to help you solo travel Medellin like a boss…

• Read reviews and research for the best hostels in Medellin . Staying somewhere social is good for making friends. Choosing a good, safe area will make getting around easy.
• Speaking some Spanish really is going to enhance your time . This will help with everything from reading bus timetables to getting the best recommendations, and to even…
• Make some travel buddies! There is safety in numbers and it fights the travel blues.
• Keep in touch with people back home . Let them know where you’ll be. At the very least, keep a new travel friend up-to-date.
• Get a SIM card . Maps, emergency contact, last-minute accommodation, etc.
• Don’t push yourself too much. You don’t need to burn yourself out.
• Know your limits – whether it’s drugs, alcohol, or a crazy, spontaneous motorbike adventure , know when to call it a day.

Surprisingly, it’s pretty safe in Medellin for solo travellers. Remember to pay attention to your surroundings, but if you’re not looking for trouble, it doesn’t come looking for you in Medellin.

Yes, Medellin is safe for solo female travellers – and lots of them come here. So the chance to meet cool people in this cool city is high.

Unfortunately, like most places in the world, you’re going to have to think about different safety aspects than many cis-male travellers, for example. And, like other Latin American countries, macho society still needs work in Medellin.

A few tips for travelling safely as a solo female in Medellin can’t hurt. Here we go:

• Check out reputable hostels for women . Get to know other female travellers, and share safety tips and stories. There are female-only dorms if you prefer. 
• Make friends with your hostel staff. They have all the best recommendations for cool (and safe!) places to go. 
• Free walking tours are good to get to know the city’s culture and knowing the dangerous areas to avoid.
• Ignore any catcalling. It’s not the time to break boundaries – walk on and don’t stress yourself out.
• DO NOT walk around by yourself at night time . I’ll say this to all men too – but for solo women, this is a no-no.
• Let me mention spiking again here. Keep an eye on your own drink and DON’T accept anything from strangers .
• Police will help tourists . So if you have a problem, anything from being lost to feeling like you’re being hassled, go and talk to the police.
• Use a body-tight bag – keep your belongings as close as possible.

Although Colombia has a reputation for being a macho society, it has pros and cons… This DOES mean more catcalls and comments. But it ALSO means that men look out for women. 

That said, solo women travellers in Medellin can be safe. It doesn’t mean watching over your shoulder every second, but it means staying aware of your surroundings.

Laureles is one of the safest and expat-friendly neighborhoods in Medellin. While it doesn’t offer that many attractions, it’s a great area to base yourself if you’re worried about security and getting a good nights sleep.

Yep! Medellin is safe to travel for families. In the City of Eternal Spring, the weather is GREAT – not too hot and too cold for your little ones. Perfect.

But yeah, I hear you parents: you need to know a little more than that to have a safe trip to Medellin with the kiddos.

Okay, so the city is not always easy to walk around. The pavements aren’t exactly top-notch. The drains are deep and the curbs are high, so prams or pushchairs are pretty out of the question. 

The metro is generally fine to take children on, but during rush hour things can get pretty hectic, making it not ideal. And, yeah, don’t expect things like child car seats in taxis. 

I don’t think I need to preach to the choir about finding solid, well-reviewed accommodation for the family. Airbnbs in Medellin are fairly priced and ideal for groups.

Aside from these things, Medellin IS safe for children. Your kids will probably be the centre of attention with the locals because Colombian people are all about family. The kids will be a great icebreaker and will allow you to meet even more friendly locals.

Driving is pretty hazardous in Medellin. Traffic gets bad, especially in El Poblado and El Centro. 

Motorbikes, big buses and taxi drivers seem to have little to no consideration for everyone. So, may the odds be ever in your favour. Even as a pedestrian, the roads take no mercy.

Since Medellin’s public transport is very good , I think this is the best option to get around safely. The Medellin Metro is the only one in the WHOLE of Colombia and it is a god-send. 

These have specific routes, and their own dedicated lanes, meaning traffic isn’t that much of a problem. Just watch out for pickpockets and rush hours.

There are public buses but you’ll need to speak Spanish to understand it . I advise caution using the bus at night. It’s probably best just to take a taxi.

Taxis ARE safe in Medellin … but make sure your taxi is legit. The company logo should be there and the license plate number should match up with the sticker in the windscreen. Have your accommodation call one or go to taxi ranks.

When you’re in busy areas of the city, it’s a good idea to lock the doors. And to keep yourself extra safe, call someone while riding in the cab (or pretend to) and give the license plate number – so the taxi driver understands that someone else knows where you are. 

Better yet… Uber is safe in Medellin .

In fact, Uber has a good reputation for being particularly safe in Medellin. There’s none of the usual taxi hassle (i.e. being overcharged) and you won’t have to worry about having the right small bills to pay the driver since you pay in-app.

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to Medellin without…

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

Yesim stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travellers.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Medellin.

Is Medellin safe at night?

No, Medellin is not safe at night, especially for solo travellers and females. If possible, stay inside after dark or stick with a large group.

Is Medellin safe for tourists?

Yes, Medellin is safe for tourists as long as they stick to the rules and respect the culture. Being aware of your surroundings is a must in Medellin, no matter where you are. Unless you’re actively looking for trouble, you shouldn’t have a problem in Medellin.

Is it safe to walk around Medellin?

Walking around during the day in Medellin is safe. Stick to the touristy areas and you’ll be perfectly fine unless you wander off alone into small side streets. We wouldn’t recommend walking around at night in Medellin.

What is the safest area to stay in Medellin?

El Poblado is the safest and best area to stay in Medellin. It’s filled with expats, great restaurants, a lively nightlife scene and plenty of affordable accommodation. This doesn’t mean that you can drop all caution. Keep your eyes open no matter where you are and watch your belongings to add another level of safety to your trip.

No dar papaya ( don’t give papaya) is a phrase famous in pretty much all of Colombia. The meaning is basically: “don’t put yourself in a situation where you will be vulnerable.” And that is how I sum up the safety of Medellin.

Medellin has quite literally come up leaps and bounds in the last few years. From being a city practically run by drug lords, to one that’s winning awards. It’s honestly mental.

Gangs and street crime do still exist though. The best way to stay safe in Medellin is to basically not give papaya i.e. put yourself in a dangerous position. Don’t walk around at night in certain areas, don’t get in a taxi with a sketchy-looking driver, don’t talk to that over-friendly stranger, don’t buy drugs; these situations can be easily avoided.

Stick to safe areas, get taxis (or better yet – Ubers) after dark, and make friends with other people exploring this cool city at the same time you are. Keep your wits about you, trust your gut, don’t make yourself vulnerable, and you’re bound to have an AMAZING TIME in this beautiful city.

Looking for more info on traveling to Medellin?

• Let me help you choose where to stay in Medellin
• Swing by one of these fabulous festivals
• Don’t forget to add an epic national park to your itinerary
• Check out my favorite Airbnbs in the centre of all the action
• Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Medellin travel guide!

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

Share or save this post

Obvious thing not pointed out is that thieves are attracted to money . Where’s the money ? Poblado and Laureles. Most dangerous places ? Poblado and Laureles

If you don’t know Spanish don’t be walking around outside the busy tourist areas at night. Keep your phone in your front pocket. Avg daily wage is $10. The streets of Poblado are overflowing with Venezuelan immigrants without jobs selling crappy cocaine

I have been solo traveling Colombia by motorcycle for 2 years with one year spent in Medellin

Most dangerous places in Colombia for tourists is easily Cartagena and Santa Marta

I’ve visited Medellin five times this year it’s safe unless you’re stupid but if that’s the case United States isn’t safe if you’re stupid

God Bless to whoever is involved with this great website. It truly makes me feel like I’ve been there already. I was nervous about Medellin but after reading this page I feel like I have the confidence of a lion. Great information thank you

What do you mean by “down that beer”?; finish it up? I’m asking because the translation you posted doesn’t make much sense to me. I’m colombian. Otherwise, very good article! Thank you

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Is Medellin Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Colombia : Safety by City

• Barranquilla
• Bucaramanga
• Santa Marta

Medellin is the second biggest and most populous city in Colombia with 3 million people, located in the region of the Andes Mountains in South America.

It is very well known for its festivals that tourists can experience throughout the year if they decide to come to Medellin.

The Festival of the Flowers, the Christmas lighting, the International Poetry Festival, and the Jazz Festival are just some of them.

The must-see sights in Medellin are the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Junin pedestrian street from the Coltejer Building to Bolivar Park, Museo de Antioquia, and Parque Berrío.

This beautiful city has many things to offer in terms of culture, architecture, and entertainment.

• Warnings & Dangers in Medellin

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

The overall risk in Medellin is at the medium level since it is a city where both petty and violent crime acts can sometimes happen against tourists. To remain safe here and minimize the risk of trouble, you should perform activities during the daytime, avoid walking alone, call taxis by phone and do not show electronic devices, credit cards or money in public.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

The best advice in terms of taxis is to call them from your accommodation and always ask the driver to turn on the taxi meter. Driving in Medellin is horrific, so avoid driving your car. If you are a pedestrian, do not rely on traffic signs, since they are not respected. Remain very watchful when crossing the street, even on the marked pedestrian crossings.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Even though Medellin is considered a safe city for tourism, the crime rate does not support that fact. Petty crime is a serious problem and the theft of wallets, electronic gadgets and passports are increasing. Tourist sites are full of the police, so you can feel safe there, but try to avoid parks El Poblado and Laureles.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Flooding, landslides, and earthquakes are common natural disasters in Medellin. In case you happen to be there during any of these disasters, follow the advice of the local authorities.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Violent crime against tourists is not very common in Medellin, but it is important to avoid Comuna 13, Parque Lleras, Parque de las Luces, Parque San Antonio, Parque Periodista, Prado, Barrio Trinidad, and La Sierra especially after dark. Mugging strategies are at a high level and the process lasts a few seconds. It happens everywhere, at any hour, and if you happen to be the victim, just give them what they want. There is no point in arguing or defeating since that can make you more trouble.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Recent reports show that organized crime, related to the Medellín Cartel, a highly organized drug cartel in Colombia, has occurred repeatedly as a consequence of the fight against them. Tourists are not the direct targets but may be victims in case they find themselves at the place of the attack.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

The possible problems travelers can encounter here is the counterfeit money, so they should always exchange it at the airport or in a bank. Do not exchange money on the street even if they offer you a better rate. As in any other huge city, taxi drivers take advantage of tourists, thieves transform themselves into police officers and credit card skimming is frequent.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Since many women who visited Medellin had no issues, it is considered a quite safe city. Verbal harassment, like cat-calling or whistling, is frequent, but women just need to remain polite if this happens. They should be careful when on bus stations and in taxis, especially at night.

• So... How Safe Is Medellin Really?

This city is the economic and business center and a place full of shopping malls and skyscrapers.

Tourists are attracted by its culture, museums, and architecture.

While exploring the city’s landmarks, they need to be aware that the huge wandering population decreases after dark, and leaves dangerous streets susceptible to thieves and lawbreakers.

In case you are a vigilant and watchful person, who manifests self-esteem, there is no reason to worry about your well-being and you can enjoy your holiday in Medellin.

• How Does Medellin Compare?
• Useful Information

For most nationalities, a visa is not necessary when coming to Colombia, as a tourist and stay less than 90 days. On the other hand, there are countries whose citizens need to acquire a visa before they enter Colombia. Your passport must be valid during your stay here.

The local currency is the Colombian Peso and it is advisable to exchange your money since US dollars and Euros are rarely accepted. Credit cards are used here, but not to that extent as in other more developed countries. In case you need to use an ATM, those found in a shopping mall or large superstores are more secure than those on the street because there is a risk that somebody will rob you.

The 'City of everlasting spring' is the nickname for Medellin due to its climate. The weather is quite mild with an average temperature that ranges from 15 to 30 degrees C. Humidity is comfortable and cool air comes from the mountains surrounding Medellin. This provides Medellin with the perfect climate.

José María Córdova International Airport located in Rionegro is the airport that is used when coming to Medellin. Other airports which can be used as an alternative if you decide to come to Colombia are El Dorado International Airport, José María Córdova International Airport, and Rafael Núñez International Airport with non-stop flights to many places.

Travel Insurance

Colombia is a country where accidents can happen, in terms of luggage lost or theft, so what you need to have when coming here is travel insurance that will cover not only medical problems but any kind of loss of personal belongings.

Medellin Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Colombia - Safety by City

Explore medellin.

• Top 5 Medellin Neighborhoods for Travelers
• Where to Next?

6 Reviews on Medellin

Columbia correctly spelled is Colombia…

Wonderful trip!

I got a chance to see all of the must-see sights found in Medellin like Parque Berrío, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Museo de Antioquia, the Junin pedestrian street from the Coltejer Building to Bolivar Park. Everything was exceptional and we are already planning another trip in Colombia, in Medellin and other cities as well.

Fun place for young people

I wanted a vacation really badly so I booked a two-week stay in Medellin because it was dirt cheap, had warm weather and I can speak Spanish rather well.

Colombia gets a bad rep if you spend more than a few days in their country and watch local news you will see why. However, most of the incidents are gang-related, gruesome, but gang-related.

All of the locals I interacted with were happy to give me directions or simply to chitchat, don’t believe the naysayers, these people are not out to get you. Yes, they have pickpockets. Yes, they have scammers that will bump you in the street trying to sell random stuff because ‘gran descuento’. Yes, they might overcharge your cab ride – I always ask for an estimate beforehand. What country doesn’t have these flaws?

They excel when it comes to nightlife, you wont run out of clubs and they’re quite inclusive, if you’re gay you will have zero problems blending in. Plus, you will have your pick of gay bars and clubs.

Colombia as a country has a huge problem with pollution so if you’re asthmatic or have any other allergies you might find it rather hard to pace your breath. I can’t remember the last time I used my inhaler more than I did during my two-week stay there.

I was not a fan of the food, though… Local cuisine is not my cup of tea, if you’re a vegetarian you’ll have trouble finding decent salads that are something other than a couple of green leaves sprinkled with some oil.

So, watch your cash, phone, camera, avoid sketchy neighborhoods – believe me, you know it the second you see it. Walking around mindlessly with your eyes glued to the phone is simply asking for trouble, regardless if you’re in Medellin or NYC.

Dont let down your guard

i visited with my girlfriend and got mugged at Cerro el volador. it happened very fast, they were armed and Took all our stuff. maybe it was our mistake for going into a park with few visitors. we talked to some locals and they told us muggings like these do happen very often and more violent crimes are also not rare. on average 20 tourist get killed in medellin every year, most of them in Connection with prostitution or if they try to play the hero when getting mugged. Check colombian newspapers if you dont believe me. i dont want to spoil anyones fun or spread horror stories, i Just want to warn you: be careful! yes, Medellin is not as dangerous as it was 30 years ago, but it is still in no way a city in which you can be carefree. only take with you the valuables you really need, dont wave them around in public, take a copy of your Passport, leave the original in your Hotel. only take registered Taxis or uber. Metro felt safe too. dont walk around at night. avoid empty streets, even in broad daylight. ask your Hotel staff about Security risks and unsafe areas. and most inportantely: listen to your gut Feeling. If an area seems sketchy to you, it possibly is and should be avoided. even the centro around the big Museums can be seedy and doubles as a red light district. dont take unecessary risks, dont let Strangers into your Hotel room/ Airbnb. There are a Lot of muggings connected to tinder dates in the last years. dont leave your drink unprotected (this applies to men too!) and dont think that i am exaggerating because you know some people who had no problems at all – i definitively believe that the majority of tourists never encounter any serious crime, but some do and it can spoil your holidays or even worse – it is a serious Problem and not as rare as you might think. colombia is a beautiful country with charming people, but dont forget that it is also a very poor country compared to almost every western one. this means desperation and also crime. you will be a target for some. stay Safe!

Not heading in the right direction

Things have been going downhill in Medellin since 2023. Lots of guys getting killed meeting women down there. If not drugged, then kidnapped and stabbed or shot. Also, spontaneous robberies seem to be on the rise. There are still some relatively safer areas, such as Envigado and the graffiti area of San Javier, but these are more outliers. Even then, you still have to get from the airport to these areas, and then transportation back and forth. El Poblado is becoming more dangerous.

I had a good time when I went in October, but I also knew people there before I even arrived, and these were people I knew well enough to trust. If you don’t have any contacts down there, it’s more risky. If you go, don’t display your phone on the street, dress like a local, and never hail a taxi from the road. Also, if you are meeting a chica down there, it had better be someone you know exceptionally well.

2.5 stars. Wonderful place BUT in Dec 2020 as a single young female I was nearly kidnapped/robbed on arrival! My Uber (correct plates) set me up and stopped on the highway 10 mins in with the doors unlocked and windows down, didn’t explain why (he knew I spoke Spanish) and started texting someone long messages for close to 10 mins. I got out of it by yelling at him to drive but when I got to my Airbnb I could barely walk… Felt like I was moving through quicksand and had the worst headache of my life! Took 5 mins to cross the street. I stayed in the whole day but the rest of the trip was awesome! I really want to visit Bogota and Ctg but am afraid after that. I have extensive solo travel and this is the only place besides Rio during Carnival I ever felt fearful (nothing hpnd in Rio bc I look Brazilian, learned the language, and dressed like locals). The next time I booked a flight to Colombia there were massive demonstrations that left hundreds dead and blocked travel btwn cities. Luckily I canceled the flight same day! A friend visited that year and said some paramilitary or something blocked exits where she was and had machine guns and they were stuck maybe 2 days? I’m putting Colombia dead last in places to return to. Sad bc outside of crime it has so much to offer!

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13 Things You Should Know When Traveling to Medellin

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If you’re planning a trip to Medellin, it can be somewhat challenging because the destination is so new on the travel scene, and authentic and insightful information can be lacking. It is, however, growing in popularity and many more people are now traveling to Medellin, including a growing travel blogger community that often just visits briefly and writes superficially about the city.

I wanted to do something different though… I wanted to write about this city that I know and love from a more authentic, respectful, and honest perspective. I’ve spent a few years now living in Medellin, Colombia , I know the place extremely well, and in a way that goes beyond the surface level.

Since you’re here, I want to help you plan a better trip to Medellin with some of these important tips or insights… These are the types of things you should know when traveling to Medellin for the first time, the types of things that can make your trip amazing, unforgettable, and go beyond the stereotypes, or at least beyond the typical advice I see others writing online.

In this comprehensive Medellin travel guide, we are going to be covering a bunch of travel tips ranging from where to stay, what to eat, safety in Medellin, how to deal with money, the Spanish language, and so much more.

Are you ready? Buckle up, this is a big one… Let’s get on with these 13 things you should know when traveling to Medellin for the first time — and don’t miss #13 as it covers the critical issue of safety and security.

If you’re pressed for time, you can also get these travel tips and much more delivered straight to your inbox for future reading or reference with my FREE Medellin Travel Guide:

Where to Stay in Medellin

Ninety percent (or more) of the foreign travelers that come to Medellin stay in Poblado, but there are a number of pretty awesome barrios or neighborhoods to stay in Medellin that are worth considering.

My top picks for where to stay beyond Poblado include Laureles (my favorite neighborhood) and Envigado (although you won’t find any hostels here). The Estadio neighborhood is probably the second most popular area for budget travelers with a myriad of great lodging choices available.

Finally, there is also El Centro, which may appeal to those budget travelers who like more off-the-beaten-path type experiences that many gringos never explore or even appreciate (there are actually a lot of cool things in El Centro, to be honest).

If you’re staying in Poblado, I’d recommend the Manila or Provenza sectors, or the Golden Mile if you’re looking for the high end.

Poblado: #1 Hostel in Poblado: Los Patios Boutique Hostel (Manila)  #1 Budget Hotel in Poblado: Kolor Hotel Boutique (Provenza) #1 Mid-Range Hotel in Poblado: Celestino Boutique Hotel (Parque Lleras) #1 Luxury Hotel in Poblado: Medellin Marriott Hotel (Milla de Oro – the Golden Mile) — Read my in-depth review

Laureles : #1 Hostel in Laureles: Backpackers Inn Medellin #1 Budget Hotel in Laureles: Hotel Pomarosa   #1 Mid-Range Hotel in Laureles: Inntu Hotel  

Estadio: #1 Hostel in Estadio: Hostal Cattleya Medellin #1 Budget Hotel in Estadio: Obo Hotel   #1 Mid-Range Hotel in Estadio: El Portón de San Joaquin  

Envigado : #1 Best Hotel in Envigado: Arame Hotel (it’s actually the only hotel, but it’s good). While not technically iN Envigado, I would still recommend the Fairfield by Marriott Sabaneta for a great mid-price hotel!

El Centro : #1 Hostel in El Centro: Medallo Social Hostal (Boston) #1 Budget Hotel in El Centro: Hotel Gallery (Bombona)

For longer stays, my top recommendation is Airbnb ( new users can get a free travel credit here ), also don’t overlook travel hacking to get points for free hotel stays (like the expensive Marriott), and be sure to read my guide to finding cheap accommodation .

If you need more help trying to decide on the best neighborhood, be sure to read more about where to stay in Medellin or my comprehensive guide to the best Medellin hostels .

Look Beyond Poblado

Poblado is a popular place to stay for foreigners in Medellin… But I’ve got a little secret for you: I don’t particularly love Poblado. I’ve stayed there before, I visit every once in a while, but it just isn’t my favorite neighborhood. I mention this Medellin travel tip because it can dramatically change your perspective and experience of the city, so pay close attention.

Poblado is right for some travelers and very wrong for others.

Every travel blogger who comes through for a couple of days stays in Poblado, of course, and they go on to write about Poblado, and then everyone else who comes through after follows in their footsteps. It becomes a sort of feedback loop.

One of the most prominent travel bloggers recently traveled to Medellin for the first time and went on to write about how Medellin didn’t feel “real” and was just full of chains like Dunkin’ Donuts or Domino’s Pizza.

Another prominent travel blogger said (privately, at least) that he couldn’t see what people really liked about Medellin… And left town with a sour taste in his mouth.

I can understand their perspective because both of these guys were staying in Poblado, in the middle of gringolandia , constantly surrounded by gringos, socializing with gringos, and only left that bubble on organized tours or excursions… Seriously.

These self-proclaimed travel experts were so far from the “authentic” Medellin that they missed the real draw here and what makes this place special. Then other travelers like you read their advice about where to stay and what to do and end up leaving slightly disappointed or let down. That’s a shame.

If you are looking for any semblance of the “real” Medellin, then you should NOT stay in Poblado. Look, it’s a fine place to visit (I do go there once in a while myself!) but I wouldn’t (and don’t) make it my home base. If you do stay in Poblado (totally fine, if it’s right for you), at least make a concerted effort to get out of that bubble on a regular basis.

Medellin is not Poblado, and Poblado is not Medellin.

It all depends on what type of traveler you are… Do you like to be surrounded by English and other travelers? Do you feel uncomfortable only seeing locals and hearing Spanish? You definitely want Poblado.

Personally, I travel to interact with locals, practice the language, learn from people unlike me, etc, and not be surrounded by other travelers doing the same thing as me. That’s part of why I travel. If I wanted to hang out with other foreigners, speak English, and eat the same chain food as always, I would have just stayed home and never left.

Here’s a thought exercise to determine what kind of traveler you are:

• If you go to New York City, do you think Times Square is the best place and never leave or are you more interested in neighborhoods like the Meatpacking District, the Lower East Side, Harlem, etc? Do you want to eat where New Yorkers eat or where the tourist bus lets you off?
• If you go to Las Vegas do you prefer to stay on the Strip or in the Old Town / Fremont area?
• If you go to Cancun do you stay in an all-inclusive resort and only leave on organized Cancun tours or do you prefer to stay in town and experience more of the authentic Cancun?

If you answered the former to any of those, then Poblado is right for you, if you answered the latter, then it is wrong for you.

Poblado is great for nightlife, foodies, and people who like a little luxury at a more affordable price, but if you want to get off the beaten path (even slightly), have a more local experience, talk with Colombians, and so forth, then it is best to look elsewhere.

Honestly, you can get nightlife, food, or even a bit of luxury in almost any cool neighborhood in Medellin.

Getting Around Medellin

Public Transport: Medellin has a pretty excellent public transportation system. Granted it isn’t on the scale of places like Mexico City , but it is nonetheless quite impressive. It features a two-line above-ground metro system (subway) which connects to an integrated streetcar route, gondola system (MetroCable), and bus rapid transit (BRT) lines known as MetroPlus.

If you are staying in any of the principal areas, you will have easy access to the public transportation system. You should get a Tarjeta Civica as soon as you can upon arrival which is available from a few different metro stations like San Antonio.

You can get the Tarjeta Civica for free with your passport. This allows you to use the integrated transportation system and pay reduced prices for connecting services.

Taxis: Taxis are available basically everywhere in Medellin. You can easily flag down taxis pretty much anywhere, although this is not always recommended due to safety issues (more on that later). A better bet is to try and use either an official taxi stand or (if you have a SIM card) to use an app like Cabify to call a taxi with your GPS location.

That being said, I generally don’t worry about flagging down taxis from the street during the daytime, but I am more cautious after dark.

It is rare, but the majority of problems that people have here in Medellin happen while in taxis. There are some bad apples out there who work with robbers and tip them off when they have a good target (you) in their cab.

The rules of using taxis here are to sit in the back, keep the windows almost all the way up, lock the doors, and never use your phone or show valuables in the back seat.

Uber: Uber is actually illegal here in Colombia but that doesn’t stop people from driving for them or utilizing the service. I tend to trust Uber drivers more than taxi drivers, but using Uber can have its own complications here if drivers are reluctant to stop near you (if they see transit police nearby). Normally, they will want you to sit up front with them (like a friend) rather than alone in the back (like a taxi), which is done to avoid problems with the law.

Bike Share: There is a growing bike share service here in Medellin called Encicla. With the previously mentioned Tarjeta Civica, you can use the bike share service here in Medellin and Envigado by enrolling in Encicla online. Neighborhoods like Laureles or Estadio are much more conducive to this type of transport since it is flat and has bike lanes. You must enroll for Encicla online with your Tarjeta Civica, so it is only practical for longer stays in Medellin.

Getting to Medellin from the Airport: The Jose Maria Cordova Airport is actually about an hour outside of Medellin (don’t be fooled by that airport in the middle of town, that one is not used for international flights). Getting from the airport is pretty easy, you’ve got options for either a bus (cheapest), shared town car (cheap), or private town car (best).

I pretty much always go by private car when coming from the airport to Medellin. They go door to door, it’s a stress-free way to travel, and it isn’t expensive. The rate is fixed based on destination and you can expect to spend about $20.

Alternatively, you can ask at the airport for a colectivo (they are the same white cars) which charge about $5 (22.000 pesos) and need four passengers, and will drop you off at the San Diego Shopping Mall, from there you can grab a taxi to your final destination.

Getting to the Airport from Medellin: In terms of going to the airport from town, I prefer to go by shared town car which you can grab from the San Diego Shopping Mall at the base of Las Palmas (go here by taxi and tell the driver “ los colectivos al aerpuerto ”. The shared ride will wait to fill up with four passengers and costs about $5 per person. Unless you’ve got a really weird flight time, I’ve never had to wait more than 10-15 minutes to leave.

These cars are much better than the bus, believe me, don’t go by bus — it’s slower, more nauseating, and doesn’t save you much money. If you’re worried about the whole airport and transport thing, you can also book a private car in advance .

Eat Like a Local

There is a growing and vibrant food scene here in Medellin which is one of the things that makes it so great to live here and call this place home over the long term, but this type of food is definitely expensive for local standards (but cheaper than home standards).

One way you can save a lot of money and eat well though (instead of eating at these more upscale restaurants) is to eat as the locals do…

This is especially true for lunch and the set menus of the day “menu del dia” where you can score good food including soup, main dish (salad, rice, meat, and maybe a plantain), along with fresh fruit juice for about $3. Perhaps one of the best reasons to visit Colombia is just to try some of the incredibly exotic Colombian fruits and all the juices!

That’s a pretty hard price to beat… If you eat in a restaurant you can expect to pay around $8 just for comparison.

At these same local restaurants, you will usually find a cheap and hearty breakfast (eggs, arepa with cheese, and coffee) for about the same price as lunch.

Dinner, on the other hand, doesn’t have these cheap and affordable menus of the day, unfortunately, as they all close up shop after lunch. In this case, you’ll need to hit up a restaurant — there are some local restaurants where you can order off the menu — or go from some fast food (also very popular here) or street food.

Be sure to consider going on a traditional food tour while here if you want a great introduction to Paisa food.

The street food choices can be pretty good and definitely cheap, but it pays to ask for tips from someone in the neighborhood. What most locals do for dinner is to eat an arepa at home, but if they have to grab something, they will usually get an empanada or pastel (stuffed meat pies, basically) to eat with a coffee.

Lunch here is the biggest meal of the day and dinner is relatively modest.

Read more about what to eat with my guide to Colombian food .

Do You Need Spanish in Medellin?

Tourism in Medellin is still relatively new… This isn’t like going to Cancun or something where everybody at your resort speaks English. Now, do you need Spanish here? No, plenty of people get by. But you should try to have as much Spanish as possible before you arrive.

It will make your life here a lot easier in terms of getting around, getting what you need, etc. Not to mention the fact that the locals are friendly! People all over Colombia really like to chat with foreigners… If you’re open to it, they will chat with you.

Small talk is like a sport here, seriously. Expect people to spend five minutes greeting one another asking how they woke up, what’s new, and beyond, and another five minutes (at least) to say goodbye. It’s almost comical sometimes.

You will find that if push comes to shove, there are quite a lot of local Paisas that do speak English — often way better than your Spanish — but they are too shy or timid to use it until like 20 minutes into the struggling conversation.

In summary, you don’t need Spanish, but you should have at least the basics, and the more you have the better. Medellin is a great place to study Spanish , as well, in my opinion, thanks to the friendly locals and the relative clarity of the local accent.

Read more about the best resources to learn Spanish on your own.

About That Medellin Weather

Medellin has gotten the nickname “La Ciudad de Eterna Primavera” — the City of Eternal Spring. This nickname comes from the fact that the city is quite green, flowers are always in bloom, and the weather is supposed to be moderate thanks to its elevation of 4,905 feet.

I always joke though that it is more like the City of Eternal Summer. According to locals, the temperatures have increased quite a bit in recent years, and back in the day Medellin had truly incredible weather when it was never too hot or too cold, and that Eternal Spring name really made sense (although it still makes sense with year-round flowers).

Of course, the temperature and humidity here are nothing like it is on the Colombian coast, and for a city in the tropics, it is a pretty agreeable climate. But the daytime weather is more often between 80 and 90 degrees year-round… Those average annual temperatures of 72 or rarely exceeding 78 like you might have read online seem to be a thing of the past.

For me, as a fair-weathered Seattlite, the temperatures from about 11 am to 3 pm are way too hot and I try to avoid going out, or if I do, I stay in the shade while walking down the street. But the temperatures at night here are pretty much perfect. For reference, I basically always use t-shirts even at night and don’t sleep with anything more than a bedsheet and my underwear.

There are basically only two seasons here in Medellin: dry and rainy. They also used to be much more predictable, but have gotten a little more off-kilter and unpredictable lately. They should be:

• December to March = Dry Season,
• April to May = Rainy Season,
• June to August = Dry Season, and
• September to November = Rainy Season.

That being said, if you come to Medellin in the rainy season, it isn’t a deal-breaker, because the rain is fairly predictable, striking in the mid to late afternoon. More often than not, it rains really hard and goes away pretty quickly too. That means you can still usually get out in the evening for dinner or drinks after the rain.

Keep in mind that due to its location in the tropics, sunrise and sunset are basically consistent year-round. It gets light at about 6:30 am and dark at 6:30 pm. The early darkness can affect safety which we’ll discuss below.

Read more about the best time to visit Colombia for weather and tourist crowds.

What to Wear in Medellin

So, given the (mostly) beautiful weather here in Medellin, what should you wear? At first blush, it seems like perfect shorts and t-shirt weather… And it really is! But everyone says not to wear shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops here because no locals wear that and you will stick out like a sore thumb.

Honestly, unless you’ve got black hair and mestizo features, you’re probably going to stick out no matter what you wear.

Beyond that though, I think the whole No Shorts and No Flip Flops thing is totally overblown. Truth is, you’ll see locals wearing shorts and flip-flops here in their local barrios.

It’s almost a sort of game for me at times where I will count how many locals I see dressed like that when I’m out. The other day on the bus I counted nine people out and about in like five minutes…

That being said, locals do tend to dress up a lot more than your average traveler. There’s a big difference between shorts and flip-flops and someone dressed like an Argentinean busker with mangy dreads, dirty clothes, and filthy feet in sandals about to fall apart. Don’t go for the homeless look.

On the flip side, you also don’t want to dress up too fancy because if you look like you’ve “got money” then you can often become a target for thieves.

Your best bet is to go middle of the road… Bring along some nice shorts, wear t-shirts all the time if you want, bring along a pair of decent jeans or long pants. That’s all you need.

Women tend to dress up even more here, but you can most definitely wear open-toe shoes or sandals and wear those tank tops or similar shirts. Many local women do so as well, just with lots of accessories, make-up, and a little bit of plastic surgery.

It’s also important to note that the place or context is also important in terms of what you choose to wear. If you’re going out for a night on the town, yeah, shorts and flip-flops are under-dressed. Nice-ish restaurant, same thing. Fancy mall, you guessed it. Wandering around doing tourist things, who cares?

If you’re the type that tends to get cold easily, then you may also want a light jacket or sweater here to use at night time. On a rare occasion, I will use one, but I’m mostly a nice pair of shorts or pants and a t-shirt kind of guy in the daytime and jeans and t-shirt kind of guy at night time. I almost never need a long sleeve shirt or jacket here for the cold (I’m from Seattle, so it always seems super hot here).

Bring DEET?

You’re going to be heading to the tropics, not far from the Equator… That means jungles and mosquitoes and all sorts of communicable diseases… West Nile, Malaria, Chikungunya, and god knows what else…

Thankfully, mosquitoes are not a big problem here. Medellin isn’t the jungle, and indeed, mosquitoes are actually pretty rare here. I’ve spent years living in Medellin now, and I only see mosquitoes occasionally, usually after a heavy rain, and usually in sectors where there is heavy vegetation or water nearby.

When they do come around, it is usually just one or two coming through your window in the evening, and not like a swarm or never-ending nightmare like other parts of the world (I’m looking at you, Cancun). If you’re in a place where the windows shut completely or have screens, you’ll probably never even see a mosquito during your trip.

Even so, from all the research and accounts I’ve read, the mosquitoes here don’t pose a significant risk of communicable diseases… That is something more common on the coast or in the jungle. Those types of diseases in Medellin aren’t a worry thanks to its climate and altitude.

Here’s the CDC malaria map for Colombia , you’ll notice there is NO known risk in the entire area surrounding Medellin. 

Don’t Drink the Water?

If there is one thing almost every traveler has heard about traveling to Latin America, it’s that you should NEVER drink the water because you will undoubtedly get sick. Having traveled through virtually all of Latin America myself, this is definitely a good rule of thumb.

But that’s just not true in Medellin. The water quality in Medellin is excellent and is one of the few destinations in Colombia where you CAN actually drink the water without concern.

I drink the water all the time, I drank the water when I first got here, and I’ve never had any problems. The tap water in the city is totally safe and quite good unless you are staying in some supremely run-down place with questionable pipes.

Ditch the plastic bottles or water bags for a while and drink the local water… It’s the rest of Colombia where you gotta be cautious. While traveling throughout Colombia and the rest of Latin America, I do keep on hand a small ultraviolet purification device called a Steripen which works great.

How to Handle Your Pesos

Cash is king here in Colombia, so you better get used to handling the Colombian Peso. A few helpful notes: the exchange rate has been around 4,400 pesos per $1 USD. Quick and dirty conversions can be done by dropping three zeros and dividing by three. So 50,000 pesos gives us 50/4, or about $12. 

The rate has been getting even better lately, but I still do the above back-of-the-napkin calculations… But prices are actually even cheaper for you in the end! The current official rate for 50,000 is about $11.30 USD. 

Money in Colombia

Paper bills are most commonly seen in denominations between 2,000 and 50,000 pesos. Keep in mind that 50,000 peso bills can be difficult to break in most small stores or with small merchants (even with taxi drivers). For one thousand and below, you’re likely to see coins (there is a 1,000 peso note, but it is increasingly rare).

Scams in Medellin

Overcharging or gouging tourists here in Medellin is NOT very common. I’d say that it’s rare, actually. As someone who has lived here for so long, I know prices, and I honestly never see any attempts to overcharge on the street. On the contrary, most local merchants here are overwhelmingly honest and will give you back money even if you accidentally overpay.

When people talk about “gringo prices” here in Medellin, they are generally referring to things like renting apartments or other things more associated with ex-pat life, which can be difficult and thus are made easier for foreigners by charging more.

The one group to watch out for is taxi drivers. They have a bad reputation all over the world, same for Medellin. Thankfully, there are taxi meters here in Colombia that display the price (unlike in other big cities in Colombia), and you can generally tell pretty easily if you are getting the run around in terms of the drive since the majority of most routes have to stick to the few main roads (the Regional, Las Vegas, Av. Poblado, etc).

If you are scammed in Medellin it will most likely be by a taxi driver. A good practice is to always pay with exact change (or as close as possible). If you have to pay with a big bill like the 50,000 peso note, try to get into the practice of holding it up to the light and acting like you are examining the bill before handing it over.

The most common scam is a quick switch of a legitimate bill with an obvious fake… Then they play nice guy showing you that you must have been duped, what is wrong with the bill, and how to avoid problems. Then they hand you the fake (when you really gave them a legit bill) and they get another big bill off of you for payment.

ATMs in Medellin

The best practice is to only withdraw money from ATMs inside big box stores or malls. It is best to avoid withdrawing money from the street. Malls are everywhere here, so it is pretty easy.

When you do so, be sure to withdraw a small amount from the ATM rather than carrying around big wads of cash. You get hit with ATM withdrawal fees each time, so that’s why I recommend a bank that will reimburse you for all external ATM withdrawal fees. I use Charles Schwab .

Withdrawing money on the street or taking out big wads of cash is an invitation to problems with robbers. I usually go to the mall, withdraw cash first thing, then wander around for a while.

Anytime you go to larger restaurants, major stores, or bigger hostels/hotels, you should be able to use a travel credit card rather than cash. Do this whenever you can to reserve your cash, just be sure that your credit card has no foreign transaction fees.

Read more about travel banking fundamentals and how I handle money.

Locals Hate Vice Tourism

I wish this one didn’t even have to be said, but there is an ever-growing amount of vice tourism here in Colombia, especially among people traveling to Medellin (when compared to Cartagena or Bogota , for instance).

This vice tourism is mainly from two groups: young dudes who want to engage in drug tourism and old dudes who want to engage in sex tourism. You can skip this section if it doesn’t apply to you.

It’s true that drugs can be cheap and readily found in Medellin, but they are not exactly legal here. Some people even go on tours to cocaine processing facilities, which is just a terrible idea. Prostitution, on the other hand, is actually legal here.

Regardless, both groups of vice tourists are generating increasing bad will or outrage by the locals. There are even public campaigns and signs around town lashing out against both. If you’re in one of those groups of people, you are better off staying at home because they don’t want you here.

First of all, if drugs or prostitutes are your primary motivation for travel, that’s pretty lame, to be honest. Medellin (and Colombia) has so much to offer and it goes well beyond those stereotypes.

Second, know that by doing so, you will dramatically increase your odds of running into big problems here in terms of getting ripped off, robbed, drugged, or even killed (the few foreigners killed here in Medellin are like 90% linked with drug or sex tourism, while the other 10% is resisting a robbery).

Scopolamine druggings (pretty much the most terrifying thing ever ) are almost entirely linked to both, although it does also happen while just out having drinks (so never leave your drink unattended).

Third, you give a terrible name to other travelers by doing this stuff. Honestly, I didn’t like Medellin much at first because I was surrounded by a bunch of these horrible tourists like the Russian chick who blew a hole in her nasal passage from doing too much cocaine in Medellin, or the American dude whose afternoon ritual was to go to the whorehouse before hanging out at the bar all night drinking dollar beers (the last part ain’t bad).

Once I got out of that shared living situation and started seeing more of the “real” Medellin, my opinion of the city changed almost instantly.

Look, if what you are wanting to do is illegal in your home country and something you don’t normally do, then Medellin is not the place to do it and certainly not the place to start. This isn’t Thailand or Amsterdam, stuff happens here, seriously.

Medellin is not a huge city, physically speaking… But there are nearly three million people crammed into the Valle of Aburra. The size of the city would suggest that you don’t really need to focus highly on trying to coordinate or optimize your visits to different parts of town because you should be able to easily go back or get around the city.

That’s kind of a mistake though, because while the city isn’t big, traffic here is terrible, particularly during rush hour. If you’re going to go explore El Centro or Envigado or wherever you should try to plan a solid itinerary to pack in everything you can in an individual place.

If you’re going by Uber or taxi and you get caught in the morning or early evening traffic, you can expect massive delays. The shape of the valley here and the general infrastructure basically funnels all the traffic into a north-south pattern along just a few roads. Traffic is only growing worse each year.

You’re better off taking public transport like the metro, although if you go at rush hour, you should expect tons of people and an almost sardine-like experience. Be sure to watch your pockets and belongings in those situations — pickpockets aren’t super common, but those are the situations to watch out for.

There are a ton of things to do in Medellin , so you shouldn’t be left bored, even if that just means exploring the many awesome restaurants and cafes. But if you’re looking for a more logical way to coordinate your activities, check out my suggested itinerary for 3 days in Medellin .

Organized Tours

I’d also encourage you to do a few organized tours in Medellin to give you a better perspective on the history and culture of this city. A few top choices are:

• Medellin Free Walking Tour in El Centro
• Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour
• Barrio Transformation Tour
• Exotic Fruits Tour

Pablo Escobar Tours

The one tour that you should not do, please, is the infamous Medellin Pablo Escobar tour … Locals hate Pablo and are growing ever more irritated with the tourists flocking to Medellin because of Pablo and the Narcos series on Netflix.

He was a terrorist and patronizing these types of tours only serves to glorify a hated man. You would never go on a Hitler tour so you can take happy selfies at his grave, so I’m not sure why people take Pablo tours in Medellin… Read more about this touchy and complicated subject .

Instead of a Pablo tour, maybe check out one of these other top Medellin tours instead? There are so many options that are much better!

Read more about the best Medellin tours . 

Is Medellin Safe?

Medellin is a long way gone from the bad ol’ days of Pablo Escobar, FARC, kidnappings, and all the terrible ways it made the news in the 90s. I’m sure your parents almost fainted and your family told you that you were nuts when you said you were going to Colombia.

Look, things aren’t perfect here, but the bottom line is that Medellin is more or less safe.

Mas o menos…

Bombings and kidnappings and all that is long gone and not of concern, today the main concern is street safety and the potential for robbery.

That type of thing is honestly a concern here, but not overwhelmingly so… It is basically the same throughout all of Latin America. If you’ve traveled to any big Latin American city, you probably know the drill, but let’s rehash.

Safety Precautions in Medellin

• Be very careful about showing valuables on the street, especially cell phones. This also applies while in taxis, as mentioned earlier. Cell phones are the biggest targets for thieves who are known to rob at gunpoint for a cell.
• Never, ever resist a robbery. Give them what they want. Not doing so is what causes tourists to get killed here .
• Be very cautious of motorcycles, they are most likely to rob you, rather than some guy on foot. Be especially cautious of two men on one motorcycle.
• Don’t walk around in unfamiliar areas after dark, particularly if there is light foot traffic. Walking back drunk is also a recipe for trouble. This is what they call “dando papaya” or giving Papaya which is basically an invitation for someone to rob you — more on that in a second.
• Unlike the US, it isn’t as simple as saying “avoid the bad neighborhoods” because you are actually probably more likely to get robbed as a tourist in Poblado rather than in El Centro — El Centro has higher crime figures overall, but Poblado is a popular target because that’s where the “rich people” are. To date, the only robbery I’ve witnessed here was on the corner of Parque Lleras at midday on a Sunday.
• Don’t carry around more money than you need for the day.
• Use ATMs only inside large malls or big box stores — avoid taking cash out from ATMs on the street. Take out small amounts of money rather than big withdrawals.

Colombia may not be the best destination for someone entirely new to Latin America, but if you are a bit streetwise and exercise common sense, you’re not likely to become a victim. Indeed, it is rare that something happens.

No Dar Papaya

In Colombia, they have a saying “No Dar Papaya” which means don’t give papaya… Basically, they are trying to say, never offer up papaya (which is anything, really, a cell phone, money, etc) because someone will take papaya if it is “offered” to them. 

This is a bit of victim-blaming, unfortunately, but it is ingrained into Colombian life. Never Dar Papaya, else you make yourself an easy mark and a likely target for robbery. It’s better to always lean toward the cautious side here in Medellin or throughout Colombia.

On the whole, people here are very nice, honest, friendly, and want to make sure you have a good time, just don’t provide a window of opportunity to the bad apples that might be out there.

There is still a lot of poverty and huge economic inequality here… Just imagine, the price of the cell phone you are carrying in your pocket is basically a few months of income at minimum wage here (~$250/month for 48 hours of work per week).

Solo Female Travel

Obviously, this is a tricky thing for me as a guy to talk about, so I’ll refer you to this post about solo female travel in Colombia by Adventurous Kate .

I think she gets things mostly right in her article although there does seem to be some outdated or misguided things like the discussion of walking alone after dark as a woman (guys have the same concern since the bad things here are robberies, not sexual assault), or the whole “don’t travel by bus between places,” or “don’t travel by bus at night” thing. Although if your local knowledge and travel experience level is low, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to follow her more conservative advice.

I can speak a little bit about my perspective for female travelers here based on so much time living here, all that I’ve seen on the streets, talking with fellow travelers, and based on the perspective of my girlfriend who is a local Paisa…

Street Harassment: This is something that is generally quite rare. Men here will not hesitate to get a good, long look if they like what they see (leering), but I rarely see things escalate to even the catcall level. Not saying it doesn’t happen, but it happens way less than in places like Italy, for example. From my perspective as a Seattlite, the whole leering thing in Colombia borders on creepy, but what is acceptable differs from culture to culture.

Colombians speak much more affectionately than most may be accustomed to, so don’t mistake “ mi amor ” from the taxi driver as flirting… That’s just how many speak to women in general, whether it is an older lady or an attractive young woman. I can be sitting there right beside my girlfriend and locals will use terms of endearment like that (which at first struck me as weird). It’s no different than old ladies calling younger guys “ mijo ”.

Kisses on the cheek between men and women (or women and women, just not between men and men like Argentina), even among people that don’t know each other very well, are also super common. If you ever go to a family event, expect to kiss like a thousand tias on the cheek.

Purses: I would strongly recommend against using a purse at all here, especially the cross-body type. Just put your spending money for the day in your pocket (even get a money clip) as well as your cell phone. Purses can be easy targets for those motorcycle thieves and a grab-and-go theft (which can throw the victim to the ground, causing injuries) is not unheard of.

Travel Insurance for Medellin

I’ve personally never been the victim of a robbery, theft, or any violent crime in Medellin, and that’s after a number of years here and many instances where I was giving papaya (according to my girlfriend). My girlfriend, on the other hand, has firsthand experience this sort of insecurity a few times, but that’s with a lifetime living here.

In any case, it is a very good idea to purchase travel insurance for Colombia and Medellin in order to protect yourself against not just theft, but also illness and injury. I use and recommend World Nomads , and would encourage you to protect yourself while in Colombia, just in case. It’s cheap and offers peace of mind.

Traveling to Medellin?

In any case, I hope these comprehensive travel tips and this guide help you better understand the ins and outs of traveling to Medellin. It is truly a pretty incredible place, I’m excited that you’ve chosen to travel here, and I hope that I’ve helped you get a little more out of your trip.

Traveling to Medellin soon? Be sure to book your lodging today on Booking.com to save. Don’t forget to purchase your travel insurance to protect against illness, injury, and theft. I use and recommend World Nomads .

Did you enjoy this post about things to know when traveling to Medellin? Please take a second to share it on Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter. Thanks!

Colombia Travel Tips

Important tips and resources for planning an amazing trip to Colombia, based on my years of traveling and living in Colombia.

Colombia Trip Planning

• Lonely Planet Colombia
• Momondo Flight Search
• ViaHero Itinerary Planning
• Booking.com
• SafetyWing Travel Insurance
• Get Your Guide Tours

Instructions

• Book a cheap fligh t to Colombia with Momondo , or better yet, start travel hacking so you can fly for free. Traveling between major cities is much better by flying, trust me.
• Plan a rough itinerary and how long you will spend at each destination. Use an itinerary planning service for custom recommendations and pick up Lonely Planet Colombia .
• Work a little every day to teach yourself Spanish , you'll want to know as much as possible before you arrive.
• Book cheap accommodation in advance, at least for the first destinations -- For hostels use: Booking , for cheap hotels use: Hotels.com , for apartments use: Airbnb .
• Reserve your on the ground tours and activities through Get Your Guide .
• Purchase travel insurance for Colombia with SafetyWing to protect yourself from illness, injury, and theft while in Colombia. VERY important. And be sure to read my article: " Is Colombia Safe? " for my honest opinion and safety tips.
• Sign up for my free emails about planning a better trip to Colombia, and be sure to check out my comprehensive guide about traveling to Colombia .
• Learn more money-saving tricks with my top budget travel tips .
• Put together your Colombia packing list .
• Enjoy this incredible country!

I hope this helped you plan your travels in Colombia! I know it can be a struggle to find accurate and on the ground information when traveling to a new place like Colombia, which is why I started writing so extensively about it!

If you have any questions about Colombia, budget travel, or anything else shoot me an email at [email protected].

(I love getting questions! That is how I get ideas for my blog posts and what to write about!)

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Is Medellin Safe for Travel in 2024? (From Our Experience)

Updated on April 26th, 2024

Are you wondering if Medellin is a safe travel destination? Find my safety tips, best areas to stay in and common scams in this safety guide.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Posted in Colombia

Table of contents

• Is Medellin safe for traveling?
• Is there crime in Medellin?
• What are the safest parts of Medellin?
• Which dangerous parts of Medellin should you avoid?
• General safety tips for visitors to Medellin
• Popular scams in Medellin to watch out for
• Safety items to bring to Medellin
• Safest ways to get around Medellin
• Food and water safety in Medellin
• Safest types of places to stay in Medellin
• Is Medellin safe for family travel?
• Is Medellin safe for solo female travelers?

Tell anyone you’re going to Medellin, Colombia, and they may ask, “Really? Is it safe there?”

If I had only read about Medellin’s troubled past in books and in the news, I’d have the same question. But luckily, this South American city is a great place to visit, and it’s not as dangerous as it may seem.

As we have both stayed in Medellin as well as spent some time living there as expats, we’ll help you find out if Medellin is safe for a vacation, in this guide.

Here’s what you’ll be learning about safety in Medellin:

• Learn some of the best safety tips and precautions for travel in Medellin.
• Get familiar with several common Colombian travel scams you may find in Medellin.
• Discover the safest ways to get around Medellin, as well as what to know about food and water safety in Medellin.
• Take note of which areas in Medellin are safest, and how to avoid dangerous neighborhoods.

Is Medellin safe for traveling?

From our experience and with multiple trips to Medellin as American travelers, we have never experienced crime nor threats in Medellin. Of course, we have been vigilant and cautious, and in this way, we have avoided theft and crime.

Medellin is safe as a vibrant and special travel destination if you act smart. It’s why we’ve spent a month there, twice. We also have good friends ( Alex and Ryan ) who live there as expats.

To see more about what you can do in Medellin, check out our Medellin travel guide .

Is there crime in Medellin?

In general, yes: there is crime in Medellin. Remember, though: there is also crime in US cities like Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit. Many people find traveling in Medellin even safer than a lot of major US cities (if you’re sticking to the safe parts of Medellin).

Anyone (really, anyone ) can be a target for petty theft like iPhone mugging in Medellin. The best thing to do is use my suggestions below of how to avoid it! Regarding avoiding crime in general, stick to the city’s safe neighborhoods, and go to other areas with a local guide or reputable tour operator, if you have concerns.

What are the safest parts of Medellin?

The safest parts of Medellin, especially for being a foreign traveler, are Laureles, El Poblado, Envigado and Sabaneta. Other neighborhoods like Belen also safe; you may just feel the presence of fewer foreigners and less English may be available.

You can see examples of these places in our photos of Medellin gallery.

Which dangerous parts of Medellin should you avoid?

Medellin has a lot to see, from the Botero sculptures and museums in Centro, to a tour of Comuna 13 . There are places, though, that I’d never go to alone or without a guide.

For anyone who wants to see the best of the city, taking a free Medellin city guided walking tour is ideal. Your local guide will only take you to safe areas to see the top sights.

For areas to avoid, foreigners should stay away from the areas of Centro and Comuna 13 at night , as you will be a target for theft or crime. Areas outside the proven “safe areas” will also be more dangerous, especially for visitors who are not familiar with the lay of the land.

The better way to answer this question is likely, “Go to popular tourist sites during daytime only, and stick to the safe neighborhoods for accommodation, dining and entertainment.” For any other areas of Medellin, it’s best to go with a tour operator or with a local expert, as we have done for tours like the City Transformation Tour .

General safety tips for visitors to Medellin

Here are the tips that’ve helped us stay clear of crime while in Medellin.

Be careful with your phone

As the first thing that comes to mind, watch your phone. While Dan and I have never had our phones stolen in Medellin, we know a handful of foreigners who have.

Thievery for iPhones and smartphones is, not surprisingly, widespread in Medellin. Muggers want phones because they’re easy to grab and they have good resale value.

To protest against this, we have a few tips that have helped us avoid phone theft:

• Carry your phone in a zippered belt bag, money belt or hidden pocket.
• Never keep your phone in your jeans pocket.
• If walking alone at night, only use your phone in well-lit locations where others are around.
• Read and bookmark our list of how to avoid pickpockets while traveling .

Try not to look like a target

This is really challenging, especially if you are lost or using your phone to find your way. If you seem lost and vulnerable, scammers and muggers are more likely to approach you and distract you.

Know where you’re staying and how to get there

On our first weekend out in Medellin with Remote Year , we had a friend who had his apartment address written in his phone, and his phone died. You bet he was alone and couldn’t find his way back, for hours.

Take this as a story of what not to do! Always carry the card of your hotel or have your address written on a piece of paper, rather than only in a phone.

Popular scams in Medellin to watch out for

Much like in any big city (even NYC has scams !), travelers going to Medellin should be familiar with a few common Colombian scams in order to stay clear of them!

Unmarked menus and “foreigner prices”

Luckily, I have never been scammed in Medellin; however, I was the target of a scam in Cartagena , which I detailed in this article about classic travel scams from The Professional Hobo blog .

To sum it up, a friend and I were charged $100 USD to eat a simple meal on a beach where we were the only foreign travelers, and the owner didn’t let us leave until we negotiated and paid at least some of it. Scary.

Menus with no prices or ordering something from a server/owner of a restaurant without discussing a price should always be avoided, but there may be establishments that are experts at tricking you into this. While this may seem like it would happen at eateries geared toward foreign travelers, it’s equally dangerous at places that cater to locals and where you may be the only foreigner singled out to scam.

At any of the best restaurants in Medellin , you don’t have to worry about scams or being ripped off.

Dating scams

Dating scams and Tinder scams are rampant throughout South America, and a friend of ours was “nearly” the target of one in Lima, Peru .

In general, be wary of engaging in long conversations before meeting someone for a date in Medellin, in Colombia, or in South America in general. There are scam artists lurking on dating apps and dating websites who want to meet you, a foreigner, and scam you into “paying for their schooling” or “helping them out with some money.”

You never know who (or which multiple people) are behind a scam, and even going on a date with a “local” anywhere but a very public establishment like a restaurant or bar could lead to being cornered into draining you of your cash. Be smart, and go with your gut when making connections on dating apps in Colombia.

Common taxi scams

Throughout the world, taxi scams are VERY common, and I’ve been the target of one of those, in South Africa. Getting in a taxi in Colombia means potentially being in a cab that has a rigged taxi meter, charging you multiple times what your ride should cost, and leaving you with no way to fight it.

It’s also been rumored among travel communities that taxis in Colombia may drive you in circles or “take the long route” to your intended destination, in order to have you pay up more in total cost, and waste your time.

The way to avoid this is to take a ride service through a verified app, like Uber. This blog post from GoBackpacking.com is helpful in describing transport around Medellin.

Safety items to bring to Medellin

While Medellin is generally safe and your worst enemy will be petty theft, here are a few products to help out!

No matter how big or small, “wearing” your valuables guarded by a zipper and all within your reach and eyesight is best. Check out all the zippered belt bags I recommend in my list of the best fanny packs for travel . I specifically recommend this stylish lightweight one from Canvelle .

We recommend this in our safety guide for Mexico City , where the same type of theft is common. You can use this to make sure your laptop backpack doesn’t get swiped if you’re outside at a cafe, like one of our favorites, Pergamino , or any of the popular cafes in Medellin .

We got AirTags to put on our luggage and checked items when flying! We can track them and see if they made it off the plane or got stranded (hopefully not). You can use AirTags to put in your valuables like a laptop, phone or wallet, and if they become misplaced, they’re traceable via an app on your iPhone.

Safest ways to get around Medellin

There are quite a few ways to get around Medellin, which is cool! We have never experienced safety issues with any of the below and with the proper precautions, we hope it’ll be the same for you.

Medellin Metro, Buses and Metrocable

Taking the Medellin Metro and Metrocable (during daylight hours) can be fun! Make sure you use maps to ensure you’re heading in the correct direction. Avoid having valuables, or anything, in your pockets, as a crowded train means more commotion and more ways to be distracted should someone reach into your pocket to grab your wallet.

Wear a zippered belt bag, avoid flashing your money, and put away your phone, during the trip to avoid theft. Of all the public transit options in Medellin, public buses within the city are probably the least-frequented by foreign travelers.

For leaving Medellin, we’ve taken longer-distance buses quite a few times to Guatape and Santa Fe de Antioquia and that has been safe for us.

Uber has been a safe bet for us as travelers in Medellin. The only thing that may differ from what you’re used to at home when taking Uber or Lyft is that the driver a) may not speak English, so have your Spanish ready and b) may ask you to sit up front so that you look like his/her “friend” due to Uber being semi-maybe-not-so-legal in Colombia.

This blog post from Katie Caf Travel is all about Uber usage in Medellin.

We’ve walked around neighborhoods like El Poblado, Laureles, Centro and the area near the Jardin Botanico, for example. With our wits about us, watching our bags and not wearing anything flashy, we have fared just fine.

At night (the sun sets around 6pm in Medellin year-round), we have stayed close to where we’ve been living or staying, in El Poblado. If we need to walk alone from somewhere, to our accommodation, we try to avoid very dark areas, stick to well-populated streets and maintain close in contact with each other for safety.

Longer-distance bus travel from Medellin

If you are looking at taking any of the best day trips from Medellin and want to ensure safety, I recommend taking a private tour with a van and driver.

Food and water safety in Medellin

Medellin is a place where we have spent time and not had any issues with food! I’ll detail what we did.

Is the food in Medellin safe?

Lucky for me and Dan, we never experienced food poisoning in Medellin, and we were pretty liberal with eating a mix of street food and restaurants! Given, we didn’t eat much meat from the streets (we ate mostly sweets or carbs like breads or vegetarian empanadas).

Eating at restaurants in El Poblado or sit-down restaurants in other parts of the city should fare fine for you. Of course, food poisoning can happen anywhere — even at expensive and nice restaurants.

As for street food, use your judgement (and note that there’s always a chance of getting unlucky). Medellin has plenty of food to buy from small street vendors, especially near metro stations. If something doesn’t look right, or looks old, it’s best to avoid it.

Can you drink the water in Medellin?

This is a valid question, as Medellin (unlike other parts of Colombia ) is a city known for having potable tap water. The only other place in Latin America to which I’ve traveled, where the water is clean, is Costa Rica.

While some foreign travelers and expats are cool with trying water right from a sink, you may want to play it safe with bottled filtered water from a store, especially if your trip is short and you won’t be spending time acclimating to a month or more of the local water.

Please trust your own level of comfort with Medellin’s tap water while drinking it during your stay. No two people’s stomachs are the same, and everyone will have a different level of tolerance. For more ideas on preventing health scares, check out my list of how to avoid getting sick during travel .

Safest types of places to stay in Medellin

If you had the luck we did, you’ll find a great assortment of safe places to stay in Medellin. Also, jump back to the top of this guide for a cheat sheet on some quick vetted recommendations.

Here are our top 3 safe places to stay in Medellin

• Top hotel for safe location: Hotel Dann Carlton
• Top hotel for safety features: Hotel Intercontinental Medellín, an IHG Hotel
• Top backpacker hostel for safety: Viajero Hostel Medellin

Renting an apartment

The two times we have had extended stays in Medellin, we lived in apartments or serviced apartments. Both times, we lived in El Poblado, the international neighborhood known most for catering to travelers and expats.

To rent an apartment in Medellin, you can reaver via Airbnb, or for even better value, try a Casacol apartment like Loma Verde . This is where we stayed with our toddler, and it went great! The building has a 24-hour security guard, a 24-hour front desk staff person and it is located on a quiet residential street.

Casacol is the biggest apartment property manager in the city, and the buildings are new, clean, safe and have amenities like pools and gyms (depending on the property). Check out our Casacol apartment hotel stay review .

Staying at a hotel

With the growth of popularity of Medellin as an international tourism destination, there is no shortage of hotels. Since the pandemic, there are even more hotels to choose from.

My best advice is to read through reviews online, especially as they pertain to safety. You can search through reviews with the word “safety” as a keyword. I also recommend going off of the recommendations of friends, or people in your travel network, if you have one.

A few well-known hotels for having excellent levels of safety come recommended by my friend Alex, and they are the Hotel Dann Carlton and Hotel Intercontinental Medellín .

Staying in a hostel

Dan and I are pro hostelers, as you may be able to tell from my guide to the best tips for booking a hostel .

What I like about hostels is that they’re often in excellent locations and take security into account. In Medellin, this may be 24-hour desk staff, locked front doors, lockers or camera surveillance.

When choosing a hostel, prioritize safety! A few hostels that have exceptional safety reviews are Viajero Medellin Hostel and Los Patios Hostel .

Is Medellin safe for family travel?

The quick answer to this question is, yes! Take it from our friends Alex and Ryan who live in Medellin with their toddler . There is a whole list of family-approved safe things to do in Medellin with kids , and it’s why Medellin has a place in our list of the best family-friendly travel destinations .

Here are just a few safe things families can do with a trip to Medellin:

• Visit the Jardin Botanico to see nature and flowers
• Take part in the Sunday Ciclovía, where you’ll see other families, dog walkers, runners and bikers all in streets closed off to traffic
• Take a chocolate tour! This one comes recommended by Alex, who did it with her family.

Is Medellin safe for solo female travelers?

As a woman traveling in Medellin, I have never had any safety issues because I have tried my best never to walk alone at night and to be very careful with my phone and valuables.

As per all the advice above, women who have traveled solo in Colombia and Medellin rarely face safety concerns; however, it depends on how you choose to carry out your trip. If you travel in groups (like organized day trips ), avoid walking alone past dark, avoid going on dates with strangers and choose to stay in highly-rated safe accommodations, I believe you can be fine.

Of course, Medellin is a big Colombian city. Therefore, solo female travelers should ALWAYS avoid risky neighborhoods or engaging in higher-risk behaviors like drugs and alcohol. To prepare with some helpful safety products as well as female-specific things, check my list of items to pack for solo female travel .

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Is Medellín Safe?

Welcome to our Medellín safety guide.

As one of the most popular cities to visit in Colombia, it is here we can have all kinds of awesome experiences. This includes visiting the infamous barrio of Comuna 13, which is an interesting way to learn about a different side of reality in the city of Medellín .

There’s also plenty of interesting museums, and we can also head on day trips to incredible destinations such as to the giant rock of Piedra del Peñol as well as to the picturesque town of Guatapé.

Medellín Quick Summary:

• 📍 Where is it: Central Colombia
• 🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Very Easy
• ⏱ Time needed: 4-6 Days
• ☀️ Best Time to Visit: December-February, June-August

What's in this guide?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you’ll need to know about Safety in Medellín as a backpacker or traveler .

We’ll look at all the different factors, our top safety tips, other useful information as well as an FAQ section where we answer your key questions.

But first, you must be wondering…

Is Medellín Safe Right Now?

Quick Answer: Medellín has seen a radical (positive) change in its safety standards within the last few decades. This is mostly due to extra police efforts as well as the disbandment of Pablo Escobar and his cartel which used to run the streets here.

As well as this, Medellín has become a very popular tourist destination, as well as a landing point for digital nomads looking to live long-term in Colombia.

This means that certain areas like El Poblado have extra police presence in order to keep it safe (and for more tourism to keep coming in).

Regardless of where you stay and the places that you visit in Medellín, you’ll still want to practice good safety etiquette here. Later in this guide we’ll cover our very best tips for doing so.

We would advise any travelers who are thinking of heading to Medellín to prepare properly before arriving, and to get in touch with us where we can offer more guidance.

Also, read about Dan’s experience with backpacking Medellin over the years for more.

Where to Stay in Medellín

Like is the case with most large Colombian cities, Medellín has all kinds of neighborhoods (both good and bad). Overall, basing yourself in either Laureles or El Poblado is the best choice from a safety point-of-view , where there are a variety of accommodation choices for different budgets.

Travelers that are sticking to a low budget will want to base themselves in Hostal Lleras . Here you’ll have a nice dorm bed at a low cost, as well as being situated close to both the Parque Lleras and the main Parque del Poblado.

If you are looking for a solid mid-range accommodation choice, then the Hotel Zelva Negra is the perfect place for you. Here you’ll be staying in a chic private room just a block from the Parque del Poblado. They also do a great breakfast on-site, where you can also enjoy a variety of drinks at their bar.

Those who are looking for a more deluxe choice will want to stay at the Celestino Boutique Hotel . Here you’ll be able to enjoy their rooftop jacuzzi, bar and on-site spa. You’ll be staying in a luxurious room too, very close to many of the best restaurants and nightlife in El Poblado.

Things to do in Medellín

There’s a good reason that Medellín remains one of the most popular cities for tourists to visit in all of South America, let alone just Colombia.

Firstly we’ll find a ton of culture here , where we can also learn more about the city’s more turbulent recent history. We’ll also find areas such as El Poblado well set-up for tourists, with plenty of parks, tree-lined streets and interesting museums to explore.

From Medellín we can also head on some incredible day trips. The Piedra del Peñol is one of the most memorable, where you can climb this giant rock for unparalleled views over the surrounding Antioquia region.

You can also visit the charming town of Guatapé , which is known for its cobblestone streets and colorful murals.

Be sure to read this guide on how many days you need in Medellín for ideas on how to plan your itinerary here. For some, more than 3 days here could be overstepping it.

Is Medellín Safe to Visit?

Medellín travel warnings.

Whilst there are no major official major risks right now, there are some things that you’ll want to watch out for.

The main risk to be careful of is armed robbery , which can happen virtually anywhere in the city nowadays and is targeted more towards tourists. Always know your surroundings and stick to safe areas, and also lessen your risk by following advice we’ve outlined in this guide.

Crime in Medellín

Whilst Medellín is far from its crime-stricken days several decades ago, there has been a recent increase in crime within the city (which is similar in many other parts of Colombia ).

This includes armed robberies and attacks on tourists, sometimes using the infamous scopolamine drug . It’s important to mention that whilst we can’t control others’ activities and choices, we always have 100% control over our own. This means making yourself the least attractive target, which almost guarantees you a safe and enjoyable time here.

Good practices to follow include dressing down, keeping your phone in your (front) pocket as well as sticking to popular streets with lots of other people around .

Safety in Medellín during the day

Medellín is generally safe to walk around alone, and especially in the more touristy areas which have heightened police presence. However there’s still a risk of petty crime and armed robbery, so it’s all about making yourself the least attractive target possible .

This includes dressing down, not walking into unknown streets by yourself as well as heading on organized tours into the less safe areas (such is the case when heading to Comuna 13).

You’ll also want to take extra care in places like Candelaria (aka: El Centro). Whilst a popular and safe barrio in Bogotá , this same-named neighborhood in Medellín isn’t the safest around (although there are things to see such as the Plaza Botero). If heading here you’ll want to practice our safety tips that we mention throughout this guide.

Medellín Safety at Night

When the sun goes down, you’ll find that Medellín has some of the best nightlife that you can find in all of Colombia. Here we’ll find a mix of touristy bars and local salsa venues, making it a must-experience during your time here.

Of course crime does increase in these hours, given drunk tourists make for good targets. Incidents usually involve pickpocketing, although armed robbery (and even the use of Scopolamine) have happened too.

Whilst this all sounds very alarming and needs to be taken seriously, these incidents are usually due to tourists being extremely drunk and alone, or wandering off alone in unknown or quiet areas .

Avoid doing those two things alone and your risks drop significantly down. Of course sticking to popular areas is another good piece of advice; just be sure to keep your phone and wallet in your front pockets (and don’t bring anything of high value out with you).

Got Travel Insurance for Medellin?

7 Safety Tips for Medellín

Below we will list 7 of our top safety tips for when heading to Medellín.

1. Be Sure to Dress Down

This is probably the best advice we can give, especially since crime is now targeted more towards those who have money (e.g. wealthy tourists) . Not standing out with designer clothes or big Rolexes is the best way to avoid becoming a target, so be sure to relax what you wear during the day. Of course at night you may want to dress up for dinner or if going clubbing, so in this case take taxis to and from the venue.

2. Be Cautious with the Local Tap Water

It’s important to first mention that Medellín is one of the few rare places in Latin America where drinking tap water is considered safe ( unlike places such as Peru ). Now if it’s your first ever time in the region then we’d instead recommend sticking to bottled water, just because it can still make your stomach upset (as well as tasting stranger).

3. Leave Valuables back in your Accommodation

As always (no matter where you travel in Latin America), it’s always a good idea to leave valuables back at your accommodation. This includes things like your passport, credit cards and anything else that the idea of losing would ruin your trip . You’ll also feel less stressed when walking around too!

4. Only head on tours with Reputable Tour Companies

Here in Medellín we’ll find a number of amazing experiences. Most are safe, however there are some where you’ll want to go with an experienced guide. The classic example is when heading to Comuna 13, which is a deprived barrio that was once the hotspot of Pablo Escobar’s drug activities. We highly recommend heading with this highly-rated tour which includes all transport and a free graffiti tour.

5. Take out Solid Travel Insurance

It’s always a good idea to take out travel insurance before heading-off, regardless of where you’re visiting. Not only will you have a solid policy ready in case something happens, however you’ll also be able to relax knowing that all expenses would be covered. We highly recommend taking out a policy with World Nomads, who is our trusted go-to.

6. Keep Valuables in your Front Pockets

Unfortunately petty theft is rampant around Medellín, and has recently become more targeted in affluent areas like Laureles and El Poblado . Keeping valuables in front pockets makes it a lot harder to get robbed unsuspectedly, and especially so when in busier places such as a nightclub.

7. Avoid Carrying Large amounts of Cash or Credit Cards with You

This is again a solid piece of advice regardless of where you travel. Having a daily budget is important for longer-term travel, and only taking this out with you keeps your long-term plans safe in case something does happen . Bringing credit cards with you is a bad idea too, given this can cause big problems if someone steals them from you.

Medellín Safety FAQ Guide:

What makes medellín so dangerous.

Quite on the contrary, Medellín has really improved its reputation in recent years and is quite safe. Of course there are still areas worth avoiding where crime is more frequent, such as the barrios of Aranjuez, Comuna 10 and Robledo .

Is Medellín safer than Bogota?

Both cities are massive, and of course will have their collection of safe and non-safe areas. Overall we feel that Medellín is safer than Bogotá , given many areas are better built-up for tourists here. You’ll also find that in the capital, various neighborhoods (even the touristy ones) can feel rough around the edges.

Is it safe to drink the water in Medellín?

In the majority of cases in Latin America, you should never drink tap water. However in Medellín (in the more touristy parts), it’s safe to drink the tap water . Many still prefer bottled water due to habits, and also as the taste can be somewhat different if you’re not used to it.

Is Medellín safe for American tourists?

Is medellín safe final words.

And that’s all for our guide on how to stay safe in Medellín.

A must-visit on any itinerary around Colombia, Medellin is often where travelers end up staying the longest (such as is the case with Dan). Here we can enjoy the perfect year-round temperatures, visit many cultural sites and also experience its heated nightlife.

Medellín has definitely improved its safety situation significantly in recent decades, especially when compared to the times under the rule of Pablo Escobar.

There of course are still some barrios worth avoiding, however nowadays there are some safe areas like Laureles and El Poblado which are well set-up for tourists.

In this guide, we’ve explored the current safety situation in Medellín , which includes whether it’s safe to visit, as well as any current travel advisories. As well as looking at the best things to do in Medellin we’ve also included our FAQ which answers your most burning questions.

Are you still wondering if it’s worth heading to Medellín? Then be sure to read this guide on the seven best reasons to visit Medellin over other Colombian cities.

👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.

“ Dear traveler! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you . Your support means a lot and helps us to carry on traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”

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Unveiling the Truth: Debunking Myths and Embracing Safety in Medellin

When someone mentions Medellin to you, surely one of the first things you think is: is Medellin, Colombia safe? Medellin has long been a city associated with a negative reputation, largely because of its tumultuous history of drug cartels, high crime rates, and civil conflicts. However, this Colombian city has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, shedding its past image to emerge as a welcoming and vibrant destination full of nightlife , culture, great food , nature, and modernity for travelers and tourists.

Despite these positive transformations, myths about security and safety in Medellin still exist. In this article, we will debunk common Colombia Medellin safety myths and offer practical tips for an enjoyable and safe visit to this city.

Is Medellin, Colombia safe? 8 common myths debunked

Let’s be clear: when you think about going to Medellin you start looking for information about the city, the people, the culture, if there are good places to party… and about safety. Well, with so much information on the internet, you may still have doubts about whether it is advisable or not to go to Medellin and you are wondering: is Medellin, Colombia safe? Is it really worth going?

In this next section, we have debunked 8 common myths about the safety of Medellin so you can learn more about this destination that was named by Time Out as the coolest place to visit in the world.

Also, Time magazine named Medellin as one of the best places in the world to travel last year , so we are facing one of the most desired destinations in the world today.

However, we recommend that you travel to Medellin with the guidance of local experts and with an itinerary that fits your needs, preferences, and budget so that you can enjoy a total experience.

Myth 1: Medellin is still unsafe for tourists and travelers

One of the most persistent myths about Medellin is that it remains unsafe for tourists. While it’s true that the city struggled with high crime rates and security issues in the past, Medellin has made significant strides in improving its security situation. For instance, Medellin, through the Colombian government, demobilized significant guerrilla groups and implemented security reforms. As a result, Medellin is recognized as one of the most progressive and safer cities in Latin America, with a thriving tourism industry.

Like any major city, visitors need to take appropriate precautions and follow basic safety guidelines, such as:

• Not displaying expensive belongings in public
• Avoiding dangerous neighborhoods
• Being aware of your surroundings

However, overall, Medellin is now considered safe and welcoming for tourists and those traveling to Medellin Colombia, with increased police presence in tourist areas and low crime rates.

Myth 2: Drug cartels still rule Medellin

While the specter of powerful cartels like Pablo Escobar loomed large over Medellin in the 1980s and 1990s, their influence has significantly diminished in recent years. Medellin, through the Colombian government, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has successfully dismantled many of these criminal organizations. This has led to a notable decrease in violence and instability.

Today, Medellin is a city on the rise, with a burgeoning economy and a vibrant cultural scene that attracts visitors from around the world.

If you want to learn about the history of Medellín and take tours that explain the transformation of the city you can talk to one of our experts who will help you build an itinerary to help you experience Medellín the best way!

Myth 3: Kidnappings are common in Medellin

Medellin was once notorious for kidnapping during the height of the drug war, but the situation has become increasingly rare in recent years. Medellin, through the Colombian government, has implemented robust security measures to combat this threat, and the incidents of kidnapping have significantly declined. This decline in kidnappings can be attributed to the heightened presence of security forces in the city center and along key transportation routes.

Overall, in recent years, tourists and travelers in Medellin are unlikely to encounter this type of danger. Nonetheless, it is essential to stay informed about the security situation in the region you plan to visit or stay.

Myth 4: Medellin is a haven for pickpockets and petty crime

Like any major city worldwide, pickpockets and petty crimes can occur in Medellin, especially in crowded public transportation hubs and markets. However, many areas in Medellin popular with tourists have increased security measures to ensure the safety of visitors.

By taking simple precautions such as not flashing expensive items, using a money belt,  keeping an eye on your belongings, and being aware of your surroundings, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to pickpocketing or petty theft.

Our team of local experts will be at your side at all times and will assist you with anything you may need. From reservations at the best restaurants and nightclubs to buying groceries for your private villa , which you can rent with us.

Myth 5: Drug-related violence is still a major concern

Medellin was once synonymous with drug cartels and associated violence. However, the situation has drastically reduced in recent years due to the government’s efforts to combat drug trafficking, dismantle major drug cartels, and increase security measures to deal with drug-related violence.

While isolated incidents may still occur, they are not representative of the overall security situation in the city. Besides, visitors and tourists are not typically caught up in drug-related conflicts unless they are directly involved in illegal activities.

However, you should stay informed about current events and practice caution in areas known for drug-related activities.

Myth 6: Taxi drivers RIP tourists off

While it’s true that some taxi drivers in Medellin may try to overcharge or con tourists, this is not representative of the entire industry in this city.

Most taxi drivers in Medellin are honest and reputable professionals who provide reliable service to their customers.

To avoid being taken advantage of, you should use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing apps, agree on a fare before starting the journey, and ensure that the taxi has a functioning meter. You should also order taxi drivers through your accommodation rather than hail them, for safer, more reliable outcomes.

We also recommend our Concierge service which will take care of you and your group throughout your trip, including transportation to any location. At all times our expert local Concierge team will take care of everything you need.

Myth 7: Men take advantage of women

While all travelers need to be cautious and aware of their surroundings, there is no evidence to suggest that men specifically target women for exploitation in Medellin. There is a widespread fascination for foreign women so you may be looked at, out of interest. Yet attention is not intimidating or overwhelming.

Like in any other country, women should take standard precautions to ensure their safety, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and being cautious when socializing with strangers.

Overall, Medellin is a welcoming and inclusive destination for travelers of all genders.

Myth 8: All roads are bad and unsafe

While Medellin’s mountainous terrain can make road travel unsafe and challenging in some areas, the city has invested heavily in infrastructure improvements in recent years.

Most major highways and roads are well-maintained and offer scenic views of the city’s stunning landscapes. However, travelers should exercise caution when driving in rural or remote areas, where road conditions may be less predictable.

Eager to explore the safe streets of Medellin? Contact us today and begin the unforgettable adventure with our expert assistance!

So… is Medellin, Colombia safe? Of course it is!

In conclusion, Medellin has a history marked with safety challenges. However, this Colombian city has come a long way in recent years. The myths of a crime-ridden and unsafe (dangerous) Medellin are outdated and no longer reflect the current safety reality.

Today, Medellin is a welcoming and safe destination for visitors and tourists, offering cultural richness, natural beauty, and a thriving economy. However, like any other destination city, it is essential to take safety precaution measures and stay informed about the local conditions. This will ensure you have a vibrant and remarkable experience when you visit Medellin.

With our team of experts behind you, your dream Medellin vacation is safe and secure. Contact us now and let us plan your whole experience!

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Colombia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 2, 2024, colombia - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with updates to the country summary.

Reconsider travel due to  crime  and  terrorism . Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest  and  kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

• Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism.
• The Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, and risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia.  

Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas.

Terrorist groups and criminal organizations continue operating and carrying out attacks in Colombia. They may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, police stations, military facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, airports, other public areas, and U.S. government facilities.

Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country and can be about a variety of political or economic issues. They can shutdown roads and highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Demonstrations and road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and may disrupt travel within and between cities. Protests can become violent and can result in fatalities and injuries.

U.S. direct-hire government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• They are not permitted to travel by road between most cities.
• Colombia’s land border areas are off-limits to U.S. government personnel unless specifically authorized.
• They may not use motorcycles.
• They may not hail street taxis or use public buses.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Colombia.

If you decide to travel to Colombia:

• Avoid protest areas and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Colombia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Arauca, Cauca, and Norte de Santander Departments – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is widespread. Terrorist groups are active in some parts.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens as U.S. government-personnel travel to these areas is severely restricted due to security concerns.

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U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to the border of Colombia and Venezuela. U.S. citizens are at risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela.

The Colombia-Venezuela border is not clearly marked, and U.S. citizens should not go near the border due to the risk of crossing into Venezuela accidentally.

U.S. citizens attempting to enter Venezuela without a visa have been charged with terrorism and other serious crimes and detained for long periods. For more information, see the Venezuela Travel Advisory.

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Where colonial architecture meets soaring skyscrapers, the capital of Colombia’s Antioquia province is famed for its coffee plantations, flower farms, orchids, and butterflies. Elevated 1,500 meters above sea level, Medellín benefits from warm and forgiving weather, often compared to a year-round, springlike climate. 

But it’s hard to talk about Medellín without gang culture and ‘narco-tourism’ coming to mind. Once Pablo Escobar’s lucrative drug ring base, the city is much more than The Cartel these days, with culture , commerce, and nightlife all on the rise. But petty crime isn’t rare, and civil unrest in the country at large remains high . So, is Medellín safe? 

This guide answers all those important questions about traveling to Medellín in 2022, whether you’re a solo backpacker wondering how to get around or you’re curious about the natural hazards of living in South America. From the transport to the tap water, we look at all the things you should consider before venturing to the “City of Eternal Spring.” Let’s get into it. 

Table of Contents

Is Medellín safe to visit?

Colombia once had the highest rate of kidnappings of any country globally, and terrorism is still on most travelers’ minds when venturing to the South American gateway nation. But it has dramatically improved its image in recent years and is much safer, tourist-friendly, and easy to get around than the neighboring countries of Brazil and Venezuela. Even Mexico, the famous holiday mecca, is considered less safe than Colombia in certain parts, with a capital crowned the most violent city in the world. 

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A lot of mystery surrounds Medellín when it comes to the longstanding cartel presence, which put the city on the map for dark tourism and ‘narco tours’. Pablo Escobar founded the cartel structure in the town, and Medellín became the place from which “El Patrón” controlled all the links in his drug chain. Medellín had one of the highest global homicide rates in the world in the 1980s, but the Medellín Cartel no longer exists. Things turned around in the 90s with Escobar out of the picture, and crime plummeted. 

Medellín is now statistically safer than some US cities and primarily safe for travelers. But it hasn’t wholly shaken its criminal past, and navigating the heavy drug presence is something visitors need to consider. 

Gangs still operate in the city, but travelers are unlikely to get wrapped up in gang violence, with most conflicts being inter-gang. Petty theft is also high, but if you remain aware of your surroundings as you should in any busy city, you can avoid being a target. 

It’s not only human hazards you need to consider. Colombia is seismically active and at risk of earthquakes. It sits at the boundary of the North Andes, the Malpelo, and the South American Plates, where most of the world’s earthquakes occur. Seismic activity has also increased in Medellín in recent years, and although most are only minor tremors, concern remains that the city is not prepared for a big quake.  

This shouldn’t deter you from Medellín, but make sure you familiarize yourself with your hotel’s earthquake drill, and if they don’t have one, consider staying elsewhere. 

Is Medellín safe for solo travelers?

There’s so much culture to soak up in Medellín, and backpacking through the city is highly recommended. Museums, theaters, festivals, and bars, it has it all, but solo traveling brings a whole host of new fears, especially when night falls on any major city. 

The good news is that independent travelers love Medellín, and it’s considered one of the safest places in the country for solo females. With an outdated South American machismo culture, harassment and cat-calling are an issue in Medellín. But they’re probably the most hassle you’ll face as a female here. These attitudes are much less of a problem than in other Colombian cities with Medellín’s liberal student population. 

Most solo travelers feel safe partying the night away or venturing the hiking trails. But keeping to the city’s well-populated areas and exercising caution when drinking alcohol is advised. Locals are helpful and approachable to the town and are a great place to turn if there are areas or activities you’re unsure about. Unsurprisingly, most will tell you not to get involved with the partially-legal drug trade, which is the leading cause of tourists getting in trouble with gangs and the police in Medellín.

Is public transport safe in Medellín?

The easiest way to get around Medellín is on the metro, and most locals are proud of the clean and efficient railway. The transit system crosses the city from north to south and center to west, and you can travel anywhere with one ticket for just 2,550 pesos, which is equivalent to 70 cents. But the city also has public buses, trams, and aerial cable cars, which are a great and cheap way to see the city and surrounding hillsides from the sky. 

Luckily, the metro and other public transport systems are very safe, structurally, and socially. But the most significant risk is pickpockets, and petty crime is frequent on the public transport in Medellín, especially at rush hours when the carts are crammed with locals and tourists. Always be careful with your belongings and keep them close to your body, only carrying what you need. Pickpockets can use decoy techniques to distract their targets and could pose as vulnerable individuals, so always have your wits about you on Medellín’s public transport.

Is Medellín safe to live? 

Medellín is a great place to consider moving to, and the city has a growing community of ex-pats and digital nomads. There are unsafe areas of all cities, and although crime has seen a significant drop in recent years, poverty still has a strong hold over local life, and employment is low. While this means petty theft remains high, lots of crime is restricted to the poorest areas. 

Settling in a city, you’re likely to see a lot more than if you were just passing through, venturing beyond the tourist trails and indulging in the culture. But it’s easy to avoid the no-go areas in Medellín, and ex-pats wouldn’t usually have any business navigating these steep residential areas in the outskirts. 

That said, the Comuna 13 slum that extends to the upper reaches of the surrounding hillside has risen in popularity for its street-art scene and fascinating urban escalators. Crime is still high here, especially gang-related conflict, but the slum has successfully reformed in the last few years, although it still should only be visited as part of a tour. 

The expat-centric neighborhoods like El Poblado, Envigado, Sabaneta, and Belén are among the safest places in the city, perhaps even more so than the tourist areas. This is because petty theft is the biggest issue for non-natives, and pickpockets operate in areas that are more likely to be crowded with unsuspecting holidaymakers. 

As an ex-pat, you’ll get to know your environment and be more switched on to the scams that operate in the city. You’ll also garner more respect as a resident, from getting to know locals and investing in the community, so be less likely to be targeted. Medellín is typically welcoming, but ex-pats are more embraced by the residents than tourists and are unlikely to face issues.

Is tap water safe to drink in Medellín?

For most backpackers, whether you’re headed to the luxury shores of Bali, party beaches of Central America, or bustling street markets of India, it’s safe to assume that the tap water is off-limits. An upset stomach is often on the radar for anyone ditching home comforts for an adventure across the globe and unfamiliar territories. Yet, surprisingly, there is a common misperception in Colombia that drinking tap water will make you unwell.

The coastal towns and remote highlands villages rely on five-liter bags of purified water available everywhere. Still, in the country’s two largest cities, Bogota and Medellín, tap water is perfectly safe to drink. Thanks to the excellent purification system in the town, you won’t need to buy bottled water or worry about the ice in your drink. The tap water might taste slightly chlorinated, but it won’t cause an upset stomach if consumed. Widespread access to free, clean water also means that fresh fruits, vegetables, and street food are primarily safe to consume in Medellín.

Another pull factor to the vibrant city? Or a basic amenity you didn’t expect to be a hindrance? If you’ve done any traveling, even just to western Europe, you’ll understand the hassle of sourcing bottled water everywhere you go. Not to mention the painful carbon footprint you leave behind with all the plastic you have to purchase. The safe tap water in the city comes as a welcome surprise.

7 Tips for Staying Safe in Medellín

• Be wary of where you visit in the city – Although no longer the urban warzone it was in the 80s, you should exercise caution in some regions of Medellín. Gang activities still frequent the Comuna 13 neighborhood, and you shouldn’t wander around the slum by yourself. 
• Be extra cautious after dark – Medellín is safe for solo travelers, but exploring alone at night is ill-advised, especially in areas like the El Centro neighborhood. Even though many popular tourist attractions can be found here, like Botero park and el Parque de la Luces, which feature on most city walking tours, the quiet and poorly lit spots are unsafe after dark.
• Keep your belongings safe – Petty theft is the most common issue faced by tourists and foreigners in Medellín, be discreet with your valuables, keep them close to your body, and only take what you need with you out for the day. It’s not just pickpocketing, but armed robberies happen in the city, so don’t flash expensive devices in public. 
• Don’t stand out – Another way to evade pickpockets is not to wear anything that makes you look like a target, i.e., not a local or ex-pat. Tourists are the primary subjects of petty crime and are more likely to be roped into scams. Ditch the flip-flops, fanny packs, cargo shorts, open vests, and even jewelry. If the weather allows, consider wearing jeans to blend in even more.  This might make you feel safer as a solo female also and prevent cat-calls, although women have the freedom to dress however they feel comfortable in Medellín.   
• Don’t accept drugs – Getting involved with drug tourism in the city is the most common way for visitors to come into trouble with gangs. Not to mention that the drugs in the town are unregulated and unsafe. There’s a common misperception that drug consumption in Colombia is legal. While there are certain flexibilities to the drug laws, Cocaine possession beyond one gram and all sale is strictly prohibited. If you’re offered free drugs, it’s most likely a police setup that could result in you getting put behind bars. You don’t want to end up on the wrong side of the Colombian Policía. 
• Don’t leave drinks unattended – As is the case for most nightlife scenes, you should never leave your drinks unattended or accept alcohol from strangers. Spiking is uncommon, but it does happen in Medellín, and women aren’t the only targets. Men should exercise the same caution in nightclubs, and they could be targeted as a means of carrying out personal theft. 
• Speak the local language – One of the best ways to earn respect, avoid conflict and get out of sticky situations is by being able to communicate in the local language. This means having some basic knowledge of Spanish and the specific Spanish-Colombian dialect of the region. If you speak Spanish, it will be easy to get by in Medellín, but you should still try to communicate in the local native tongue. 

Is Medellín a poor city?

Medellín’s poverty rate has been on the decline for over a decade, but severe economic crisis still has a hold over the city. The illegal economy, particularly the drug trade, is the only way many of Medellín’s inhabitants can rise from hardship, but this has only led to more discrepancies and destitution among the poorest residents. More than nine percent of the city lived in extreme poverty by the end of 2020, living on less than $45 a month on average. 

Is Medellín safe at night?

Medellín is safe mainly by day, but like most major cities, the night can be a time for increased street crime, and it’s advised to avoid the poorer neighbors. But even the touristy areas like El Centro can prove sketchy. Poor lighting and fewer crowds put solo travelers at heightened risk of petty crime.

Is there dangerous wildlife in Medellín?

Colombia has diverse wildlife, and some dangerous animals are among its wild residents. You can find harmless ground snakes all over the country, but venomous coral snakes, pit vipers, and banana spiders, too, whose bites can be deadly. The rainforests are also home to boas and anacondas, which kill their prey by constriction, and black caiman crocodiles aren’t uncommon in the jungle marshes.

You can find all of these animals in the regions surrounding Medellín, but they’re unlikely to venture into the loud and crowded city where they’d struggle to survive. Still, the hilly El Poblado neighborhood, popular with ex-pats, is frequented by poisonous snakes and the less threatening axolotl salamanders. 

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Is Medellin Safe in 2024? Top Insights From Our Trip!

Medellin is known for its colorful streets, wild nightlife, and vibrant culture, but just how safe is the city for tourists? After visiting Medellin recently, I can tell you everything I learned about taking necessary precautions and staying safe…

As Colombia’s 2nd largest city, Medellin flaunts activities and attractions for all types of travelers. From the lush Jardin Botanico de Medellin to the quaint Pueblito Pais, there are many exciting  things to do in Medellin . 

Sure, a lot is going on here. But this is the ex-playground of notorious kingpin Pablo Escobar, so it’s expected that people wonder, “How safe is Medellin for travelers?” 

Once known as “the most dangerous city in the world,” Medellin has uprooted its muddied past with the promises of culture, cuisine, and endless possibilities. 

Whether you want to lock lips with traditional Colombian coffee or get inspired by the art in Antioquia, my guide will help you navigate the city safely. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the safest districts, what to avoid, and how to travel to Medellin. Vamanos!

Is Medellin, Colombia Safe?

Let’s cut straight to the chase—Yes, Medellín is safe, and it’s more than ready to welcome you! 

Forget about the old stereotypes you’ve seen in movies and series. Today’s Medellín is an entirely different story. 

Medellin is a city that’s been through a massive transformation, flipping the script from a tumultuous and violent past to becoming one of Latin America’s most popular travel destinations.

Of course, like any buzzing metropolis worldwide, Medellín isn’t free from all types of crime. Although many travelers like myself consider Medellín to be a safe haven, it’s still crucial you’re alert and aware of your surroundings! 

So, does that mean I think you should pack your bags and head to Medellín? Absolutely! It’s a city that deserves to be on every travel enthusiast’s bucket list as long as you take the necessary precautions.

Why Should You Visit Medellín?

Now you know you can visit Medellín without being overly concerned, the next question I want to address is why you should put this city on your bucket list!

First, Medellin boasts a pleasant year-round climate, so why wouldn’t you want to stop here? It also offers endless activities and opportunities to explore the great outdoors. 

Imagine sitting on the foot of the Andes mountains. Medellín is home to fragrant gardens, lush parks, and stunning scenery just waiting to be discovered. 

The ‘City of Eternal Spring’ is fringed with a flourishing coffee scene, rowdy nightlife, and mouth-watering cuisine. Whether you want to hit the heights  paragliding  or explore on a  graffiti tour ,  Medellin has something for you. 

Medellín Today 

As I mentioned, Medellín is a transformed city. You wouldn’t even recognize it a few decades ago...

Back in the 80s and 90s, Medellin was put on the map by the famous drug lord Pablo Escobar. Medellín was plagued by high crime rates and drug cartels. Talk about a place you probably wouldn’t want to go for a holiday...

But since then, local governments and law enforcement have worked together to drastically improve the city. Nowadays, Medellín’s numerous libraries, parks, and public spaces help foster social programs and community initiatives. 

Showing off a major glow-up in neighborhoods that were once left out, Medellín is now buzzing with tourists and has turned into a chill, safe spot for travelers to explore.

While remaining cautious and aware of your surroundings is essential, tourists are generally met with open arms.  

Is Medellin Safe to Walk Around? 

Sure, Medellin is no Disneyland. That being said, it’s a very walkable city, and if you have your wits about you, you’ll be just fine. 

It’s considered safe enough that even solo female travelers can comfortably walk the streets during the daytime. Still, there are some things to consider beforehand: 

• Don’t wear expensive jewelry or watches 
• Keep your phone hidden in a safety belt, hip pack or shoulder sling
• Don’t carry large sums of cash on you 
• Take a cab and avoid walking the streets at night 
• Be aware of your belongings, especially at night 
• Don’t go into unlit alleyways 
• Avoid staring at homeless people on the street 
• Be mindful of pickpockets and theft 
• Avoid Downtown Medellin at night 

These are standard practices that most travelers are already aware of. If you’ve traveled around South America before, you’re probably familiar with these safety precautions.  

What are the Safest Districts in Medellin? 

If it’s your first-time visiting Medellin, you might be wondering what areas to avoid. Since it was my first time visiting Medellin, I had the same question!

After researching beforehand and then experiencing the diverse neighborhoods of Medellin firsthand, I learned about which areas are the most welcoming to tourists.

I recommend you stick to well-known neighborhoods and tourist areas. My personal favorite areas include El Poblado and Laureles. 

El Poblado is popular among visitors, especially backpackers and solo female travelers. With a high police presence, you’ll feel safe knowing that help is just a stone’s throw away. Petty crime is not considered a significant issue, and locals are quite welcoming. 

And if you want to stay in Medellin longer, you could consider staying in Envigado or Sabaneta. Both areas have low crime rates and are accessible by public transport. 

Is Public Transport Safe in Medellin? 

Medellin is home to 4 main types of public transportation: 

• MetroCable 
• Public buses 

When you search around the Internet, sources say each of these options is considered safe for travelers, especially the metro. It’s important to stay alert and avoid rush hours, which are 6 am to 8 am and 5 pm to 8 pm.

That being said, we often heard from other travelers and trusted friends who had experience in Colombia, that you should avoid the public transportation at all cost! 

As a group, we decided to take Ubers everywhere, which aren't really allowed in the city. But they worked out well whenever we called them! 

Although I wouldn't recommend it, we still met some people who decided to brave the subway. So, if you're feeling adventurous and do explore the public transpo options in Medellin, just be very wary and use extra caution.

Is Medellin Safer Than Cartagena? 

If you’re planning a trip to Colombia, you might be trying to decide whether to travel between the big cities. Both Medellin and Cartagena have their safety concerns, but if you prepare ahead and stay alert, you’ll be fine. 

Cartagena’s walled city and the Getsemani neighborhood are safe for travelers. Things can turn a little sour if you’re heading outside of these areas. With extreme poverty and high crime rates, these parts of Cartagena are considered less safe than Medellin. 

Is It Safe to Enjoy Medellin’s Nightlife?

If you’re looking to let loose in Colombia, Medellin is one of the best places to do so. My friends and I found that Medellin doesn’t sleep—no matter the day of the week!

And we felt very safe walking around the areas of Medellin that are known to have bumping nightlife.

Medellin is known for its wild nightlife, buzzing bars, and funky reggaeton music. I think you’ll enjoy seeing the liveliness of Medellin at night even if you don’t usually enjoy nightclubs. 

Whether you want to enjoy a “cubatas” or dance until your feet hurt, this city has something for everyone when it comes to celebrating at night. We were able to visit local clubs and party with locals, find more quiet bars, and hang out at evening events at our hostel. 

After spending a few too many nights out, we found that the best areas for parties in Medellin are Parque Lleras and El Poblado. These places are great if you don’t want to go far out of your comfort zone. You’ll find lots of other tourists looking to experience Medellin’s nightlife in these areas!

Alternatively, head to La Macarena, El Centro, and Laureles to get a better taste of the local nightlife. 

Partying in Medellin is full of surprises, but staying alert and safe is essential. To learn about the most popular spots, read more in this comprehensive guide on  Medellin nightlife .  

Safety Tips in Medellin 

According to the  U.S. Department of State , Colombia is at a Level 3 Risk. The government advises not to travel to Arauca, Cauca, Norte de Santander, and the Colombia-Venezuela border due to high crime and terrorism. 

If you’re planning a day trip from Medellin, steer clear of these areas. But, if you decide to travel to the safer regions of Colombia, the government offers the following safety tips: 

• Avoid protests and big crowds 
• Watch the local media to plan for unexpected events. 
• Don’t flash your valuables around 
• Be aware of your surroundings 
• If you catch a cab, make sure the taxi meter is running 
• Take cash out from ATMs inside of malls and be mindful of your surroundings 
• If you choose to go out, avoid getting overly intoxicated and don’t accept drinks from strangers 
• Don’t walk around alone at night 
• Be cautious in Downtown Medellin 

Safety and Beyond! 

Now that you know how to be safe when visiting Medellin, you can kick the stress and start planning. Save this safety guide and begin crafting the ultimate travel experience with Pilot today! 

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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Is Medellin Safe? Essential Tips for Your Trip To Medellin, Colombia

Is Medellin safe to visit? The question lingered in my mind as I stepped foot into the vibrant streets of Colombia’s second-largest city. Once notorious for its dark past, Medellin has undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding its reputation as the heart of the world’s most dangerous city to emerge as a beacon of hope and resilience.

Yet, despite its newfound allure, safety concerns still linger beneath the surface. As I immersed myself in Medellin’s culture and explored its hidden corners, I learned valuable lessons on navigating this dynamic city safely.

From petty crimes targeting tourists to the lingering spectre of drug-related activities, Medellin’s safety landscape is nuanced and ever-evolving.

In this guide, I aim to share my insights and experiences, offering essential tips for travellers embarking on their own Medellin adventure.

So, let’s delve into the heart of the “City of Eternal Spring” and uncover what it truly means to travel safely in Medellin .

At A Glance

The History Of Crime And Safety In Medellin, Colombia

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In the past, Medellin was a city plagued by violence and crime, largely due to the influence of Pablo Escobar and the drug cartels . Back in 1993, Colombia’s homicide rate was among the highest globally, and Medellin’s rate was even double that. However, things have changed since then.

At the centre of Medellin’s troubled history stands Pablo Escobar and the notorious drug cartels that once ruled the streets.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, violence and crime were rampant, earning Medellin the unenviable title of one of the world’s most dangerous cities . Homicide rates skyrocketed, with Medellin’s tally doubling the already staggering figures for Colombia.

However, amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged. The Colombian government recognized the urgent need for change and launched initiatives to tackle crime head-on.

These efforts ranged from bolstering law enforcement to investing in social programs aimed at addressing underlying issues. The results have been profound.

Medellin, once paralyzed by fear, has begun to reclaim its streets. Innovative projects like the Medellin Metro have not only revamped infrastructure but also instilled a newfound sense of optimism.

Today, while Medellin’s past may linger in memory, its journey towards a brighter future serves as a testament to resilience. While challenges remain, Medellin’s journey towards safety and prosperity offers valuable lessons for cities worldwide.

Is it Safe to Visit Medellin Right Now?

Is it safe to visit Medellin in 2024? As someone who has spent considerable time exploring this vibrant Colombian city , I understand the importance of asking this question. The answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no, but I can share my insights to help you make an informed decision.

Medellin has come a long way from its tumultuous past, once dominated by drug cartels and violence. Today, the city has undergone significant transformation , with efforts to improve safety and security evident in its streets and neighbourhoods. However, like any major city, Medellin still faces challenges, and it’s essential to be aware of potential risks.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. It’s essential to keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings to minimise the risk of becoming a target.

Additionally, while violent crime rates have decreased significantly compared to past decades, incidents can still occur.

In 2024, Medellin continues to undergo significant transformation, shedding its turbulent past to emerge as a beacon of progress and resilience. While the city still faces challenges, particularly regarding safety concerns, it’s important to approach any visit with awareness and caution.

Overall, Medellin is relatively safe for visitors, especially in tourist-friendly areas. The city’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality continue to attract travellers from around the world.

However, it’s crucial to exercise caution and remain vigilant, particularly in certain neighbourhoods and after dark.

As of recent years, Medellin has become increasingly safe for solo travellers, but like any destination, it’s essential to exercise caution and be mindful of your surroundings. The city has made significant strides in improving safety and security, with increased police presence and ongoing urban development.

That said, solo travellers should still take precautions to ensure their safety while exploring Medellin. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night, and avoid wandering into unfamiliar neighbourhoods.

It’s also advisable to keep valuables secure and be aware of common scams or pickpocketing tactics that may target tourists.

Additionally, consider staying connected with other travellers or local contacts, and share your itinerary with someone you trust. This way, you’ll have a support system in place in case of emergencies or unexpected situations.

As a solo female traveller considering a trip to Medellin, it’s natural to have concerns about safety.

While Medellin has made significant progress in improving its security situation in recent years, there are still precautions that solo female travellers should take to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Here are some tips to help ensure your safety:

Research Accommodation : Choose reputable accommodations in safe neighbourhoods, preferably with good reviews from other solo female travellers. Opt for well-established hotels, hostels, or guesthouses with secure entrances.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings : Be mindful of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas, especially at night. Consider using transportation services like taxis or ridesharing apps to travel after dark.

Dress Modestly : While Medellin is a cosmopolitan city, it’s respectful to dress modestly, especially in more conservative areas. Avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself by dressing in a manner that respects local customs and norms.

Avoid Excessive Drinking : Limit alcohol consumption and avoid accepting drinks from strangers. Stay in control of your surroundings and be cautious of your interactions with others, especially in nightlife areas.

Stay Connected : Keep in touch with friends or family back home and share your itinerary with them. Maintain regular communication to let them know your whereabouts and update them on your plans.

Use Reliable Transportation : Stick to official taxis or ridesharing services like Uber or Cabify when travelling around the city. Avoid unofficial or unmarked taxis, especially if travelling alone at night.

Learn Basic Spanish Phrases : While many people in Medellin speak English, knowing some basic Spanish phrases can be helpful for communication and navigating day-to-day interactions.

Yes, Medellin can be a safe and enjoyable destination for families, but it’s essential for parents to take certain precautions to ensure the well-being of their loved ones.

Here are some tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable family trip to Medellin:

Choose Family-Friendly Accommodation : Look for accommodations in safe and reputable neighbourhoods, preferably with amenities catering to families such as playgrounds or swimming pools. Consider renting an apartment or staying in a family-friendly hotel for added comfort and convenience.

Stay Informed : Research the areas you plan to visit and stay informed about any safety concerns or advisories issued by local authorities. Avoid known high-crime areas and stick to well-trafficked tourist areas when exploring the city.

Keep Children Close : Keep a close eye on children and ensure they stay close to you in crowded or unfamiliar areas. Use child-friendly transportation options such as official taxis or ridesharing services, and avoid wandering into isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night.

Be Mindful of Your Belongings : Keep valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets or petty theft, especially in crowded tourist areas or on public transportation. Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch to store passports, money, and other important documents.

Plan Kid-Friendly Activities : Medellin offers a variety of family-friendly attractions and activities, including parks, museums, and cultural events. Research age-appropriate activities and attractions that will keep children entertained and engaged during your visit.

Practice Sun Safety : Medellin’s climate can be warm and sunny, so be sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect your family from the sun’s harmful rays. Stay hydrated and seek shade when needed, especially during outdoor activities.

Learn Basic Spanish Phrases : Knowing some basic Spanish phrases can be helpful for communicating with locals and navigating day-to-day interactions, especially if you’re travelling with children who may need assistance or directions.

Places To Avoid In Medellin, Colombia

While Medellin has made significant strides in improving safety and security, there are still areas that visitors should exercise caution and consider avoiding, especially after dark or if travelling alone.

Here are some places in Medellin that are generally advised to be approached with caution:

Comuna 8 (Villa Hermosa)

Comuna 8, also known as Villa Hermosa, has a history of violence and gang activity, making it one of the more challenging areas of Medellin.

High levels of crime, including drug-related violence and petty theft, make Comuna 8 a less-than-ideal destination for tourists. It’s best to avoid this area unless accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide or participating in a reputable guided tour.

Santo Domingo Savio

Santo Domingo Savio is a neighbourhood located in the northeastern part of Medellin, known for its steep hills and informal settlements.

While efforts have been made to improve safety and infrastructure in Santo Domingo Savio, the area still faces challenges related to poverty and crime. I advise exercising caution and refraining from venturing into unfamiliar or isolated areas.

Altavista is a neighbourhood located in the hillsides surrounding Medellin, known for its panoramic views and informal settlements.

Altavista has historically been associated with criminal activity, including drug trafficking and gang violence. I suggest avoiding this area, particularly at night, and staying within the well-trafficked tourist areas in the city centre.

Certain Metro Stations at Night

While the Medellin Metro is generally safe and reliable during the day, certain metro stations and surrounding areas may be less safe after dark.

Metro stations located in or near marginalised neighbourhoods may experience higher levels of crime, including theft and harassment, especially at night.

I recommend being cautious and exploring alternative transportation options during late hours if you plan to use metro stations in Medellin at night.

Parque Periodista

Parque Periodista is a park located in the Robledo neighbourhood of Medellin, known for its green spaces and recreational facilities.

While Parque Periodista itself may not be inherently dangerous, the surrounding area of Robledo has experienced higher levels of crime, including theft and violence. I recommend being cautious when visiting Parque Periodista and avoid wandering into isolated areas or engaging in risky behaviour.

La Sierra is a neighbourhood located in the western part of Medellin, known for its hilly terrain and informal settlements.

La Sierra has a history of violence and gang activity, making it one of the more dangerous areas of Medellin. Travellers are strongly advised to avoid visiting La Sierra due to the high risk of encountering criminal activity, including armed conflict between rival gangs.

Safest Places To Visit In Medellin, Colombia

When exploring Medellin, finding the safest places to visit is paramount for a worry-free adventure. Having spent time navigating the city’s vibrant streets, I’ve discovered several neighbourhoods and attractions that offer a comfortable and secure experience for travellers.

Here are some of the safest places to explore in Medellin:

Poblado stands out as one of Medellin’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, where safety meets sophistication. Its upscale ambiance, trendy eateries, and bustling nightlife make it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Parque Lleras serves as the pulsating heart of Poblado, drawing crowds with its charming cafes, lively bars, and chic boutiques. Here, you can indulge in a leisurely stroll, people-watch from a sidewalk cafe, or savour the flavours of the city at one of its many acclaimed restaurants. Beyond Parque Lleras lies the Provenza district, a haven for food enthusiasts and fashion aficionados.

Wander through its cobblestone streets with colourful murals, discovering hidden gems ranging from gourmet bistros to trendy boutiques.

Whether you’re in search of culinary delights, vibrant nightlife, or simply a place to unwind, Poblado offers an unforgettable experience for every traveller.

Laureles-Estadio embodies a laid-back charm that appeals to families, outdoor enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike. This beloved neighbourhood is celebrated for its leafy streets, verdant parks, and welcoming atmosphere.

A leisurely stroll through Laureles Park offers a glimpse into the neighbourhood’s relaxed vibe, with families picnicking on lush lawns and children playing in shaded playgrounds. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the iconic Atanasio Girardot Stadium, home to Medellin’s beloved soccer teams and a focal point for local pride.

Meanwhile, the neighbourhood’s eclectic mix of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants beckon with tempting aromas and flavours, inviting you to sample Medellin’s culinary delights. With its blend of green spaces, cultural attractions, and family-friendly amenities, Laureles-Estadio is the perfect destination for a leisurely day of exploration.

Parque Lineal Ciudad del Río offers a tranquil retreat amidst the urban hustle and bustle, inviting visitors to unwind and reconnect with nature. This scenic park along the Medellin River is dotted with walking paths, green spaces, and captivating art installations.

A leisurely stroll or bike ride along the riverfront provides a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, allowing you to soak in panoramic views of Medellin’s skyline and Colombia’s beautiful beaches .

As you meander through the park, you’ll encounter vibrant murals and sculptures that add a touch of creativity to the natural landscape. After working up an appetite, stop by one of the park’s charming cafes or food trucks to savour a delicious snack or beverage amidst the serene surroundings.

Whether you’re seeking solitude or simply a scenic spot to unwind, Parque Lineal Ciudad del Rio offers an idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Medellin’s Botanical Garden is a verdant oasis nestled within the heart of the city, where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and discover a diverse array of plant species.

Wander through the garden’s lush landscapes, marvelling at its collection of exotic plants, towering trees, and fragrant flowers. Explore themed gardens showcasing Colombia’s rich biodiversity, from orchids and bromeliads to carnivorous plants and medicinal herbs.

Don’t miss the butterfly house, where you can witness the delicate beauty of these winged creatures up close.

Throughout the year, the garden hosts a variety of cultural events, workshops, and educational programs, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Colombia’s natural heritage.

Comuna 13 stands as a testament to Medellin’s resilience and transformation, where vibrant street art and cultural initiatives have revitalised this once-troubled neighbourhood.

When I was there, I joined a guided tour of Comuna 13 to uncover its colourful streets, where local artists have transformed the urban landscape with stunning murals and graffiti. Learn about the neighbourhood’s complex history and social evolution as you explore its winding alleys and staircases adorned with powerful works of art.

From its tumultuous past to its hopeful future, Comuna 13 offers a fascinating glimpse into Medellin’s ongoing journey of renewal and reconciliation.

How To Safely Get Around Medellin, Colombia

Getting around Medellin safely involves utilising a combination of transportation options, including the city’s efficient public transportation system and other safe methods of travel.

Here’s how to navigate Medellin safely:

Public Transportation

Medellin’s metro system is safe, clean, and reliable, consisting of trains and cable cars that connect various parts of the city.

Some popular metro stops include Poblado, Universidad, and San Antonio.

The cost of a metro ticket is affordable, with prices varying depending on the distance travelled. As of [current year], a single metro ticket costs around 2,550 COP (Colombian Pesos), and a rechargeable card, called “Tarjeta Cívica,” can be purchased for convenience.

While the metro is generally safe, travellers should be mindful of their belongings and avoid crowded trains during peak hours.

The metrocable is a cable car system that provides access to neighbourhoods located in the hillsides surrounding Medellin.

The Arvi Park and Santo Domingo lines are popular routes that offer scenic views of the city. Prices: Metrocable fares are included in the metro ticket price, making it an affordable option for travellers.

Medellin’s integrated bus system consists of modern buses that complement the metro system, providing access to areas not covered by the metro.

Metroplus and Metroplús buses serve various routes throughout the city, connecting neighbourhoods and key destinations.

Bus fares are affordable, with prices similar to metro tickets.

Pay attention to route maps and bus schedules, and avoid using buses during late hours or in isolated areas.

Other Safe Transportation Options

Taxis are readily available throughout Medellin and provide a convenient way to travel to specific destinations.

Use only authorised taxis with official markings and metres. Avoid hailing taxis on the street at night and opt for radio-dispatched or app-based services like Uber or Cabify for added safety.

Walking can be a safe and enjoyable way to explore certain areas of Medellin, especially in well-trafficked tourist zones.

Stick to main streets and well-lit areas, especially at night. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Avoid Flashy Displays of Wealth

Keep valuable items such as expensive jewellery, cameras, and electronics out of sight to avoid drawing unwanted attention from potential thieves.

Consider using a discreet money belt or hidden pouch to carry important documents and cash securely.

Stay Vigilant in Crowded Areas

Be cautious in crowded places such as markets, shopping malls, and public transportation hubs, where pickpockets may operate.

Keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings to prevent theft.

Be Cautious When Using ATMs

Choose ATMs located in well-lit and populated areas, preferably inside banks or shopping centres.

Be discreet when withdrawing cash and avoid counting money in public view.

Be Wary of Scams

Stay alert for common scams targeting tourists, such as fake taxi drivers, street vendors selling counterfeit goods, and overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited assistance.

Trust your instincts and avoid situations that seem too good to be true.

Protect Your Personal Information

Be cautious when sharing personal information, such as your hotel address or travel itinerary, with strangers.

Avoid discussing sensitive topics or revealing details about your finances, travel plans, or accommodations in public places.

Plan Your Transportation in Advance

Arrange for reliable transportation options, such as pre-booked airport transfers or reputable taxi services, to avoid being stranded at the airport or exposed to potential risks.

Consider using trusted transportation sites or services recommended by locals or fellow travellers for added peace of mind.

Know the Emergency Numbers

Emergency Services: The emergency number in Colombia is 123 for police, medical, or fire emergencies. Save this number on your phone and use it in case of any emergencies or urgent situations.

Tourist Police: In addition to the general emergency number , you can contact the tourist police at 018000910112 or 165 for assistance with tourist-related matters, safety concerns, or language support.

Stay Informed About Local Customs and Laws

Familiarise yourself with local customs, laws, and cultural norms to avoid inadvertently causing offence or getting into trouble with authorities.

Respect the local community and avoid engaging in behaviour that may be considered disrespectful or inappropriate.

FAQs About Medellin’s Safety

Yes, Medellin has seen significant improvements in safety over recent years and is generally safe for tourists. However, it's advisable to remain cautious and aware of your surroundings, particularly in certain areas.

While many parts of Medellin are safe for tourists, it's recommended to avoid certain neighbourhoods known for higher crime rates. These areas include Comuna 13 and some parts of the city outskirts. Sticking to well-trodden tourist areas is a good practice.

It's essential to exercise basic safety precautions such as avoiding displaying valuables openly, especially in crowded areas. Additionally, it's wise to use reputable transportation services and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or secluded areas at night.

Yes, Medellin's public transportation system, including the metro and buses, is generally safe to use. However, it's advisable to be vigilant, especially during busy times and avoid travelling late at night alone.

By heeding the essential tips shared in this guide – from keeping valuables secure to staying informed about local customs – I’ve navigated Medellin’s streets with confidence and peace of mind. This approach has led me to countless unforgettable experiences, from discovering iconic landmarks to connecting with the city’s friendly residents.

As you embark on your own Medellin adventure, remember that safety goes beyond precautions; it’s about embracing exploration with an open heart and mind.

So, pack your bags , set out with determination, and get ready to be captivated by the charm of Medellin.

Isabel Leong

Full-time travel blogger at Bel Around The World and SEO coach roaming the world at a whim, Isabel helps aspiring content creators and brands get the most out of their online presence by attracting organic leads/traffic and achieving financial freedom with her Skyrocket With SEO course. She's closely involved in and has been featured as a speaker in other travel & digital nomad networks & podcasts such as Traverse, Travel Massive, The Nomadic Network and Location Indie.

Hi! I'm Isabel, a full-time traveller and digital nomad from Singapore. In the past 10 years, I've lived in New Zealand , Japan , Kauai Hawaii , Mexico , Costa Rica and Bali . Pulling from my own world travel adventures and blogging lessons, I share my tried and tested tips, so that I can get YOU to work LESS and play MORE!

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Is Medellin Safe? Top 7x Things Travelers Should Know First

Is medellin safe it’s a question that’s worth asking. find out about medellin safety and 7 tips we have learned living there., this article may contain affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you. thanks for your support for more info, read our disclaimer & privacy policy , especially if you need help to sleep., this article may contain affiliate links, meaning i make a small commission on any purchases at no extra expense to you. read our disclaimer & privacy policy here..

Table of Contents

Ashley Metcalfe

June 18, 2024.

“Is Medellin Safe?”

This question is on everyone’s mind before traveling to Medellin, Colombia. It makes sense since the country has been through the unrest in the ’90s and Medellin being dubbed as one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

But that was over 20 years ago…

Since then, Colombia has risen to the top of the tourist destinations in South America. The transformation is a stark contrast from back in the ’70-the ’00s. More than that, Medellin has now been rebranded as the “Silicon Valley” of Latin America. With technological advancements, Medellin has seen many more digital nomads, tourists and remote workers flock to the city.

But does that mean Medellin is completely safe now?

We spent nearly 4 months living in Medellin, Colombia to see first-hand the safety in the city, how it’s changed from its past and discover what the digital nomad scene is like.

In the blog post, we will share key statistics on Medellin safety and whether it’s safe enough for tourists – whether you’re going alone, as a solo female traveler or as a family.

We are all about enjoying a foreign country but we are also all about being smart while traveling at Two Tickets Anywhere . In the end, we will share the 7x tips and precautions we took that helped us stay safe in Medellin the entire time.

Is Medellin Safe For Tourists Or Is It Too Dangerous?

It depends!

I don’t want to give a generic answer like that but I feel that’s the only honest way to answer.

Here’s why:

Every city in the world has dark corners and danger lurking around. No place is 100% safe! Medellin does have a very dark past but the city has worked hard to transform and evolve into a booming metropolis (which it has done successfully).

With that said, crime has not disappeared in Colombian cities – it is still very much prevalent everywhere. However, it isn’t as bad as it used to be!

The best way to answer that question is to give you our own personal experience after being Medellin digital nomads for 4 months. During that time, NOTHING bad happened to us! We felt very safe in Medellin and we were grateful to NOT have any encounters with petty crime the entire time.

However…that doesn’t mean the crime didn’t happen around us. We heard at least 5-8 different people get robbed during broad daylight or at night! It can happen to anyone and at the end of this blog post, we will share the precautions we took to help you stay safe in Medellin just like we did.

Bottom line: Is Medellin safe? Yes and no. It can be very safe if you are vigilant, careful and aware of your surroundings. But it can also be dangerous if you go to the wrong areas, hang out with the wrong people or give papaya (you’ll see what that means below).

In other words – your safety is up to you!

Medellin Safety Statistics & Facts

Want to get some real numbers on Medellin safety?

You’ve come to the right place!

Here are some key stats from Medellin Advisors  to help answer the “Is Medellin Safe” question:

🌎 Medellin Safety & Crime vs South America: Compared to other South American cities, Medellin is ranked #19 in terms of the highest homicide rates. This shows that it isn’t the MOST violent city on this continent.

🙅‍♀️ Medellin Safety & Crime vs North America: Medellin is ranked #69 on the crime index. There are many major US cities like Baltimore, Detroit and Chicago that rank higher on the crime index than Medellin.

🦠 Medellin Safety & Crime & COVID impact: Before the pandemic in 2019, there were approximately 25,000 reported accounts of personal robberies. During the first year of the pandemic that obviously decreased to approximately 18,000 as most people were in lockdown. In 2021, as lockdown went away, the reported personal robberies are around 19,000 just a bit above 2020.

📲 Petty crime is the most popular in Medellin. The thing foreigners need to watch out for is petty crimes such as robberies. El Poblado, (the most popular tourist area) had an average of around 5 people robbed per day in 2019, according to Medellin Advisors .

💊 You need to watch out for ‘Scopomaline’. This drug is a powerful substance that can sedate you and put you in a zombie-like state. It’s a popular method for criminals to use when at bars or clubs.

It’s perfectly normal to feel a little nervous about traveling to a country with a dark past but it’s good to get outside of your comfort zone and push yourself (even if your family and friends tell you to stay home). We have found most countries surprise us and we like to experience it for ourselves first-hand rather than what the media tells us.

Medellin is a beautiful city situated in the valley of mountains it’s been dubbed as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ because of its perfect 24 deg weather.

The city has become a top digital nomad hotspot  because of the number of cafes and coworking spaces in Medellin, the growing digital nomad community , fast wifi and low cost of living.

There’s much more to Medellin than the cartel nowadays.

What Kind Of Crimes Happen In Medellin?

What kind of crimes should you look out for in Medellin? There are definitely all kinds of crimes that exist – narcos, petty crime, scopolamine, scams, and beggars.

Here are the 2 crimes most tourists need to watch out for:

📱 Robberies

This is the most common crime foreigners and tourists experience. We have heard many stories of people getting robbed late at night and during broad daylight.

Since the pandemic, the poverty rate has increased across Colombia. There are also around 1.75 million Venezuelan refugees that are unable to work and live in extreme poverty.

The poverty rate can sometimes be what drives people to commit street crimes. They have targeted wealthy and touristic neighborhoods because they know that there are smartphones, laptops and money in these areas.

While we were living in Laureles, we read on a NomadList slack channel that someone got robbed (at gunpoint) in broad daylight at a popular cafe, SMASH Avocaderia Laureles. They took his wallet, his phone and all his belongings. We were there for lunch that same day and it happened around 3 hours after we left the restaurant. This can be a very traumatizing experience for anyone.

We also lived in Poblado for a month and we heard of a couple of robberies late at night. If you wander the streets by yourself or walk on the dangerous streets – you can easily be targeted. Calle 10 in Poblado is well-known for people getting swarmed and robbed late at night!

💊 Scopolamine

This drug works like a roofie. Criminals can easily slip one into your drink and you become sedated, zombie-like and follow their orders. If you love the nightlife scene, you need to be extra careful because this is a fairly common crime amongst men. You’ll wake up the next day and not know what happened. It can be very scary!

While homicide is a big part of the crime in cities like Medellin, this doesn’t usually happen to tourists very much. Petty theft is usually your only concern as a foreigner in Medellin.

As long as you are vigilant and careful, Medellin is still a very safe city for you to visit for a few days, weeks or months!

Is Medellin Safe To Travel Alone?

Yes, Medellin can be safe for solo travelers that are street smart and it’s best to stick to the popular tourist cities.

Solo travel is something everyone needs to do at least once in their life. While I was on exchange in the Netherlands, I specifically traveled to Portugal all by myself at 20 years old. I was used to traveling with Matthew (my boyfriend now husband/other half of Two Tickets Anywhere), friends from school and family.

Traveling alone allows you to do whatever YOU feel like. Don’t want to see a church? You don’t have to! Want to eat pizza every day? Why not?! It’s freeing to travel solo.

However, it’s slightly more dangerous to travel by yourself than it is with a group or partner. And you might be wondering…” is Medellin safe to explore on your own?”

We believe it is safe in Medellin for solo travelers. While we were living there, we met so many solo travelers – it seemed pretty common! The thing is – you do risk becoming a bit of a target sometimes.

Criminals find it easier to do their crimes when you’re all by your lonesome. Unfortunately, they’re weak like that! As a solo traveler, it’s important to keep street smart and protect yourself at all times. If you feel one hint of danger, follow your instincts and head the other way!

But don’t let the fear get to you because Medellin is a magical city for solo travelers to discover.

Is Medellin Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

Yes – in general, Medellin is safe enough for solo female travelers looking to experience the Colombian culture. During the day, it’s relatively safe while you do need to be more careful at night. The best thing you can do to ensure your safety is to be aware of your surroundings, stay in the right neighborhoods and not get complacent.

As a woman wandering around myself, I have to say I felt pretty safe in Medellin. I wouldn’t say 100% safe but close enough! There’s always that reminder in the back of your mind which helps you not get complacent. Once you put your guards down, we find is the time that petty crimes can take place!

As a woman, it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings no matter where you travel and be vigilant at all times. You never know when danger strikes!

Is Medellin Safe For Digital Nomads?

Yes, Medellin is safe enough for digital nomads to live and work online but you still need to be aware and careful of your surroundings. As a digital nomad couple, we felt pretty safe working from cafes and coworking spaces around the city with our valuable tech setup.

While we were completely safe, I have to be honest and say that I didn’t always ‘feel’ safe. It might just be me and my overthinking about something trouble lurking around the corner. I just didn’t have peace of mind which isn’t great when you’re trying to enjoy a new city.

After living as Medellin digital nomads for nearly 4 months, nothing bad happened to us the entire time we were there. We’re extremely grateful and we know how traumatizing it can be when something bad does happen!

Emergency Numbers To Keep In Your Notes

Want to be extra careful and stay safe in Medellin?

If you ever get into any trouble, here are some numbers you’ll want to have in your back pocket:

• Tourist Police: (1) 3374413
• National Emergency Number: 123

You can call these numbers and see what they can do to help your situation.

Top 7x Tips To Know Before Your Visit – Is Medellin Safe?

You’ve got the lowdown on Medellin safety and crimes. But that’s only half the part of staying safe in the City of Eternal Spring.

You can do your part to keep yourself safe in Medellin. Here are 7 tips we used and learned while living in Medellin for nearly 4 months.

1. Stay In The Right Areas Of The City

The difference can be as little as 1 street corner away from danger.

We’ve felt this in several cities where we are walking around and take a few wrong turns and suddenly realize we were in a bad area.

One of the easiest ways to stay safe is to book your stay in a safe neighborhood/area in Medellin. Usually, staying in these tourist bubbles means you’re less likely to run into trouble (even if they target tourists).

Before you book your Airbnb or hotel, you MUST check the location first! It can make or break your trip and you need to set yourself up to have a safe time in Medellin.

Here’s the safest and most dangerous neighborhoods in Medellin for tourists:

Safest Neighborhoods in Medellin For Tourists

Avoid these neighborhoods in medellin.

• La Candeleria/Downtown

Want to know more? Check out our complete guide on where to stay in Medellin here .

2. Don’t Give Papaya aka Don’t Tempt Anyone

“No dar papaya” (Don’t give papaya)!

This local expression simply means that you shouldn’t have anything “sweet” (hence the reference to papaya) out in the open that would make someone target you.

Whenever someone says that expression – your reaction should be to keep your valuables hidden and hold your bag close to your chest. When we did a free walking tour with Real City Walking Tours in the downtown area (which can get dangerous), whenever we walked through a ‘not so safe’ street – the guide would just tell everyone “No dar papaya!”.

Keep your valuables hidden, don’t wander around late at night alone, avoid coming out of clubs alone and don’t flash your wealth in any way (clothes, bags, watches, brands, etc). If you use your common sense and keep your wits about you – you’ll be safe in Medellin.

In other words: Don’t put yourself in a position where someone can target you from a mile away.

Another way to ensure you don’t lose your valuables is to have a second phone or a decoy wallet. Some people bought cheaper phones while they lived in Medellin and carried it with them so if they ever got robbed, they didn’t have to give up their main phone. A decoy wallet can be a small, cheap one that you can hand over in a robbery instead of your real wallet with all your important cards and IDs.

What To Wear In Medellin

Most Colombians dress very well but they know how to not make themselves a target. While we were in Colombia, we kept our clothing really simple but not too simple (like wearing flip-flops, shorts and a t-shirt which is big gringo energy). While you probably can’t avoid looking like a tourist – it helps to make it just a little less obvious.

3. Don’t Argue Or Fight Back

If you ever get into any kind of trouble like petty theft – don’t fight back! It is 100% not worth the risk.

You have no idea what kind of weapon these criminals carry and unfortunately, it’s usually a gun that means life or death. Sometimes, they will point the gun at your face and it’s best to give them whatever they want without any arguments. Other times, they will have a knife hidden away and they will not think twice to stab you if you don’t give them what they want.

Once you’re already in trouble, don’t hesitate and just hand everything over to them. After all, it is just STUFF that is replaceable.

4. Join Local Facebook Groups

The local Facebook groups in Medellin are very active. You can find out about meetups, events, rent apartments and so much more on these Facebook groups. They are very helpful and help you get a little more insight into what life is like in Medellin, Colombia.

Here are some of the best Medellin Facebook groups to join:

• GringoPaisa (Americans In Medellin)
• Medellin Expats
• Digital Nomads Medellin
• Medellin Expat and Tourist Info.
• Medellin Expats and Colombia Insight

These Facebook groups also include some stories of petty theft. People post on the groups to tell the story of what happened to them and where these instances took place.

5. Sit Inside The Restaurants/Cafes

We learned this over time as we watched Colombians at some restaurants.

At first, we loved sitting out on the terraces because the restaurants in Medellin are next level and create an amazing atmosphere. This is totally fine when the restaurant is enclosed from the streets.

However, a lot of the restaurants in Medellin are located close to the streets and sidewalks.

A lot of the petty theft usually occurs like this: there are 2 guys – one driving the motorbike and one ready to get off to rob people. Once they get to a restaurant, the 2nd guy hops off the bike and targets whoever is closest to the entrance of the restaurant. Why?

It’s easy to access and they can get away really quick!

That’s why we started to sit inside the restaurants and cafes instead of close to the entrance. Even if there is a small barrier or a huge arrangement of plants – if you’re in the outdoor section of the restaurants, you’re more vulnerable to petty theft crimes.

Unless it’s a completely closed-off restaurant where it’s not easy to get in and out, we suggest dining in the indoor section of the restaurants you visit.

6. Don’t Wander The Streets Late At Night

This is a no-brainer for most cities you visit – Medellin is no exception.

A lot of the crimes take place after the sun has set and it gets dark. Criminals like the dark because it’s hard to see what they look like and there are fewer people around to witness the street crime.

Use your common sense to ensure you’re not wandering the streets past 10pm or 11pm. If you want to get home past this time, you shouldn’t take the risk and just order an Uber for yourself. Trust me – it’s not worth the $2 savings in an Uber ride.

The people on Facebook groups always wrote, “I was so close to ordering an Uber but I decided to walk and then I got robbed. I regret not ordering it”. If you ever feel a hint of danger or your instincts are heightened – listen to your gut and just don’t take the risk. It’s just not worth it!

7. Be Vigilant On Dating Apps

If you are on Tinder or any other dating apps, you could be a target. A lot of men and women have had horrible experiences where they were drugged and their entire apartments get robbed.

The drug ‘scopolamine’ is very common for criminals to use to induce you into a zombie-like state. Guard your drinks like a hawk on a night out at a bar or club. It’s easy for them or their accomplices to slip it into your drink without you noticing.

BONUS: Get Travel Insurance

Traveling to Medellin without travel insurance ?

You might want to rethink that one!

When you have travel insurance it definitely keeps your worries at bay and allows you to have some peace of mind. Anything can happen in Medellin (or anywhere else in the world) and it’s not worth the risk!

We use Safetywing Travel Insurance as digital nomads who travel full-time. We’ve used them since the very start of our journey and we can recommend them if you want a low-cost, affordable and reasonable health insurance. Thankfully, we have never had to claim anything but so far their service has been great.

You can also use Genki Insuranc e which very comprehensive and a great alternative to Safetywing . Both are good travel insurance providers for digital nomads, remote workers or tourists.

BOTTOM LINE: Is Medellin Colombia Safe For Tourists To Visit in 2023?

Still wondering… “is Medellin safe?”

Yes, Medellin can be safe for tourists to visit. After nearly 4 months of living in the City of Eternal Spring, we never had any problems or ran into trouble – not once! But again…that’s our personal experience. We have heard some horror stories and if you apply the 7 tips above, you should be just fine in Medellin.

Here’s a recap of the top 7 tips to stay safe in Medellin:

• Stay In The Right Areas Of The City
• Don’t Give Papaya aka Don’t Tempt Anyone
• Don’t Argue Or Fight Back
• Join Local Facebook Groups
• Sit Inside The Restaurants/Cafes
• Don’t Wander The Streets Late At Night
• Be Vigilant On Dating Apps

We hope you don’t let your fear take over. A lot of people told us not to go to Colombia and we are so glad we didn’t listen. We met some of the most friendly people, enjoyed perfect weather and lived out our digital nomad dreams in the top destination.

As always, use common sense and be vigilant no matter where you go in the world.

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Is Medellin Colombia Safe? Travel Tips and Best Neighborhoods To Stay

More than 3 decades have passed, and Escobar’s story has been filmed and serialized many times. But still, people are asking: Is Medellin Colombia safe?

When you visit Colombia or any other country in the world, your first concern will be your safety as a traveler. You would want to know the best cities to experience Colombian culture with peace of mind.

As you travel to Colombia, you can opt to visit Medellin , one of the best places to travel in this South American country. It is the second-largest city known to have a dark history but completely changed due to the efforts of the government to keep it safe for tourists. 

You can find helpful information in this article, from the areas to avoid and safe neighborhoods to stay in to travel safety tips that will ensure your well-being while in the Colombian city.

Table of Contents

City of Eternal Springs

Medellin, the City of Eternal Springs, is one of Colombia’s most important cities. Located in the Abura Valley on the central Andean mountain range in northern Colombia, the city has wonderful weather all year round. The average temperature in Medellin stays around 21°C (69.8°F), making it perfect for visiting any time of the year. 

The city is also famous for its significance in the coffee industry and for its progressive fashion industry. Its vibrant nightlife, lively music, soulful art, and delicious street food make it one of the most attractive tourist destinations. 

These details are far from what Medellin was famous for three decades ago. The city considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world is now one of the safest places in Colombia .

Safety in Medellin Colombia

Medellin was once regarded as a notoriously dangerous area scarred by destruction from years of civil war, increasing crime rates, and drug mafias. It was once known as the most dangerous city in the world. 

However, the reign of Pablo Escobar is long over, and the government has achieved major headway in combating crime in the city and making it one of the safest and most progressive cities . 

There are a few crimes, including incidents of petty theft and drug trafficking cases; however, most of the city is now safe, with police heavily patrolling most of the tourist-centric areas. The city was nominated as one of the 200 Most Innovative Cities in 2012. 

The award can be credited to the city’s focus on cultural centers, parks, and libraries. The city also has an elaborate transport setup, including metro systems and bike-share programs. 

What Are the Safest Neighborhoods in Medellin, Colombia?

Personal safety is of utmost concern, especially when you travel internationally. Although the Medellin of today is significantly safer than how it was in the 80s and 90s, it is best to ensure you choose the safest areas in the city for accommodation and exploration purposes. 

Having said that, we have lined up the safest areas in Medellin, Colombia. Generally speaking, the areas in the south of the city are comparatively safer than the neighborhoods in the northern region and the city center. 

From a tourism point of view, the central region, La Candelaria, offers the most attractions. However, while it is considerably safe during the day, it can be dangerous at night, so you need to practice caution. Similarly, Plaza Mayor and Aranjuez areas are great for touring during the daytime, but you are advised to avoid roaming around in these areas alone at night.

Here are some of the safest neighborhoods in Medellin if you are visiting the city as a tourist.

EL Poblado; Central and Lower Regions

El Poblado is located south of La Candelaria, 5 km from the city center. You may have heard of El Poblado as the famous party district of Medellin. This wealthy neighborhood is considered one of the safest neighborhoods day and night. 

While the peripheral regions feature upscale residential buildings and areas, the central region of El Poblado is popular for its vibrant nightlife and is strictly patrolled by the police, particularly on the weekends. The area also has some great hotels which you can consider for accommodation.

El Poblado is home to Parque Lleras , the famous nightlife area with dozens of nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. You may also find many restaurants and boutiques along Calle 10 and the nearby streets. 

The Ciudad del Rio, at the north end of El Poblado, is home to the Medellin Modern Art Museum and Mercado del Rio, which feature various trendy cafes and restaurants.

The central region of Laureles may be far from the metro, making the commute difficult, but it is a  lively area with great cafes, nice restaurants, and hotels with affordable menus. It features numerous accommodation options too. 

The northeast side of Laureles is generally a residential area but features the Estadio sports complex and the Cerro Volador Park. However, the area is not as happening as other parts of Laureles and can get dangerous at night, so one must be wary. 

The La 70, another neighborhood within Laureles, is closer to the metro and the soccer stadium, the Atanasio Girardot. 

Envigado 

Envigado is an independent township south of El Poblado and on the east side of the Medellin River. Like El Poblado , some neighborhoods of Envigado feature upscale residential complexes, numerous shopping centers, and fine dining options. 

One popular neighborhood within Envigado is El Dorado. The area gives a homely feel with small houses on narrow streets. The neighborhood also features many small bars, shops, minimarkets, and small businesses. The metro is also nearby as the area offers an A-line connection to the rest of the city.

The La Florida region scores high on the party scene and fine dining. The neighborhood features nice shopping centers, which tourists and expats mostly frequent. 

You will find hotels from the most exclusive global chains in La Florida. 

Where To Stay In Medellin Colombia

Hotel nutibara (budget).

Hotel Nutibara  features a tour desk and storage for luggage. Guests can benefit from a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, an ATM, and complimentary WiFi accessible throughout the property.

Mandala Hotel Medellin (Mid-range)

At  Mandala Hotel , amenities include a 24-hour front desk, room service, and free property-wide WiFi. Situated 300 yards from the city center and 3.4 miles from Lleras Park, guest rooms feature a flat-screen TV with cable channels, private bathroom with free toiletries, and complimentary bed linen.

Hotel Intercontinental Medellín (Luxury)

The rooms at  Hotel Intercontinental  are generously sized and include LCD cable TV as well as complimentary high-speed internet access. Certain rooms come with a fully-equipped kitchen and a separate living area. Additionally, room service is accessible 24/7.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Is Medellin Colombia Safe for Solo Travelers?

Over the years, Medellin has transitioned to a modern metropolis. The stories of its transition are depicted in the interactive exhibits displayed at the historical Museo Casa de la Memoria. You can also find some snippets in the Museo de Antioquia, home to a valuable art collection by Fernando Botero .

If you are an art and history buff who wants to explore and understand the history of the armed conflicts in Colombia and how its people rose above the conflicts through their resilience, Medellin is the place to be. However, you may be concerned about how safe this city is if you are a solo traveler. 

Solo traveling has its perks, as you enjoy the freedom to follow your schedule and explore at your whim, but there are some challenges. As a solo traveler, you are solely responsible for your safety and well-being, and it is important to ensure that the place you are traveling to is safe for solo traveling. 

The good news is that Medellin is very safe for solo traveling, even if you are a female traveler. The city is a favorite destination of the digital nomads and is frequented by solo travelers worldwide. 

There are incidents of petty crimes, harassment, and catcalling against female travelers. However, these minor crimes are few and far between, and because of the growing student population, the frequency of harassment issues has reduced significantly.

If you are traveling solo in Medellin, here are some tips to consider.

• Do some research to determine the safer neighborhoods of the city and decide which area would suit your preferences to decide where you want to stay.
• Do not go out venturing alone at night in the city’s dangerous areas.
• You can safely and easily move around in the metro ; however, avoid it during rush hours in the early morning and evening as the system can get crowded.
• Meet other travelers where you are staying. If you stay in a hostel, use the hostel’s communal area to socialize with like-minded people.
• Consult the hotel staff for planning trips or moving around.
• Keep your personal possessions safely locked up in your hostel, and do not carry out more cash than necessary.
• Keep your family and friends informed about your whereabouts, so they know where you are. If you go off the grid, they will be alerted instantly. 
• Do not leave your food or drinks unattended. It will give anyone a free opportunity to spike your meal and beverage with an intoxicating element and subject you to some form of crime or fraudulent activity.
• Do not flaunt expensive items in public, and try not to stand out. Dress the part, so you do not catch unnecessary attention.
• Learn your way around the neighborhood to get back safely, even when high or drunk.

Tips to Stay Safe in Medellin Colombia

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or traveling for the first time, you must consider a few safety tips to ensure your well-being and safety while traveling. We have listed a few of the safety tips below.

• Consider one of the safer neighborhoods of the city to stay in and steer clear of the risky neighborhoods of the area. Even the most crowded and tourist-friendly areas can seem hostile at night.
• Avoid going out alone at night . Do not go out on foot if you have to, and try taking a taxi where you can. 
• Take care of your personal possessions , including your passport. Avoid carrying more cash than necessary, and keep the rest safe in your hotel locker. You can carry a colored copy of your passport when you are on the move. 
• Avoid taking out your expensive phone or flaunting your watch or camera, especially in crowded places.
• Take care of your wallet and do not put a lot of cash in it. If you need more cash, carry some in your wallet and put the rest in a pouch you can attach to your belt and keep in front.
• Do not fall for strangers’ offers of help for withdrawing money from the ATM.
• Do not get involved in drugs , and do not leave your food or drinks unattended, even in public places.

For digital nomads and long-term travelers,  SafetyWing  provides convenient and cost-effective plans that are tailored to their specific needs. With their budget-friendly monthly plans, excellent customer service, and user-friendly claims process, it’s an ideal solution for individuals on the move.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Is Medellin Colombia Safe?

Is it safe to visit medellin, colombia.

Medellin is one of the safest cities in Colombia. 

The city was the epicenter of crimes, drug trafficking, and civil war almost three decades ago. But, the government has consciously tried to infiltrate and quash criminal networks over the years. Medellin is a safe, progressive city and a popular tourist destination in today’s times.

Which Neighborhood Is the Safest in Medellin, Colombia?

Medellin has numerous neighborhoods and townships; however, not all are safe, and tourists need to have firsthand information about the safe neighborhoods for accommodation and exploration. 

El Poblado is the safest neighborhood in Medellin.  It is close to the metro and the happening areas of the city.

Is Medellin Colombia Safe at Night?

It is not advised to roam alone at night in Medellin, particularly for female or solo travelers. If you need to go out at night, stay with a group and avoid going out alone. Even the city’s safest areas can turn dangerous at night, and you may not be able to see the dangers lurking in the corners.

Medellin, Colombia, is safe for solo travelers, even female travelers. However, they need to adhere to safety precautions while traveling independently. We have mentioned a few pertinent tips in this article.

Conclusion – Is Medellin Colombia Safe?

Medellin is one of the safest places in Colombia and South America today, even for solo or female travelers, despite being a dangerous territory 30 years ago. 

Just keep the basic safety precautions in mind, especially about staying in the more populated areas and the recommended neighborhoods in this city. Travel safe and enjoy your stay in Medellin!

Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Booking Resources

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12Go Asia is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights, ensuring every adventure unfolds smoothly and effortlessly.

Booking.com is my ultimate lodging partner. It offers many accommodations worldwide and simplifies my travel experiences with its user-friendly platform and unbeatable deals.

Get Your Guide is my go-to for personalized travel experiences, enriching my journeys with unique tours and activities curated to my interests, making every adventure unforgettable and tailored to my preferences.

SafetyWing is my peace of mind on the go, offering comprehensive travel medical insurance with affordable plans and hassle-free claims, ensuring I can explore the world worry-free, knowing I’m protected wherever I roam.

LifeStraw Go Bottle is my trusted hydration companion for outdoor adventures, filtering water on-the-go to keep me safe and hydrated, ensuring every hike or travel experience is worry-free and enjoyable.

If you are interested in traveling to other destinations in Colombia, check out our related posts:

• Best Things to Do in Medellin Colombia
• Medellin Nightlife
• Best Beaches in Colombia

Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter

Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents. Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University. Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.

Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.

Is Medellin Safe In 2024? 11 Must-Have Tips For Travelers

Is Medellin safe to visit? Generally, yes, Medellin is a safe city to visit, but travelers must be extra cautious.

Though Medellin was once the heart of the most dangerous city in the world, the city has become more and more popular with tourists. This is because Colombia has put the utmost effort into learning from its past and not repeating the same mistake.

Nowadays, Medellin is a lot safer than it was in the past and a popular destination for workations and digital nomads.

But exactly how safe is Medellin? After all, no city is completely safe and especially not one in South America. Especially with the 2021 Colombia protests, are tourists still safe in Medellin?

The truth is that although Medellin is generally very safe, there are plenty of dangers that lurk below. Crime is still somewhat prevalent in the city and there are dangerous neighborhoods in Medellin, especially at night.

That is why we have written this comprehensive safety guide to one of the most dynamic cities in South America, “The City of Eternal Spring”, Medellin.

Planning A Trip To Medellin Last Minute?

Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!

Our recommended airport transfer to Medellin:

• Medellín Airport Transfer Service To City (Safest way to get to your hotel!)

Our recommended tours in Medellin :

• Guatape (Piedra del Peñol) Guided Tour w/Boat Ride (Best day trip from Medellin!)
• Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour and Street Food (Must-have Experience!!)
• Coffee Tour With Tastings and Lunch (For coffee lovers)

Our recommended places to stay in Medellin:

• Marquee Medellín (Luxurious and affordable!)
• Celestino Boutique Hotel (GORGEOUS property!)
• Masaya Medellin (Social and safe for backpackers)

The History Of Crime and Safety In Medellin

Safety in Medellin has improved significantly in recent years. However, the city still has a bad reputation when it comes to safety. This is largely due to the fact that Pablo Escobar and the narcos cartels used to run the city. In 1993, the homicide rate in Colombia was the highest in the world , and Medellin’s rate was double that.

However, things have changed dramatically in recent years. Colombian government has made a concerted effort to improve safety and security in the city. This has included hiring more police officers and investing in social programs to try and reduce crime.

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However, the COVID-19 pandemic has undone some of the safety achievements in Colombia. The pandemic has caused my people to lose their jobs. The tourism sector was hit majorly, and poverty spread through the country. This widespread poverty raises crime.

Combined with the 2021 Colombian protest, the city is on the road to healing again. It is now a little bit safer than it was in 2021, but visitors must be vigilant when visiting Medellin.

Is Medellin Safe For Solo Travelers?

After traveling Colombia extensively as a solo traveler, I found that Medellin is fairly safe for solo travelers. That is also after speaking with other solo travelers, and most of them have not encountered any dangerous situations.

When it comes to safety for solo travelers in Medellin, you are most likely going to attract more attention than if you were in a group. This doesn’t necessarily make you more at risk, especially if you mind your own business and stay alert.

To maximize your safety, make sure you are in one of the safer neighborhoods in Medellin. El Poblado is one of the safest areas for solo travelers, plus there are plenty of hostels there for you to make some new friends. Traveling in a group is always safer than traveling solo in Medellin.

We always recommend travel insurance when you are traveling in Colombia. Check out our recommended travel insurance company here!

Is Medellin Safe For Female Travelers?

Medellin is generally safe for female travelers, but it is important to be aware of the machismo culture and to take precautions against harassment and catcalling. When that happens, it is best to just ignore them or respectfully decline if their approaches are too forward.

Use common sense when traveling, be aware of what’s around you, and avoid walking alone at night. Medellin is a popular backpacking destination for solo female travelers, so see if you can make a friend or two at one of the hostels to travel with!

Female travelers should be cautious of overly nice locals. Though Colombians are known for being very friendly, some do have hidden intentions. Always stay alert and don’t put yourself in a situation where you cannot defend yourself.

When going out at night, it is even more important that you watch your drinks. Drink spiking isn’t exactly rare in Medellin, and female tourists are typically the target.

Is Medellin Safe At Night?

While Medellin is generally quite safe in the daytime, it is not very safe at night. Walking around at night in one of the more affluential neighborhoods in Medellin such as El Poblado and Laureles will generally be okay, but we recommend you to take an Uber if you can.

While these areas are wealthier and have more police presence, the thieves and criminals know that the rich tourists and locals are there.

If you are walking alone at night, you might get your bag snatched or straight-up robbed. Avoid dark narrow alleys and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Medellin’s nightlife is vibrant and lots of fun, but it is also the easiest way for travelers to become victims of crime. Pickpockets and petty theft are common in nightclubs and bars, and your drinks might even get spiked so criminals can have an easier time robbing you.

It is not impossible to stay safe in Medellin at night, but travelers will need to be extra cautious.

Is Downtown Medellin Safe?

Downtown Medellin, otherwise known as the center of Medellin (or La Candelaria in Spanish), is a neighborhood with some of the best things to do in Medellin such as Plaza Botero and tons of shopping centers.

Unfortunately, it is the most dangerous area in Medellin. Though there is a high police presence, there are plenty of thieves and pickpockets that prey on unaware tourists or even locals.

In the daytime, Downtown Medellin is relatively safe when compared to nighttime. But visitors will still need to be aware of their surroundings, especially since the area is so crowded and there is so much going on.

At night, DO NOT go to Downtown Medellin unless you know what you are doing. Armed robberies are not uncommon at night, and if you are a typical gringo, you are very likely to get into trouble. If you must visit, take an Uber and make sure you minimize the time you are on the streets.

With that said, Downtown Medellin is quite an interesting place to visit in the daytime. It is unashamedly the Colombian way of life and the cultural center of Medellin. There are many walking tours that visit this area of Medellin if you have safety concerns.

What Are The Safest Areas In Medellin?

One of the best ways to stay safe(r) in Medellin is to stay in one of the safest neighborhoods.

In general, these are the safest areas in Medellin:

Of these four neighborhoods, El Poblado is the most popular amongst tourists since it has the best nightlife, restaurants, and hotels. However, some tourists might find that El Poblado is too touristy and lacks aspects of Colombian culture.

Laureles is a great choice for those looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, and visitors will find a good mix of locals and tourists. It is also home to the football stadium, so visitors can catch a game if they want to. Colombians are crazy about football!

Envigado and Sabaneta are perfect for budget travelers and families. Though these two areas are safe, there isn’t much to do there.

Is Public Transportation Safe In Medellin?

Medellin has four main types of public transportation:

• Public Buses

Surprisingly, public transportation in Medellin is very safe, which is very unlike Latin America. The safest mode is the Metro, which is the only one in all of Colombia. In fact, the Metro is one of the things that local Colombians are proud of, as it is a sign of a hopeful future and a better life.

Generally speaking, tourists do not have to worry about their safety when using public transport in Medellin, but it is always good to stay alert! If you are visiting the capital city, the public transit there is not safe in Bogota .

Read More: 13 Safest Places In Colombia To Visit

Safety Tips For Visiting Medellin

As we have mentioned, Medellin can be safe as long as you know what to do and what not to do. Here are some of our favorite tips for staying safe in the City of Eternal Spring:

• Avoid Walking Alone Around At Night – Without a doubt, nighttime is when most of the crime in Medellin happens. That is why you need to be extra cautious when walking around at night, especially if you are alone and a female. We recommend taking an Uber if you can.
• Be Extra Cautious When Visiting Downtown Medellin – The most dangerous area in Medellin is Downtown Medellin. When visiting, make sure you keep an eye on your belongings or anyone acting suspiciously. Be careful of extra friendly locals, as they might have hidden intentions. Don’t go to the Center of Medellin at night.
• Don’t Flash Your Valuables Around – If you have expensive electronics or accessories, try not to show them off in public. Not only will this help you avoid getting robbed, but it can also help you blend in more with the locals.
• Avoid Controversial Topics – Colombia has a troubled past, and there are still tensions between different groups of society. Topics such as the FARC and Pablo Escobar should be avoided. There are groups of people in Medellin that still see Pablo Escober as a hero as he provided housing for families by then.
• Take An Uber and Not A Taxi When You Can – I’ve taken both Ubers and taxis in Medellin and found both of them pretty safe, but I’ve heard of people getting scammed or even robbed at knifepoint at night in a taxi. Uber is a much safer alternative, or better yet, Didi.
• Watch Your Belongings, Especially When You Are Out – Nightclubs and bars are typically where tourists become victims of crimes such as petty theft and pickpockets. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially your drink to make sure no one spikes it.
• Don’t take More Than What You Need When Going Out – Just in case you do get robbed, you won’t be losing more than you need to. I usually just take my phone, keys, cash, ID, and a credit card when I am out at night. Never take your passport with you when going out at night.
• Don’t Accept Drugs – Medellin has a reputation for narco-tourism, and many tourists do come for that. But that is one of the easiest ways for travelers to get into trouble with the police. If someone offers you drugs on the street or at a nightclub (and they will), say no thank you (no gracias in Spanish). The drug dealer is sometimes working with the police to put you behind bars or to extort money from you.
• Don’t Get Too Drunk – This should go without saying. If you do anything that makes you look like an easy target, such as getting too under the influence, then you’ll become a target. You might be tempted to take shots after shots to impress your new Colombian friends at a bar, but make sure you don’t get too intoxicated.
• Don’t Fight Back If you Are Robbed – When you are robbed, the first instinct is to fight back. But in Medellin (and most of Colombia), that is the last thing you want to do. Just give them what they want and let them go. The last thing you want is to get shot or stabbed over a few dollars or your phone.
• Purchase Travel Insurance – When I visited Medellin, I was worried about its safety, which made me realize how much I was missing out on this incredible city. So what I did was give myself peace of mind by purchasing travel insurance. I would recommend you to do the same if you are worried! ✔️  Check out our recommended travel insurance here!

Safety In Medellin FAQs

Is it safe to walk around medellin.

During the day, it is usually safe to walk around most areas of Medellin, but you should still be aware of bag-snatchers and pickpockets. At night, it is a little bit more dangerous, and we recommend taking an Uber or taxi instead, especially if you are alone.

Are Taxis Safe in Medellin?

Taxis are generally safe in Medellin, but we recommend taking an Uber instead. There have been reports of tourists getting scammed by taxi drivers, some have even been robbed at knifepoint. This typically happens at night when the driver sees that you are intoxicated and cannot fight back. It is also more common for people traveling solo.

Is The Tap Water Safe In Medellin?

Surprisingly, one of the best things about Medellin is that its tap water is completely safe to drink, and not only for locals. The taste is also pretty good, though some might find it a little bit too chlorinated. Personally, we loved the quality of the tap water in Medellin and never had any issues with it.

Is There Natural Disaster In Medellin?

The City of Eternal Spring typically doesn’t see lots of natural disasters, but as the weather pattern gets more erratic throughout the years, some do happen in Medellin. The most likely natural disaster you’ll encounter is probably heavy rain and flooding, with the most recent event in April 2022 .

Is Poblado In Medellin Safe?

No neighborhood in Medellin is absolutely safe, but you’ll have the best chances when it comes to safety in Poblado. This neighborhood is one of the safest areas of the city, as it is where most of the affluent Colombians hang out. There is plenty of police presence in the area as well as expats that live here.

Is Comuna 13 Safe In Medellin, Colombia?

Comuna 13 was once the heart of the violent crimes in Medellin, but has now transformed instead into a tourist destination with its colorful murals and rejuvenating energy. In the daytime, Comuna 13 is fairly safe for tourists. Just don’t wander too far off the touristy bit and you’ll be okay. At night, we don’t recommend you to visit Comuna 13; safety could be an issue and there isn’t anything to see there at night.

Is There Civil Unrest In Medellin in 2022?

When it comes to Colombia and Medellin, there is almost always some type of civil unrest or protest. Quality of life isn’t the best and the government isn’t exactly the people’s favorite people. But the serious 2021 Colombian protests have died out, and now the country is returning to its “normal” again. Typically, tourists are not going to be targeted during protests, just make sure you stay out of it if you want to stay safe!

We hope our article on safety in Medellin, Colombia, answers one of the most common questions about this beautiful Colombian city. Nowhere is 100 percent safe but you can be safer in Medellin by keeping yourself informed and following our tips!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission at  no extra cost to you ! The money will help run this site! Thank you !

World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer

LivingOutLau

Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog!

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Is Medellin Safe for Travel in 2024?

Is Medellin safe? Generally — yes! Medellin is a safe place for travelers (with a little know-how!).

Locals in Medellin helped us create this guide to safety in their hometown. It includes everything from up-to-date COVID info to tips for solo travelers.

Looking for more insider info on safety in Colombia? Work with a local for on-the-ground access as you plan your trip. Learn more .

Update: COVID-19 in Medellin, Colombia

When the pandemic broke out in March 2020, Colombia took quick, decisive actions. Years later, Colombian officials still take COVID seriously and precautions are in place in Colombia that help make the country safe. 

Here are the current rules for travel to Colombia:

• Travelers must be vaccinated or have a valid negative COVID test prior to entering Colombia. ( Vaccination must be completed more than 14 days prior to travel. Otherwise, a negative COVID test result is still required.)
• The Check-Mig registration form is required and must be completed 24 hours prior to arrival.Travelers can complete the form on Colombia's government website , or use services like iVisa that simplify and streamline the process . 
• Masks are required indoors and on public transit in some municipalities. 

Because the pandemic is ever-changing, we recommend talking to a Colombian local for on-the-ground information.  

Medellin's crime rates are low

Yes, Medellin was once infamously dangerous — it was even once known as the most dangerous city in the world!

But the Medellin of today is completely different. In fact, Medellin's 82% decline in violent crime means that the city is now safer than New Orleans .

And like other major cities, locals say that violent crimes occur in neighborhoods far away from the center of the city — that is, far from where you'll find most Colombian points of interest .

Petty theft is your only real concern

Medellin is Colombia’s second-largest city after Bogota , and, like its sister city, has high rates of petty theft.

To avoid petty theft and stay safe in Colombia , locals suggest taking a cue from the popular Colombian saying: “No dar papaya." Roughly translated, this means “don’t put yourself in a position to be taken advantage of.” 

To that end,  benefit from local advice  when it comes to things like spotting and avoiding petty theft and other scams. Our locals advise to: 

• Avoid wearing anything that makes you stand out from the locals; flip-flops, fanny packs, shorts, and expensive jewelry are all signs of a novice traveler—which pickpockets use to their advantage.
• Keep your belongings secured to your person at all times. In Medellin, thieves are known to ride motorcycles through traffic, snatching phones, jewelry, and bags from open car windows. 

You probably don’t need any extra vaccines

If you’ve had the COVID vaccine and you’re up to date on your routine vaccines (tetanus, chickenpox, MMR, polio, and flu), odds are that you don’t need any additional vaccines before going to Medellin .

If you’re planning on traveling to more rural points of interest, the CDC recommends getting certain vaccines for Colombia travel , including typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines.

Be sure to check with your doctor before you go!

Medellin's tap water is safe to drink

Medellin is one of the many cities in Colombia with an excellent water purification system, so the city’s tap water is absolutely safe to drink. That also means that fresh fruits, vegetables, and street food are safe to consume. 

Medellin's public transit is safe and easy to use

There’s no bad choice when it comes to Medellin public transport —whichever option you use for your travel itinerary , you’ll get to where you need to go cheaply, safely, and easily. Medellin’s most popular modes of public transportation are the metro, buses, and cable cars, with the majority of travelers using the metro. 

Medellin’s award-winning metro system is only $0.69 per ride with a Civica card, which works much like a standard metro card in U.S. cities. Civica cards can be used interchangeably between buses, metros, and cable cars. 

Navigate with ease with a little local advice —when our locals design your trip, they can answer any questions you have about transportation.

Solo female travelers love Medellin

Good news, solo female travelers! Medellin is largely considered to be one of the safest places in Colombia for independent, solo travelers—especially if you keep to the city’s well-populated areas. Real talk: harassment and cat-calling are an issue in Medellin (as in Colombia and Latin America as a whole); however, they’re generally considered to be less severe in Medellin due to the city’s massive student population. 

With that in mind—and given Medellin’s balmy average temperature of 72°—jeans are the go-to wear for most Colombian women if you feel like blending in. But don’t let any haters dictate your wardrobe—many women feel safe wearing whatever they want while hiking around Medellin or partying away in the city’s awesome nightlife . 

For personalized recommendations on how to dress, how to stay safe, and what women should know in Medellin, work with one of our locals.  Find a local .

Emergency numbers everyone should know

In the off chance that you run into any trouble while galavanting through Medellin, here are some numbers to call for assistance.

• National Emergency Number: 123
• Tourist Police: (1) 3374413
• Information: 113
• U.S. Embassy in Colombia : (+57) (1) 275-2000

And for more about Colombia travel, check out our articles on:

• Colombia Safety
• Bogota Safety
• Cartagena Safety

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Medellín Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Medellín is the most popular city in Colombia (maybe even South America). It’s a hot spot for digital nomads and remote workers, expats, and travelers who come to backpack Medellín as they travel through Colombia.

Set in the Aburrá Valley, Medellín has a temperate year-round climate that makes it one of the fastest-growing cities in Colombia. It’s full of skyscrapers and high-rise apartments against a backdrop of stunning mountain peaks.

It also has enough activities to fill weeks on end: microbreweries, museums, walking tours, parks, street art, food tours and markets, and incredible nightlife. It has a festival of flowers, hosts the annual giant fashion conference Colombiamoda , and hosts multiple arts festivals throughout the year — from salsa and flamenco to poetry, photography, and more!

After two decades, the city is finally shedding its shady cartel past that made it the most dangerous in the world. Today, the public transportation system is comprehensive, the city is tech-forward, and everyone is optimistic about the future. It’s no surprise so many expats move it!

This travel guide to Medellín will help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you stay safe as you explore this amazing destination!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Medellín

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Medellín

1. Visit the Botero sculptures

Fernando Botero is probably the most famous Colombian artist. The largest collection of sculptures is in his birthplace of Medellín, 23 of which are scattered around Plaza Botero. Some of his most admired pieces include “The Hand,” “Roman Soldier,” and “Man on Horseback.”

2. Learn to salsa

I know when it comes to salsa in Colombia, Cali is king, but Medellín is close behind it. You can’t come to Medellín and not take at least one salsa class, especially since most bars in the El Poblado area have free salsa and bachata classes. Whatever night of the week you want to go out, there’s a free class somewhere!

3. Ride the cable car to Parque Arvi

Parque Arvi is a nearby park outside the city connected by a gondola. It’s a scenic ride with stunning views of the city, and it costs around 16,000 COP round-trip. There’s a food market at the top, and the park itself has hiking trails through a eucalyptus forest and along lakes and lookout points.

4. Day trip to Guatapé

A trip to the colorful town of Guatapé is a must. It’s just a few hours away via bus so it can easily be done in a day, either on the public bus or as part of a tour. At El Peñól, climb the 740 steps to admire the view of the region. If you can, stay a night.

5. Tour La Sierra

The La Sierra barrio walking tour takes you completely off the beaten path, up into the hills of Medellín on a tour of the barrios (neighborhoods). A tour with La Sierra Tours costs 150,000 COP, and proceeds go towards a soup kitchen that feeds local school children.

Other Things to See and Do in Medellín

1. tour of comuna 13.

This is the most popular tour in Medellín. Comuna 13 is one of the most vibrant and colorful of all of the comunas in Medellín, thanks to the street art you see everywhere. Previously, this was one of the most dangerous areas in the city but became a popular hotspot thanks to its outdoor escalators and public cable cars. A tour around Comuna 13 costs anything from 30,000-90,000 COP. There are some free tours too, or you can wander here on your own. It’s safe during the day but don’t wander around on your own at night.

2. Visit the Memory House Museum

Skip the controversial Pablo Escobar tour and visit the Museo Casa Memoria instead. This museum beautifully and sensitively captures the stories and memories from the armed conflict. Here they share stories of real people, and it gives you insight into what life was really like living in the most dangerous city in the world. You may notice that in general Colombians don’t want to talk about the “troubles” — they prefer to look forward instead, so it can be hard to understand what the average Colombian has lived through. This museum brings that difficult past to life so you can better understand the city and its people. Admission is free and they run tours in English on Tuesdays and Fridays.

3. Wander Parque Lleras

Located right in the center of the gringo hotspot of Poblado, this park is full of people all day and night. There are street vendors, food sellers, musicians, and people drinking well into the early hours of the morning. It’s a good spot to people watch and hang out.

4. Visit Pueblito Paisa

It’s a little bit cheesy, but admission is free so if you find yourself with some spare time visit Nutibarra Hill (Cerro Nutibarra). Here you’ll find a replica of a typical turn-of-the-century Antioquia town. It’s a fun way to peek into Colombia’s past. Because it is located upon one of the hills in the middle of the Aburrá Valley, it offers sweeping views of Medellín and the surrounding area too.

5. Dance the night away on a Chiva

A Chiva is a party bus. It’s a very Colombian thing to do, and if you get the chance, you should embrace the chaos and party Colombian style. The main Chiva season is December when many workplaces hire a Chiva for their “office party.” It is also very common for hostels to organize Chivas for backpackers. Most Chivas have only a few seats on one side, lots of flashing lights, and maybe a pole or two. They take you on a very slow tour of Medellín while you dance and drink on the bus. The bus normally makes a few stops so you can use the bathroom, buy more booze, or continue dancing in a nearby bar.

6. Visit the Museo de Arte Moderno

The Museum of Modern Art, located in a refurbished industrial building, is an awesome work of art in itself. It’s an enormous building of concrete and metal meant to resemble the city’s barrios that keep building up into the hillsides. Many people have a love-hate relationship with modern art (it’s not my personal favorite) but even I enjoyed my visit here. The collection is small, but there’s also a beautiful photography section on the bottom floor.

7. Go paragliding

For those seeking adventure, Medellín is the perfect location for paragliding , with several tour companies operating in the mountains just outside Medellín. A basic tandem flight costs 250,000 COP and lasts 15 minutes (you can pay extra for a longer flight though). If you add in door-to-door transportation, it’s 375,000 COP per person (with discounts available if you’re a group).

8. Take a tour to a coffee farm

If you aren’t planning a trip to the Coffee Region of Colombia (the area between the three cities of Manizales, Pereira, and Armenia), then Medellín has a lot of coffee farms within an hour’s drive from the city that you can visit. Most of the farms that run tours are small family-run coffee producers who subsidize their income by providing tours. Tours start from 189,000 COP. Go with either Expedition Colombia or head to La Casa Grande Hacienda for a tour.

9. Enjoy the café culture

Over the past few years, a multitude of hip cafés have opened up across Medellín, mostly in the areas favored by digital nomads and expats (Laureles, El Poblado, and Envigado). Although Colombia is well known worldwide for its coffee, most of the best coffee has traditionally always been exported. This meant that until a few years ago most Colombians didn’t actually drink their own homegrown coffee. This is rapidly changing though, and you can get some fantastic specialty coffee in Medellín.

10. Tour a cacao farm

Taking a tour of a cacao farm is similar to visiting a coffee farm: you learn about the process of how chocolate is made, from seed to chocolate bar. You also learn from the farmers about how they came to farm cacao. Many of them were farming illegal drugs, and as part of a government initiative, they took a grant to start farming cacao instead (this is one of the many government programs working to clean up the country). Tours start at 75,000 COP per person.

11. Visit Minorista Market

Opened in 1984, the Minorista Market is a daily market where you’ll find the widest selection of fruit I’ve ever seen. It can be a little tricky to get to if you aren’t used to the colectivos (crowded public buses), but if you can find a few friends to share a taxi or Uber, it’s just a few COP each. You’ll also find fresh meat, seafood, and clothing here, as well as bars and restaurants if you want to sit back and take in the scene.

12. Eat your way around Mercado Del Río

Mercado Del Río is a trendy gastronomic market where you can eat some of the best food in the city. The market has an informal atmosphere, good wine, beer from around the world, and lots of restaurants serving small dishes made for sharing. It is more expensive than eating on the street, but it’s not expensive considering the quality of the food and drink. Bring an appetite!

13. Explore Jardín Botánico

The botanical gardens offer a quiet retreat from the noise and chaos of the city. They also host numerous events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. Spanning over 34 acres, the garden is home to around 4,500 flowers and more than 139 different bird species. There’s also a nice (if not overpriced) restaurant in the center if you feel like spending more time here relaxing and taking in the scene.

14. See a soccer game

Soccer (fútbol) is religion here and, if there are games when you’re here, you should really try to see one. Medellín has two local teams: Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín. Supporters of each team occupy bleachers at opposing ends of the stadium since things tend to get rowdy and violent when they are near each other. Tickets are under 40,000 COP.

15. Wander the Cementerio Museo de San Pedro

Built in 1842, this cemetery is also a museum where you can see the monuments and graves of many famous Colombians, including novelist Jorge Isaacs and former Colombian Presidents Carlos Eugenio Restrepo and Mariano Ospina Rodríguez. There are a lot of large marble mausoleums and statues here. Keep an eye out for special events such as midnight tours and movie nights. The cemetery is small, but it’s also close to the botanical gardens so you can do both one after the other. It’s free to visit.

16. Visit a microbrewery

There is a big craft beer scene in Colombia, and Medellín has over 30 breweries and microbreweries. Some of my favorites include 3 Cordilleras, Cerveza Premium Apóstol, Medellín Beer Factory, and 20 Mission Cerveza. I highly recommend visiting a couple while you’re in the city.

  For more information on other cities in Colombia, check out these guides:

• Bogotá Travel Guide
• Cali Travel Guide
• Cartagena Travel Guide
• Santa Marta Travel Guide

Medellín Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Dorm rooms with 4-6 beds cost around 35,000 COP per night, while dorms with 8 beds or more cost closer to 20,000 COP. Medellín has a lot of higher-end hostels as well, with some dorms costing as much as 72,000 COP per night. A private room costs from about 60,000 COP per night for two people, although most are between 85,000-150,000 COP. Free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities are standard and some hostels also include free breakfast.

Budget hotel prices – Two-star hotels start at 60,000 COP per night but average closer to 90,000 COP per night. Most budget hotels include free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.

Airbnb is another affordable option here, with private rooms starting at 50,000 COP per night (though they average around 80,000 COP). An entire home/apartment costs around 280,000 COP per night.

Food – Colombian food is a blend of indigenous, Caribbean, and European traditions. While ingredients and popular dishes vary by region, common staples include maize, potato, cassava, rice, and all kinds of tropical fruit (dragon fruit, papaya, guava, passionfruit). Fried plantains, chicken soup, tamales, empanadas, meat pies, and roasted piglet are just some of the delicious popular dishes you’ll encounter.

If you’re on a budget, stick to cheap eats like arepa, empanada, and bandeja paisa (a hearty meal of pork, rice, beef, fried egg, plantain, and more). Also try the mondongo, a traditional tripe soup. It comes with a ton of side dishes (including giant avocados). You can usually find these for just a few thousand pesos.

In fact, traditional food in Medellín is so affordable that it’s often more expensive to eat at a fast-food spot like McDonald’s, which costs around 20,000 COP for a combo meal (compared to just 16,000 COP for a meal at a local restaurant serving traditional cuisine).

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 40,000 COP.

A beer at the bar costs around 8,000 COP while buying it at a store is half that price. A latte/cappuccino is around 4,900 COP.

Some of my favorite places to eat in Medellín include Mondongo, Carmen, Mercado del Rio, 20 Mission, Pergamino Café, Hatoviejo, and 37 Park.

OXXO stores are a great place to stock up on snacks and alcohol — most are open 24 hours. For a week’s worth of groceries, expect to pay around 90,000 COP for basic staples like rice, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, and some meat and cheese.

Backpacking Medellín Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Medellín, my suggested budget is 115,000 COP. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking some meals and eating cheap street food, taking the bus to get around, limiting your drinking, and sticking to mostly free or cheap activities like free walking tours.

On a mid-range budget of about 235,000 COP, you can stay in a budget hotel or private Airbnb, eat out for all your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take some guided tours, and do more paid activities like visiting museums or doing a food tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 500,000 COP per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in COP.

Medellín Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Medellín is super affordable if you stick to eating local street food, stay in dorm rooms, and use public transportation. However, it’s also easy to splash out here on the delicious food and the lively nightlife. Here are some ways to help you save money during your visit:

• Take a free walking tour – There are plenty of free walking tours available, which make for a great introduction to the city. This is the best (and cheapest) way to explore while getting a detailed overview of the city and its culture and history. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – While accommodation is cheap here, staying with a local via Couchsurfing makes it free. Not only do you save some money, but you get firsthand knowledge from a local who can share their insider tips and advice with you!
• Cook your own meals – While eating out isn’t too expensive here, if you’re on a budget it is cheaper if you cook your own meals. Head to a local grocery store and save your budget!
• Don’t stay in Poblado – Poblado is where all the Westerners/expats live. That means food and accommodation in this area is going to cost more, so avoid staying here if you’re on a budget.
• Pack a water bottle – The tap water here is safe so bring a water bottle with you to avoid buying single-use plastic. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw , which has built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Medellín

There are a few areas in Medellín that are popular with backpackers, tourists, and expats alike. Laureles and the Estadium areas are very safe, have good nightlife, have more greenery, and feel a bit less “touristy.” El Poblado and Envigado are the most popular areas to stay in for tourists and backpackers (but also a bit pricier).

Here are some of my recommended places to stay in Medellín:

• Los Patios Hostel Boutique
• Sugar Cane Hostel
• Hostel Rango Boutique
• The Wandering Paisa Backpackers Hostel
• The Black Sheep Hostel

How to Get Around Medellín

Public transportation – The main method of public transportation is the Metro. It’s reliable, cheap, quick, and easy to use. You can pay per ride, which costs 2,500 COP. The Metro consists of two rail lines, five cable car lines, a tramcar line, and some buses that connect to Metro stations.

If you are planning on staying in Medellín for a while, it’s worth getting a Cívica card (metro card). If you are only in town for a few days it’s probably not worth it, as there are a lot of forms to fill out and the queue can take over two hours sometimes.

Local buses are referred to as colectivos. While the Metro is easy and efficient to use, the colectivos are the complete opposite. If you need to colectivo somewhere, it is best to ask a local to help you as there are no maps or timetables. The colectivos have a fixed price which you can see on the front of the bus.

Bike – Medellín has public city bikes (EnCicla) available to use for free for one hour at a time. After that, you get charged for the time used. The catch is that the registration process is a bit annoying. You need to get a Metro/Cívica card (lots of form filling and waiting in line), then once you have your Metro card, you need to go online and complete more forms. It takes three working days to be processed. Then you need to go to an office to finish off the process. It is quite a bit of work, and the pass is only valid for one week.

Taxi – Taxis are cheap and relatively safe in Medellín. Although it is ok to flag down a taxi in the street, it is advisable, especially at night, to use an app like Tapsi or Easy Taxi. They work just like Uber although they won’t charge your card, so you need to pay cash. It is by far the safest way to take a taxi if you need one, and the taxi is metered. A base charge is about 4,650 COP and then 3,925 COP per kilometer.

Although Uber is not legal in Colombia it is widely used and considered as safe as using Tapsi or Taxi Fast. If you need to make any longer journeys, Uber is generally a bit cheaper, but more expensive for longer journeys. So it is worth checking all three apps for pricing differences.

When to Go to Medellín

Medellín doesn’t really have seasons so there is no bad time to visit. It is known as the city of eternal spring because the climate feels like spring all year round. It rains often, but mostly through the night, and rarely for more than an hour or so. Expect cool mornings, hot days, and mild evenings. The temperature averages somewhere between 16-25°C (62-78°F) most of the time.

Christmas in Medellín is magical, as lights completely cover the city in the most festive display you have ever seen. There are festivals, lanterns, concerts, parties, and Christmas markets galore.

The other great time to visit is in August during the Feria de Las Flores (Festival of Flowers). This is a weeklong festival with the highlight being the world-famous parade of silleteros, a huge parade of flowers that comes through Medellín carried by flower vendors. People from all over Colombia travel to Medellín during this time and the city fills up so be sure to book your accommodation in advance if you want to attend.

How to Stay Safe in Medellín

Safety is often one of the biggest concerns for people when planning a trip to Medellín. Once the world’s most dangerous city, it still has somewhat of a bad reputation for those who are only familiar with the city’s past.

Fortunately, things have improved dramatically here over the years. However, theft is still very common. They have a common saying in Colombia, “No dar papaya.” This translates to “don’t give papaya.” What it really means is don’t give anyone the chance to steal your stuff — because someone probably will!

That means no walking around with your phone out, never keeping anything in your pockets (especially when on public transport), and always keeping hold of your bag.

If you are eating out, keep your backpack on your lap or place your foot or a chair leg through your strap. It is very common for someone to do a bag swap (meaning they swap their empty bag for yours) so keep your bag secure at all times.

You should also use caution when withdrawing money from an ATM. Avoid the ATMs on the street if possible and go into the bank to use the ATM. That way you can put your money away discreetly without being watched.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here. There’s a lot so keep an eye out!

Look for hotels or hostels with 24-hour security. You always want someone around in case you need assistance.

Avoid drug tourism. The drugs cartels have crippled this country so it’s really disrespectful. Also, doing drugs here is illegal and you don’t want to end up in a Colombian prison!

There are a few no-go areas in the city, but as a tourist, you shouldn’t ever find yourself accidentally wandering into one of these areas. As a general rule, don’t walk around the downtown area at night. Stick to Laureles and El Poblado for nights out, and if you are on your own, it is always safer to be in a taxi than walk. Use one of the taxi apps so you know who your driver is.

If you experience an emergency and need assistance, dial 123.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Colombia, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Medellín Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Medellín Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Colombia and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Bogotá

Where to Stay in Bogotá: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Medellín: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Is Colombia Safe to Visit?

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Colombia?

14 Things to Do in Medellín (and the ONE thing NOT to do!)

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Is Medellin Safe to Visit? What You Need to Know!

If you are planning to travel to Colombia in the near future, one of the things that might be on your mind is the safety in the country. Colombia has been in the picture in the past as a country with a lot of violence, especially Medellin. Medellin was even the most dangerous city in the early 1990s when Pablo Escobar was the king of Coke. But how is it today? Is Medellin safe to visit these days? Here is what you need to know!

Medellin, Colombia

Medellin is nestled in the Aburra Valley of Colombia’s Andes Mountains. It is a city that is known for its remarkable transformation, especially in the past ten years.

Once infamous for being one of the most dangerous cities in the world due to drug violence in the 1990s, Medellin has reinvented itself as a beacon of innovation, culture, and social development.

This transformation is largely attributed to its innovative approaches to urban planning and social policy. It includes the pioneering use of cable cars and escalators as public transport to connect its hillside communities with the city center, enhancing mobility and integration across social divides.

A significant example of this change is Comuna 13 , once considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the world. Through innovative social and urban interventions, including the implementation of outdoor escalators and vibrant street art, Comuna 13 has reinvented itself.

The area is now a colorful canvas of murals that tell stories of resilience, peace, and transformation, attracting tourists from around the globe.

The reputation of Medellin

Medellin’s reputation and history are deeply intertwined with periods of intense violence and remarkable transformation. The city’s dark era, peaking in the late 1980s and early 1990s, earned it the notorious title of the most dangerous city in the world.

This period was characterized by rampant drug trafficking, guerrilla warfare, and paramilitary activities, with the drug cartels exerting significant influence over the city’s social and economic life.

The figure most synonymous with this era is Pablo Escobar, the infamous leader of the Medellin Cartel. Escobar’s cartel dominated the global cocaine trade in the 1980s and early 1990s, responsible for shipping massive quantities of cocaine to the United States and other countries.

His operation made him one of the wealthiest criminals in history, but it also brought devastating violence to Medellin. Escobar’s methods included assassinations, bombings, and bribery, leading to a period where the city experienced unprecedented levels of violence, including the murder of police officers, judges, politicians, and civilians.

Escobar’s reign came to an end on December 2, 1993, when he was killed in a shootout with Colombian National Police, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of change for Medellín. Following his death, the city gradually began to distance itself from the legacy of drug cartels and violence.

Crime in Medellin today

Plaza Botero, Medellin

Medellin has seen significant improvements in terms of safety and reductions in crime rates, thanks to coordinated efforts by local authorities, community organizations, and the city’s overall development strategy.

These efforts have been focused on tackling the root causes of crime, including poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, through education, urban renewal, and economic development programs.

Crime rates have decreased since the city’s most violent years in the late 20th century, but challenges remain. Petty crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, and scams are still present, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.

Violent crime has also seen a reduction but can occur, particularly in certain neighborhoods that are advised against for nighttime visits or for tourists in general.

Safety in Medellin

Safety in Medellin has seen significant improvement over the past few decades. It has become a popular destination for tourists who are drawn by its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and impressive street art.

However, as with any large city, as a traveler or a resident, it’s necessary to take certain precautions to ensure your safety. While the crime in Medellin has reduced, it’s not completely gone and certain areas are better avoided. 

Safest places in Medellin

Minorista Market, Medellin

Medellin’s transformation over the past couple of decades has made it a beacon of urban innovation and resilience. This transformation has led to the emergence of two safe neighborhoods that are popular among tourists and expatriates.

Here are the safest areas in Medellin and the reasons why they are considered safe:

El Poblado is often regarded as the safest neighborhood in Medellin. It’s a more upscale area and it hosts a large portion of the city’s dining, shopping, and nightlife venues.

The presence of upscale hotels and residential buildings, along with private security and a strong police presence, contributes to its safety. El Poblado is the area where many expatriates choose to live, which has helped in establishing a community vigilant about safety and security.

This area is known for Parque Lleras, a hotspot for nightlife, and the Golden Mile, a stretch filled with commercial and business centers.

Laureles is a residential and commercial neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, parks, and relaxed atmosphere. It has a strong community feel, which contributes to its safety.

The neighborhood is less touristy than El Poblado, offering a more authentic living experience while still maintaining high safety standards. The community is active at all hours, which means the streets are rarely deserted, adding to the overall security.

Laureles is famous for its circular streets and offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and recreational spaces, making it a pleasant area for families, individuals, and travelers.

This is the area I personally stayed at in Medellin and I didn’t feel unsafe for a second!

What type of traveler are you in Medellin?

There are lots of local birds in Medellin

What type of traveler are you in Medellin? Are you a family with kids? A female solo traveler? Or a digital nomad looking to spend a few months here? Here are the best safety tips for each of these categories!

Is Medellin safe for tourists

Yes, Medellin is generally safe for tourists, thanks to significant efforts by the city to improve safety and security over the past decades. The city has transformed from its troubled past and is now a popular destination known for its rich culture, innovation, and friendly locals.

Tourists are drawn to its beautiful “eternal Spring” weather, impressive street art, and attractions such as the Botanical Gardens of Medellin , the Explora Park, and the vibrant neighborhood of El Poblado.

However, as in any major city, safety can vary by area, and as a tourist, you need to take standard precautions to ensure your safety. I’ll get into some safety tips later in this post and also if any areas in Medellin need to be avoided. 

is Medellin safe to travel alone

Traveling alone to Medellin can be a safe and rewarding experience with the right precautions. The city has made remarkable strides in improving safety and is welcoming to solo travelers, offering a mix of urban culture, innovation, and natural beauty.

However, as with traveling solo to any large city, it’s important to be mindful of safety practices to ensure a pleasant visit. Trust your instincts, don’t display expensive items like jewelry in public, and stay in a safe accommodation in El Poblado or Laureles.

Is Medellin safe for solo female travelers

Medellin has become increasingly safe for solo female travelers, reflecting the city’s broader transformation and efforts to improve safety and public spaces.

Many solo female travelers have visited Medellin and had positive experiences, enjoying the city’s culture, innovation, and natural beauty.

However, as with traveling solo anywhere, it’s important to take specific precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

As a solo female traveler, choose your accommodation wisely (preferably a place with positive reviews from previous sole female travelers), avoid walking alone at night, use Uber or Didi instead of untraceable taxis, and dress rather conservatively to avoid unnecessary attention. 

Is Medellin safe for families

Yes, Medellin is safe for families, with many local and visiting families enjoying the city’s diverse offerings and attractions.

Medellin offers numerous family-friendly activities like parks, museums, and cultural events that cater to all ages. However, as with any major urban area, families need to take certain precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Choose a safe area to stay in with your family, engage in family-friendly activities like Explora Park and Park Norte avoid flaunting expensive items.

If you are still looking for nice accommodation for your family in Medellin, try Vrbo. You can find great options here ranging from a cool apartment in Laureles to a house with a jacuzzi in El Poblado . 

Is Medellin safe to live as an expat or digital nomad

Medellin has become a popular destination for expats and digital nomads, thanks to its mild climate, affordable cost of living, vibrant culture, and the welcoming nature of its people.

The city has made significant strides in improving safety and quality of life, making it a compelling choice for those looking to live abroad.

Most digital nomads and expats prefer to live in fancy El Poblado, however, if I would stay in Medellin long-term, as a conscious traveler, I would opt for Laureles. It has a more local vibe, shops, and supermarkets nearby and it harbors lots of great vegan restaurants in Medellin to choose from.

→ Also read: An Easy Packing List for Colombia for Your Next Trip!

Is Comuna 13 safe to visit?

The Comuna 13 escalators

Comuna 13, once known as one of Medellin’s most dangerous areas, has undergone a significant transformation over the past two decades and has become a symbol of resilience and innovation.

This neighborhood, located on the western slopes of the city, is now one of Medellín’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its vibrant street art, outdoor escalators, and community projects.

Today, Comuna 13 is considered safe for visitors, especially during daylight hours when the area buzzes with guided tours, street vendors, and tourists exploring the famous graffiti and murals that tell the story of the community’s past struggles and hopes for the future.

The presence of tourists has helped spur local economic development, with many residents opening cafes, souvenir shops, and offering guided tours.

Medellin, Colombia: Comuna 13 Street Art

Even though Comuna 13 is regarded as a safe area today, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Guided Tours: It’s advisable to visit Comuna 13 as part of a local guided tour. Not only does this approach support the local economy, but it also ensures you learn about the area’s history and culture from a knowledgeable guide who knows the community well. I warmheartedly recommend Zippy Tour . 
• Stay on Main Paths: While the neighborhood is much safer now, it’s wise to stay within the main tourist areas and follow the advice of your guide or local recommendations.
• Respect the Community: Remember that Comuna 13 is a residential area. As a traveler, show respect for the community and its residents, many of whom have lived through challenging times.
• Photography: While photography is generally welcomed, especially of the street art, always ask for permission before taking photos of local people or their homes.

Lastly, there’s also still a dark side to tourism in Comuna 13 and to Medellin in general. I will highlight in later in this post. 

Is public transportation safe in Medellin?

Public transport in Medellin is generally considered safe and is praised for its efficiency and cleanliness. The city’s metro system is a point of pride for locals, offering an extensive network that connects various parts of the city, including suburbs on the hillsides, making it a reliable option for getting around.

The system is not only accessible but also guarded by police, ensuring a higher level of safety for passengers. Additionally, Medellín’s transport system includes buses and cable cars, which have been instrumental in connecting previously neglected areas to the city center, further enhancing the accessibility and convenience of public transport​.

Bus and metro in Medellin

Overall, Medellin’s public transport system is considered very safe, clean, and extraordinarily efficient, making it an excellent option for both residents and visitors to navigate the city​​​​.

I’ll get into each of the transport options in more detail below. I’ll also include walking as a mode of transport here since you will probably walk a lot in Medellin too!

Is it safe to walk around in Medellin?

Walking around Medellin is generally considered safe, especially in areas popular with tourists and during daylight hours.

Neighborhoods like El Poblado, Laureles, and certain parts of the city center (La Candelaria) are known for their safety and vibrant atmosphere, attracting both locals and tourists.

These areas are well-patrolled, have a significant police presence, and are bustling with activities, which generally contributes to a safer environment.

During the day, I have never felt unsafe in Medellin, and even in Laureles in the evening, I felt completely safe walking around in the early evening to go out for dinner. 

Is it safe to go out at night in Medellin?

Going out at night in Medellíin is generally safe, especially in tourist-friendly neighborhoods such as El Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado.

These areas are known for their vibrant nightlife, including bars, clubs, and restaurants, and attract both locals and tourists. The presence of other people, along with a generally vigilant police force, tends to create a safer environment​​​.

Be aware though that certain areas, like Parque Lleras in El Poblado, are popular for nightlife but can become rowdy. They are known spots for pickpockets and other petty criminals looking for opportunities. While the area is generally safe, it’s wise to remain vigilant, especially as the night progresses​.

Also, if you are far away from your accommodation and want to get home, opt for ride-sharing services or taxis from reliable companies, especially late at night, instead of walking long distances or using public transportation.

Is the Medellin metro safe?

The Medellin Metro is widely regarded as safe, clean, and efficient, making it a preferred mode of transportation for both locals and tourists. The system is a point of pride for the city, known for its cleanliness and the respectful behavior of its users.

The metro connects various parts of the city, including major neighborhoods, and is patrolled by police and local workers, contributing to its safety​​​​.

The metro system includes not only trains but also cable cars (MetroCable) and trams (Tranvia), extending its reach to neighborhoods situated on the city’s hillsides, which were previously less accessible.

These additional services have been praised for their safety and for providing spectacular views of the city. The entire system is well-integrated, allowing for easy and safe travel across Medellin.

Overall, the Medellin Metro is considered a safe option for getting around the city, However, as with any public transportation system, there are precautions to take, especially concerning petty crime.

Are the Medellin buses safe?

The bus system in Medellin is considered safe, but, as with any mode of public transportation, it requires some level of caution and awareness.

Medellin’s buses connect various parts of the city, including areas not serviced by the metro, making them a vital part of the city’s public transportation network​​.

There are a few different types of buses in Medellin:

• Integrated Buses (SITVA): These are part of the Metro system and are typically safer and more reliable. They connect metro stations with neighborhoods not directly served by the metro or MetroCable. you don’t need to pay for these buses separately anymore when you take the metro, it’s included in one ride.
• Private Buses: These buses serve a wider range of routes and can vary in quality and safety. While they are generally safe, it’s wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the route or the area. I’m pretty sure the driver of one of these buses ripped us off by charging too much for just a two-kilometer bus ride. 
• Intercity Buses: Used for longer distances to travel outside of Medellin, these buses are a safe option for reaching destinations outside the city. Do note that the Terminal Del Norte is a very busy and not that well-organized bus station. Also, don’t go for Expreso Brasilia to travel north. Our bus broke down, the drivers were completely unprofessional dealing with the issue and it took us 27 hours, including waiting for 8 hours by the road at night for a new bus!

While the buses are safe to use, it’s important to keep personal belongings secure and be vigilant against pickpocketing, especially in crowded conditions or in busier areas.

It’s also advisable to have small change ready for fares to avoid showing a wallet full of bills.

Is taking a taxi in Medellin safe?

Taking taxis in Medellin is generally considered safe, especially if some basic precautions are taken.

However, there have been reports of isolated incidents where taxi drivers have taken longer routes or have been involved in robberies or assaults on their passengers. These things happen in all large cities across the world though and are not isolated cases in Medellin.

Here are a few tips for using taxis safely in Medellin:

• Use Reputable Apps: Opting for ride-sharing services like Uber or Didi can offer a safer and more reliable experience. These platforms provide details about the driver and the vehicle, and the ride is tracked via GPS.
• Book Through Your Accommodation: If you prefer a traditional taxi, ask your hotel or hostel to book one for you. This ensures that there is a record of your journey.
• Be Aware of the Route: Having a general idea of the route or following along on your smartphone’s map can help prevent being taken on a longer, unnecessary route.
• Avoid Hailing Taxis on the Street: Whenever possible, avoid flagging down taxis on the street, as this increases the risk of encountering an unregistered or less reputable driver.

I have personally used Uber to get around Medellin and didn’t feel unsafe for one second. The drivers were friendly and professional and were curious about our nationalities and our trip through the country. 

Didi is supposed to be a cheaper local version of Uber but for some reason, I was unable to download it to my cellphone. Cabify is a third Colombian ride-hailing app. 

Is Medellin prone to natural disasters?

Iguana in the botanical garden of Medellin

Medellin is prone to natural disasters, mainly due to its geographical location and urbanization patterns.

Due to climate change, the city faces challenges such as heavy rainfall leading to landslides, especially in areas with steep mountain hillsides and jagged ravines where around 180,000 families live in high-risk zones.

Efforts are being made to mitigate these risks, including educating residents about potential dangers and relocating families from high-risk areas to safer public housing projects​.

In terms of seismic activity, Medellin is located within the Andean system, part of the “Circum-Pacific Ring of Fire,” known for seismic hazards.

However, the city is situated on a giant block of andesite, a type of igneous rock that is hard and resistant to seismic motion, which makes it relatively safer from major seismic disasters compared to other regions.

Overall, even though there are some risks, you shouldn’t be too worried about getting caught in a natural disaster in Medellin. 

Which areas of Medellin are unsafe for tourists

Museum of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia

In Medellin, like any major city, some areas are considered less safe for tourists, especially after dark.

The downtown area, known as El Centro or La Candelaria, is often mentioned as a place where tourists should be cautious. While it’s the cultural and commercial heart of the city, bustling with activities during the day, it can become riskier at night.

Issues such as pickpocketing, theft, and armed robberies have been reported, particularly after dark. As a tourist, you are advised to be very cautious if you choose to visit downtown Medellin at night, and it’s recommended to use reputable transportation like Uber for getting around, minimizing time spent on the streets​.

During the day however, La Candelaria is extremely busy but feels quite safe. There are a lot of tourists, especially around Plaza Botero.

The only place I personally felt a little unsafe was the road from La Candelaria to Minorista Market. Quite a few homeless people live around the Avenida De Greiff and conditions there are bad.

There is not much public information about the various comunas in the hills and their safety. My advice is to only visit these areas with a local or a tour company and inform yourself well before heading out. 

Aside from El Poblado and Laureles, there are quite a few other neighborhoods in and around Medellin that are considered safe for tourists like most parts of Belen, Envigado, and Sabaneta. 

The dark side of the safety in Medellin

Medellin seems a great example of resilience and innovation, drawing tourists worldwide with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and progressive urban development. But, unfortunately, it’s not all roses.

Beneath its celebrated transformation lies a complex interplay between tourism and criminal governance that shapes the city’s socio-economic landscape today.

As Medellin emerged as a major tourist destination, especially in formerly marginalized neighborhoods like Comuna 13 and the infamous Barrio Pablo Escobar, the criminal gangs still operating in the city saw a great chance to take advantage of that.

Our Zippy tour guide to Comuna 13

These groups, leveraging the tourism boom, have instituted a system of extortion, subtly integrating into the economy while providing a degree of security for visitors. This paradoxical role of criminal actors challenges the city’s narrative of transformation, revealing a nuanced reality where progress and exploitation coexist.

In practice, every business in the neighborhood needs to pay a weekly or monthly tax to these gangs in return for safety and protection. In Comuna 13 there are currently 3 gangs controlling the neighborhood.

This dynamic raises important questions about urban development, governance, and equity in Medellin. While the city has made remarkable progress regarding innovation and social urbanism, the persistence of criminal influence highlights the ongoing struggles to ensure equitable benefits for all residents.

As travelers, it’s important to be aware of these things to get a deeper understanding of the city’s resilience and the complexities of its transformation.

Final safety tips for travel to Medellin

Parroquia de la Veracruz, Medellin

Traveling to Medellin offers a unique opportunity to experience a city known for its cultural vibrancy, innovation, and transformation.

Here are specific safety tips to keep in mind when visiting Medellin!

• Stay Informed about Safe Neighborhoods: Research and understand which areas of Medellin are recommended for tourists. Areas like El Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado are generally safer and more tourist-friendly. Avoid less developed neighborhoods or areas known for higher crime rates, especially after dark.
• Use Official Transportation: Opt for official taxis or reputable ride-sharing apps like Uber or Didi. Verify the vehicle and driver details before getting in. Avoid hailing taxis on the street, especially at night.
• Avoid Flashy Displays of Wealth: Keep expensive jewelry, watches, and electronics out of sight. Flashy displays can attract unwanted attention from thieves. Use a money belt or hidden pouch for your passport and cash.
• Be Cautious with Money Withdrawals: Use ATMs in secure locations, such as inside banks, shopping malls, or in well-populated areas during daylight hours. Be aware of your surroundings when handling cash.
• Travel in Groups at Night: There’s safety in numbers. If you’re exploring the city at night, do so with friends or fellow travelers. Stick to well-lit, busy streets and areas known for nightlife.
• Learn Basic Spanish Phrases: Knowing basic Spanish can help you navigate the city more safely, read signs, and communicate in case of an emergency.
• Avoid Drugs and Excessive Alcohol: Medellin has a history with narcotics, and it’s best to steer clear of any drug-related activities. Also, maintain control of your faculties by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption!
• Use Reputable Tour Companies: When booking tours, especially to areas known for their complex histories like Comuna 13, choose local and reputable tour companies with positive reviews. This ensures not only a more enriching experience but also your safety.
• Stay Connected: Use a local SIM card or buy an e-sim for Colombia to ensure you can access maps, translation apps, and emergency services. 
• Beware of Scams: Be cautious of common tourist scams, including fake police officers asking for documents and money, street games, and unsolicited help at ATMs.
• Be Mindful in Crowded Places: Pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist spots, public transport, and crowded markets. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
• Health Precautions: Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and be cautious with street food. Buy travel insurance before your trip that covers medical emergencies.

Safety in Medellin: FAQ

Comuna 13 NFT Graffiti in the streets

Lastly, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about safety in Medellin!

is Medellin safe for Americans?

Medellin is generally safe for Americans who exercise standard safety precautions, such as staying in well-known tourist areas, using official transportation, and avoiding displays of wealth. 

is the water safe to drink in Medellin?

The tap water in Medellin is generally considered safe to drink. The city has good water quality, which meets national and international standards. However, as a traveler with a sensitive stomach, you might prefer to start with bottled water and gradually adapt to tap water during your stay.

Also, note that, outside of the major cities, tap water is generally not potable in Colombia .

is downtown medellin safe?

Downtown Medellin (La Candelaria) has seen significant improvements in safety over the years, but it still requires caution, especially after dark. While daytime visits can be safe for exploring attractions, it’s advisable to be more vigilant at night.

What are the safest areas in medellin?

In Medellin, the safest neighborhoods for visitors and expats include: 

• El Poblado: known for its upscale ambiance
• Envigado: with a local, family-friendly feel
• Laureles: offering a relaxed atmosphere;
• Sabaneta: maintaining a small-town charm
• parts of Belen: near universities and parks.

These areas boast lower crime rates, a higher standard of living, and a welcoming community for foreigners.

Is medellin safer than cartagena?

Safety can vary widely based on specific areas within each city and individual behaviors. Medellín and Cartagena both have safe areas popular with tourists, like El Poblado in Medellin and the walled city in Cartagena. However, both cities require caution, especially at night and in less touristy areas.

is medellin safer than bogota?

Both Medellin and Bogota have areas that are safe for tourists, as well as areas that require more caution. Medellin often receives praise for its public safety initiatives and lower crime rates in tourist-friendly areas compared to some parts of Bogota.

However, personal safety depends on taking precautions and staying informed.

Is medellin still dangerous?

Medellin has undergone significant transformation and is now recognized for its innovation, culture, and tourism. While it has moved past its reputation from the 1990s, like any major city, it still has areas of concern and you should exercise standard urban safety precautions, especially in less tourist-oriented neighborhoods and after dark.

Is Medellin safe: Final thoughts

Medellin is a wonderful city in Colombia and is overall pretty safe compared to other places in the world today. It has definitely shook off its reputation, being the most dangerous city in the world, from back in the 1990s. 

Even though safe to visit as a tourist, there are still concerns and challenges to be overcome, like the criminal gangs extorting the local business in areas like Comuna 13.

Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page . 

Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Fancy more Colombia travel advice?

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• San Agustin, Colombia: An Easy Travel Guide for 2024
• Cocora Valley, Colombia: All You Need to Know
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• February 11, 2024

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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and  yourself!

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29 tourist deaths trigger alarm bells in Medellín

In 2024, there has been one death every 6 days in the colombian city, compared to one every 10 days in 2023. at least half of those killed have been americans.

On Thursday morning, Matthew Watson Croulet got into a cab in Medellín. He was disoriented, remembering nothing but the name of his hotel, according to the police report. The driver took him to the tourist neighborhood of El Poblado and dropped him off. When the 25-year-old American entered his hotel, the staff noted that he looked drugged. It was clear he was not well. Concerned, they called an ambulance. Watson, meanwhile, went up to his room where he was found dead at 9.25 am.

Watson is the latest tourist corpse to be discovered in Medellin in what is becoming a cumulative problem . Last year, there were 37 violent tourist deaths in Colombia’s second-largest city. That is an average of one every 10 days. So far in 2024, 359,000 tourists have visited the city, and there have already been 29 violent tourist deaths, which is more than one per week. If the pace continues, the year would close with 61.

However, a pattern is emerging. On May 31, another U.S. citizen was found dead in a hotel in the tourist district of Laureles. Jaime Eduardo Cisneros, 54, was lying on a bed half-naked, rolled up in a sheet, with no signs of violence. The authorities have not yet determined the cause of death. They indicate that the man entered his room with a woman during the early hours of the morning. After a short time, she came out. He did not.

Tourists, drugs and prostitution

Carlos Calle heads up the Medellín District Attorney’s Office’ Tourism Observatory. His job is to generate reports on tourism activity in the city. He explains to EL PAÍS that the city closed 2023 with the highest rate of foreign visitors in its history: almost 1.5 million. “It was also the year in which the most foreigners met violent deaths ,” he says. According to Calle, Medellín is safe for tourists. However, he says there is an increasingly frequent negative tourist profile. “The situations in which these foreign tourists are negatively affected are almost always related to drugs or prostitution,” he says.

The birthplace of Pablo Escobar , Medellín was once one of the most dangerous cities in the world. However, in recent years it has become a desirable tourist destination. Within Colombia, it has a reputation as the city of innovation, beauty, partying, and narcoculture. This has had both positive and negative consequences. In recent years, more and more foreigners have come to the capital with the aim of paying for sex, which is not a crime in Colombia, provided no minors are involved.

Although the Escobar era is over, Calle points out that the city is home to a large number of criminal gangs, which offer exactly what negative-profile tourists are looking for: drugs and prostitutes. According to Calle, many such travelers end up in dangerous situations, consuming high doses of narcotics in environments that can be unsafe. Some local criminals give them scopolamine. Also known as burundanga , this drug disorients and uncapacitates users. It can be slipped into drinks, snorted, or simply blown into the victim’s face. The victim is unlikely to have any recollection of the event and there could be fatal consequences.

Calle points out that, given the numbers of tourists who travel to Medellín every year, those who come seeking sex and drugs are relatively few, but they are a growing demographic. He adds that it is important they are aware of the law and keep their wits about them. “Number one, in Colombia the exploitation of minors is a crime. We will not tolerate that,” he says. “Number two, don’t accept drinks from a stranger in a bar. Don’t get into a stranger’s car. If you want to go with a girl, share the location or at least try to stay in contact with someone you know.”

Yiri Milena Amado, a former director of the Attorney General’s Office in Valle de Aburrá, the region in which Medellín is located, agrees. In March, she gave an interview to Semana , explaining that there was a common thread to the spate of tourist deaths in the city, namely “deadly cocktails.” The Prosecutor’s Office frequently found the deceased traveler had consumed a combination of drugs: “Cocaine, tusi and marijuana. Also, sexual enhancers, such as Viagra, and bottles of alcohol,” she said.

In plain sight

Last April, EL PAÍS traveled to Medellín to report on tourists and sexual exploitation. The testimonies of several sex workers and multiple visitors made it clear that drugs are ever-present in this context. Sitting in Lleras Park, where dozens of tourists come every night for sex, a prostitute introducing herself as Alexa Gómez explained that she needed drugs to sleep with clients. “It makes you happy, and everyone likes a smile,” she said. Another sex worker, who preferred to remain anonymous, said that her clients would consume a lot of drugs, and that she often encouraged the men to consume more as a way of avoiding having to have sex with them.

At a bar in Parque Lleras, a 78-year-old American who introduced himself as Bob, shared a table with three sex workers. He said he had been visiting Medellín for years for paid sex. “There is an unusual freedom here. You can do whatever you want,” he said. During the interview, Bob gave 50,000 pesos ($12) to a prostitute and asked her to get him cocaine. The woman accepted the money and left but was slow to return.

Over the next half hour, Bob repeatedly asked the other two women about the whereabouts of their colleague and the drugs. Sex worker Yuliet, 24, explained that the American liked to get high: “He does too much cocaine and wants us to do it too. I don’t like it, it scares me. I prefer the tusi. But I still do cocaine when he asks me to do it.”

Sexual exploitation of minors

There are also foreigners who go to Medellín with the specific aim of sexually exploiting minors. On March 28, a 36-year-old U.S. citizen, Timothy Alan Livingston, was discovered by police in a hotel in El Poblado with two girls ages 12 and 13. According to Colombian law, sexual consent for minors under the age of 16 only exists if the person seeking sex is no more than three years older than the minor. Despite Timothy Alan Livingston’s age, the man was released shortly after his arrest and returned two days later to Florida. A Colombian judge, however, issued a warrant for his arrest in April, yet he remains at large in the U.S.

Less than a month later, U.S. police arrested an American pedophile, Stefan Andres Correa. The man had traveled 45 times in just two years to Colombia to abuse minors. During the investigation, the authorities found nine cell phones on which there was extensive evidence of his sexual abuse, including conversations with a Colombian pimp who allegedly hooked him up to underage girls in Medellín.

These two cases have shocked Medellín and prompted Mayor Federico Gutiérrez to launch an extensive prevention campaign. Over the past three months, the city has been filled with posters attempting to prevent the sexual exploitation of minors. “Don’t even try, it’s a crime,” they say.

These posters cover the walls of the city’s two airports. They are also seen in many hotels and restaurants. There are no official figures on how many minors have been sexually exploited in Medellín in 2024, but, last year, more than 320 victims of this crime were reported in the city, according to the NGO Valientes Colombia.

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Planning on traveling for the Fourth of July holiday? Here’s how to avoid the rush

FILE - Motorists head southbound in the local and express lanes on Interstates 90-94 in slow and thickening traffic as a CTA train enters a station on the first day of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, July 1, 2022, in Chicago. Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming Fourth of July holiday week, which will likely mean busy roads as well as packed airports and train stations. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

FILE - Travelers walk with their luggage through Union Station in Washington ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, July 1, 2023. Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming Fourth of July holiday week, which will likely mean busy roads as well as packed airports and train stations. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)

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NEW YORK (AP) — The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and the travel rush is already heating up.

Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming holiday week. That will likely mean busy roads, as well as packed airports and train stations.

Motor club AAA projects that some 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles (80 kilometers) or more from their homes over a nine-day Independence Day travel period — surpassing pre-pandemic numbers for the U.S. holiday. And the Transportation Security Administration expects to screen over 32 million individuals in airports from this Thursday through July 8, up 5.4% from last year’s numbers.

Are you traveling for the Fourth? Here’s a rundown of what you need to know.

When is the best time to hit the road for July Fourth?

Smooth sailing for travel around any holiday is never a given. But avoiding the most hectic times, when others are rushing out of town, is a good way to start.

If you’re traveling by car for the Fourth of July, it’s best to hit the road in the morning, according to transportation data and insights provider INRIX. Peak traffic congestion varies by location, INRIX data published by AAA shows, but the worst times to drive on, or leading up to, the holiday are generally between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Either way, be prepared for the roads to be jammed.

“Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in a prepared statement.

July Fourth falls on a Thursday this year, and many travelers will likely take Friday July 5th off to extend their trip into a four-day weekend. Drivers in large metro areas can expect the biggest delays on Wednesday July 3 and Sunday July 7 — as travelers leave and return to town, Pishue added.

And if you’re renting a car ahead of July Fourth, the busiest pickup days will be Friday, Saturday and Wednesday before the holiday, AAA notes.

When will airports be busiest?

Airports will also likely be packed all week long — but the TSA expects most people will take to the skies on Friday.

It anticipates that it will screen more than 3 million individuals Friday. That would surpass the agency’s current record for most people screened on a single day, which reached just under 3 million last Sunday.

“We expect this summer to be our busiest ever,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said, adding that travel typical peaks around Independence Day.

Last year, the busiest day for Fourth of July air travel was also the Friday ahead of the holiday, TSA data shows. If past trends hold, travel will likely be higher on the days before and after the Fourth — particularly closer to the weekend. In 2023, for example, more than 2 million people were screened on the Fourth, which landed on a Tuesday last year, down from 2.88 million the Friday before.

What should I do if my flight is delayed or canceled?

Flights can be delayed or canceled for an array of reasons — from plane-specific mechanical problems to major storms impacting popular travel paths.

If your flight is canceled, airlines are required to provide refunds for customers, even if the cancellation is due to weather . Delays are trickier, because they typically have to meet certain criteria for relief, such as refunds or compensation — but carriers will often give customers to chance to switch to alternative flights, if available, at no cost.

In April, the Biden administration issued final rules that include requiring airlines to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays. Those rules are set to take effect over the next two years, but the Department of Transportation has a site that lets consumers see the commitments each airline has made for refunds and covering other expenses when flights are canceled or significantly delayed.

Always check your itinerary before leaving home

It’s better to be stuck at home than locked in hourslong traffic or stranded in an airport terminal. Before heading out the door this holiday week, do yourself a favor and check the status of your travel plans.

Was your flight, train or bus ride delayed? Are there are traffic incidents set to disrupt your drive? And what about the weather? A quick look through your itinerary — such as trip updates on a carrier’s website — checking weather forecasts and monitoring traffic safety through services like the 511 hotline or your phone’s navigation apps can go a long way toward avoiding travel misery.

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:

— Leave early: There are more people everywhere during a holiday week, so lines will be longer and roads will be busier. Give yourself more time to get to your destination or to make your way through airport security.

— Keep an eye on the weather — and not just for your destination: Look at the weather for your entire travel path. Even if it’s sunny skies both at home and the place you’re headed, it’s important to keep an eye out for any storms in between. You may need to do some rerouting.

— Be kind: A trip delay or cancellation can be really frustrating — but if you’re running into disruptions, chances are others are too. Customer service agents have a lot on their plate at this time of year, and it’s important to be patient and respectful as they try to help you.

Boeing wants you to feel safe on its planes. It's working to fix safety in its factories.

• Boeing is trying to peel back the curtain on its operations after a series of high-profile incidents.
• The company says it’s facing its safety challenges head-on and that its planes remain generally safe.
• Boeing is making changes to its training, production processes and safety management system.

RENTON, Wash. – Boeing is having a rough year. 

The company, which has been under a microscope recently, is trying to peel back the curtain on its operations. In a tightly choreographed media open house that USA TODAY attended on Tuesday, Boeing said it’s facing its safety challenges head-on. Employees, from the C-suite to the production line, insist that the airframer is turning a corner – reaffirming that its planes remain generally safe and are only getting safer.

Since 2018, a series of high-profile incidents , including two deadly 737 Max crashes overseas, and an explosive decompression incident in January that left an Alaska Airlines 737 Max flying without a section of its fuselage , have raised significant questions about the safety culture at the company, which was once renowned for its engineering excellence.

Scrutiny and criticism of Boeing increased exponentially this year after the Alaska Airlines incident, which seemed to show that the company was not keeping promises it made to improve safety in the wake of the earlier crashes.

During this event: Boeing sanctioned over media briefing that 'provided investigative information,' NTSB says

Now Boeing faces heightened oversight from the Federal Aviation Administration and Congress , and possible criminal liability in an ongoing Department of Justice investigation tied to some of these serious safety incidents.

The DOJ has made no decision yet on whether to pursue a prosecution of Boeing.

“From where I sit, the issue must be a relentless focus on process and product quality, which work together in a virtuous cycle of improvement to yield employee, product, and end-user safety,” Robert W. Mann Jr., a former airline executive officer and current president of R. W. Mann and Co., an independent airline consultancy, told USA TODAY in an email. Mann said he does not have inside information about the changes Boeing is working on internally, but his comments referred to the company's culture more generally. 

Boeing insists it’s turning that corner. Here are some of the changes it said it’s making:

Enhancing training

According to Elizabeth Lund, Boeing's senior vice president of quality, the company’s first step to fixing its safety culture is changing the way it conducts training.

Lund told the 50 or so international journalists who attended Tuesday’s briefing that a production slowdown following the 737 Max crashes, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in high turnover on the factory floors, leading to a glut of newly hired workers with less experience. To address the resulting change in the company’s demographics, Lund said, it’s reinforcing its peer mentoring program.

“We knew we brought in thousands of new employees,” she said, “We have really strengthened on-the-job training. That’s the really hands-on part … you go to the floor and you really learn how to do your job.” 

Before on-the-job training, however, Boeing factory employees undergo a reinvigorated foundational training regime where they learn the basics of their factory tasks before moving to the production line. According to Lund, every employee who comes out of foundational training gets assigned a mentor with more experience on the factory floor. 

Simplifying processes

Lund said that Boeing is also trying to streamline its production processes and instruction documents to make them easier for new hires to learn. 

Lund explained that because of Boeing’s multigeneration fleet types, like the 737, the first version of which was produced in the 1960s, some documents and production standards are amalgamations of previous best practices. Now, the company is evaluating many of its existing workflows, starting with the most safety-critical aspects, to ensure that they are efficient and easier to replicate. 

Eliminating defects

Another key part of Boeing’s safety updates is trying to identify and address defects as soon as possible in the production chain. Part of that work includes sending more Boeing inspectors to its own suppliers to ensure that parts, like the fuselage produced by Spirit AeroSystems that was implicated in the Alaska Airlines incident in January, are defect-free before they even reach Boeing property. 

It also means being more prepared to stop the production line when a defect is identified if it’s not easily remedied.

“Get quality right, via quality control, quality assurance, root cause identification and resolution, and it resolves the rest of the present issues,” Mann said.

Boeing’s 737 fuselages go through a 10-day production workflow on the factory floor. They move ahead day by day from the moment they enter the factory to the day they’re ready to roll out to the paint shop. 

During the tour, a Boeing employee pointed out that the day-five slot was empty on the production line. A few days earlier, employees had identified an issue with a fuselage that was being worked on. Under Boeing’s previous practices, the semi-built aircraft may have moved ahead and the defects would have been addressed literally down the line. But now Boeing is putting greater emphasis on keeping airplanes in place until they pass a quality inspection each day that aims to guarantee they won’t need major retroactive fixes.

“We have seen up to an 80% reduction in defects” since implementing these changes, Lund said.

Strengthening Boeing’s safety culture

Lund acknowledged that Boeing only began implementing an official safety management system in 2019. The FAA defines a safety management system as “the formal, top-down, organization-wide approach to managing safety risk and assuring the effectiveness of safety risk controls. It includes systematic procedures, practices, and policies for the management of safety risk,” and it’s a standard practice at many airlines and other companies in the aviation industry.

Boeing still has not fully rolled out its safety management system, but Lund said the company is committed to finalizing that work, echoing promises the airframer made in the wake of the 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019.

“How do we make sure we’re not doing anything that could cause an airplane safety issue later on? We’re documenting it, we’re reviewing it,” Lund said. 

Boeing has also been in the spotlight for its handling of whistleblower complaints. Several current and former employees have come forward alleging safety lapses at the company, and saying they were retaliated against for reporting their concerns.

While testifying on Capitol Hill earlier this month, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said he had not met with any of the whistleblowers directly . 

Lund said that Boeing takes these complaints seriously. While she couldn’t say for sure how involved the whistleblowers were in working with Boeing to update its safety procedures, she said they were certainly invited to participate in company-wide meetings that focused on safety, including recent “safety stand-downs” that gave employees across the company an opportunity to address their concerns to management directly. 

Family members of victims killed in the Boeing crashes asked a U.S. judge to name a corporate monitor to examine the company’s safety and corporate compliance procedures. 

Is it working?

Of course, by inviting members of the media, Boeing was always planning to highlight its progress toward safety. The steps it’s taking are in line with what Mann, the industry consultant, would recommend.

“A focus on quality creates the improved output and financial results that go with reduced traveled work, product rework, and the associated wasted effort, cost, time, and lost productivity,” Mann said. Traveled work refers to fuselages with defects moving down the production line that then require fixes out of phase with the regular workflow. 

The feedback of one of its employees on the tour underscored the fact that this time, Boeing may actually be succeeding in making changes.

David Prigg, one of the Boeing-appointed tour guides for the media group, has been with the company for 13 years and told a group of journalists that his father worked for Boeing as well. He said he’s been involved in mentoring new hires on the production line and has recently seen a subtle shift in the company’s culture.

Now, he said, factory employees, including his mentees, are more assertive about speaking up about safety concerns. They’re even more open to offering suggestions to help make their workflow more efficient.

“We’re very proud of what we do and we take (safety) seriously,” Prigg said. 

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .