Posts by Guest Blogger
This article was written by a guest contributor or partner. Please see the bottom of the post for additional information.
Medellin Real Estate: 2023 Foreign Buyer’s Guide
Brad Hinkleman, Founder of Casacol SAS, shares with us his foreign buyer’s guide to Medellín real estate and investing.
Everything You Need to Know About Pollution in Medellín
We look at the facts about pollution in Medellín, which is a major concern of expats living in the city.
Towns Near Medellín: Jericó
Located three hours by bus from Medellín, Jericó offers much more than religious tourism, including paragliding, hiking, and horseback riding.
How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Medellín
Ten places where you can celebrate Valentine’s Day in Medellin.
Laureles Factory Lofts: Modern Furnished Apartments
Medellín is fast climbing bucket lists around the world. Colombia’s second-largest city has experienced a recent influx of tourism from people hoping to sample the warm weather, rich culture, and breath-taking scenery.…
Medellin Living 2019 Reader Survey
It’s been three years since we last asked you what you want to know about Medellín and what you enjoy most (and least) about Medellin Living blog, and to say that the blog and the city had changed in those years would…
A comparison between Medellin and Bogota
Would you love to live in Colombia? If yes, which is a better Colombian city to live in between Medellin and Bogota? If you ask the locals, everyone is biased depending on where he or she comes from. If you ask the…
Where to Find Spanish Classes in Medellin [2019 Update]
There are many options available to foreigners seeking Spanish classes in Medellin.
Best Hotels in Medellin (2019 Update)
Our list of the best hotels in Medellin, Colombia, including The Charlee and Dann Carlton, and others in various price ranges.
Nine Cheap International Flights out of Medellin
Nine cheap international flights that you can take advantage of when visiting or living in Medellin.
Dating Colombian Men: The Dos & Don’ts
They’re charming, will wine and dine you and totally sweep you off your feet but there’s a few things you need to know about dating Colombian men.
10 Traditional Dishes to Try When Visiting Colombia (2019 Update)
Editor’s note: This post was updated by Dillon on March 1, 2019. The original post was published on January 30, 2012 by Dave Lee. It’s safe to say that indulging in new flavors and pampering your palate is one of the…
10 Running Races in Medellin
There are a variety of running races taking place in Medellin, including 5Ks, 10Ks, and marathons.
Expat Profile: Craig Watson from Barrio Central Cafe Bar
An interview with Craig Watson, the English-born owner of Medellin’s Barrio Central Cafe Bar.
Speed Dating in Medellín: One Man’s Experience
A first-hand account of speed dating in Medellín.
Digital Nomad Guide Medellín Ebook Review
A review of a digital nomad guide Medellin ebook, including tips on where to live, work and eat in Medellin
Where to Watch the World Cup in Medellin
A soccer fan’s guide on where to watch the World Cup 2018 matches in Medellin.
Florez Food Garden: A Healthy Dining Alternative in Poblado
Florez Food Garden offers healthy cuisine in a lush, green setting to diners in the Poblado neighborhood in Medellin.
Bardesono: Blending Live Music and Fine Dining in Poblado
The Bardesono restaurant offers diners a unique blend of cuisine and live musical entertainment in the Poblado neighborhood in Medellin.
Kuélap: Authentic Peruvian Food in Poblado
The Kuélap Peruvian restaurant offers authentic Peruvian food to diners in the Poblado neighborhood in Medellin.
Sweet Georgia: A Cafe with Southern Soul in Laureles
Sweet Georgia is a southern-inspired café located near the popular Avenida 33 nightlife area in Laureles.
Keiko: a Sushi Restaurant in Laureles
Keiko Sushi and Wok brings delicious Japanese food to the Laureles neighborhood in Medellin.
Best Cafés in Medellín [2018 Update]
The best cafés in Medellín, many of which are ideal for digital nomads. From French-inspired Café Cliché to the natural tranquility of Otraparte, they serve fresh coffee, outstanding food and sweet desserts.
The Best Coworking Spaces in Medellin
Our picks for the best coworking spaces in Medellin.
Dating Tips: Up-to-Date Advice for Foreign Men in Medellín [2018 Update]
A collection of contemporary dating tips to assist foreign men looking to date Colombian women in Medellin.
Medellin: A Top Digital Nomad Destination
With its great weather and friendly people, Medellin has grown to become one of the top digital nomad destinations in the world.
5 Tips Para Alquilar un Apartamento Amoblado en Medellín
En Casacol somos expertos en venta, alquiler y administración de apartamentos amoblados de lujo en Medellín, especialmente en El Poblado y Laureles, ya que contamos con más de 300 apartamentos en estos sectores. Sabemos…
Venture With Impact: Do Remote Work and Volunteer Abroad
Venture with Impact assists remote workers who wish to volunteer abroad, enabling them to experience new cultures and to get the satisfaction of helping others.
Colombian Dating: 18 Great Places to Take a Date
18 places to take a date in Medellin, including restaurants, cafes, and places for drinks and dancing.
Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour: Amazing Street Art and Much More
The Comuna 13 graffiti tour is more than just street art. With its street food, accessible local artists, and offbeat shopping, it offers surprising insight into this vibrant, revitalized Medellin neighborhood.
Colombia: Wild Magic … in Dangerous Times – Movie Review
Review of the Colombia: Wild Magic documentary, now playing on Netflix.
Guide to Vegetarian Restaurants in Medellín and Beyond
We provide an updated guide to the exploding vegetarian restaurants scene in the Medellín metro area.
5 Medellín Parks: Less Well-Known But Worth a Visit
We visit 5 Medellín parks worth a visit: Canal Parque Gabriel Márquez, Parque La Presidenta, Uva Ilusión Verde, Cerro La Asomadera and Cerro El Volador.
22 Exotic Tropical Fruits of Colombia (2017 Update)
Sonja updates a popular article by reviewing 22 tropical fruits of Colombia that will offer new tastes and textures to everyone that tries them.
Little Known Museums in Medellín Worth a Visit
Sonja takes us to 3 little known museums in Medellín worth a visit: the Water Museum, University of Antioquia Museum and Pedro Nel Gomez House Museum.
2017 Update: Colorful Jardín, a Pueblo Near Medellín Worth Visiting
Sonja takes us to colorful Jardín, which is one of the most beautiful small pueblos in Colombia that has remained largely unchanged for 140 years.
Spanish to Communicate and Spanish to Feel Like a Local
Guest blogger, Kuzey Ates, shares his experience learning Spanish outside the country and later readjusting it to the local norms.
10 Best Dessert Spots in El Poblado, Medellín
Alice brings us to the 10 best desserts spots in El Poblado, so your taste-buds can get their sugar fix on.
Malevo: a Good Argentinean Steakhouse in El Poblado
Sonja takes us to Malevo, an authentic Argentinean steakhouse with good steaks located in the Manila barrio of El Pobaldo.
Minca: a Hikers Paradise in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada Coastal Mountain Range
Sonja takes us to the mountain village of Minca, which is a hiker’s paradise located in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada near Santa Marta.
Choosing Medellín and Why it Remains the Right Decision
After traveling to 26 countries, John describes choosing Medellín as the location he bought property and where he lives. Medellín has beat his expectations.
Living Cheap in Medellín – But Still Living Large and Enjoying Life
Sonja provides her experiences as a single woman on a 6-month tourist visa and how she is living cheap in Medellín on less than $900 per month.
Le Coq Rosticeria: Chicken that is Finger-Lickin’ Good
Sonja takes us to Le Coq Rosticeria restaurant, which has some phenomenal rotisserie chicken and some decadent desserts as well as good service.
Guide to the Little Known Movie Theater Venues in Medellín
Medellín has over a half-dozen little known movie theater venues showing an eclectic range of movies for inexpensive prices.
10 Steps to Safe Cycling in Medellín
Editor’s Note: The Following is a guest post by Denise Nelson Cycling in Medellín, Colombia is a beautiful experience. The city has a true value for the nature that surrounds it, as well as the immaculate architecture.…
Road Cycling Routes Around Medellín
There are many road cycling routes around Medellin. Here are some of the roads traveled by guest blogger Alan.
A Quick Getaway to Filandia
A stone’s throw from Salento sits Filandia, a quaintly nestled pueblo with plenty to give to the tourism trade. Tim tells us about his quick getaway to this coffee town.
Donating a Roof in Comuna 13
For every tour sold in 2015, the Medellín City Services® Foundation has saved one dollar to go toward a social project in Comuna 13.
Sabaneta’s Golden Gastronomy
An invitation to explore the gastronomy Sabaneta has to offer, as we name four of Sabaneta’s delicious lunch restaurants.
The New Medellín Helicopter Taxi Service by Aviatur
The scoop on the Medellín Helicopter Taxi service by Aviatur that is now available to and from the International Airport in Rionegro.
Tuesday Mass at the Parish Church of Santa Ana
The Church of Santa Ana celebrates mass in devotion to María Auxiliadora every Tuesday for which many make the pilgrimage from beyond Sabaneta.
Fundación Camino al Sol and Ayahuasca Activities
Camino al Sol is an off-shoot of Comunidad Carare, a spiritual/peace/medicine community with various bases throughout Colombia.
Romera Ecological Park: A Relief for the Senses
A visit to Romera Ecological Park provides a break from loud city life and an opportunity for bird-watching and nature without venturing too far.
J&C Delicias: Gourmet Arepas with Everything
J&C Delicias specializes in gourmet arepas, which can be topped with just about anything. The restaurant has over a dozen locations in and around Medellín.
How to Find a Room for Rent in Medellín
Rafael, a guest contributor from the Czech Republic, provides tips on how to find a room for rent in Medellín.
A Vegetarian’s Guide to Medellín
Our vegetarian’s guide to Medellín includes a list of recommended vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly restaurants around the city.
Expat Observations: Passive Aggressiveness, Xenophobia and Making Plans
In John’s final story on his observations of Medellín, he tells us about passive aggressiveness, xenophobia and making plans.
Expat Observations: Tips, Time and Gossip
John gives us his third post in his series on expat observations, which covers tips, time and gossip, among others.
Minca: A Mountain Village in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada
Minca is a little village located amidst Colombia’s Sierra Nevada, the highest coastal mountain range in the world. It’s easily accessible from Santa Marta.
Expat Observations: Lines, Speaking Spanish and Dar Papaya
In his second story, John Knox Seagle tells us about the challenges that come with standing in line, as well as speaking Spanish and other local customs.
Paisa Customs, Culture Shock
In the first of four guest posts, John Knox Seagle tells foreigners new to Medellín about paisa customs that can lead to culture shock.
Learning to Skydive in Colombia
Hans-Peter A. Porup shares his experience learning to skydive in Colombia, along with a recommended jump school should you want to go skydiving too.
Experiencing the Warmth of Cali
A collection of stories by a foreigner who ventures to Cali, Colombia and discovers the unequalled warmth and friendliness of the local people.
Why Medellin Is Attracting Young Innovators From Around the World
Last year Colombia’s GDP grew 4.3 percent and it overtook Argentina as Latin America’s third largest economy.
The Live and Invest Overseas Conference
Live and Invest Overseas is holding a 3-day conference here in Medellin, from May 19-21, 2014 at the luxurious Intercontinental Hotel.
How to Get a Tax Number, Business Name, and Bank Account
How to get your NIT (tax number), register a business name, and opening a bank account in Medellín with your passport (no work visa/cedula necessary).
Over the Hills: Cycling in Medellin, Colombia
Cycling in Medellin, Colombia has reached critical mass, and is second only to soccer in terms of national sports. In Medellin, expect lots of hills.
Fundacion Pazamanos: Helping Medellín Move Forward
Fundacion Pazamanos is an NGO using arts, photography and participatory work within the community to demonstrate how people can dream whatever they want.
Top 5 Extreme Activities in Colombia
A quick list of five extreme activities in Colombia, including whitewater rafting, paragliding, rappelling down waterfalls, windsurfing, and scuba diving.
Bogotá: La Ciudad de Nadie
Bogotá is the capital of Colombia, and yet it is still known by many Colombians as La ciudad de nadie (the city of no one).
Leticia and the Colombian Amazon
Leticia is a small Colombian town and eco-tourism destination at the borders with Brazil and Peru, deep inside the Amazon rainforest.
Motorcycling Colombia
Justin Cohen’s experience motorcycling Colombia on a Kawasaki KLR 650, with a primary route along the northern Caribbean coast.
Not So Fast: Car Rental with a Poor Driving Record
The thing to remember is that while a poor driving record can hinder your ability to rent a car, it is not a definite deal breaker.
Eco-Bar: The “Cheers” of the Paisa Nation
Philosophy, football and foreigners co-mingling with locals: that’s the foundation for the social scene known as Eco-Bar in the Poblado neighborhood.
How to Get a Work Visa in Colombia
This is a guest post by Anthony Goeritz, updating instructions originally posted here in 2011. On 25th May 2013 I came back from Panama with a brand new Colombian visa glued in my passport. It wasn’t an easy process,…
Homestay with Lupe
The following is a guest post by Joggie van der Merwe. After being told about Medellin by a Colombian friend, I arrived in the City of Eternal Spring for the first time back in January 2011. The main aim was of course…
Books to Read Before Coming to Colombia (Besides Gabriel García Márquez)
Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by JM Porup, in which the author of Lonely Planet Colombia (5th ed.) offers his suggestions. Books by Gabriel García Márquez You’ve read A Hundred Years of Solitude. (Oh wait–you…
Where to Stay in Zona Cafetera (the Coffee Triangle)
A must-do whilst visiting Colombia is to pay a visit to the Zona Cafetera, south of Medellin and comprised of the area between the cities of Manizales, Armenia, and Pereira. In a country where coffee is king, you just…
6 Tourist-Friendly Destinations in Colombia
After quite a long time of being off the travel radar, Colombia is back in the game. There are few countries that have the mix of attractions that Colombia has. Stunning rainforests, metropolitan cities, idyllic…
Road Trips in Colombia
Colombia has received some bad press in years past, but now it’s settling down and starting to attract increasing numbers of visitors eager to experience the wide range of cultural and natural attractions this dynamic…
Mariposas Amarillas: Helping Colombia’s Displaced Communities
Yellow butterflies always swarmed around Mauricio Babilonia – Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s character from One Hundred Years of Solitude. They represent love and solitude, and made a striking impression on Oscar Cortes,…
A Selection Of The World’s Best Beaches
There are so many beautiful beaches in the world that tourists are absolutely spoilt for choice. Some of the sandy stretches are graced by year-round sunshine and act as the venue for wet and wild parties. Others are…
Medellin, The Silicon Valley Of South America
This is a guest post by Conrad Egusa. In October 2012 my co-founder, Edinson Alberto Arrieta Aguas, and I launched a co-working space/entrepreneurial center called ESPACIO to help turn Medellin into the Silicon Valley…
Top 5 Things to Do in Colombia
Colombia is such a huge, awe-inspiring country that it’s hard to narrow its multitude of attractions down to a handful of ‘best things’ to do. But most visitors here only have from a few days to a few weeks at their…
Seeing Bogota in a Creative Light
The following is a guest post by The Hairy Chef. Colombia…the only risk is… Not understanding Spanish? Drowning in endless floods of mango juice? Having too much fun? Getting sunburnt? Doing too much cool shit? Getting…
Bogota vs Medellin: Choosing Where to Live In Colombia
The following is a guest post by Brice. Bogota vs Medellin. The capital of Colombia versus it’s much loved little sister. I believe it’s a truth in most countries, where the second city has a complex with it’s big…
Caffeine Crazy: The Best Coffee Shops in Medellin
One of Colombia’s most famous exports has to be coffee, and Medellin is the perfect place to sample some black gold. It’s well known that the best coffee in Colombia is grown in the MAM triangle, named for Medellin,…
Colombian Cycling, King of the Mountains
I have to admit, I’ve never had the opportunity to travel to Colombia, and am embarrassed to say I know little about Colombian culture. So when offered the opportunity to write on MedellinLiving.com, I was initially at…
5 Weekend Activities in Medellin
Each year thousands of tourists from around the world travel to South America to experience the beauty, various cultures and natural environments. Peru is the most visited destination for its cultural and historical…
Colombian Flavors: From Cooking to Coffee in Medellin
Most holidaymakers fall in love with Colombian cuisine after a few days in the country. Typical dishes include everything from Ajiaco, a soup made from chicken and avocado, to fried ants which are eaten in some remote…
3 Local Tips for Getting Off the Beaten Track
The following is a guest post by Josian and Michael at Off2Colombia.com. Medellín is one of the most popular cities for backpackers in Colombia. Full to the brim with things to do and see, it’s clean, sunny and has some…
10 Exotic Fruits You Have to Eat in Colombia (2019 update)
Editor’s note: The original article was published in 2011 and updated in 2019 by Mark. Colombia is a country known for its biodiversity. In fact, after Brazil, it is the most biodiverse country in the world. The…
How to Apply for Resident Visa in Colombia Based on Civil Partnership
This is a guest post by James Byder. The information is current as of September 2012. To get a resident visa in Colombia based on being in a relationship with a Colombian national, you need to present various forms and…
Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Colombia
An ideal destination for backpackers, Colombia has much to offer; whether you are looking for an affordable destination where you can make your money go further (and put off returning to that desk job), want to…
Speaking Spanish: How Not to Sound Like a Gringo
The following is a guest post by Andrew. Hi, I’m Andrew and I’ve been teaching myself Spanish for about four years now. In the process of doing that I’ve met and talked to tons of native Spanish speakers and also lots…
Medellin Women: Rules of the Game
How to meet Medellin women, and a few important rules of the game for dating in Colombia.
Happy Birthday 3 Cordilleras
The following is a guest post by The Art House – Medellin. It started off as a simple invite to a beer factory for some beer tasting, and ended in the drunk scoffing of whoppers at Burger King by midnight. It wasn’t…
Save Time and Money with Fly.com
No matter how many budget tips or tricks we use, traveling can get awfully expensive. And it’s oftentimes the flight’s fault. In the past year, the AP reported that the average cost of a domestic US flight was $328.…
The Small Feet of Medellin
This is a guest post by Robin, director of The Arepa. Medellin, home to friendly Paisas, beautiful women, and people with really small feet. Yes, small, feet. I have lived here for a year now and have sadly not been…
Four Places To Practice Spanish In Medellin
This is a guest post by Roosh Vörek, author of A Dead Bat In Paraguay. Doctors Office As long as you don’t go to the upper-crust Clinica Las Vegas, chances are any doctor you visit is not going to speak English. If you…