Ultimate Guide Medellin Colombia
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CheckMig - Colombia E Arrival/Departure
MEDELLIN IMOL RANKINGS
Difficulty Level 6/10
GFE Level 6/10
Concerns: Scopolamine
Why we go there: One of the most beautiful mountain towns in Colombia, great infrastructure, incredible food and beautiful Colombian and Venezuelan women.
Warning: The Scopolamine problem is not being exaggerated. During a stretch of 2024 the city of Medellin averaged four reported deaths per week involving the drug.
Medellin Facts – the full briefing
Medellín, located in the Aburrá Valley in the Andes Mountains of Colombia, is the second-largest city in the country and has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once infamous for being the stronghold of drug cartels in the 1980s, the city has successfully reinvented itself as a vibrant and innovative destination. Here are some aspects of Medellín and its tourism:
Climate: Medellín boasts a mild and pleasant climate, earning it the nickname “City of Eternal Spring.” The average temperature is around 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit), making it an attractive destination year-round.
Culture and Arts: The city is rich in cultural attractions. The Museo de Antioquia, located in the city’s Plaza Botero, houses an extensive collection of works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Medellín is also known for its lively music and dance scene, particularly during the annual Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival).
Innovative Transportation: Medellín is renowned for its innovative transportation system, including the Medellín Metro, Metrocable (a cable car system connecting hilly neighborhoods), and escalators in some of the city’s slums. These projects have not only improved mobility but have also become tourist attractions in their own right.
Parks and Outdoor Activities: The city offers several green spaces, such as Parque Arví, a nature reserve accessible by cable car, and Jardín Botánico, a botanical garden. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the surrounding mountains, go paragliding, or take part in various adventure sports.
Culinary Scene: Medellín has a diverse culinary scene, with numerous restaurants offering traditional Colombian dishes as well as international cuisine. Street food is also popular, allowing visitors to sample local flavors.
Nightlife: The city comes alive at night with a thriving nightlife scene. The Zona Rosa district, particularly around Parque Lleras, is known for its bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Festivals and Events: In addition to the Feria de las Flores, Medellín hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating music, film, and other cultural expressions.
Safety: While Medellín has made significant strides in terms of safety, it’s essential for visitors to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings, especially in certain neighborhoods.
Tourism in Medellín has been growing steadily as more travelers discover the city’s unique charm and cultural offerings. The combination of modern infrastructure, cultural richness, and natural beauty makes Medellín an intriguing destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Logistics
Language = Spanish : Currency = Colombia Peso 3,900 / 1 USD
Entry Requirements : Tourist Visa is not required for stays 90 days or less. Passport with at least three months of validity and at least one empty page. Proof of onward travel is required by most airlines before boarding will be permitted. You will need to fill out an electronic Arrival / Departure form
Point of entry: Medellin International Airport (MDE)
Transportation: Taxi fares from MDE into Medellin average 100,000 COP including the toll fees. In town it is highly recommended to use the Uber App when arranging transportation. The pre-calculated rates take the guess work and more importantly, the negotiations over said rate out of the equation. *The tunnel toll is currently 22,000 peso
Where to Stay
We strongly advise first time visitors to stay in Lleras Park and Provenza, two districts in El Poblado. This is the most gentrified part of town, most popular with tourists and also has a very good nightlife.
Laureles Park is also a good choice, it’s an older district and popular with the ex-pats. La 70, which is a street running from Estadio metro station, is the bloodline for Laureles’ party scene.
You can find good hotels in these districts, excellent restaurants and easy transportation options. If this is your first trip to Colombia you will be surprised by how hip and modern these districts are.
Bringing “guests” back to your hotel room can be a bit tricky in Colombia. Most hotels in Medellin are now charging or outright denying unregistered guests. <IF you are discreet most of the hotels will allow one nightly guest as long as they have a valid ID> Hotel Dix and Haven Hotel
Hotel Park10 -* unregistered guest fee $45.00 per night
AirBNB
Laureles Apartment 1 bedroom Carreta 76 and Avenida 33
Loft (studio) with self check in Poblado Calle 11
Casa Fiora!✨Your Oasis Apartment in Laureles
All are within walking distance of the vibrant nightlife, restaurants and clubs.
Colombia’s Rolo and Paisa
You’ll hear these terms used In Colombia, “Rola” and “Paisa”
Rola = someone from Bogota
Paisa = A Paisa is someone from a region in the northwest of Colombia, including part of the West and Central cordilleras of the Andes in Colombia.
There seems to be more attitude from the Paisas towards the Rolos. It is not uncommon to get a negative reaction from a Paisa when you tell them that you plan on visiting Bogota. “The people there are not nice”, “The city is dirty, not safe” etc… Conversely I’ve never heard a Rola complain about Medellin.
You could compare the rivalry to Americans from NY talking about Los Angeles.
The Girls
Let’s cut to the chase. How much are the prostitutes in Medellin? Freelancers aka street hookers in Lleras Park typically ask for 100.00 USD especially if they speak English. This should be countered immediately with $50.00 USD. Girls in the Brothels / Strip Clubs can request up to 350,000 COP plus a room fee. Girls in El Centro can be bargained down to $25.00 or less in some circumstances depending on the individual.
Strip Clubs:
We should just call them brothels because that is exactly what they are. The only difference is that you can enjoy watching the ladies dance and hang out for a drink, before taking her to a room in the back to have sex. Notable clubs are Luna Lunera Club, Fase II, and Barra Ejecutiva in El Centro.
Most of the women inside the “Strip Club”s have that large shapely hour glass figure. If you are into skinny girls you might be disappointed with most of the line ups.
Freelance Girls
Freelancers can be found hanging out in Lleras Park and in/around every night club in town. You will not have any difficulty finding a willing companion for the night in Medellin. It’s literally point and click around every corner.
Loutron
Undoubtedly, Loutron stands out as the most upscale and refined establishment in Medellin’s adult entertainment scene. Nestled discreetly in the hills amidst lush greenery, concealing the building from public view. While predominantly frequented by affluent Colombian patrons, the welcoming atmosphere extends to foreigners without any additional charges.
Upon arrival, the security personnel will guide you through the property, creating an ambiance akin to a sprawling private residence. A genial Colombian lady, serving as the manager, awaits you in a spacious room with tables and wide-open doors that offer scenic views of a garden. Take your time to order a drink and unwind; there’s no sense of haste in this establishment. As an added touch, you’ll be provided with a pen and piece of paper.
Subsequently, the available ladies, each resembling models adorned in elegant and alluring dresses, will enter the room individually. With a warm smile, they introduce themselves briefly, occasionally showcasing their outfits, before moving on to other tables. While it’s possible to express your preference to the manager, a bit of patience is advised, given that there are approximately 12-15 working professionals at Loutron. The price for 60 minutes of fun is 350,000 COP.
El Centro
It is impossible to discuss Medellin without talking about El Centro. The poverty riddled downtown district of Medellin. It is located about twenty minutes away from the main tourist zones of the city. Consider it a different city because it is everything that Medellin isn’t. Crime ridden, dirty, congested and a blemish on Medellin’s other districts. That said… you can have a lot of fun in El Centro!
Brothels, street girls and lots of Colombian and Venezuelan women roaming the streets. It won’t take long for you to find the right kind of trouble. Just be aware, this section of town really is not safe. Petty theft such as pickpockets are rampant in this area and if you’re going to get mugged while in Colombia, it will probably happen in El Centro. Take extra precautions when rolling through these streets and be out of this area before sunset. El Centro at night is an absolute no-go.
Parroquia de la Veracruz
is the epicenter for freelance prostitutes in El Centro. The entire district surrounding the church and neighboring plaza is filled with prostitutes. Beware, you are not going to find and 8’s, 9’s, or 10’s standing around down here. But what you will find is cheap companionship and plenty of short time accommodations in the surrounding buildings. The process is point and click easy. Make eye contact, she will engage you, negotiate the price 40-80k depending on her age and appearance. She will then lead you into one of the buildings and a short time room / apartment which shouldn’t cost you more than 25k. Roughly $30.00 USD all in. Now you know why guys venture into El Centro.
If you really want to be adventurous take a stroll down Carrera 53 where you find several “bars” – bar meaning brothel. No directions needed, five steps down the street and you’ll be getting pulled into one of these seedy establishments. Same deal on Calle 58
Colombia can be a lot of fun or it can be a living nightmare
This will depend heavily on you. It all comes down to how you handle yourself and the vibe that you are projecting. We see guy’s come down to Colombia for four day weekends and try to project clout by flashing money and being loud. Possibly with the mindset that this will attract a higher level of female. It might, but it also attracts trouble. We can’t say this enough, the best way to roll through Colombia is to blend in, don’t stand out. Extra level of caution outside of the tourist zones and never leave your drink unattended.
This video was floating around social media and our chat groups last week. It’s a good reminder to be cautious when playing in the Colombian sandbox as they don’t always play nice.