In order to better help you plan your trip to Medellín, I (Dave) put together a list of recommended resources. I have personal experiencing using almost all of these programs and companies.
My Most Recommended
If you look at nothing else on this page, check out my top recommendations below. I find myself suggesting these products and services to readers over and over, because they deliver high value at an affordable cost.
 Airbnb – The room and apartment rental service has taken off in Medellín the last few years, making it easier than ever to rent an apartment instead of relying on a hotel. Click here to sign up and receive a $25 credit toward your first Airbnb rental. |
Cheap Flights
Kayak – Flight comparison search engine.
Spirit Air – American discount airline with hub in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and direct flights to Medellín.
Jetblue – American discount airline with direct flights to Medellín.
VivaColombia – Colombian discount airline with domestic and international flights.
Avianca – Colombia’s national airline is well-connected, both domestically and internationally.
EasyFly – Small Colombian discount airline serving smaller cities. Click to read my review.
AirTreks – Specializing in multi-stop and ’round the world plane tickets.
Accommodation
Airbnb – Increasingly popular in Colombia. Use this link to sign up and receive a $25 credit toward your first rental.
CompartoApto.com – Colombian room and apartment rental site.
Craig’s List Colombia – Worth a look when searching for a room or apartment to rent in Medellín.
Insurance
World Nomads – Budget-friendly travel insurance. Based in Australia, available worldwide.
IMG Global – In addition to offering travel insurance and travel medical insurance to U.S. citizens, IMG Global offers long term medical insurance geared toward frequent international travelers and expats. It’s also possible to get coverage within the U.S. as long as you’re outside the country six or more months per year. I’ve been using IMG Global since 2008.
Clements – Finally, affordable international property coverage that will cover you in case of financial loss, even in countries on the U.S. State Department warning list (ie. Colombia). Based in NYC. I’ve been using Clements since 2011.
Travel Guide
Medellín Travel Guide – My best-selling guide to Medellín will help every visitor get the most out of their trip to the city.
iPhone Apps
Medellín Guide – The custom-designed, all-original iPhone app by Medellín Living is free and features over 180 listings including the city’s best restaurants, cafés, nightlife, attractions, parks, malls, housing and tourism services.
Metro de Medellín – A free app to help you navigate the city’s metro system, including metrocable lines and integrated bus routes.
Learn Spanish
Classes at Universidad EAFIT – One of the more expensive options, however it remains a popular choice for those spending at least a month in the city.
Visa and Legal Stuff
Langon Colombia – This is the only visa service I recommend. If you need help deciding which Colombian visa to apply for, as well as support doing the paperwork, contact Langon for a consultation. They also specialize in business law here in Colombia, and work with clients of all sizes, from startups to multinationals. Click to read my review.
Legalzoom – Easily accessible legal advice. I used Legalzoom to set up my LLC in Florida, before applying for a Colombian business visa.
Books
Killing Pablo: The Hunt for the World’s Greatest Outlaw – Written by Mark Bowden, Killing Pablo recounts the join Colombian and American effort to bring down Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel.
Love in the Time of Cholera – The bestseller from Colombia’s Pulitzer Prize winning author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Blogging
Hostgator – Cheap web hosting for beginners and small blogs. Save 25% by using coupon code medellin25 at checkout.
Synthesis – Premium WordPress hosting and the current choice of Medellín Living.
Studiopress – Premium themes for your WordPress blog. The current Medellín Living theme is by Studiopress.
WordPress – The best blogging platform, and what’s used here on Medellín Living.
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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links listed here are affiliate links, meaning I will earn a small commission based on any purchases you make. This is at no cost to you. And remember, I only recommend products and services I’ve used myself at one time or another. All proceeds go to support our efforts here at Medellin Living.
