Rest of Colombia
Articles about Rest of Colombia from Medellin Living — expat guides, news and first-hand experience in Medellín, Colombia.
Medellín’s Transformation: How the City Became a Global Travel Destination
Short on time? Medellin underwent one of the most remarkable urban transformations in Colombia. Once known internationally for violence and instability, the city reinvented itself through innovative public…
Medellín Through the Seasons: What to Experience Throughout the Year
Short on time? There’s always something to look forward to in Medellín, no matter which month of the year you decide to visit.
How to Combine Medellín and Cartagena in One Unforgettable Colombia Itinerary
Short on time? An 8-day itinerary should be enough to visit Medellín and discover its culture, and head to Cartagena for beach escapes and unforgettable sunsets.
The Ultimate Medellín Airport Guide (2027 update)
Short on time? Almost every visitor flies into José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), in Rionegro — about 45–60 minutes from El Poblado or Laureles by road. The cheapest way in is the Combuses airport bus…
Must Do Activities When Visiting Medellín for the First Time
Short on time? Visiting Medellín for the first time will have you falling in love with the city and planning your next trip. Ride the metrocable, visit Comuna 13, or enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the city’s trendy cafes…
Medellín Altitude: A Guide & Comparison
Short on time? Medellín’s altitude of 1495 meters or 4905 feet above sea level provides its pleasant spring-like climate all year round. While some visitors may notice mild effects from the altitude, Medellín is…
What Cities Fly Direct to Medellín: A Guide to Exploring Colombia from the City of Eternal Spring.
Short on time? Medellín has direct connections with major cities in Colombia, the United States, Latin America, and Europe. Most international flights arrive at José María Córdova International Airport, while Olaya…
Medellín in March: A Guide to What to Do Around the City.
Short on time? March is an excellent time to visit Medellín if you want pleasant weather, green landscapes, fewer peak-season crowds, and a mix of cultural attractions, coffee tours, nightlife, and outdoor adventures.…
How Many Days Should I Spend in Medellín? The Perfect 3, 5, and 7-Day Itineraries (2026 Guide)
TLDR? Three days in Medellín are enough for a strong first impression, five days give you the best balance, and seven days let you experience the city at a slower, deeper pace. So, how many days should you spend in…
Best Coffee Shops in Medellín: Where to Find the City’s Top Cafés in 2026
TLDR? The coffee scene in Medellin is more than the iconic Pergamino Cafe. You’ll also find hidden neighborhood gems that will make your coffee-drinking experience memorable and one for the books. Did you know that…
A Bermuda Triangle in Bogota
Bogotá boasts its own version of the Bermuda Triangle, an area of the city in which many travelers just hope to pass through without getting lost.
Bucaramanga: Discovering the Food, Nightlife and Culture of Eastern Colombia
Writer’s note: This is part one of a two-part story. BUCARAMANGA — The plane landed on a plateau overlooking the city, a beautiful view common in Colombia but still breathtaking every time. I have wanted to go to…
The Ultimate Guide to Mercado del Rio
Mercado del Rio is the first food market in Colombia and one of the must-visit spots in Medellin. Whether you want to enjoy gourmet cuisine dishes at one of its 30 restaurants or get some deep work done at a cafe or…
Make a Splash in One of Medellin’s Best Swimming Pools
Life in the tropics may mean sunny weather and great temperatures year-round, but it also means that you’ve got to find some way to cool down when things get too hot. While you can always switch on the AC, I personally…
The Beer Lover’s Guide to the Best Breweries in Medellín
I’ll admit it. I’m a beer snob. When I go somewhere new I love trying out different breweries, especially craft breweries. There’s something about them that really gives you a feel for the culture and flavors of a city.…
The Complete Guide to the Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal
Searching for ecotourism alternatives in Medellin isn’t hard. There are tons of great hikes in the area, not to mention places to try stuff like white water rafting and paragliding. Still, if your goal is to extend your…
Your Guide to Cocora Valley: Medellin’s Best Weekend Getaway
Are you thinking of a weekend getaway outside Medellin but still don’t know where to go? Then the Cocora Valley might be a good pick. Thanks to its coffee landscapes and walks through wax palms up to 70 meters high,…
Sip, Smell, Swirl: The Coffee Tasting Tour at the Marquee Hotel
Coffee is one of the first things you think about when it comes to Colombia. After all, the country is famous for having some of the best-tasting beans in the world. As that’s the case, it’d be practically criminal to…
Where to Get a Cheap Massage in Laureles, Medellin
Walking through the City of Eternal Spring can be tough on your body. Since it’s a place full of adventures and extreme sports, the trip can leave you with slight back or ankle pain. Trust me, I would know. I can’t tell…
The Ultimate Guide to the Museo de Antioquia
There’s no doubt that Medellin is a city full of culture, art, and good museums. Speaking of museums, if you love strolling through galleries and taking in some culture, then you have to check out the Museo de…
The Linguist’s Guide to Medellin: Top Language Exchange Meetups
There’s no better way to practice a language than by talking with a native speaker. In Medellin, there are tons of places to practice Spanish, English, and other languages. And, it’s a great way to meet both paisas and…
How Many Days Should You Stay in Medellin?
Medellin is becoming a popular tourist destination, despite its rocky history. Today, it’s a thriving hub where you’ll find booming business and plenty of fun activities. The trouble is, with so much to enjoy, it can be…
Medellin Weather: It’s Raining It’s Pouring…AGAIN?!
Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city, has grown more than any other city. Despite its complicated past, Medellín is now a modern, innovative, and beautiful city. Also called the City of Eternal Spring, Medellin is…
The Best Places for Pizza Pies in Medellin (Plus What to Order)
There’s nothing like a good food tour when you’re out on a trip. That’s true whether you’re visiting Medellin or Madrid! And, if you’re a pizza lover, you’ll want to know which places to visit. Well, while this city…
Covid Tests, Rules, and Regulations in Medellin: What You Need to Know
The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, and it’s hard to know for sure when we’ll win the battle against the coronavirus. In spite of this, countries have started relaxing the rules for traveling, and it’s now much…
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…
The Top Gay-Friendly Places in Medellín
Medellín is one of the most progressive cities in Colombia – over the past decade seeing a rise in more accepting attitudes, particularly around LGBT voices and rights. While Colombia essentially remains a conservative…
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
Colombia: Wild Magic … in Dangerous Times – Movie Review
Review of the Colombia: Wild Magic documentary, now playing on Netflix.
15 Best Mobile Apps to Use in Medellín
We look at several of the best mobile apps for traveling to and living in Medellín and help you navigate around the city.
Medellín vs Bucaramanga: a Comprehensive Comparison of two Cities of Eternal Spring
Medellín vs Bucaramanga, which is the better city to live in? We comprehensively compare these two cities of eternal spring in Colombia.
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.
Medellín vs Cali: a Comprehensive Comparison
Medellín vs Cali, which is the better city to live in? We compare the two Colombian cities in a comprehensive comparison.
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.
The Secret Valley of La Samaria
La Samaria is the well-kept secret wax-palm valley that Paisa weekenders flock to and for good reason.
Medellín vs Cartagena: a Comprehensive Comparison
Medellín vs Cartagena, which is the better city to live? Mountains vs beaches? Jeff compares these two cities in Colombia in a comprehensive comparison.
Bogotá vs Medellín: a Comprehensive Comparison
Bogotá vs Medellín, which is the better city to live in? Jeff compares the two largest cities in Colombia in a comprehensive comparison.
Medellín vs Pereira: Two Cities of Eternal Spring in Colombia
Medellín gets all the press but Colombia has two cities of eternal spring and smaller Pereira is a viable place to live. Jeff compares these cities in a Medellín vs Pereira comparison.
Top 10 Things to Do in Manizales
A list of the top 10 things to do in Manizales, including a visit to the top of the Cathedral, walk through Chipre, and ride up Nevada del Ruiz volcano.
900 KM of Colombia by Land: Manizales to Bucaramanga
Earlier this year, Ximena’s family traveled 900 km of Colombia by land, here’s why she enjoyed the ride and the advantages to road trips in the country.
Weekend at Filbo: The International Book Fair in Bogotá
Filbo is the International Book Fair that Bogotá hosts every year. Ximena attended and shares her experience.
Caribbean Beaches: Capurgana, Sapzurro and Aguacate
In the final part of this two-part series, I describe the different beaches at Aguacate, Sapzurro, and Capurgana, and the great family run Bahia Lodge.
Overland Journey to the Beaches of Choco
In the first of a two-part series, I describe the overland journey from Medellín to the beaches of Choco, near Colombia’s border with Panama.
Leah’s Do’s and Don’ts of Carnaval de Barranquilla
Leah lays out a handy list of Do’s and Don’ts to consider when attending the second largest Carnival celebration in the world, Carnaval de Barranquilla.
Caño Cristales: “The River of Five Colors”
Known as the “River of Five Colors” or “The Liquid Rainbow,” Caño Cristales is one of Colombia’s natural treasures.
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.
Salento, La Serrana and the Last Leg of the Coffee Region
Ryan finally makes it to Salento and the Valle de Cocorá in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region.
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.
Pereira, Kolibrí Hostel and the Second Corner of the Coffee Triangle
Ryan visits Pereira, where he stays at Kolibrí Hostel, and takes a day trip to the beautiful hot springs and waterfall in Santa Rosa de Cabal.
Best Colombian Vacations of 2013
Ryan recounts his best Colombian vacations of 2013, including trips to a Caribbean island, Bogota and several pueblos around Medellin.
5 Places in Colombia I Still Want to See
Ryan shares the five places in Colombia he most wants to see in 2014, including Salento in the coffee region and Barranquilla for Carnaval.
Rio Claro Nature Reserve: Weekend Escape to “El Refugio”
Located three hours east of Medellin along the highway that runs to Bogota, the 250-hectare Rio Claro Nature Reserve began as a private initiative in 1970.
Celebrating My 37th Birthday, Cartagena Style
A recap of Dave’s 4-day trip to Cartagena to celebrate his 37th birthday, including walks in the Old City, the beaches in Bocagrande, and fine dining.
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.
Barichara: The Prettiest Pueblo in Santander
Barichara is considered by many to be the prettiest pueblo in Colombia. In 1978, it was declared a National Monument on account of its architectural heritage dating back hundreds of years. While I will say it is one of…
Parque Nacional del Chicamocha
Parque Nacional del Chicamocha (also known as Panachi) is a park situated along a mountain ridge cutting through the Chicamocha Canyon. My first attempt to visit Parque Chicamocha, which only opened in 2006, from…
San Gil: Colombia’s Adventure Capital
San Gil has been dubbed the adventure capital of Colombia, thanks to a variety of outdoor activities including: whitewater rafting, kayaking, caving, hiking, paragliding, mountain biking, and horseback riding. In…
First Impressions of Bucaramanga
Visiting Bucaramanga was an afterthought. I’ve wanted to visit the pueblo of San Gil, “adventure capital of Colombia,” since 2009, but it wasn’t until recently that Bucaramanga edged its way into my subconscience as…
Medellín Travel Guide: Insider Advice from an American Expat in Colombia
Today I’m excited to share the release of my Medellín Travel Guide: Insider Advice from an American Expat in Colombia! Fully based on my experiences living in Medellín since 2009, I’m confident this is the best, most…
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…
Top 10 Things to Do in Bogota
As much as I like to poke fun at expats who prefer to live in Bogota, versus Medellin, there are plenty of interesting things to do in Bogota as a tourist. Luckily, much of it can be covered within a day or two, so even…
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…
Christmas in Bogota: Big Trees, Mongolian Food, and Catedral de Sal
Bogotá features its share of lights — not quite the candescence of Medellín — but I would have never known what kind of display the Colombian capital offers had I not come to see it. I had two other things I really…
Exploring Colombia: 5 New Places I Want to Visit in 2013
Now that I’ve committed to Colombia for the first three months of 2013, I’ve been thinking about the new places I want to visit most next year. Believe it or not, there’s still a ton of places I have yet to explore in…
Playa Almejal and a Peek at the Pacific Coast
PLAYA ALMEJAL, Chocó — The waves whisper as they wash up ashore, their way of calling you to the ocean, to swim, to surf, to sit under the sun. Our front yard was the waters of Playa Alemejal, without much else around,…
5 Undiscovered Caribbean Beaches
The Caribbean region easily boasts some of the finest beaches on the planet and unfortunately, everyone knows it. Fighting to stake a claim on a beach teeming with tourists can detract from a relaxing vacation and leave…
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…
Punta Gallinas: Exploring the Outskirts of Colombia’s Caribbean Coast
Writer’s note: This is Part 2 of a two-part story. To read Part 1, click here. PUNTA GALLINAS, La Guajira — They share a coastline and the Caribbean currents, a desert and a rainforest so pure and serene, our dreams…
A Very Colombian Birthday
Writer’s note: This is Part 1 of a two-part story. BUCARAMANGA — You didn’t think that dinner at Puerto Inka was going to be it, did you? If you did, you haven’t learned much about me this past year. What kind of travel…
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…
Cartagena to Medellín, Five Years in Between
The arrival felt surreal. It wasn’t that hot sticky weather — I had a lot of that growing up in Hawaii and living in Florida. But after my plane left the Sunshine State then 2 ½ hours later made its final descent into…
Day Trip to Nevado del Ruiz
Writer’s Note: This is part one of a two-part story. MANIZALES — Almost everyone wants to see the flag. It’s one of the main attractions as you meander toward the top of the highest volcano in Parque Nacional Natural…
San Gil, Chicamocha and Barichara
Writer’s note: This is part two of a two-part story. Click here to read part one. SAN GIL, Santander — The two-lane road winds through the Cordillera Oriental mountain range and climbs toward what has to be one of the…
Getting Sick in Santa Marta
I spent the first two weeks of June exploring Colombia’s Caribbean coast from Santa Marta to La Guajira Peninsula (the northernmost tip of Colombia, and South America). Rarely have I had intestinal issues in Medellin,…
Vacationing on the Colombian Island of San Andres
While living here in Medellin I had decided that I would try to see as much of Colombia as possible, and so earlier this month, I set out to visit the small and relatively unknown island of San Andres, Colombia (located…
Tayrona National Park
El Parque Natural Nacional de Tayrona on the Caribbean coast is one of the main attractions on the Colombian backpacker trail, and with good reason. Located about 30 minutes outside of Santa Marta, one of the main towns…