'''Medellin''' is the second largest city in Colombia. It has over 2 million people and is the capital of the department of Antioquia. It's set in a valley running south to north just under one hour by plane from Bogota.
Understand
Recent History
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, *Medellin was considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world for its size, and had a highly disproportional homicide and kidnapping rate. It was the home of the drug lord Pablo Escobar [http://www.medellinthefilm.com] and the so-called Medellin Cartel, who virtually took over the city in the late 1980's and early 1990's. Since his demise in the mid-1990's, the cartel was disbanded and the city has returned to normalcy. For example, the number of homicides 1991 was greater than 4,000. As of June 2005, there were only 386 homicides, making Medellin [http://www.medellin.gov.co] one of the most secure cities in Latin America.
Medellin is a vast city built north to south in the Aburra valley and surrounded on either side by majestic mountain ranges. The wealthier classes live in the well-protected hillside neighborhood of El Poblado, and the more traditional suburban neighborhoods, Laureles and Envigado. This is far removed from the action and commotion which are found in the city's center. There are the busy markets and a thriving street life that make up much of the city's charm. The city is home to a half-dozen universities, accounting for a vibrant cultural and nightlife scene fueled by thousands of young adults from all over the country. Medellin is also Colombia's largest industrial center, and home to factories making everything from designer clothing to Toyota SUVs. Ironically, the city's northern hills are flooded with rural refugees from the ongoing civil war and their ingenuity in making a living is impressive. People sell anything from crayons to guinea pigs to garden earth in the bars in order to make a living.
For international travelers, Medelin is perhaps most famous for its beautiful women and the Botero Museum, whose namesake is arguably the most famous modern artist alive today. It is also known for its perfect climate, as witnessed by its nickname "city of the eternal spring". Enough to make your trip worthy.
Traveler be aware: The best advice is to use common sense. Remember, common sense is the least common of all senses. As modern and picturesque as it may seem listen to advice from the locals as to neighborhoods to stay out of.
The city safety report is online [http://www.medellin.gov.co/alcaldia/jsp/modulos/N_admon/obj/pdf/MEDELLIN%20EN%20CIFRAS%20FINAL2006.pdf?idPagina=1105].
Metropolitan Area
Medellin is surrounded by 8 smaller towns and together they form the '''Area Metropolitana''' [http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_Metropolitana_de_Medellin] with almost 3.5 million people. These other towns are: Bello, Itagui, Sabaneta, La Estrella, Caldas, Copacabana, Girardota and Barbosa. The neighboring town of Envigado does not belong to this administrative association even though it is closer than many of the mentioned above. Medellin is a true conglomerate of towns and you will find it difficult to tell the borders between these municipalities.
Located east of Medellin is the valley of Rionegro [http://www.rionegro.gov.co/] which is larger and higher in the mountains. This area holds some of the most important factories, recreational grounds and suburbs of the city, as well as the International Airport.
Climate
The weather in Medellin [http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/COXX0020?from=recentsearch] is quite mild it well deserves its common motto of 'City of everlasting spring'. Average daily temperatures are 22oC (71oF) , range from 15 to 30 degrees centigrade (60o-85oF). Humidity is comfortable in the 50%-70% range. Due to its proximity with the equator there is little variation with the seasons.
Talk
Spanish is the official language in Colombia. Few locals are bilingual, and when so it is usually English the second language. There are no major native (First nations) people in Medellin so indian dialects are not spoken.
Get in
International Airport
Medellin is served by '''Jose Maria Cordova International Airport''' ({{IATA|MDE}}) [http://www.aeropuertosdelmundo.com.ar/americadelsur/colombia/aeropuertos/medellin.php], located in the nearby city of Rionegro. International non-stop flights are available from Caracas, Lima, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Panama, Quito, New York City and beginning June 2009 from Mexico City with easy connections to Buenos Aires, Santiago, San Jose, Sao Paulo and other places. Airlines with international flights serving the city are: American Airlines [https://www.aa.com], Avianca [http://www.avianca.com], Aerorepublica [http://aerorepublica.com], Copa [http://copaair.com], TACA [http://www.taca.com], LAN [http://www.lan.com], Spirit Airlines [http://www.spiritair.com].
Domestic flights have frequent service to Bogota, Cali, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, San Andres isla. There are taxis that can take you down to the city. As of July 15, 2008, a taxi from Rionegro to the city is $48.000 Colombian Pesos (approximately 21 U.S. dollars). The minibus to Medellin downtown is at $5.800 Pesos and takes approximately one hour.
Domestic Airport
There is a small local airport '''Olaya Herrera''' ({{IATA|EOH}}) [http://www.aeropuertoolayaherrera.gov.co/ppal.php] close to downtown and it is very convenient for regional and domestic travel. Airlines: Aires [http://www.aires.aero], Aerolinea de Antioquia -ADA- [http://www.ada-aero.com], Satena [http://www.satena.com], etc.
Bus
Medellin has two '''bus terminals''' (north and south) [http://www.terminalesmedellin.com]. The north terminal is connected with Metro station Caribe and the rail system (Although passenger rail transport in Colombia is quite limited). The south terminal is next door to the much smaller domestic airport,(closest Metro Poblado), and also has a mid-size shopping mall inside.
Car
There are four roads leading to Medellin from all cardinal points. From Bogota you can take ''Autopista Medellin'' and head west 7-9 hours with beautiful scenery. From Pereira, Cali and the south take ''road 25'' towards Medellin. If coming from the Atlantic coast (Cartagena, Barranquillia) take ''route 25 south'' to Medellin (aprox. 11 hours).
Trains are scarce and unreliable in Colombia. It is not possible to arrive in Medellin by boat.
Get around
Most of the city of Medellin is built on a grid system. Carreras (streets) are abbreviated as Cr, K, kra or Crs and run parallel to the river from South to North.
The calles (also streets) cross the Carreras and run from East to West. Calles are abbreviated as C, Cll or Cl.
Avenidas, abbreviated as Av, are usually larger and main streets. The numerical system for the Avenidas is used but some have names that are more commonly used such as Avenida el Poblado or Avenida Oriental.
There are a few streets called ''Transversales'' which usually refer to wide Carreras atop the mountains in El Poblado neighborhood. The most famous are transversal ''Intermedia, Inferior and Superior''. Along ''Laureles'' neighborhood you can also find ''Diagonales'' and ''Circulares''.
Each address consists of a series of numbers, for example: Calle 50 # 65 - 8 which indicates that the building is on street 50 (Calle 50) 8 meters ahead from the intersection with street 65 (Carrera 65).
The most central point, Parque de Berrio, is located by convention on the crossroads of Calle 50 and Carrera 50.
Metro
Traveling trough the city is easy and quick, with the Metro [http://www.metrodemedellin.gov.co] system, you can go to anywhere in the city with The Metroplus (Bus extension to the Metro) and the Metrocable [http://www.medellininfo.com/metro/metrocable.html], a sky train or cable car that has revolutionized transport in the city. Under construction are: the 'southern extension' of the metro with stations in the towns of Sabaneta and La Estrella and the Metrocable to the new ecopark Arvi. Both new projects will add 6 km of lines to the system. Trains run from 5.00h to 23.00h on workdays and from 7.00h to 22.00h on Sundays and holidays. Single tickets are 1,500 pesos (0,60 USD), transfers between the Metro trains, cables and buses (Metroplus) are free.
Taxis and Buses
All taxis have meters, make sure they use them. Minimal fee costs about $3,500 (about $1.50 USD). Taxis are yellow and you can hail them in the streets but it can be safer to call the main phone number.
There is also the TuriBus [http://www.yoquieroir.com/360/turibus], a modern bus that goes around the city showing its parks, attractive neighborhoods, and historical parts; it only costs $10,000 (about $4.30 USD).
If you want to go around downtown or neighborhoods near the downtown area without using Taxis, try using the Circular Coonatra (there are various routes).
Other
Renting a car in Medellin, Colombia can enhance your visit, so it_Ls definitely worth considering. Take a day trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia, Santa Helena, El Penol or Llano Grande in Rionegro. Driving from Medellin allows for spectacular views as you climb up and out of the city into the surrounding mountains that lead to your day trip destination. Now you can rent a car for the day or longer from an English speaking company [http://www.medellinautorentals.com].
Biking is not easy in the city since many neighborhoods are in the hills. There is a small bike-route in the Laureles and Estadio areas. There are few areas designed to park bikes. On nights and weekends some major avenues are closed for the popular ''Ciclovia'' when you can safely ride a bike in the company of many other people exercising.
Walking is safe in some areas, not so in other parts of town. Read the 'stay safe' section for advise.
See
Landmarks
'''Pueblito Paisa''' is a reconstruction of a typical but tiny Antioquia village. It's located on top of el Cerro Nutibara and has a pleasant view over the city. It's within walking distance from the metrostation "Industriales," but as the walk to the top requires hiking uphill for a while, visitors might find that a taxi ride is a smart choice.
'''Los Alumbrados''', the christmas lights decorating Medellin, make it the most beautiful Latin American city for the holidays. The lights stay put from the beginning of December to mid January. The most impressive parts are centered around the Rio Medellin at the 'puente de Guayaquil' and downtown. Large statues made of lights can be found throughout the city. Metro stations '''Exposiciones''' and '''Industriales'''.
'''The Metropolitan Cathedral''', which holds the record as one of the buildings in the world with the most bricks, located along the Bolivar park in the city heart. Metro station '''Prado'''.
Museums and The Arts
'''Museo de Antioquia''' [http://www.museodeantioquia.org], Cra 52 #52-43, displays a collection of contemporary art including many pieces, paintings and sculptures of Fernando Botero, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_Botero] one of the most important sculptors in the world. The Plaza Botero holds several large sculptures just in front of the museum and is free of charge. Open: Mon through Fri 9:30AM-5:00PM and Sun and Hollidays 10AM-4PM. Entrance COP$8,000 and students COP$4,000. Metro station '''Parque Berrio'''.
There are many '''other museums''', you can find Museo Universidad de Antioquia [http://museo.udea.edu.co], Casa Museo Fernando Gonzalez [http://www.otraparte.org] (Envigado), Museo Pedro Nel Gomez [http://www.colarte.com/museos/PedroNelGomez/recuento.htm?nomartista=Pedro+Nel+Gomez+Museo&idartista=14436], Museo Interactivo EPM [http://www.museointeractivoepm.org.co/museo/index.php], MAMM [http://www.elmamm.org] (Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellin), Museo Etnografico Miguel Angel Builes [http://www.yarumal.org/yarumal/museo.html], etc.
During the 1980's there was a local law mandating every new building to invest 5% of the budget in a work of art displayed to the public, usually a sculpture. The legacy is around 300 monuments and sculptures scattered throughout the city and the nickname of '''City of Sculptures''' [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Sculptures_in_Medellin]. There are 3 places with a higher concentration of sculptures: the above mentioned ''Plaza Botero'', ''El Cerro Nutibara'' close to Pueblito Paisa and the gardens at ''Suramericana'' (Headquarters for the largest insurance company in the country).
After the wave of violence in the 1980's and 90's there was a resurgence in the field of education and the construction of modern '''libraries''' [http://www.reddebibliotecas.org.co/sites/Bibliotecas/Paginas/ParquesBiblioteca.aspx] in poor neighborhoods became a top priority. A few of them are masterpieces of architecture and a couple of them are easy to visit: Biblioteca '''Espana''' is atop the mountain and looks like giant black rocks hanging in the hills: Go to Metrostation Acevedo then take Metrocable to Santo Domingo station [http://www.reddebibliotecas.org.co/sites/Bibliotecas/parquebibliotecaespanasantodomingo/Hoja%20de%20Vida/Historia.aspx]. Another library, is close to Metrostation San Javier [http://www.reddebibliotecas.org.co/sites/Bibliotecas/parquebibliotecajoseluisarroyave/Hoja%20de%20Vida/Historia.aspx].
Parks
The '''Parque de los Deseos''' (Wishes' Park) [http://www.antioquiadigital.com/guiamedellin/atra/deseos.htm] near Antioquia's University, has an Indian context, beautifully enmarqued with the planetarium, and large display of science experiments. You can find free open air movies and discussions with film directors Saturdays at 7PM. Metro station '''Universidad'''.
The '''Plaza de Cisneros''' (o de la luz) [http://www.antioquiadigital.com/guiamedellin/atra/cisneros.htm] is in the heart of the city, it borders some beautiful buildings from the 20's, the EPM library, and a sector that was full of drugs and poverty many years ago, but is now a place to visit and have a great time. Metro station '''Alpujarra'''.
Also visit the '''Parque de los Pies Descalzos''' (Barefoot park) [http://www.fundacionepm.org.co/parque_pies_descalzos] for a Zen experience in the heart of town.
'''The Parque Periodista''' is a small square right in the center of the city. It is where the 'bohemian' and 'alternative' people meet. The bars play music varying from reggae and old salsa to alternative rock. You will find most of the people hanging outdoors instead of inside the bars. Metro station '''Parque Berrio'''.
The '''Parque de Boston''' is an attractive area that leads down to the main promenade '''La Playa''' where people can be found gathering at night to see street acts.
Jardin Botanico. otanical Gardens. alle 73 # 51 -298. etro Universidad. 574 444-5500. ttp://www.jbmed.org. ree. Mid size gardens with a vast collection of orchids and many tropical flowers, plants and trees. The covered area for display of flowers is an architectural marvel. The annual orchid exhibit is during August [http://www.sco.org.co] is world class. . Metro station '''Universidad'''
Zoo. oologico Santa Fe. ve Guayabal. ttp://www.zoologicosantafe.com/. AM-5 PM. OP 8,000 adults, 4,000 kids. Around 1,000 animals are displayed here.
Parque '''Juanes de la Paz''' is of limited touristic attraction since it has mostly sport courts and is in an under served neighborhood. With the help of the world famous singer work began in 2006 on a recreational park for the rehabilitation of the handicapped. The 68,000 square meter facility cost was around COP$11 billion, financed in part by the government of Medellin, it was completed in 2008. [http://www.medellin.gov.co/alcaldia/jsp/modulos/I_gestion/avanceparejuenesymlc.jsp]. Metrostation '''Tricentenario.'''
Currently under construction is the new '''Arvi''' park in the eastern slopes of the valley, close to a beautiful dam. This park will promote ecotourism and it will have direct connexion with the Metro through a new Metrocable. [http://www.parquearvi.org]
Neighborhoods
'''Prado''' neighborhood - formerly it was the wealthy neigbourhood of the city so many huge houses were built there. It still has some of these beautiful old houses, though it should be visited with caution as it's near the center of the city. Metro station '''Prado'''.
'''El Poblado''' neighborhood - this upscale part of town is built in steep hills and has many modern buildings which complement the nearby Andes forest. Most of the trendy bars, clubs, and restaurants of Medellin are located in this neighborhood. Safe to walk around at any time. Recommended. Take metro to '''Poblado''' station and walk East on Calle 10 for approximately 1km.
West of the Medellin river are the middle class neighborhoods of '''Laureles''', '''Estadio''' and '''Suramericana''' which are modern. The line B of the Metro runs along 'Estadio' near all major stadiums and sport facilities.
Do
Sightseeing
'''Metrocables''' [http://www.urbanrail.net/am/mede/medellin.htm] There are two cable car extensions of the Metro: For the line K take the a metro train to Acevedo station and from there take the '''Metrocable''' up to Santo Domingo for a nice view over the city. The cablecar is included in your metroticket. Go during the day and walk around to see what working class people live like. The area at the top sees tourists so there are little stands set up and people selling empanadas and other things. You can stop at a little bar and have a beer. Don't stray too far or off the beaten path in this neighborhood, though. For those so inclined, there are young people that give tours waiting at the top wearing t-shirts that said "guia" (guide). Also recommended is taking the metrocable located at San Javier up to La Aurora '''(J line)'''. Although there is nothing special to see or do at the top of the cable car route, the trip itself is longer and more interesting than the cable car that goes to Santo Domingo.
Stroll along lively Carabobo street [http://www.antioquiadigital.com/guiamedellin/atra/pasaje.htm] in the heart of downtown, recently converted to pedestrian-only. Safer during daytime. Metro stations '''Parque Berrio''', '''San Antonio''' or '''Alpujarra'''.
Turibus [http://www.medellininfo.com/atractions/turibus/index.html] is a good option to get a general overview of the city. You can take it in the main tourist places for 15,000 COP. The tour lasts four hours and stops at all the major sights for you to take photos. There are two Turibus tours a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It leaves from Parque Poblado at 9:00AM and 1:00PM. You must return to the same bus after each stop, it is not a hop-on/hop-off service. Spanish only [http://www.yoquieroir.com/360/turibus].
Entertainment
Medellin has a very '''active cultural life'''. There are four major theatres in town: Metropolitan Theatre [http://www.elcolombiano.com/tm.asp], Pablo Tobon Uribe [http://www.teatropablotobon.com], Teatro de la Universidad de Medellin [http://www.udem.edu.co/UDEM/Servicios/Teatro/] and Teatro EAFIT [http://www.eafit.edu.co/eafitcn/agenda]. They offer a variety of Music concerts, Opera, Theater, Ballet and other events with international and local performers.
There are several good quality contemporary and classic theater companies, such as '''Matacandelas''' [http://www.matacandelas.com], '''Hora 25''', '''Pequeno Teatro''' [http://www.pequenoteatro.net], '''Oficina Central de los Suenos''' [http://www.teatrooficinacentraldesuenos.com/Historia.htm] and '''Teatro Popular de Medellin''' [http://www.teatropopulardemedellin.com].
Sports
Medellin is one of a few cities in the world to have all sport venues located at the same place. At '''Unidad Deportiva Atanasio Girardot''' [http://www.inder.gov.co/unidades_deportivas.php?subpagina=0&pagina=1] you will find soccer, track & field, swimming, diving, baseball, volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, velodrome, ping-pong, karts, boxing, hapkido, judo, karate do, gymnastics, taekwondo, weightlifting, chess, roller skating and many more stadiums in one convenient location. Some of them are currently undergoing improvements for the upcoming South American games in 2010. Metrostation '''Estadio'''.
'''Watch a football game''' at one of the two teams based in Medellin, Atletico Nacional [http://www.atlnacional.com.co] and Independiente Medellin [http://dim.com.co]. Attending a home game at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estadio_Atanasio_Girardot] is recommended for any football - soccer fans, or those wanting to experience the famed South American passion for futbol! Games generally take place on Saturday or Sunday, and tickets can usually be purchased at the stadium. Metro station '''Estadio'''.
The neighboring town of Envigado also has a professional soccer team [http://www.envigadofutbolclub.net]. Metro station '''Envigado'''.
During March 2010 Medellin will be hosting the IX South American games [http://www.medellin2010.org].
The '''Juvenile Soccer World Cup''' will be held in Colombia in 2011 (Also called ''Under-20'' by FIFA) with Medellin as one of its venues. [http://www.colombia2011.com]
Fairs, Shows, Exhibits and other Activities
Visit the city during the first days of August for the local festival '''"Feria de las flores" (Flowers festival)''' [http://www.feriadelasfloresmedellin.gov.co/]. There are all kind of events during one week including the "Desfile de Silleteros" (Parade of flower carriers).
The new freshwater '''Aquarium''' inside the '''Parque Explora''' [http://www.parqueexplora.org] opened in December 2008 and depicts a great variety of river and freshwater wildlife, abundant in Colombia. It is probably one of the largest aquariums [http://www.antioquiadigital.com/guiamedellin/atra/acuario.htm] in Latin America and certainly one of few specialized in freshwater fauna. Metro station '''Universidad'''.
See the outer space at the Planetarium [http://www.antioquiadigital.com/guiamedellin/atra/planetario.htm]. Metro station '''Universidad'''.
Medellin has one of the most important '''Poetry Festivals''' [http://www.festivaldepoesiademedellin.org] in the World. Every year , usually in July, poets from all around the world (including Nobel Prices) come to this amazing event.
Do a '''Full moon night''' visit to an old Cemetery [http://www.cementeriosanpedro.org.co] (Cementerio de San Pedro) where former presidents and beautiful sculpted graveyards are found. Metro stations '''Hospital''' or '''Universidad'''.
The Convention Center '''Plaza Mayor''' [http://www.plazamayor.com.co] is the main site for big events including the fashion and textile industry related annual shows '''Colombiamoda''' (July) and '''ColombiaTex''' (January) [http://www.colombiamoda.com].
Learn
Medellin houses many important universities and learning institutes. Almost 100% of the courses are in Spanish.
Universities
'''Universidad de Antioquia''' with over 200 years is the largest and more important academic institution in town nd the second one in the whole country. Its old campus downtown has beautiful republican architecture while the newer campus (1960's) i a great example of modern architecture [http://www.udea.edu.co].
'''Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana''' has 2 main campuses. Careers that are strong: Medicine, architecture, liberal arts and engineering [http://www.upb.edu.co].
'''EAFIT''' emphasis on business, information technology and engineering [http://www.eafit.edu.co].
'''Escuela de Ingenieria de Antioquia''' [http://www.eia.edu.co/].
'''CES''' a health sciences university [http://www.ces.edu.co].
'''Universidad Nacional de Colombia''' has 2 campuses, good education in engineering [http://www.unalmed.edu.co].
Learn Spanish
At a variety of second language schools:
'''Medellin Spanish School''' [http://spanishinmedellin.com] Unlike most of the schools in town, this one offers the best flexibility and quality at a price that does not aim to rip off the "rich foreigner".
Learn Spanish at '''Loquella''' [http://www.loquella.co.uk]. All levels of students are welcome, overseas students can also find accommodation at different levels from cheap hotels to apartments. They also offer cultural learning and courses online.
Learn Spanish with the Language Institute Medellin, +57 316 4039 305. They offer cheap courses with great accommodations!
Work
Officially it is not legal to work in Colombia without a proper working visa. Visas can be obtained by employers on your behalf.
There is a significant market for English and other language teachers.
Buy
Colombia is famous for its coffee and Medellin is only a few hours from the coffee growing centers of Colombia. You can find coffee flavors of everything you can imagine, from ice-cream to arequipe (sweetened milk). The _eStarbucks_f coffee culture is growing, with the most prominent brand being Juan Valdez coffee shops. The Juan Valdez chain is owned by the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia, and sells a variety of Colombian coffees.
Aguardiente Antioqueno: Schnaps with a special flavor, much like black licorice.
Ron de Medellin: The local Rum, excellent!
Despite the claim of being the textile capital of Colombia, Medellin is not a shopper_fs paradise for clothes for North American tourists, but prices can be attractive to visitors from other latitudes. The main malls sell a limited variety of clothes, (especially men_fs clothes), at only slightly discounted prices from the US, although there are always bargains to be found if you look hard enough. The style of clothes for women in Medellin is very revealing and sexy, so it perhaps more suited for gift buying than shopping for yourself. When planning your shopping for clothes bear in mind that the local weather is very mild, so the options for winter and summer clothes are limited.
Shopping Malls
El Tesoro Parque Comercial. ra. 25A # 1A Sur - 45 / Loma El Tesoro con Transversal Superior. ccess only by taxi or private car. 743211010. ttp://www.eltesoro.com.co/. AM-11 PM. A large shopping mall located in an unusual location: in very steep mountain overriding a creek. Many upscale stores, technology shops and good restaurants. El Tesoro is bilingual; they have an Information Center where tourists can get any information in English, every day from 14:00 to 21:30. Furthermore, it is possible to access this service calling 321 10 10 ext 111-112. And just for tourists to go shopping without any problem, the mall made a brochure with all the terms and expressions they need, in English and Spanish. Ask for it at the information desks.
Oviedo centro comercial. v El Poblado Cr 43 A # 6 S 15. 574 311 6116. Large shooping area with nearby hotels and restaurants.
</buy>
San Diego centro comercial. alle 33 No 43 16. t the crossroad of Las Palmas, Avenida Oriental, Avenida San Diego and calle 33. 574 262 0105. The first shopping mall built in Colombia over 30 years ago is still a nice place to stroll, eat and of course shop. Located less than 1 mile away from downtown.
Outlet '''Mayorca''' is directly connected to a Metro station and also has a movieplex. [http://www.mayorca.com.co]. Metro '''Itagui'''.
Premium Plaza. entro comercial. venida SanDiego x Calle 30. ttp://www.premium-plaza.com. The new mall in town.
Monterrey. entro comercial. venida 62 (Carrera 48) x Calle 10. Only 2 blocks from Poblado metro station. This mall is the place to go for anything computer or cell phone related. Many small shops selling all manner of electronic equipment and accessories. There is also a 5-screen movie theatre in this mall as well as a salon offering excellent massages (store #126).
Stores
For leather goods for women visit '''Bon-Bonite''' with 10 locations in town. Features many handbags in leather and ethnic materials, as well as shoes and accesories. [http://www.bonbonite.com]. Available In most shopping malls.
'''Underwear''', for men and women, are plentiful and the variety is great. '''Women''': Leonisa [http://www.leonisa.com], Tania [http://www.tania.com.co]. '''Men''': Unico [http://www.mymundounico.com], Punto Blanco, GEF. In all major shopping malls.
Money
The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Bank notes come in denominations from 100 to 50,000 pesos. Coins are available in 20, 50, 100, 500 y 1,000 pesos. US dollars and Euros are rarely used, except for tourist oriented stores.
Using Credit and Debit Cards is frequent in Colombia but not prevalent as in developed countries. Often times you will need a form of ID, like your passport or government ID to pay with a card. You sometimes may be able to use a copy of your passport, but not always.
ATM limits: ATMs strictly limit withdrawals on foreign and domestic cards. You may only be able to get out 1,2 million pesos per day, so plan to visit the ATM often or hunt around for a more relaxed limit. There are 5 major international banks with local offices, if by chance you hold a card of any of these banks your rates are usually lower (Citibank, HSBC, RBS, Santander and BBVA). The largest Colombian bank is Bancolombia with ATM's everywhere.
Eat
Colombian cuisine is varied and regional. The more typical dishes are referred to as comida criolla.
Some examples are: sancocho de gallina (chicken soup), carne en polvo (ground beef), arepas de choclo (fresh corn tortillas), empanadas (meat-filled fried turnovers), aji (hot sauce), ajiaco (Bogota's chicken and potato soup), bandeja paisa, natilla, bunuelos (fried cheese puffs), hojuelas (fried puff squares), rice with coconut, Antioquian beans, sobrebarriga (flank steak) mantecada (bun made with lard), papas chorreadas, pandeyuca (yucca bread) and carne desmechada (shredded meat).
A typical breakfast in Medellin consists of baked corn arepas (Flat unsweetened corn pancake) topped with butter and fresh white cheese, coffee or hot chocolate.
One treat that will leave anyone stuffed is the "Tipico Antioqueno"; arepa con queso (small flatbreads with cheese on top), beans, chicken, rice, fried eggs, chicharron (salted fried bacon) and patacon (deep-fried plantain pancakes). Topping that off with a Colombian beer and a cup of "chocolate" (pronounced the Spanish way - it's milky, sweet hot chocolate) makes for an excellent meal. An excellent place to eat typical food is Hatoviejo.
There is a large variety of restaurants all throughout Medellin, especially concentrated around the _eZona Rosa_f which is in Poblado between Parque Poblado and Parque Lleras. You can find a fine display of places with whatever food you desire, with good quality for comparatively cheap prices to the US, although there is a shortage of authentic Greek, Indian and Thai restaurants. Sushi is increasingly popular and may be found at the larger malls or supermarkets that are more "international."
Colombia also has an incredible variety of tasty fruits. A few of these are: guanabana, lulo, zapote, mamoncillo, uchuva, feijoa, granadilla, maracuya, tomate de arbol, borojo, mamey and tamarindo.
Colombia is well known for its coffee, and Medellin is no exception. As with any large city, there are the usual chain restaurants, however the American "fast-food culture" has not made a huge splash in the country.
Restaurants
'''EL POBLADO'''
La Provincia. eafood & Itialian. alle 4 sur # 43 A - 179. ear Oviedo shopping mall. 574 311 9630. on-Sat Noon-3 PM, 7PM - midnight. $$. Really good food, well prepared and well served. Closed Sundays.
San Jorge de Manila. rill & Seafood. arrera 43 B # 12 - 101. alle de la Buena Mesa, near El Poblado. 574 312 3006. ttp://www.sanjorgedemanila.com. on-Sat noon-3 PM, 7PM-Midnight. $$. Lunch menu available at discounted price. Closed Sundays.
Al Patio. exican - Seafood. arrera 38 # 19 - 2- 65. arretera Las Palmas. 574 2666 060. oon to 4 AM. $. Restaurant and Bar. Overlooks town, great outdoors.
Herbario. teak & Seafood. arrera 43 D # 10 -30. ear el parque El Poblado. 574 311 2537. ttp://www.elherbario.com. on-Sat Noon-3 PM, 7 PM-11.30 PM. $$. Short and Exquisite menu.
Lion's Den Sports Pub. merican. ar. 36 No. 10-49. hree blocks from Parque Lleras. Go up Calle 10 and turn left on Car. 36, we are 5 buildings down on the left. 574 311 6079. ttp://www.tigerpawhostel.com/sports_bar.html. pm to 12 pm nightly. $. nfo@tigerpawhostel.com. Watch NFL, college football, NBA, baseball, soccer and more international sports. Please call to see if we can get your game. Menu: Black bean nachos, chicken wings, burgers and sandwiches (grilled chicken, tuna salad, etc). Multiple plasma/ LCD / wide screen TVs.
'''DOWNTOWN'''
'''Versalles''' restaurant along carrera Junin downtown has basic Argentinean fare at reasonable prices. Carrera 49 # 53-39, Phone ''+57 4'' 511 9147. Metrostations '''Parque Berrio or Prado.''' $.
Moli. egetarian. alle 54 # 47 - 105, local 132. entro comercial El Parque. 574 231 5675. Downtown location.
In situ restaurante. ardin Botanico. alle 73 # 51 D-14. etro Universidad. 574 233 2373. ttp://www.jbmed.org/. $. Reservations recommended. Nice restaurant located in the middle of the Botanical Gardens. The menu offers a combination of local food, some organic choices and all plates are well presented. Outside the restaurant there is a little garden with herbs and aromatic plants..
'''MULTIPLE LOCATIONS'''
'''J y C Delicias''' offers typical arepas with a variety of toppings, good for lunch or dinner. A few locations: in Laureles neighborhood Carrera 76 # 33 A-62, phone ''+57 4'' 250 4861. In El Poblado Calle 4 Sur # 43 A-8, phone ''+57 4'' 312 6656, AND El Tesoro Shopping mall. $$.
Mondongo's. arrera 70 # circular 3 - 43. ight hand side on avenida 70, 3 blocks from Universidad Bolivariana. 57 4 411 3434. ttp://www.mondongos.com.co. $. A famous and traditional local restaurant with tow locations in town, and one additional in Miami for the homesick. Offers a local soup made up with tripe. If not adventurous you can go for regular beans and other delicacies. Additional location in El Poblado Calle 10 # 38 -38, phone +57 4 312 2346.
El Astor. essert house. unin: Carrera 49 # 52-84. block away from Edificio Coltejer. 574 511 9002 . ttp://www.elastor.com.co. AM - 7 PM. $. Traditional cakes, pastries and desserts. Tea house. Metrostation Parque Berrio.
Pasteleria Santa Elena. arque el Poblado. arrera 43 # 8 - 36. 574 325 6600 ext 107. ttp://santaelena.com.co. Great desserts, pastries and the locally famous 'Pastel de Gloria' filled with guava paste and arequipe.
Also downtown at Ave. La Playa Carrera 45 # 50-64. Many locations throughout town.</eat>
Drink
Local Drinks
''Aguardiente'' - a popular alcoholic beverage in Colombia with sweet and licorice-flavored, made-up of sugarcane. The local brand is ''Aguardiente Antioqueno'' and it is usually drank straight followed by an ounce of water or slices of mango.
''Ron'' - Rum is also popular with locals. The domestic brand is ''Ron Medellin Anejo'' aged either 3, 8, 12 or 30 years, typically served mixed with Club Soda, Coca-Cola or lemon juice [http://www.fla.com.co].
''Cerveza'' - Beer is available almost anyrywhere, the one most enjoyed by people is ''Pilsen'' [http://www.bavaria.com.co/espanol/marcas/col_cerveceras_pilsen.php] a light golden in color, German Pilsener or Lager type of beer. Also admired by locals and foreigners is ''Club Colombia'' a finer premium beer, made-up of 100% malt [http://www.cervezaclubcolombia.com].
''Refajo'' is kind of a cocktail made out of beer and ''Colombiana'' -a local soft drink-. It is refreshing and a little sweet.
''Cocteles'' - Due to the great variety of tropical fruits and its juices your imagination will be boundless when creating ''Cocktails'' in Medellin. Start with ''Lulo juice'' with vodka, or try the many recipes with passion fruit (Spanish: ''Maracuya'').
----
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are the main days to party in Medellin; the rest of the week the mainstream nightlife isn't really exciting. Most bars and clubs close at 3AM. Actually bars in Parque Lleras close at 2AM, but you will find plenty of clubs that close at 4 am, and if you need to stay up later just look for the techo, or electronica clubs.
Colombians love to cook out and party. Checkout some of the culture shots here: Colombian Festival Tour Photos [http://www.MedellinTours.net]
'''Babylon''' is best known for its Thursday night all you can drink, 20,000 pesos to enter, OPEN UNTIL 4AM. Popular with semi pro girls, Las Palmas
'''El Blue''' is a popular place with cross-over music (a mix of rock and local music). It's popular with gringos and 'gringo hunters'. Thursday is the night to go.
'''Red''', opposite El Blue, offers electronic music and local music.
'''Mangos''' is the most famous of clubs here in Medellin and has a reputation of being visited by rich mafia-related Colombians but is also usually full of incredibly hot women (proceed with caution, some women are paid for). Also it is very very expensive at about $5 per beer and $25 for a small bottle of rum, Auto Pista Sur. OPEN TIL 4AM
'''Universal''' is a relatively new club which rivals Mangos for size and popularity but generally has a much younger clientele, on Autopista Sur.
'''Palmaia''' is the newest, biggest and arguably best club in Medellin and has a capacity of 3,000 people. Standard crossover music with a boxing ring for girl-fights! Autopista Sur.
'''Circus''' is a new venue with great views over Medellin. Very popular with the beautiful, in-crowd and normally plays cross-over music.
'''El Eslabon Prendido''' is a great place to watch, or if you can, dance salsa. It's located in the centre so some precaution is necessary.
'''Carnivale''' International DJ's spin house, techno, etc. until the early morning (9AM) with most patrons high on extasy sucking lolly pops and wearing sunglasses.
Lakasa Club. lectronic. arrera 38 # 26 - 260. ia las Palmas km 1. 574 444 0807. ttp://www.lakasaclub.com/. $. International and Local DJ's
VIVA. ance club. alle 51 # 73 - 100. lose to baseball stadium. $. Large 2-story dance club with mostly gay clientele
Bars
The area around Parque Lleras, (la Zona Rosa), has a concentration of restaurants and bars and great people watching. It is active on most nights and a must visit for those looking for Colombian night life. The major restaurants on the corner, El Rojo and Basilica are great for food, drinks and people watching. Occasionally they have live music or big screens when important football matches are played.
Parque Lleras is interesting any night of the week although admitedly Thursday, Friday and Saturday are far more lively. There are places, mostly electronic music venues open till 6 or 7AM outside of the city limits as the laws forbid any bar to remain open after 3PM. People however gather around Parque Poblado until dawn drinking, smoking and chating. You can buy cigarettes, alcohol and anything else you could wish for from the street vendors until the last man standing.
'''B-Lounge''' is an electronic disco with rich, beautiful women as is...
'''La Kasa''' which are both good on Thursday nights as it's Ladies Night.
'''La Camerata''' has offered classic music to its costumers for over 25 years. Occasional live appearances. Calle 49 between carreras 64 y 65, near calle Colombia.
'''Studio 54''' is on the northeast corner of Palacio de Exposiciones, just across from Plaza Mayor convention center. Nice music videos, pop, music from the 80's, latin, etc. Mainly gay costumers.
'''San Marcos''' bar and video has mostly gay clientele, located near Unicentro shopping mall Calle 34 # 66B - 53, Barrio Conquistadores. Phone +57 4 265 3666. [http://www.sanmarcosbar.tk]
'''Vinacure''' An incredibly trippy place - expensive to get in but definitely worth seeing once, entry is about US$4. The entire club is designed by a noted Colombian sculptor. Try to go when German, the owner, is about so you can check out The Naked Room, an interactive art exhibition that must be experienced naked. This is a very interesting, unusual and fun art-museum/bar. It's truly unique. To get there, take a taxi to the beginning of Caldas (carrera 50 No 100D Sur 07, Caldas). Or you can take a bus.
Just outside of Medellin, there are some venues in Sabaneta. Sabaneta has not yet caught on with foreigners, making it the place to go if avoiding gringos is your thing.
Sleep
Hotels
'''EL CENTRO'''
Most of the inexpensive hotels in Medellin are located in El Centro. It's a vibrant area during the daytime, but at night becomes a bit sketchy, be aware.
Hotel Conquistadores. arrera 54 #49-31. 12 32 32. ttp://www.webteam.com.co/hconquist. 3,000 COP for a single room. An affordable and safe hotel in the center of town. All the basic amenities, including cable TV, hot water, lockboxes. Restaurant on site. Friendly and helpful staff. Recommended.
Hotel Linton. arrera 45 #47-58. l Palo entre pichincha y Bombona. 39 26 47. 0,000 COP for a single room. All the basic amenities including cable TV, hot water, mini stereo system in rooms.
Hotel Ayacucho Real. alle 49 (Ayacucho) #48-15. 11 59 04. 8,000 COP for a single room. All the basic amenities including cable TV, hot water, mini stereo system in rooms.
Hotel San Jose. alle 49 #45-12, second floor. yacucho por el Palo. 12 00 66. 6,000 COP for a single room. Probably the cheapest decent hotel in town. Despite the price, it is clean and safe. Cable TV, hot water, laundry on site.
'''ESTADIO and LAURELES'''
These are middle-class, safe neighborhoods just west of the river (west of downtown) with many bars, restaurants, shops and clubs along Carrera 70.
Hotel Terranova 70. arrera 70 #47-34. iagonally opposite Estadio metro station. 60 22 82. 5,000 COP for a single room. The most inexpensive hotel in this desirable area. Clean, modern, nice rooms. Friendly staff.
Sauces del Estadio. ra 69 No.49A-30..
'''Hotel Casa Laureles''', Calle 35 No.78-66.
'''Hotel Laureles 70 ''', Circular 5a No.70-15.
'''EL POBLADO''' This is probably the most desirable neighborhood to stay in, however it is also the most expensive. The higher-end bars, restaurants, and clubs are all located in this area. High-end supermarkets (Pomona, Carulla and Exito) are nearby, as well as shopping malls, open Wi-Fi networks, and a few Juan Valdez coffee shops.
Hotel Casa-10. alle 11 #43B-71. couple of blocks NW of Parque Poblado. 11 4882 or 582 5347. 0,000 COP for a single room. The most inexpensive hotel in this desirable area. Clean and modern rooms. Newly opened in early May 2009. Friendly staff. Wider range of cable TV than most inexpensive hotels. Internet computers and WiFi included. Free parking.
Hotel Intercontinental. alle 16 #28-51. ariante LAS PALMAS, 2 km up from San Diego shopping mall. 574 319 4450. ttp://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/medellin. 5.00. 3.00. $$. A nice and traditional hotel in town, recently renewed. Suburban location. Large rooms, convention center.
Hotel San Fernando Plaza. arrera 42 A # 1 - 15. ve. el Poblado. 574 444 5333. ttp://www.sanfernandoplaza.com.co. 10 USD. Very fancy and elegant for the price, excellent service. Nice surroundings with many restaurants, gym, coffee house.
Poblado Plaza Hotel. stelar. arrera 43A No.4Sur-75. 574 268 5555. ttp://www.hotelesestelar.com/nuevo2/web/home_esp.php?Hotel=Hotel%20El%20Poblado%20Plaza&Seccion=Home&Idioma=Esp. Convenient locationg in the Golden Mile. Has a pleasant garden where meals can be taken. Free WiFi.
Four Points by Sheraton. arrera 43 C #6 Sur 100. ear Oviedo shopping mall, Poblado neighborhood. 574 3218088. ttp://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=736. 5.00. 5.00. $.
Hotel Belfort. Dann Carlton Hotel. alle 17 # 40 B - 30. venida el Poblado. ttp://www.hotelbelfort.com. Nice swimming pool area.
Park 10 Hotel. arrera 36B No. 11-12 El Poblado. 574 310 6060. ttp://www.hotelpark10.com.co. $$. email: reservas@hotelpark10.com.co
Hotel Porton de Medellin. arrera 43A No 9 Sur 51 Av. El Poblado. lose to Oviedo mall. 574 313 2020. ttp://www.hotelportonmedellin.com. 0-180 USD. Located in the area called _gThe Golden Mile_h, an exclusive business, trade and entertainment center.
Dann Carlton Hotel. v. El poblado Cra. 43A # 7-50. lose to Poblado main plaza. 574 444 5151. ttp://200.26.151.12:81/dann/index.php/es/content/view/full/87. $$.
Estelar Poblado Alejandria. ra. 36 # 2 Sur-60. 574 318 2000. ttp://www.hotelesestelar.com/nuevo2/web/home_esp.php?Hotel=Estelar%20Poblado%20Alejandria&Seccion=Home&Idioma=Esp. $$.
'''Medellin Executive Suites Hotel''', 011 57 3 313-582-6237 Email: medellinexecutivehotel@gmail.com [http://www.medellinexecutivehotel.com]. An exclusive hotel with exemplary service, modern amenities, and idyllic surroundings. Located in one of the most beautiful areas of Medellin. Calle 11A No. 31A-208. Short walk to Parque Lleras! neart to the "Zona Rosa" area. WiFi, Pool and recreation deck available [http://www.communitywalk.com/medellinexecutivehotel].
'''Hotel La Casa Medellin''' [http://www.lacasamedellin.com] is a Boutique Hotel located in the most exclusive area of Medellin known as Los Balsos el Poblado. Walking distance to popular attractions such as Oviedo Shopping center and a 5 minute taxi drive to Medellin_fs exciting Zona Rosa & Parque LLeras. U.S. Phone Number: 310-728-6301 Medellin Number: +57 4 268 6010
('''NOTE:''' Opening summer 2010) '''The Charlee Hotel''', Calle 9A #37-16 Parque Lleras, El Poblado [http://www.theCharlee.com] Is the first 5-star Boutique Hotel concept in Medellin and the only Hotel inside Parque Lleras. '''the Charlee''' will have 17 floors, 5-star restaurant & 44 rooms available to purchase ranging from US$200-$250k. '''The Charlee''' will be the first hotel in Medellin to have: 1. Roof top pool/lounge, Full-service spa, Largest gym of any hotel in the Country 4. Every room with large in-suite balconies, 42" Plasma screens and iPod docking stations.
'''OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS'''
Hotel Las Lomas. nternational Airport Hotel. lorieta of the international airport. ose Maria Cordova Km. 26. 574 536 0440. ttp://www.laslomashotel.com. 5.00. 3.00. $. Nice suburban hotel with beautiful grounds. Not noisy. Toll-Free from Colombia: 018000 940 440
Hostels
Blacksheep Hostel. ransversal 5A #45-133 (Patio Bonito). 311 1589. ttp://www.blacksheepmedellin.com/. orm beds COP$17.000, doubles from COP$ 35000.. elvin@blacksheepmedellin.com. On-site Spanish lessons, BBQ every Sunday. Operated by a helpful a Kiwi expat named Kelvin. Two metre long European sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, hot power showers, airy rooms, fully equipped kitchen, 5 computers with high speed internet access (COP$ 2000/h), a tv room + cable, free DVDs hammocks
Casa del Sol Hostel. alasanz 49 81A-24. 220531. ttp://www.hostalcasadelsol.com/. 1.00. orm beds COP$18.000.. nfo@hostalcasadelsol.com. Friendly and basic hostel. Kitchen, inclusive breakfast of toast and tea or coffee, TV/DVD room. Internet/wifi, table tennis, book exchange, laundry
Casa Kiwi Hostel. ra 36 #7-10. blocks above Parque Lleras in El Poblado. 4) 268 2668 / 352 1109. ttp://www.casakiwihostel.com. orm beds 17,000 pesos. Private rooms from 35.000 pesos. asakiwi@gmail.com. Great foreign run backpacker hostel, with cheap dorm beds and private rooms, and a new addition with nicer private rooms and suites. High speed internet, free Wi-Fi, TV with Satellite. Terraces and patios, a fully equipped guest kitchen, laundry service, pool table, and lockers in the dorm rooms. Great atmosphere and good customer service and travel information.
'''Casa Mayde''', Calle 10 37-39, tel. +57 4 312 1248, [http://www.hosteltrail.com/casamayde], casamayde@yahoo.com, is a Colombian run hostel in the safe and modern Parque Lleras neighborhood, for a maximum of 15 people. Ten-minute walk from Poblado metro station. Dorm beds cost 15,000 pesos. Private double rooms 30,000 to 55,000 pesos. Hot showers in some rooms. Fully equipped self-catering kitchen. Two outdoor patios, slow Internet connection, cable and laundry service. Directions: consult the hostel's webpage. The owner, Mayde, and her staff are a rather eccentric bunch that drinks and smokes up every night, so don't stay here unless you're looking to stay up all night.
Palm Tree Hostel. ra 67 #48D-63. ear town centre.. 260 2805. ttp://www.palmtreemedellin.com. The Palm tree is a spacious hostel with all of the basics (internet, tv lounge, hot showers, free orange juice, etc). It can be described as a decent party hostel with a mostly unhelpful and understaffed reception.
Tiger Paw Hostel. ar 36 No. 10-49. cross the street from Parque Lleras in Poblado. S 843-564-5585 and international +57 4 311 6079. ttp://www.tigerpawhostel.com. nfo@tigerpawhostel.com. Brand new hostel which is steps away from the main night-life in town. Extra large compartmentalized private bunk beds. US TV programming, DVD, laundry, bilingual staff, pool table, free internet, WiFi, XBOX360, private lockers, 24 hour reception, events, tour information, kitchen, hot water. Owner is American with plenty of experience in Medellin. Sports Bar located in the hostel (see 'Eat' section)
Saman Hostel. alle 10 N__ 36-24, El Poblado. 10221436/3207662735. ttp://www.samanhostelmedellin.blogspot.com/. orm beds COP$20.000.. amanhostel@gmail.com. Seriously plush and very clean for a hostel, and close to the more up-market bars around El Poblado. Internet, plush lounge, kitchen, free tea & coffee, laundry service.
Hostal Tamarindo - Medellin. alle 7 #35-36, El Poblado. 742689828. ttp://www.hostaltamarindo.com. PM. 1AM. 9.00US. 06.20648__. 75.56578__. At Tamarindo you will find a calm, warm and friendly atmosphere, great service, clean comfortable rooms, bathrooms and social areas, hot water all day, a fully equipped open kitchen, free use of linens and towels, smocking areas, lockers, DVD movies, no curfew, keyless entry and complete tourist information.
Apartments
For Apartment acccommodation and whenever possible, you should try to rent for a month. Prices in pesos en El Centro range from 200,000, in Laureles from 400,000 and in El Poblado from 800,000 pesos per month for unfurnished apartments. El Poblado is the safest and ceanest neighborhood, and furnished studio apartments run 1,700,000 pesos and up. thinking in dollars? look up the USD COP exchange rate.
Mery's Medellin Rentals. edellin, Colombia. ttp://www.merysmedellinrentals.com/. ery@merysmedellinrentals.com. This company has a variety of apartments located throughout Medellin and the surrounding towns. From simple to elegant, and prices ranging from 99k to 320k COP nightly, including some of the best apartments at the cheapest prices available.
Medellin Apartments. urnished Apartment Rentals and Rooms. alle 11B Zona Rosa, El Poblado. SA (415) 240 4698 COL +57 313 390 7109. eservations@MedellinApartments.INFO. SA 415 520 0114. PM. rom $23/night (40,000 Pesos). Over 65 fully Furnished Apartments to choose from. 3 different rooms to choose from in our B&B style. Save money renting rooms as well! All apts have high Speed Wireless Internet, Cable, washer, Local Calls. Free walking tour of the Zona Rosa and Parque Lleras area. We want you to feel at home right away.
'''Rent Apartments''' Medellin [http://www.rentapartmentsmedellin.com] Offers an extensive list of properties for rent and sale located in the best areas of Medellin, Colombia.
The Apartments Medellin. uxury Apartment Rental. reland. 57 4 331 2837. ttp://www.theapartmentsmedelin.com/. PM. 2PM. rom $65 per night. partment.medellin@gmail.com. 12 different luxury apartments to choose from, all fully furnished and serviced, including a free mobile phone!
Apartments-Medellin. uxury Apartments in Poblado, Medellin. alle 5 sur, 37 - 128, El Poblado. 01 286 9409. nfo@apartments-medellin.com. rom $37 to $90 per night.
Respect
Clothing is usually casual but shorts or bermuda pants are unusual on weekdays. Only young locals will wear them on weekends. Sweaters and jackets are usually not necessary at daytime, occasionally needed at night.
Stay safe
Staying safe in Medellin comes down to common sense.
Women and Men shouldn't travel alone after dark. If you must, travel with a few friends. As Colombia is still a country with a "macho man" mindset, women might be the subject of lewd comments, cat-calling, or whistling. Women shouldn't take this personally - although women have the same rights as women in the US and elsewhere, it's just the culture.
Do not, under any circumstances, make any jokes about the use of cocaine or bombs. The Colombian police take jokes as threats, and you may find yourself in a police station explaining yourself to unsympathetic police officers. Under normal circumstances, police officers are usually kind and helpful towards tourists.
The age of an adult in Colombia is 18. Minors are not allowed to be in possession of alcohol at any time, and they may not enter night clubs of any kind. If a minor is found to be in a night club, the entire club will be immediately closed for violating a national law. (enforced more in nicer neighborhoods)
Always change your money at a bank (Bancolombia is the largest national bank, is based in Medellin and has ATM's almost everywhere) or at "Moneygramm".- "street changers" offer tempting rates for your dollar, but be on guard. "Street Changers" palm several of the biggest bills for themselves. Do not flaunt large amounts of money around. ATM machines are your best bet for dealing with the complexities of various money changers.
When using an ATM machine it is wise to use machines in a MALL (Spanish: ''centro comercial''), then take your time walking around a bit. Don't rush out the door. If someone is watching people at the ATM, they will wait for you to leave, and possibly rob you on the street down the road. Using ATMs on the street is not advisable in Colombia.
Health
The water in Medellin is potable. Bottle water is available everywhere for the extra-cautious.
Colombia does not require foreigners to get extra vaccinations to enter the country.
Altitude is not a health problem for foreigners since Medellin is only 1,500 mts above sea-level (about the same as Denver, USA).
You are at no risk of many tropical diseases like malaria, cholera, yellow fever, leishmaniasis or Chagas disease because of its altitude.
Contact
Telephone
International country codes: Colombia 57, City code Medellin 4. When calling a mobile from outside Colombia dial 57-3.
To make an international call from Colombia, dial the access code 005 (Orbitel), 007 (ETB) or 009 (Telecom), followed by the country code, area code and party's number.
Many local phones are blocked for direct international calling, but calling through an operator will work many phones: Call 159 for the operator.
For all local phone calls you have to dial only 7 digits.
When calling from a local phone into a cell phone you have to dial '0' then the 10 digit mobile number.
When calling from a Mobile to a local phone: dial 03 + (city code) + 7 digit phone number.
''Emergencies'' dial 123
''Mobile services'': There are 4 cellular phone companies in Colombia (Comcel [http://www.comcel.com.co/], Movistar [http://www.movistar.com.co], TIGO [http://www.tigo.com.co/] and Avantel [http://www.avantel.com.co]). Calling mobile phones is more expensive than calling local numbers but not prohibitive. In crowded places is common to find people selling 'minutes' to call cell phones. All mobile numbers have 10 digits (The digit 3 is always first).
Internet
There are many internet cafes throughout the city. The appendix for Colombian web addresses is '''.co'''
Mail
Regular mail in Colombia is quite dismal [http://www.4-72.com.co] as you can not attach the stamps yourself and always have to go to a post office. There are very few offices in each city, usually downtown.
With this background, private mail couriers have flourished with better service and more offices. There are close to 10 different companies, among the most popular are '''Coordinadora''' [http://www.coordinadora.com.co] and '''TCC''' [http://www.tcc.com.co]. Both have agreements with international delivery services and cover the world over.
Newspapers
There are 4 daily newspapers in town:
''''El Colombiano'''' [http://www.elcolombiano.com] is the second largest paper in the country with somewhat conservative views. Interestedly it has a few vignettes with the most important news in English - look for 'Antioquia Bilingue' [http://coloverio.securesites.net/blogs/globalnewsroom/?NM=Inicio].
'''El Mundo''' has a liberal point of view. [http://www.elmundo.com]
The small format news outlets '''Q'hubo''' [http://www.qhubo.com] and '''ADN''' are easily available.
For the country '''Colombia Reports''' is a good source of news in English. [http://colombiareports.com]
TV stations
Six local stations are available in cable services, air broadcast and most can be watched online.
'''Teleantioquia''' [http://www.teleantioquia.com.co] has local news and entertainment. The news outlet has hearing impaired caption. It promotes its non-violent programming. The channel is also available online [http://www.teleantioquia.com.co/JumpTV/TeleantioquiaenInternet.html].
'''TeleMedellin''' [http://www.telemedellin.tv/], online at: [http://www.telemedellin.tv/pagina_nueva/telemed/index.php?sub_cat=24896].
'''Une''' [http://www.une.com.co/] .
'''Cosmovision''' [http://www.cosmovision.tv].
'''Canal U''' the local universities medium [http://www.canalu.com.co].
'''Televida''' is a regional catholic TV channel based in Medellin. [http://www.televida.org.co].
Cope
Medical Services
There are plenty of good hospitals and clinics in Medellin unfortunately English is not widely spoken by doctors and nurses. Most upscale hotels have medical services in house.
'''Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paul''' [http://www.elhospital.org.co] covers almost all specialties with emphasis in transplantation, trauma.
'''Clinica Cardiovascular''' [http://www.lacardiovascular.org.co/] is the local reference for cardiovascular medicine in adults and children.
'''Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe''' [http://www.hptu.org.co] a non for profit with excellent services.
'''Clinica Medellin''' [http://www.clinicamedellin.com] with its main building downtown and a smaller branch in neighborhood El Poblado.
'''Clinica el Rosario'''[http://www.clinicaelrosario.com] ha 2 sites, the one in El Poblado is modern, calm and oriented for international patients.
Consulates
Austria. Address Cr 43A No. 14-109. Phone: ''+57 4'' 266-5757, ext. 119/ Fax: ''+57 4'' 268-2858
Belgium - Belgica. Address Diagonal 75B No. 2A-120, Of. 309. Phone ''+57 4'') 341-6060/ Fax: ''+57 4'' 341-2946
Bolivia Address Cl 10 No. 41-9, Of. 301. Phone ''+57 4'' 381-7601/ Fax: ''+57 4'' 268-2706
Brazil - Brasil Address Cl 29D No. 55-91. Phone ''+57 4'' 265-7565/ Fax: ''+57 4'' 265-5211
Chile Address Cr 48 No. 12sur-70, Ed. El Crucero, Of. 808. Phone ''+57 4'' 313-2209 or ''+57 4'' 313-5264/ Fax: ''+57 4'' 313-1608
Costa Rica Address Cr 43A No. 14-109 Ed. Nova Tempo, Of. 309. Phone ''+57 4'' 381-7549 or ''+57 4'' 312-2391
Denmark - Dinamarca Address Cl 49 No.50-21, Of. 1904 Phone ''+57 4'' 513-5161
Ecuador Address Cl 50 No.52-22, Ed. Banco de Caldas, Of. 802. Phone ''+57 4'' 512-1193
El Salvador Address Cl 10B No. 35-27. Phone ''+57 4'' 266-5433/ Fax: ''+57 4'' 266-5586
France - Francia Address Cr 52 No. 14-200, local 204. Phone ''+57 4'' 235-8037/ Fax: ''+57 4'' 265-7291
Germany - Alemania. Address Cr 43F No. 17-419. Phone ''+57 4'' 380-8080/ Fax: ''+57 4'' 232-8474
Holland - Holanda Address Cr 52 No. 51A-23, Of. 401-402. Phone ''+57 4'' 251-0324/ Fax: ''+57 4'' 251-0314
Italy - Italia Address Cl 31 No. 43A-172. Phone ''+57 4'' 262-1823/ Fax: (+57 4) 262-3139
Mexico Address Cl 50 No. 42-54, piso 2. Phone ''+57 4'' 239-0456/ Fax: (+57 4) 239-7062
Panama Address Cl 10 No. 42-45, Of. 233. Phone ''+57 4'' 268-1157/ Fax: (+57 4) 288-6108
Peru Address Cl 4 sur No.43A-195 Ed. Centro Ejecutivo. Phone ''+57 4'' 268-7285/ Fax: ''+57 4'' 268-7293
South Korea - Corea del Sur Address Cr 42 (Autopista Sur) No. 54A-22, Itagui. Phone ''+57 4'' 372-0755/ Fax: ''+57 4'' 373-6289
Spain - Espana Address Cr 42 No.10-11. Phone ''+57 4'' 312-0400/ Fax: ''+57 4'' 266-5364
Sweden - Suecia Address Cr 43A No. 1 sur-31 Ed. Banco Ganadero, Of. 401. Phone ''+57 4'' 266-0498 or ''+57 4'' 311-9983/ Fax: ''+57 4'' 268-7878
Switzerland - Suiza Address Cr 68 No. 48D-48. Phone ''+57 4'' 230-4563/ Fax: ''+57 4'' 260-1881
UK - Gran Bretana Address Carrera 49 No. 46A sur-103, Envigado. Phone ''+57 4'' 270-9242 or ''+57 4'' 331-8625/ Fax: ''+57 4'' 331-0046
Venezuela Address Cl 32B No.69-59. Phone ''+57 4'' 235-0359 or ''+57 4'' 351-1644/Fax: ''+57 4'' 351-1909
Laundry
Laundromats are scarce in Colombia, but full-service laundry and dry cleaning shops are commonly found in important streets and some shopping malls.
Get out
East
Guatape Tour and '''La Piedra del Penol''' [http://www.piedrapenol.com/]: Guatape is located approximately 90 minutes outside of Medellin and is becoming a recreational destination for many Colombian's and foreign travelers. Half the fun of traveling to Guatape is driving through the Colombian countryside lined with beautiful rolling hills, small towns, farms and friendly people. Once you arrive in Guatape you will notice that the town borders a reservoir built for a hydroelectric damn. The lake covers thousands of acres and can be explored and enjoyed by renting a boat or taking one of the large party boats available on weekends. Guatape has new resort hotels, restaurants, homes, and recreational rentals (boats and water skis) bordering the lake. The huge Rock ('''La Piedra del Penol''' a.k.a. Penon de Guatape) that borders the lake is an unexplained geological phenomenon. With 2/3 of its height below ground, the exposed vertical face is over 200 m. high (660 ft) and visible from throughout the surrounding countryside. Anyone can scale the rock for a few thousand pesos via a staircase built into one side, the view is breathtaking. On the top of the rock, a restaurant offers outdoor tables overlooking views that stretch to the horizon in every direction. There are busses going about every hour from the Medellin North bus terminal. Pablo Escobar, the famous druglord, once called Guatape his home and built several big Casas on its lakeshores. His presence made Guatape a dangerous place for both foreign visitors and local Colombians. After his death Guatape transformed into a quiet town that's growing as a tourist destination. Escobar's main home is now a bombed out shell that is easily viewed from the lake.
West
'''Santa Fe de Antioquia''' , a tropical town with beautiful colonial architecture. An annual film festival draws the national elite and cinema lovers to this charming spot.
South
Most of the coffee in the country grows in the Andes south of Medellin and most of the traditions of the coffee growers are the same as in this city. Indeed, world famous '''Juan Valdez''' [http://juanvaldez.com] has lived in Medellin for over 3 decades. There are most of 20 small towns southwest of Medellin (Suroeste Antioqueno) where you can see Juan, mule Conchita and Grab Life by the Beans.
'''Jardin''' is a quaint little town that displays beautiful local architecture, 2 hour drive southwest of Medellin. The main plaza is lined with several outdoor cafes, a large stone built church dominates this plaza. Local fresh trout is easily available at many eateries in town and a couple of countryside restaurants.