Table of Contents

Click to jump to section

1. Introduction to the Medellin Real Estate industry and opportunity
2. Who we are, what we do?
3. The Medellin Real Estate Guide
   1. Step 1: What are your goals?
   2. Step 2: The importance of location
   3. Step 3: Newer vs. Older Construction
   4. Step 4: Money and Banking 
   5. Step 5: The negotiation
   6. Step 6: Purchase Agreement
   7. Step 7: Closing
4. Updates for 2023
   1. Medellin Real Estate Post-COVID
   2. Remote Work Impacts
   3. Colombian Politics and Presidency 2022-2026
   4. Tax Update 2023
5. Special Topics
   1. Buying in Pre-Construction Projects
   2. Questions to ask developers
   3. Currency considerations
   4. Medellin real estate bubble talk

Introduction

It’s with pleasure that I take the opportunity to update our 7-step Medellin real estate guide for 2023. In this edition I have made a number of important edits and updates including:

• After effects of COVID
• Remote work trends in Medellin
• The new Colombian President (2022-2026)
• 2023 Tax update

The year also marks 15 years since my first visit to Colombia. During this time I’ve seen Medellín grow up from a backpacker hangout to an emerging world-class city to live and invest in. At Casacol we now manage more than $100M USD in Medellin real estate assets. The remote work trend consistently ranking Medellin in the global “Top 10” has transformed the market to where housing and rental costs are now a major political topic. 

Not just for Millennials, retirees too have found Medellin to be a great escape for vacations and 2nd or 3rd homes. General tourism to Colombia is now well above its long-term travel boom trend. International arrivals to the MDE airport are now 42% (as of the June 2022 Update) higher than the 2019 pre-COVID peak and 2023 is up another 10-15% on top of this.

Source: Airplan

Indeed the future looks very bright for the City of Medellin, and especially the Medellin real estate market. As the world continues to globalize, Medellin’s place in world travel and remote living and international investing will continue to increase. Those of you interested in how to participate in the Medellin real estate boom will read on and I hope benefit from this guide which documents my 15 years of experience doing real estate business here.

Who Are We, What Do We Do?

My company, Casacol (like “Casa Colombia”), helps foreign, local, junior and professional investors, 2nd home buyers, and hotel investors realize their investment and real estate diversification goals in Medellín. We are highly, highly focused on expertise in the Medellin real estate market (not Bogota, not Cartagena, not Cali), where our deep experience and focus on ground-up real estate development, traditional real estate brokerage, and high-efficiency property management leads to significantly higher returns than I’ve been able to find anywhere else in Colombia.

We work with everything from studio apartments and high ROI investment properties (our listings are here) to luxury $1M homes, penthouse properties, and hotels (both condo and boutique). For example, see most recently the newly expanded Celestino Hotel and Spa, the acclaimed Marquee Hotel, and our newest Landmark hotel project. Our entire portfolio of managed properties can be found at en.casacol.co.

Plus, we don’t sell anything that we wouldn’t manage for you, which means we offer highly efficient and effective property management and solid returns on your asset long after you’ve made your purchase. A strong property management track record is important when liquidating your investment real estate at the best possible price. We can help during the entire cycle of investment in Medellin real estate from acquisition to disposition.

However the buyer must beware in the Medellin real estate market. The industry here is not regulated as it is in developed countries. Many participants are out to make a quick buck at the expense of the foreign investor. I’ve made a lot of mistakes and seen a lot that others have made too. I hope you can learn from that experience during this guide.

RELOCATING YOUR LIFE OR PARTING WITH A CHUNK OF YOUR LIFE SAVINGS TO INVEST IN AN EMERGING ECONOMY LIKE COLOMBIA IS NOT A DECISION TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY.

That is the theme of this guide: A comprehensive 7-step guide for investors large and small, starting out, winding down, or just diversifying some assets, whatever your goals are, how to invest safely and securely in Medellín real estate during the entire purchase, management and sales process.

Step 1: So, You Want to Invest in Medellín Real Estate?

The first question you need to ask yourself is “why?”

Here are the most commonly stated reasons:

• I want an investment that produces a high monthly income
• I want a place to live/live part-time/retire in, or rent out
• I need a visa/want permanent residence

There is a big difference between making a home buying decision and an investment buying decision. In my experience, the places that make great homes to live in and show off to your friends (large apartments, fincas, etc.) are not usually the best ROI-producing investments.

Likewise, the best investment properties (generally smaller studios and one or two-bedroom short-term rental apartments and boutique hotels) are not usually where you want to live. It’s important to decide early on where on the spectrum you wish to be as a buyer and realize you can’t have it all.

We also have a lot of buyers wanting to buy real estate in Medellin because they want a visa/cedula/residency/second passport. I tell everyone in this category:

“BUY MEDELLÍN REAL ESTATE BECAUSE YOU THINK IT WOULD BE A GOOD INVESTMENT FOR YOU, BUT DON’T MAKE POTENTIALLY A BAD INVESTMENT BECAUSE ALL YOU NEED IS A VISA.”

If all you need is a Colombian visa then find a lawyer you like and find the solution for your case. Also remember that you can stay up to 180 days/year in Colombia up to 90 days at a time. And yes Colombia now offers their version of the digital nomad visa for up to 2 years albeit with a long list of rules and regulations. Real estate investment is still the most sure path to a Colombian visa/residence but you should focus on the quality of the investment vs. getting the visa itself.

Step 2:  Location, Location, Location

Heard this before? It’s true everywhere on the planet, and it’s true here in the Medellín real estate market as well. Once you’ve contemplated either living or investing here, you need to turn your head to where.

Looking for an Investment?

If what you want is a high-income producing investment, then you should be looking at a very short list of high-quality, very well-located buildings with modern amenities that ideally allow for (legal) short-term rentals, probably in Poblado and potentially Laureles, where you’ll find 90% of the demand from foreign business and leisure travelers. Most hotel properties are owned by investment groups large and small (just like ours) and also represent high yielding dividend assets.

Note: Just being inside Poblado or Laureles is not enough. These are huge neighborhoods with large parts that are not ideal for rentals/investment class real estate. You should be near very specific arterial routes, with good amenities, and close to commercial centers, restaurants, groceries, parks, or else your renters will eventually find something better! Probably 99% of visitors/tourists are walking/UBERing so don’t make the location difficult for them.

Looking for a Place to Live? The World Is Your
Oyster.

Medellin real estate can go anywhere from studio apartments to farmland, Laureles, Bello, Sabaneta, and everything in between across a population of almost 4 million people and 10s of thousands of buildings (remember, most modern Medellin real estate is high-density, multi-family, high-rise. FYI: The closest thing to an MLS/Zillow in Colombia is here at FincaRaiz. While many of the properties are duplicated, improperly listed, or bait listed to get your contact, it’s a good place to start for interest in the local market and building your knowledge and learning some general comps.

Choosing a place to live is like choosing what clothes you want to wear today, it’s entirely personal, and no one in our office will talk you out of a specific location unless you’re truly making a mistake.

Personally, I’m partial to Poblado (Golden Mile, Alejandria, Provenza, Astorga, Manila) and Laureles (Park 1, 2, Avenida Jardin, La 70) for places to live and invest. Not to mention in 2020, we launched one of the most beautiful and successful projects in Laureles, Laureles Factory Lofts.

Step 3: Decision Time. New vs. Old Construction

There are two philosophies on this topic:

1. Buy something old and “cheap,” fix it up nice, rent it out, flip it, etc.
2. Buy something new, modern, no need for modifications/improvements, furnish and collect rent.

Older Buildings

There are some beautiful, high-quality, and superbly well-located older buildings in the Medellin real estate market.

Properly renovated (or not), they could be the kind of places you want to live in with large spacious bedrooms, lots of parking, and an abundance of storage space, maid and nanny quarters.

If you’ve done renovations before, understand the language, or can do some of the work yourself, you may also be up for the challenge in Colombia. Most of these are horror stories like anywhere else in the world renovating older buildings, so be forewarned.

Also, older buildings are often amenity-poor with high administration fees, which can affect the demand as a rental/resale and, therefore, your return as an investor. Having said that, Colombians are totally allergic to high HOA/administration fees and will sometimes be willing to dump older buildings at prices below replacement costs! 

But renting older apartments in buildings with elderly/wealthy neighbors can also be a problem. Who do you think rents large 3-5 bedroom apartments? Groups of younger, single males, large noisy families. Not always consistent with being a good neighbor.

Many of these older buildings are instating minimum 6-12 month rental periods to avoid the influx of short-term and often illegal furnished rentals. However, there are some success stories as well. Over the years, our clients bought out the residents (mostly seniors) in the Ayamonte Provenza building and successfully converted it to short-term rentals. We’ve had a 90% average short-term occupancy rate in this building. Talk about teaching old dogs new tricks.

New/Modern Buildings

Newer buildings usually have a long list of amenities that your renters often want to enjoy (pool, gym, sauna/Turkish bath, jacuzzi, floor-to-ceiling views, open kitchens, modern layouts, finishings, etc.).

Combined with a lack of buildable land and an ever-strict city planning department, this is why new construction in Poblado is approaching $12,000,000+ pesos/square meter in 2022 (almost $2500 USD/sq meter or approx $230 sq/ft). And other buildings like Energy Living, where we manage the vast majority of sales and rentals, you’ll find the highest prices (and rental rates!) in Medellín at the moment at $14,000,000 COP/m2 and beyond.

However, higher prices in newer buildings come with higher rental prices as well, so the math often works out in your favor. That’s not to mention liquidity; selling in newer, professionally managed buildings is much easier. 

If the new building is designed with short-term rentals in mind like our Soul and Loma Verde projects (see all of our Medellin apartment rentals here), then you’re definitely buying into a secure and steady income-producing asset. Even during the height of the pandemic, nobody here lost money in any month during 2020.

The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong answer here. There are pros and cons to new and older construction, and Medellín real estate buyers just need to apply their personal or financial preferences to every option.

At the end of this article, I’ve included some special notes that apply to buying in pre-construction projects and go over opportunities, risks, and important questions to ask the promoters and developers as well.

Step 4:  Money and Banking: To SAS or Not to SAS

You want to set up your Colombian bank accounts as soon as possible if you’re going to make a purchase. It can 2-4 weeks to open an account, and the sellers will take your offer a lot more seriously if they know you’ve already gone through this phase.

Too many foreigners start negotiating without even having the ability to execute financially, and I’ve seen good deals fall through as a result of anxious Colombians who just move on if they don’t sign and get paid quickly.

Alianza Valores is a great Colombian banking resource (our preference) and one of the only ones who really know how to handle foreign investment in Medellin real estate. Many foreign investors know Felipe Chavez (private banker) personally, and you can contact him directly at fchavez@alianza.com.co. Local banks like Bancolombia, while they have a strong retail brand and presence, are very difficult/impossible banks to work with as a foreigner, even though they can be owned by foreigners (like Scotiabank Colpatria). Alianza has been the easiest to do business with for us during the last 10 years. 

Buying Within an SAS

At this same point in time, you may also want to make the decision of whether to place the property in your name or in the name of your company, which has a two to three-week setup time.

An “SAS” in Colombia is somewhat analogous to an American LLC with the same kinds of rights, flexibility, and legal separation of your assets.

I have personally decided to maintain almost all of my properties in the name of my company because it affords me lots of flexibility tax-wise, and I don’t particularly like my name showing up in public records. However, I’m a tax resident and run a 300-employee business, so I have a lot of flexibility with write-offs, depreciation, etc.

But if you’re a non-resident buying just a couple of properties it probably doesn’t make a lot of sense, not to mention the 35% tax rate. Maintaining a SAS in Colombia is a lot more time-consuming and much more expensive than in other countries. I’ve seen some lawyers and accountants recommend an SAS blindly to foreigners because they can charge more fees vs. an SAS being the right ownership/tax vehicle for the client. Also winding down a SAS after you’ve disposed of its assets is even more expensive and time-consuming than the start-up. 

See near the end of this article for a more comprehensive update on Colombian taxes in 2023 including some advice on when to consider a SAS for your Medellin real estate holdings.

Step 5:  The Negotiation and Offer

It’s important to know where the Medellin real estate investment process ends before you begin. This is often the most critical part of any real estate transaction, especially in Colombia.

This is also where you want your lawyer and real estate agent heavily involved; a full title study if you have any doubts about who the seller is, a purchase contract that works for you, negotiation advice, and all the paperwork at the end of the transaction.

Colombians (Paisas at least) rarely use lawyers for Medellin real estate conveyance, instead placing the administrative burden on the usually unexperienced agent to do the running around in the notary. But as a foreigner you’re probably paying a lawyer to make this error and stress free. Do your homework and pick the lawyer that you think will accomplish that for you. Beware of lawyers who don’t specialize in real estate transactions. Medellin lawyers especially are famous for not disclosing what they know how to do (well) and don’t. This is not the time for a legal novice or generalist.

Also, remember when doing transactions with locals that Colombians are, on average, pretty sophisticated buyers and sellers of property. Most Colombians don’t trust the stock market or even government or corporate bonds, so buying and selling property is much more common and emotional here than you would think.

They can also be shrewd negotiators. We once saw an 86-year-old woman refuse to negotiate in any way on her terms or price on a very expensive piece of real estate she was selling directly without any agency representation. She repeatedly told us, “the buyer can take it or leave it, I’m in no rush, I have lots of time left.” Eventually, we closed the deal, but she got her price.

The seller will let you know if the price is negotiable. Or, you may need to ask upfront. If the price is clearly inflated, then that’s another invitation to negotiate (low-ball) or just walk away. A good Medellin real estate agent who is interested in a long-term relationship with you will help you navigate this – it’s their job. If you have doubts, then ask for a professional, 3rd party appraisal (at your choosing and cost) to have an extra data point for your negotiations. Overpaying in unfortunately common for foreigners. I’ve seen many sellers who overpaid sometimes 2, 3, 4 years of future appreciation, and then expect some unreasonable XYZ% return on their investment.

Step 6:  The Purchase Agreement

A verbal negotiation on price and terms ends with a signed and notarized purchase agreement in Spanish known as the promesa de compraventa, a legally binding document.

While the Paisas are known for their foreign hospitality, you may see that stop when it comes to money matters.

It’s not uncommon for your Colombian negotiating partner to make demands or renegotiate verbal offers right up until the actual promesa is signed in the notary. Words and handshakes mean a lot less in Colombia than they might in your home country. But a signed and notarized document is where the buck stops and you have a deal.

Don’t take it personally, it’s just a part of the culture to negotiate hard and up until the 11th hour here. Feel free to make demands you deem necessary, no one will be offended, it’s just business.

We’ve seen this process take from three days to three months end to end. It all depends on the buyer and seller, strong legal/notary support, the existence of a mortgage will delay closing, etc. Every transaction is somewhat unique. Hotel (condo and boutique) investments can often be simplified due to the standardized nature of the contracts.

The most important clauses to be negotiated in a promesa de compraventa are the following:

1. What’s Included in the Price?

Parking, storage, appliances, ceiling lamps, furniture?

Generally speaking, anything that isn’t fastened to the apartment the owner may want to remove, including light bulbs, curtains, appliances, etc. We’ve seen some weird stuff, so just get it in writing (again, in writing!) if there’s something you want to keep.

2. Deposit/Down Payment or the Anticipo

This is to secure the deal and is usually 10%-20%, but if the owner has a mortgage, they may ask for more so the mortgage can be cleared.

We’ve seen up to 50%, and for the right price, it may be a good deal for the buyer to make a larger anticipo. Sometimes you can negotiate lower prices for higher down payments as well.

This can cause heartburn to some foreigners because you are technically giving the seller some money without getting anything (like a title) in return—there’s no escrow.

However, you are, in fact, protected by the penalty clause, which is a serious legal matter if not satisfied (see the next point).

3. Penalty Clause or the Cláusula Penal

This states that the buyer and seller do what they are contracting to do in the promesa on the timelines and in the amounts of money that they promise.

After signing this legal document, if you don’t proceed as a buyer, you could lose your anticipo, and if you don’t proceed as a seller, you could be sued and have your property “embargoed” with a lien for the amount of the agreed upon penalty, usually 10-20 percent.

4. Commercial and Declared Values (AKA the Valor Comercial or Valor Catastral)

In Colombia, like much of Latin America, there usually exists a gap between commercial values (what you pay) and declared values (what goes on the title). 

You absolutely need your agent or lawyer to advise you on what is right for you here, especially if you are talking about visa/residency matters, as every case is unique. Since the 2019/2020 tax reform, the government is closing this loophole of under-declaring property values. The best practice is to require the full value of the deed unless you want to assume the seller’s tax obligations when you eventually go to sell. There are some interesting flexibility options here for negotiating out the value of furniture in a furnished apartment. 

5. Settling of Any Mortgages/Liens

In Colombia, it is impossible to transfer titles (notary conveyance) unless the property is free of mortgages/liens/building administration/property taxes.

It’s good protection for the buyer, but it can delay the process by up to a month due to lack of escrow and bank processing of the mortgage, etc.

A good lawyer is on top of this every day to ensure this is done in weeks and not months.

6. Proration of Taxes/Rent/HOA Fees

This is just a math exercise. The property taxes need to be paid for the entire calendar year and then prorated to the date of title transfer or if the seller is giving you keys early, date of delivery, or entrega.

Same for monthly HOA fees, and in the case of buying a property that is currently generating rental income, that rental income should be split and prorated appropriately as well between buyer/seller.

7. The Signing of Escrituras or the Titles

The promesa will state a date, time, and location of a notary visit/signing for all parties to exchange final payment via cheque or bank transfer, hand over keys, and sign the title over from the previous owner to the new owner.

This is essentially where you finish the purchase process.

Step 7:  Final Paperwork and Deed Registration

If all has gone smoothly, then you’ve signed titles in the notary, exchanged cheques/money transfers, paid your share of notary fees/taxes (budget 1.25-1.50 percent of the purchase price plus lawyer fees for closing costs), and have keys to your new place. Closing costs shouldn’t exceed 2% of the value of the property you buy.

There are a series of steps, however, that your lawyer should now do to make sure everything flows properly in the department of Registro, which oversees land titles/registries. Again inexperienced real estate lawyers will often disappear here once their fees are paid.

This process ends with a refresh of the certificado de tradición y libertad, which can be pulled online and will show that you are the official owner and that all electronic records have been updated. Don’t forget about this part!

We’ve seen errors in registro after 20 years when someone thinks they owned property that they didn’t wind up being a nightmare. 

You’re also now free to instruct your lawyer to start the central bank registration of your invested funds if you intend to use your property purchase for visa/residency purposes.

Obtaining a Colombian ID card (the cedula) will follow as well.  But, you are essentially done. Enjoy.

2023 Update #1: Post COVID Colombia

As I pen this update in 2023, we are in the midst of yet another strong year for the Medellin real estate market unlike many other parts of the world. Inflation is running high, construction costs have spiraled up, interest rates are high, but the economy is generally quite strong. These post-COVID stimulus effects have the result of pushing prices up across the board for Medellin real estate. You can see local news commentary summarizing the post-COVID effects here (La Republica) and here (InfoBae). Colombians generally love real estate because it is such a great inflation hedge over the long term beating most if not all other asset classes long-term.

2023 Update #2: Remote Work

Ten or fifteen years ago, remote work was usually associated with hiding from your boss and guilt of not being in the office and visible to your staff or co-workers. Five to ten years ago many online entrepreneurs were starting to discover the attractiveness is remote work in Medellin. Time zones, climate, quality and cost of living all ranked high on lists of remote work commentators like Nomad List. Post-COVID, the acceptance of flexible, hybrid, remote work, working-vacations globally have led to a massive influx of foreigners to Medellin more than any other city in Colombia. However as local housing prices get pushed up, the people and politicians in Medellin like many cities in the world are starting to ask, “how much is too much?”. 

2023 Update #3: The Gustavo Petro Presidency

The last year was important for Colombia politically because we elected a new congress in March 2022, and a new president on August 7, 2022, Gustavo Petro. Colombia has become more politically divided (it seems just like everywhere else in the World) than I have seen in the past. The media coverage in both Colombia and globally about the elections was a story of “Left” vs. “Right” with lots of fear-mongering on all sides. The reality of Colombian politics is that the country has been the most stable democracy in the history of Latin America and is the closest ally of the United States in the region, whether you like that fact or not. I don’t think this will change. Colombian congress is today “center-right,” and keeping the President in check from making large reforms that could hurt the economy. 

Check out these “Amigos” here after the election results.

2023 Update #4: Taxes

While this is not an article about Colombian taxes it would be remiss without some commentary/update as there is a new tax reform/regime in place as of 2023. If you’re thinking about becoming a tax resident (= 183 of the last 365 days) in Colombia you should read this for a good summary from PWC. Colombia has global income and wealth taxes that could affect you but generally you won’t be double taxed (when using tax credits). Keep in mind that having a resident visa doesn’t mean necessarily that you are a tax resident; tax residency is strictly as I defined above.

Almost all companies in Colombia pay 35% corporate tax rates unless abated by special programs such as those that were (in the past) available for hotels (like ours!) where the rate could be as low as 9%. Dividends paid to non-residents have a 20% WHT automatically applied whether paid to local or foreign accounts it doesn’t matter.

Income in Colombia is taxed at progressive rates for residents at up to 39% and flat rates for non-residents at 35%. Assets can be depreciated for residents (including SAS) at a rate of 45 years = 2.22%/year. If your tax rates at home are >35% then you’ll use a tax credit for what you pay in Colombia to avoid double taxation. If your tax rate is <35% then income earned in Colombia will unlikely result in additional taxes paid at home.

My advice is unfortunately not to trust most accountants in Colombia and you should seek true professionals affiliated with international networks, here is a decent list. A bad accountant (most are bad) will mean you will pay more in fines than you will ever pay in accounting fees. When the totality of your income in Colombia is subject to source retention taxes (like we offer at Casacol) you have no obligation to file in Colombia.

Special Topic: Buying in Pre-Construction Projects

When buying Medellin real estate from pre-construction “developers” it is important to note that a slightly different process is involved. I put developers in quotes because everyone with a graphic designer and a friend who owns a buildable lot seems to be a developer now with a fancy presentation deck. Always be careful about who you are doing business with and do some diligence about who is really behind all the fancy logos on the “Team.” 

The pre-construction purchase process often starts with signing a no obligation hoja de negociación or a letter of intent with the builder or developer to hold your place. You may be asked to put a small amount of money down at this stage, and it can be from 1-5 percent and usually gets deposited at the Fiducia (escrow) account.

Fiduciaries in Colombia are regulated financial entities that offer an escrow-like service to builders/developers to handle all the money/contracts associated with a new development. They guarantee nothing, however. If the project aborts, they have little obligation to help you out, it’s mostly symbolic confidence. You NEED to know who you are doing business with, their experience, track record, and property management strategy. Conflicts with developers and fiduciary companies in Colombia take years to be resolved when you need to go to court. Many of these issues can be avoided by doing your homework ahead of time.

The Fiducia does offer some safety and organization to pre-construction projects however because the Fiduciary will enforce the buyers’ contracts as well to make sure they are paying on time, etc., paying the builder in installments as he meets sales goals. The Fiduciaries act as traffic cops to ensure buyers and builders do their part on time.

Instead of signing a promesa de compraventa for new construction, you will sign the encargo with the Fiduciaria, which serves a similar purpose and legal obligation as a promesa de compraventa of a titled property.

“IN GENERAL, AFTER ALL MY YEARS OF WITNESSING BOTH SUCCESSFUL AND FAILED PRE-CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS, MY CONCLUSION WOULD BE TO WATCH THE MARKETING STRATEGY OF THE DEVELOPER/PROMOTER VERY CLOSELY.”

The most successful developers either build for themselves (build to own – because they believe so much in the product or using bank financing) or market to their existing clients in a private fashion without fancy sales rooms, without “Call now” banners hanging from the sidewalk. No billboards, no Instagram, no free steak knives. Because, by definition, they have a long-term successful money-making relationship with those investors who return to invest again and again.

“One-timers” are going to have the fanciest marketing materials, renders, videos, and social media you’ve ever seen. It’s hard not to look at their Instagram ads, because they are good! Let’s be honest, real estate needs to be marketed to be sold, but the most successful developers sell out projects in days or weeks with a simple “Hey old clients, we have a new project” email to their client base, not with social media. Younger or small investors (<$50k USD) can often fall prey to the sizzle vs. the steak. Facebook and Instagram social media have become completely polluted with Medellin real estate projects in recent years that mostly never see the light of day.

In Summary: 8 Questions to Ask Before You Invest in a Pre-Construction Medellin Real Estate Project if You Have Any Doubts

1. Who’s the whole team? Lead developer, architecture, structural and civil engineering, project management, sales/promotion? Resume (hoja de vida) for each team member.
2. What stake does any/all of the team have in the final project? Or are they just going to sell out to investors? Or has the “team” padded their profits with participation just to tell you, “we are already 50% sold, don’t miss out?”
3. Is there a construction license approved? Ask to see the submitted plans in PDF, and compare them to what you are being sold, floor by floor. 
4. Does the builder/GC have any gray hair? Medellin is full of junior engineers looking for their first real project. Personally I don’t want 20-somethings making my structural design decisions.
5. If they are claiming something like “X% already sold, act fast,”—how many buyers and how many units/shares have they bought each? Have they done business with you before? Can I speak with 2 or 3 of them personally? Ask for a reference from an existing client.
6. If it’s an investment property, who’s the property manager or operator? Check their resume, references, experience, and track record. Compare their REAL, delivered, historical ROIs, and track record of meeting expectations to what is being promised/suggested by the sales promoter.
7. Financial engineering, do your ROI projections include appreciation (hope and a prayer, especially in $USD terms), or are they cash on cash returns? Big difference!
8. Liquidity, what about when I sell? Who’s going to help me exit the investment in the future? Because if the business isn’t working, never mind about price/value, because liquidity=0.

Thoughts on $USD/$COP in 2023

Today (July 2023 update), the USD stands at $4200 COP, a historically very low point for the COP during a year of high volatility. Many people ask me for my thoughts on what the COP will do in the next X months/years. I have no idea. Nobody knows. When I started investing in 2008 the COP was a strong as 1800/$1 USD. The trend in the last 15 years is simply that politicians in Colombia can’t help themselves but print money and inflate the COP to pay for short-term projects. I don’t expect that to change. It means that you need to think of price and appreciation, rents, etc., in both USD and COP terms to build a proper perspective. Medellin real estate (and real estate in general) historical absorbs inflation very well. But over the long term one should been reasonable about appreciation potential in USD terms. This is a market to extract high ROI and rents, not always appreciation. High quality assets that can be priced for rent/sale in USD vs. COP will serve the Medellin real estate investor well. This is 100% our focus as a company.

Medellin Real Estate Bubble?

Here’s another question I get asked a lot, prices are way up (in COP terms) in the last 5, 10, years, is Medellin in a real estate bubble? It seems like ever since 2008, everyone is a bubble watcher. The first question I always ask is, do you know how an investment bubble is defined?

AN INVESTMENT BUBBLE TYPICALLY GOES THROUGH STAGES OF 1) BOOM, THEN 2) EUPHORIA, THEN 3) PROFIT-TAKING, THEN 4) PANIC/SELLOFF.

Given that foreign investment in Colombia is still low as a % of the market, credit is relatively hard to get for locals, mortgages are not possible for foreigners, mortgage interest rates are high (18%+ in 2023), and mortgage down payment requirements are 30% (by law) and that Colombia already learned dearly from their 1998-1999 real estate bubble and subsequent financial crisis, I don’t see conditions for a bubble in Medellin real estate. I wouldn’t even say we are in a “boom.” I think the market here, on average, is well balanced between supply and demand. And today in 2023, the costs of construction have increased so much due to an ever decreasing COP vs USD, I don’t see how prices fall (in COP terms). Regardless, I always enjoy these debates with our new and existing clients.

Summary

Buying property in a foreign country like Colombia can be exciting and very rewarding both personally and financially, as I can attest to in my experience after 15 years of investing and doing business here, helping primarily foreigners find high-quality real estate investments in Medellin.

The key is to seek advice from people who are licensed, affiliated with local and national organizations, trained, specialized, and have a deep set of knowledge and experience in doing what you need them to do.

At Casacol, I’ve built a team and ecosystem of highly trained agents, project managers, expert property managers, legal experts, bankers, and accountants to help foreigners looking to invest in Medellín.

Medellín Living readers can read more about my company here and can contact me directly at sales@casacol.co to discuss their investment priorities at any time.

Thanks for reading, I hope this article has been useful for all.

Brad.

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Whether you want to bring a tattooed souvenir from your trip to Medellin or to get that tattoo you wanted a long time ago, the Medellin Tattoo Expo is the perfect opportunity to get some new ink. 

Does this sound like something you might like? Then keep on reading to know how to prepare for and what to expect at Medellin Tattoo Expo 2022!

An Overview of Medellin Tattoo Expo 2022

The Medellín Tattoo Expo is an annual cultural exhibition created in 2010. Over the course of three days, famous tattooists of national and international stature gather to demonstrate their skills in tattoo competitions. 

At the event, attendees can enjoy other events such as:

• Live painting
• Graffiti contest and gallery
• Breakdance battle
• Live music performances
• Miss & Mister tattoo event
• Art fusion (two artists on the same canvas)

The goal of the event is to bring together ink and art lovers to show the world their talent and promote local art.

This is also a place where you can get a spontaneous tattoo or buy some merchandise from your favorite tattoo studio.

Getting Your Tickets and How to Get There

The event takes place every year in the yellow pavilion of Plaza Mayor, one of the city’s largest and most important convention centers.

One of the benefits of Plaza Mayor is its generous amount of parking lots in case you’re planning to drive there. 

However, the quickest way to get there is by taking the metro. All you have to do is get to the Alpujarra or Exposiciones stations; both are a few minutes from the convention center. You can also take other means of transport such as Metroplus, and bike.

Once you arrive, you can buy your tickets at the entrance of the pavilion or purchase them on the Plaza Mayor website.

Usually, the tickets for events that take place in Plaza Mayor are very budget-friendly. But, keep in mind that once you enter the pavilion, you won’t be able to leave unless you want to pay for two tickets.

Website:https://plazamayor.com.co/eventos/expotatuajemedellin-2022/

Instagram: @expotatuajemedellin

Address: Cra. 57 # 41-81, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

Tattoo Artists at the Expo

The Medellin Tattoo Expo brings Latin American, American, and Canadian artists together. In other words, you can find different techniques and styles from the best and most recognized tattoo artists.

Some of the styles you’ll find at the event, which is also categories of the tattoo contest, are:

• Lettering
• Oriental
• Freehand
• Color realism
• Old school
• New school
• Dotwork
• Art fusion
• Minimalist
• Shadow realism
• Neotraditional

When you enter the convention, you’ll have hundreds of booths to choose from. Then, it’s up to you to find your favorite style and design to get tattooed, or just stroll through the convention halls and enjoy the artistic and chill vibe.

Keep in mind that if you want a more detailed tattoo, you should schedule an appointment with the artist beforehand. However, if what you want is some last-minute ink, you can try getting a tattoo with an international artist who doesn’t have many clients or appointments. 

I also recommend you regularly keep an eye on the Medellin Tattoo Expo social networks since that’s where they publish artists who need volunteers to be a canvas. While you won’t get to pick the tattoo, it’s a great way to get some free ink!

Art Galleries, Live Painting, and Music Performances

The Medellin Tattoo Expo is also a place to enjoy other events such as painting exhibitions, dance shows, and other activities. 

For instance, at this year’s expo, there was a collaborative piece of graffiti, where 6 professional artists created a blend of urban and traditional styles. Apparently, the process takes the entire 3 days of the expo!

The goal of the graffiti piece is to show each day’s progress and to teach the public a little about the proper techniques to use paint sprays.

Another interesting part of the expo is the wide variety of DJs and artists that will lift your spirits with their many different music genres.

The Medellin Tattoo Expo also offers workshops for those who wish to learn more about the different categories of tattoos. If you want to know which workshops will be held for the expo, you should keep an eye on the event’s social media.

You can’t miss the old school and realism workshop. Just remember that the seats are limited, so make sure you get to the workshop place in advance. Some of the topics to be addressed in the workshop are:

1. Theory
2. Materials 
3. Live tattoo
4. Personal questions

Tips for Enjoying Medellin Tattoo Expo

If you’re spending all day (or all three days) at the convention, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Take everything you need to spend the day without leaving the pavilion (to avoid having to pay for re-entry). 
• There are places to buy something to eat or drink, but you can also bring some snacks with you.
• If you want to get tattooed at the event, you should schedule an appointment with the artist in advance. 
• If you want a small tattoo, make sure you have the image handy. 
• If you want to be a canvas for an artist, you must schedule an appointment in advance. Usually, they’ll give you very good discounts since you won’t choose the design. 

Get Some New Ink at the Medellin Tattoo Expo 2022

Whether you want to get a new tattoo or just spend the day admiring national and international artists’ interesting works of art, Medellin Tattoo Expo 2022 is an event that you should check out.

Are you thinking of getting a new tattoo? What’s your favorite style? Let us know in the comments!

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Speaking of museums, if you love strolling through galleries and taking in some culture, then you have to check out the Museo de Antioquia.

This is a place where you can delve into the art and history of the paisas and check out exhibits of works by world-class artists such as Fernando Botero.

Keep reading to learn a little more about this museum and read what to expect on your next visit.

The Beginnings of the Museum

The Museo de Antioquia began its operations in November 1881, with many ups and downs, crises, closures, and reopenings under the name of Zea Museum. 

The museum was recognized then as the first in Antioquia and the second in Colombia, but it wasn’t until the support of Fernando Botero that this place began to grow and become an icon of art in Medellín. 

Notero donated a large part of his works to the museum and provided economic and artistic support by moving it to a new location in the old Municipal Palace in 2000 under the current name, Museo de Antioquia.

This museum is in downtown Medellin, right in front of the iconic and tourist Plaza Botero, where you’ll also be able to see the 23 exhibits “Gordas de Botero” before entering.

What You’ll Find in the Museo de Antioquia

Inside this museum, recognized as an Architectural Heritage of Colombia, both the environment and exhibitions are about giving relevance to the city’s heritage through art.

In the Museo de Antioquia, you’ll find drawings, paintings, sculptures, and objects with historical value. A few examples include ceramics, indigenous goldwork, and even ancient weapons.

You’ll also see permanent works by local artists such as Debora Arango and Pedro Nel Gomez. And of course, you’ll notice the largest collection of Fernando Botero works which boasts more than five thousand artistic pieces.

If you aren’t proficient in Spanish, note that some of these works have descriptions in English. That way, visitors from all over the world can read them.

The museum has twelve rooms open to the public which are spread out over three floors and two wings. The rooms are: 

• Fernando Botero Donation Room: This features the best of Fernando Botero.
• International Art Room: This room features modern and contemporary art at an international level.
• Extensions to the Story of Art in Antioquia: This is an extension of the permanent exhibition from the end of the 19th century until the middle of the 20th century. It deals with the history and important events of the Antioquians as exhibited by ancient and contemporary artists.
• Promises of Modernity Room: This exhibition addresses the period from 1950 to 1999 and the entire history of cultural development in Medellin.
• Decolonial Dialogues Room. The Persistence of Dogma: This room contains works and documents from the pre-Columbian period.
• Intercultural Dialogues Clay Has a Voice: This room features ceramics from different time periods and origins.

Museo de Antioquia also has souvenir shops, handicrafts, and replica pieces that you can check out after you tour the museum.

What Are the Prices in the Museum?

Regarding prices, the rates for visitors depend on who is spending time at the museum.

There’s a standard price for national visitors and another for foreign visitors. National visitors get a slight discount for being locals. 

On top of that, the entrance is free for people of strata 1, 2, and 3. These are the three lowest financial classes in Medellin.

Students get lower discounts if they present their student ID card.

There are also special group discounts. Groups with a minimum of 5 people have a special rate per person, whether they’re national visitors or foreigners.

You can also hire guided tours and bilingual guides 48 hours in advance. This comes with an extra fee, however.

Botero’s Influence on the Museo de Antioquia

The aforementioned Fernando Botero is a paisa painter, sculptor, and draftsman currently residing in Italy. He began donating his works in 1976 when he gifted seven oil paintings, a pastel, and two watercolors to the Museum.

In 2000, he donated another 114 paintings and 21 works by international artists from his collection to the Museo de Antioquia. And, that’s all not to mention the 23 sculptures in Plaza Botero.

Botero has his own room within the museum that houses all his world-renowned works with his unique voluminous characters. These characters recreate the everyday lifestyle in Colombia, representing the country’s history, religion, and culture.

His last donation so far was the series El Viacrucis in 2012.

How to Get to the Museum of Antioquia

The Museum is in an area full of things to see. Nearby you’ll find the Plaza Botero, the Palace of Culture, the Parque de Berrio, and the Nutibara Hotel.

However, the surroundings of these places seem to be a bit unsafe and sometimes generate a bit of fear for tourists.

Despite what they may seem, however, the area is pretty harmless.

If you want to take a walk through the different parts of the city center and kill a few birds with one stone on your way to the museum, you can use the metro system and get off at the Parque Berrio station.

Then, you’ll walk for five-ten minutes, passing through a plaza featuring some of Botero’s sculptures. At the end of the walk, you’ll arrive at the museum.

Keep in mind that it’s a commercial area full of many people, and sellers of all kinds of products, offering instant photos, fruits, and souvenirs. 

You may want to plan to stop and pick up a couple of trinkets to take back home.

You’ll also find police security in these main squares, but this doesn’t mean you can stop being vigilant and taking care of your belongings. For example, it’s better to take a selfie than to ask anyone to take a picture of you in this area.

On the other hand, if you don’t feel safe with this self-guided tour, you can also take a taxi or use a rideshare app to get right up to the entrance.

Visit the Museum of Antioquia

Seeing as this place houses a lot of history and art associated with the national and Antioquian heritage, it’s a great place to go if you want to see and understand what Medellin is today.

You’ll be delighted with works by local and international artists in a historic building in the center of the city. Plus, you’ll get a chance to check out more of the famous and traditional works of Botero, an icon of Paisa art.

Already been to the Museum of Antioquia? Let us know in the comments what you thought!

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The climate, culture, and food, for example, are all things that tourists have to adapt to during their visit. 

The good news is that living in Medellin you really won’t have difficulties with the climate, culture, or food. 

But, that’s not to say there aren’t things that won’t surprise you. Here are seven things that you might not have expected about life in Medellin. 

1. It’s a Warm City

No, we’re not talking about the temperature (although it’s warm temperature-wise, too). 

When you’re visiting Medellin, whether it’s a short-term visit or a long-term stay, don’t be surprised if you see people smiling at you when you walk down the street. The people of Medellín are famous for their kindness and friendliness! 

For instance, if at some point you need to get somewhere and don’t know how, you can count on one of the locals to offer help. 

They’re usually more than happy to at least offer directions, if not show you the way around!

2. The Weather Is Always Nice

There’s a reason why Medellin is known as the City of Eternal Spring. 

Whereas most countries go through a harsh winter and a hot summer, Medellin has mild temperatures year-round. 

Sure, some days might be rainier than others. 

But, you’ll be hard-pressed to find the temperatures dropping much below 62ºF at any time of year.

Not only is that great for strutting your stuff in snazzy summer clothes, but it’s also just great for exploring. You can get out pretty much any time of year and take advantage of the abundant countryside around the city. 

3. There’s Culture Everywhere

Life in Medellín has a modern rhythm that vibrates, just like any metropolis in the world. 

Theater, concerts, sports activities, and city events are on the city’s daily agenda. 

Now, while there are plenty of cities where you won’t find such a healthy mix of activities, Medellin is not it. In other words, whatever it is you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. 

Don’t believe me?

Just have a look at the public agenda, to find all the events that take place every day of the year.

4. You’ll Have Endless Entertainment

Okay, okay. Enough about the weather and small-talk topics. 

Let’s talk about what really matters: the entertainment value of the city. 

The city’s parks, nightclubs and bars, green spaces, and cinemas all abound in Medellin, making it a city you’ll never grow tired of.

No, really. 

Regardless of whether you enjoy lounging by the poolside on the roof of a penthouse or you like getting dirt under your nails on a caving adventure, there’s something for everyone. 

5. The Food Isn’t What You Think

Most people think ‘South America’ and come up with some mix of rice and beans and Mexican-themed fare. 

However, Colombia’s gastronomy couldn’t be more different.

Sure, you can find rice and beans here, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg in the world of paisa foods. 

Colombia is a unique blend of multiple ethnic groups and several different cultural traditions. The result is that it’s a veritable melting pot of flavors.

What’s more, Medellin is a super culturally-mixed area.

That’s only becoming more true with the flocks of digital nomads moving to the city!

The Bandeja Paisa is regarded as the national dish of Medellín, but you can always find a variety of foods in the city.  

6. It’s Easy to Get Around the City

Another thing you might not realize about Medellin before coming here is that it’s actually pretty easy to get around. 

Just like any city, it can seem a bit chaotic at first. 

But, as soon as you’ve got the hang of how the city works, you’ll be jet-setting from one side of town to the other. 

The reason why it’s so easy to get around Medellin is thanks to the modern, integrated transportation system that easily goes from north to south and east to west: the metro system. 

The metro system includes the train, metro cable, and tram and will only cost you a meager pittance.

7. Rent Is Super Affordable

Last but not least, the rent is to die for in Medellin. 

Medellin gives foreigners an investment opportunity they definitely weren’t expecting, 

In this city, you’ve got the possibility of renting luxurious places for really low prices. What’s more, almost every neighborhood in the city has multiple investment (or rental!) options, like hotels, hostels, and apartments. 

Nowadays, visitors are using more and more marketplaces, such as Airbnb, to connect with people who want to rent out their apartments.

That way, they get that home away from home experience while visiting this magnificent city. 

Experience Life in Medellin for Yourself

Experiencing life in Medellín is an experience like no other for any visitor who has chosen this city as their new home, permanent or temporary. 

So, what will it be for you? Will you come to Medellin and be surprised by the beauty and atmosphere of this place?

We’d say you should. And, once you do get here, leave us some comments with what surprised YOU about the City of Eternal Spring. 

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While the government has announced a stimulus package to support people, access to funds is limited or insufficient to provide people with basic amenities during this time. Prior to COVID-19, Colombia was already battling with high levels of homelessness and poverty rates; now, everyday people are in even greater need. 

Many people want to take action and offer a helping hand to some of the most vulnerable community members. Despite city curfews, social distancing, and pico y cédula rules, there are still a number of channels to make a real difference, fast, and without compromising your safety. Here are five ways to contribute to your community from home, as told by not-for-profit organization, Proyecto Florecer:

Stay informed

One of the simplest and most effective ways to help your community is to keep on top of local news and changes. Being aware of the areas and people facing challenges is the first step to overcoming them. Especially if you live in a somewhat-removed location, where life hasn’t been disrupted recently, staying updated about the wider picture will mean that the people who are struggling don’t lose visibility at this crucial time. 

Whether reading the local news, chatting with your neighbors or organizing Whatsapp groups, ensuring that you’re part of regular conversations about what’s happening near you is extremely powerful. You may also find that you make a new, valuable connection like someone who is already contributing to the community that you can get involved with. Likewise being informed means that you can better understand people’s situations – for example, the repercussions that decisions made by the government have on communities – and take informed action.

Some of the best online resources to keep up to date about Colombia include:

El Tiempo 
Ministerio de Salud 
Colombia Reports 
Semana
Human Rights Watch
The Bogotá Post

Participate on social media

Similar to staying informed, being active on social media ensures that people and organizations get the necessary exposure to help others. Following charities, NGOs, volunteer programs, and community leaders is great to get an overview of things going on near you. Simply ‘liking’ a post could have a snowball effect and spread a charitable message. Alternatively, tagging, linking, and sharing content from social initiatives helps them get the momentum to assist people in need on a long-term basis. 

Proyecto Florecer’s Instagram is a great place to start!

Of course, you could also create your own content. Perhaps you want to share your experience of Colombia lately through a blog post or video – try adding a call-to-action at the end, asking people to donate, volunteer, and generally raise awareness of the problems that are occurring. Social media is equally useful to find community leaders or local influential figures. Search terms or hashtags like ‘voluntario [your location]’ or ‘comunidad [your location]’ and browse the results for people requesting or offering support. You can then reach out to them directly and build an online connection to meaningfully contribute.

Give away clothes

Colombia doesn’t have clear ways to give clothes to people in need, however, there is a consistent demand for clothing in low-income barrios. Clothes give people protection, dignity, and are a basic human need. In a fast-fashion world, spare items can go a long way to help all sorts of communities. 

The team at Proyecto Florecer are collecting and delivering donated clothes for single-mother families in Barrio Trinidad, Medellín. So long as pieces are washed, in good condition, and non-perishable, things like sweaters, jackets, pants, shirts, dresses, coats, and more can be donated. Clothes for women and children are particularly wanted, in all sizes, although medium is the most common. Additionally, kitchen items like pots, pans, utensils, and cooking supplies are welcomed, while feminine hygiene products like tampons and sanitary towels are needed too.

To donate clothes, Proyecto Florcer can organize private pick-ups for free. Please contact +57 323 3378 296 for more information.

Collect & offer food

Families ringing doorbells across Colombia and asking for food has become a regular occurrence in the past few months. The sad reality is, without work and fewer people on the streets, vulnerable groups are unable to find the money to feed themselves. Without breaching quarantine rules, it’s easy to assume that you can’t do anything unless people come to you. This, however, is not true. Proyecto Florecer is organizing a community kitchen in various locations around Medellín with the help of volunteers and food donations. 

Working alongside AAA (Arte, Amor, Alimentación), the kitchens aim to ensure food security for people in nearby housing. Donations of any foods are gratefully received, although long-life products like tinned goods, beans, nuts, rice, pasta, oats, and flour are best.

To arrange a free private food-up pickup from Proyecto Florecer, please contact +57 323 3378 296.

Make a donation

No matter how much you can give, donating money makes a huge difference. Whether to an individual on your doorstep or an official organization, your financial support can contribute to your community in ways you perhaps aren’t aware of. Donations can be used to buy food and masks, offer healthcare, provide education, and pay rent, as well as uphold initiatives that are pushing for positive systemic change for equality in Colombia.

Through Proyecto Florecer, a $150,000 COP ($40 USD) goes towards monthly food and hygiene products for a family. Or, a $15,000 COP ($4 USD) donation goes towards providing a hot lunch for 10 people in the community kitchen. Payments can be sent using PayPal, QR code, and credit/debit cards.

Donate here

Other very worthy causes include:

UNICEF
Techo
Colombia Cuida a Colombia
Easy co

Are we missing a way to contribute to your community from home? Let us know in the comments.

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There are rainy seasons in Medellín that help clean the atmosphere, and the levels of pollutants in the city fluctuate depending on the neighborhood. However, pollution is certainly one of the downsides of living in Medellín. Here’s everything you need to know about pollution in Medellín, including statistics, preventative measures, and health effects. 

Pollution in Medellín compared to other cities/towns

It’s important to note, Medellín’s pollution problem is not comparable to the likes of Cairo and New Delhi, who both feature in the top seven most polluted cities in the world. However, in Latin America, the World Health Organization 2018 Ambient Air Quality Database places Medellín 9th in the list of most polluted cities and towns. 

Lima in Peru, Santiago in Chile, Mexico’s Cubatão, Brazil, and several towns in Costa Rica all have worse pollution levels than Medellín. Likewise, the capital of Colombia, Bogotá, has a problem with pollution because it is also located in a valley.

The pollution level in Medellín varies in different parts of the metro area according to the city’s monitoring stations. The worst level of pollutants in the metro area tends to be found in El Centro, La Estrella, Itagüí, and the lower parts of the valley. Up in the hills in El Poblado, Envigado, and Sabaneta, the pollutant levels tend to be lower. 

Pollution-monitoring in Medellín

Under Colombian law, all municipalities that have a population greater than 50,000 inhabitants, or places where there is a clear problem of air pollutants, must have a monitoring surveillance system. Medellín actively monitors the pollutant levels in the city with several monitoring stations. More importantly, the city takes action when pollution levels become worse.

You can see the current pollutant levels at monitoring stations found in different parts of the Medellín metro area online here. For a monitoring system in English, AirVisual also has a great tool here. 

Medellín also has the Ciudadanos Científicos mobile app where you can see the current pollutant levels at monitoring stations in the Medellín metro area. The app is available for Google Android and Apple mobile phones.

Particulate matter pollution

Particulate matter pollution, also known as PM, is a complex mix of very small particles, water vapor, and gases. Common small particles can include lead, dust, dirt, and sand. When these components combine, air pollution forms. The EPA regulates two categories of particulate matter for health and welfare reasons, which are used in pollutant monitoring systems worldwide:

– PM 10 are coarse particles between 2.5 and 10 micrometers in diameter

– PM 2.5 are fine particles that are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter

Medellín typically has more of a pollution problem with PM 2.5 and rarely a problem with PM 10. PM 2.5 comes primarily from combustion: car, bus, truck, and motorcycle engines and coal- or natural gas-fired power plants are all major PM 2.5 sources.

The biggest cause of air pollution in Medellín is from vehicles (cars, buses, trucks, taxis, and motorcycles), which reportedly cause 79 percent of PM 2.5 emissions in Medellín. From 2005 to 2015, the number of vehicles in Medellín reportedly rose by 182 percent. Meanwhile, 25 percent of PM 2.5 contaminants come from fixed sources like power plants. 

March to April is known as the smog season in Medellín, as the cooler weather means denser air sits atop rising air, which traps pollutants in the valley. September to October is the second transition between the rainy season and dry season, and is normally when there is an increase in the concentrations of particulate material.

Health effects of pollution

Pollution does not have the same effect on all people. Older adults and children, as well as people with heart or lung diseases, are the most likely to be affected by pollution exposure. Even if you are healthy, you may feel symptoms temporarily if exposed to high levels of pollutants.

Several scientific studies connect particle pollution exposure to a variety of health issues, including:

– Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat

– Coughing and shortness of breath

– Asthma attacks

– Reduced lung functionality

– Irregular heartbeat

– Heart attacks

– Premature death of people with lung or heart diseases

Human bodies struggle to block PM 2.5 pollution. These particles are small enough to bypass your respiratory system’s defenses and get into your lungs, where they can even penetrate the bloodstream.

Elkin Martínez, an epidemiologist at Universidad de Antioquia, published a study last year linking up to 3,000 deaths per year in Medellín associated with pollution. This included 1,000 people that died from chronic lung disease, 500 from lung cancer and approximately 1,500 from cardiovascular disease linked to toxic gases and ultra-fine particles that pollute the air of the city.

What is Medellín doing about pollution?

The city of Medellín actively monitors pollutant levels in the city and takes action when monitoring stations start to show a red status, which means that pollution has reached a level that is harmful to health (orange and red level). 

When pollution becomes a problem in the city, the actions that Medellín has taken in the past include banning outdoor activities at schools, canceling sporting events, restricting the use of private cars and motorcycles, warning residents to stay indoors and avoid outdoor exercise, closing the Olaya Herrera Airport in the city, and even making the metro system free for a while.

The city is also working to rid the city of older diesel buses with much higher emissions. The city has already replaced most of the metro feeder buses in the city.

If Medellín didn’t have its metro system, pollution in the city would be much worse. The Medellín Metro system now transports well over 288 million passengers per year. The clean and efficient system saves over 200,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year while also greatly reducing accidents and traffic in the city.

Medellín has also been increasing the number of stations for its Encicla system of public bicycles as the city looks to increase bicycle use in the city. Currently, there are more than 1,000 bicycles over 18 stations in Medellín – available for free with the Encicla program. 

In 2017, the Aburrá Valley Metropolitan Area partnered with the Clean Air Institute to develop a new plan to combat pollution in the city. Titled Plan Integral de Gestión de Contaminación del Aire (The Comprehensive Air Pollution Management Plan), the plan is one of the most comprehensive in Latin America, and includes key aims to establish a low-emission mobility system. Some of the goals include promoting Encicla, encouraging the metro, and discouraging the use of private vehicles.

In conjunction with the plan, Medellín enforces Pico y Placa on a daily basis. As of February 18, 2019, between 7 am to 8.30 am, and 5.30 pm until 7 pm, certain restrictions are placed on private vehicles, motorcycles, and freight vehicles depending on their license plate. Details about which vehicles are allowed on the roads during these time frames can be found here.

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Last week, coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared a global pandemic. So far, more than 175,000 cases have been confirmed across the world, resulting in more than 6,000 deaths. On March 6, the first people in Colombia tested positive for the virus, leading to decisions to close the borders to all non-resident visitors, cancel events with more than 50 people, and shut cinemas, churches, and schools. On Twitter, President Ivan Duque said that the government will decide on April 20 whether to resume in-person education.

Colombia’s immigration entity – Migración Colombia – has also enacted a strict 14-day quarantine rule for residents and nationals returning to the country. Those who do not comply with this rule face immediate deportation.

As of Sunday, there are now 35 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Colombia, covering Cartagena, Cali, Cúcuta, Dosquebradas, Manizales, Medellín, Neiva, and Bogotá. In Medellín, seven people have been diagnosed with the virus, as well as one in Rionegro and one in Itagüí.

On March 16, Medellín declared a formal state of emergency (calamidad pública) to enable urgent measures to protect citizens from the coronavirus.

How to stop the spread of coronavirus

Preventative measures in Medellín are the same as general advice being given from health authorities. Simple ways to avoid further spread of the virus are:

Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water for 20 seconds minimum. This kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth

Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and make you sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Stay at home if you feel unwell

If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Colombian authorities have the most up-to-date information on the situation. Calling before you arrive will allow your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right facility. This will also protect you and help prevent the spread of viruses and other infections.

Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least one meter (three feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Coughs and sneezes spray small liquid droplets from the nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including COVID-19. In general, avoid physical contact – this means no hand-shaking or hugging. Be extra vigilant about maintaining social distancing on public transport like the metro. 

Symptoms & treatment of coronavirus

These symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear after exposure:

– Dry coughing
– Fever or chills 
– Shortness of breath
– Sore joints

There is currently no official cure for coronavirus, however, these treatments can facilitate a full recovery:

– Self isolate for at least seven days
– Drink lots of water
– Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help with symptoms such as pain or fever
– Follow the advice from healthcare professionals
– Antibiotics do not work (they are for bacterial infections, while coronavirus is a viral infection)

Closed locations in Medellín

The following locations in Medellín are shut and have suspended all activities until further notice:

– Biblioteca Pública Piloto y filiales
– Museo Casa de la Memoria de Medellín
– Teatro Lido
– Instituto de Deporte y Recreación de Medellín (INDER) 
– Museo de Arte Moderno
– Museo de Antioquia
– Cine Colombia cinemas

Bars and clubs have also been instructed to close. The metrocable line to Parque Arví will not operate from March 17 until the 30th.

Useful resources

The Ministry of Health in Colombia (Ministerio de Salud) has put together this document with in-depth information about how to stay protected and informed during the pandemic. Important phone numbers can be found at the bottom of the document. 

Mayor of Medellín, Daniel Quintero Calle, is posting regular updates via his Twitter account (in Spanish). 

Colombia Reports also has a live tracker of cases of coronavirus in Colombia. 

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Whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Medellín, or simply see more of Colombia, here’s your guide to Jericó, including its history, what to take, how to arrive, and things to do.

History of Jericó

Jericó’s religious significance was cemented as the birthplace and home of Madre Laura, Colombia’s first patron saint. Catholicism remains a strong part of the identity of the town, with nuns and priests helping to run schools and educate the children that live there. Currently, Jericó has 14,000 inhabitants and 16 churches.

Jericó is also known for its colorful houses and ornate balconies. In fact, the first line of the Jericó city anthem is “grato nido de amores” – which means “cherished love nest” in English. This came from a regular pastime of young lovers, flirting with each other from balcony to balcony.

What to bring

– Practical shoes
– Backpack
– Sunglasses
– Hat
– Sun cream
– Waterproof jacket or umbrella
– Warm layers
– Reusable water bottle
– Camera
– Swim suit
– Spanish words and phrases

How to arrive

Getting to Jericó is easy and buses depart from Medellín very regularly. To get there, head to Terminal del Sur and ticket booth 18. Go with the company Transportes Jericó, which shouldn’t take more than 3 hours. Be warned though, much of the road is windy and bumpy, although a new and faster route will be opening up in 2020.

Getting back is similarly stress-free. Simply head to the bus station in the main plaza on the right side of the church, and buy your ticket there. Tickets cost around $25,000 COP ($8.85) each way.

Things to Do

Take to the skies with paragliding

Jericó is undoubtedly one of the best places in Colombia to go paragliding. The proximity of San Felix to Medellín means that many travelers passing through the region opt for this instead. But, for those willing to make the extra effort, the views around Jericó are incomparable. Here, you can soar past huge, lush mountains, through the valley, and across the Piedras River. There is nothing quite like flying through the thick clouds, next to the eagles who make the beautiful region their home.

Flights can be organized through your accommodation or by contacting EcoLand, a restaurant, and business located directly next to the starting point. Prices start from around 115,000 COP ($40.78).

Hike through the countryside

There is a range of hiking options around Jericó, and more open up every day. One of the easiest and shortest options is to hike to Cristo Redentor, the large statue standing upon a peak bordering the town. From this height, you can see the entire town and the scope of nature that surrounds it.

Another option is Cerro Tuza, the biggest natural pyramid in the world. From a distance, Cerro Tuza’s shape seems too surreal to exist. However, this hike is not for the faint of heart. It takes three hours to reach its peak and is an almost entirely vertical walk.

Alternatively, walk up to Las Nubes. Though challenging in parts, the view from the peak is undeniably worth it. Opt for either a sunrise or sunset tour. It takes around 40 minutes to reach the summit, depending on your physical fitness, and the walk is fantastic every inch of the way. From the top, you can see the mountains and the river as well as the peak of Cerro Tuza.

Go horse riding

Horses are important in the town of Jericó. You get used to seeing them everywhere. It’s not uncommon to see locals cantering around the town square bareback, fuelled by copious amounts of Aguardiente. While that might not be for everyone, there are more tranquil and scenic options available.

Most hostels and accommodation can help organize horse riding trips, which start from the outskirts of the town. It is impossible not to feel like a cowboy when trotting through almost-deserted streets, only dotted by men sitting on their porches, wearing traditional hats and chewing toothpicks. 

Sample the local produce

There are several local delicacies in Jericó, some of which are unique to the region. Among these are Luisas, delicious cakes made with honey, panela and guava paste. Jericó is also said to have some of the best street food in Colombia.

Outside of food, Jericó is famous for a particular type of bag called a carriel. This was the bag of choice for arrieros, messengers who traveled from town to town by mule. This bag has since become an icon of Colombia, even appearing in the logo for Juan Valdez. The main selling point of the bag is the many pockets it contains within an extremely small space, and was also used as a pillow whilst the arrieros were on the road. This includes secret pockets, which were used to hide tokens from la otra – the mistress of the arriero.

Explore the Town

The town of Jericó is home to a wealth of museums and historical points of interest. The real star of the show here, though, is the town itself, which must be one of the most beautiful pueblos in Antioquia. Every street and corner is worthy of a photograph. Within the town, you can spot typical architecture in the colonización antioqueña and republicana styles.

This is a town that is home to creatives. There’s Calle de los Poetas – Poets Street, and the street of 80 Steps and of 100 Steps, which is lined with small tiendas where you can pick up an empanada or two. Meanwhile, the town square is the perfect place to sit down, relax with a coffee and people watch.

Planning more trips to towns near Medellín? Check out our guides to Jardín, Guatapé, Santa Fe de Antioquia, and Santa Elena. To really get the most out of your Medellín experience, hire the best personal travel VIP concierge service in the city.

About the author: Originally from Ireland, Roisin has been traveling since the age of 18. She has visited 45 countries and lived in 8, including China, Bolivia, Germany, and the U.S. You can follow her blog at http://adventuresofsheen.com/ or via Instagram.

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Did you enjoy this post? Support Medellin Living by making a small donation, and get access to special benefits like priority email responses to your questions and a free copy of the Medellin Travel Guide. Click here to learn more.

Whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Medellín, or simply see more of Colombia, here’s your guide to Santa Fe de Antioquia, including what to take, how to arrive, and things to do.

What to bring

– Light and floaty clothes 
– Practical shoes and sandals
– Backpack
– Sunglasses
– Hat
– Sun cream
– Reusable water bottle
– Camera
– Swim suit
– Spanish words and phrases

How to get there

Buses to Santa Fe run daily from Medellín, departing from the north bus terminal (Terminal del Norte). To get to the station, either take a taxi or the metro to Caribe on Linea A. Once at the bus station, ticket desks will display ‘Santa Fe de Antioquia’ on the window, but if you’re unsure, just ask an employee. Buses leave very regularly, so you shouldn’t have any issues buying on the day. However, for Saturdays and Sundays, try to get your ticket early in the morning.

A one-way journey costs around $12,000 – $15,000 COP and you won’t be able to buy a return ticket until in Santa Fe (we recommend doing this soon after you arrive to ensure you have a seat back). The route from Medellín takes roughly one hour but can be longer on weekends and Colombian festivos due to traffic.

Things to do

Stay in a finca

Santa Fe de Antioquia is considerably hotter than Medellín, being located some 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) lower in elevation, situated in a valley between the Río Cauca and the Río Tonusco. As a result, Santa Fe is a (literal) hotspot for Paisas and extranjeros alike looking to sunbathe and relax by a pool with a drink in-hand.

It’s no surprise then, that Santa Fe is home to an impressive selection of fincas (farm houses, essentially villas) that can host large groups of people. In Colombian culture, families and friends hire fincas for a weekend and spend their days partying and soaking up the sunshine. Because fincas can accommodate big groups, the cost is normally quite low split between everyone.

If you prefer a quieter getaway, there are similarly a number of hotels and apartments with pools to create a home-from-home in the heat. 

Wander through the cobbled streets

From 1584 up until 1826, Santa Fe was the capital of Antioquia. Subsequently, the pueblo is renowned for its stunning colonial architecture, which is some of the best-preserved in all of Colombia.

Santa Fe retains the feel and character of a centuries-old town, with narrow cobblestone streets, a picturesque plaza that serves as the social center of town, whitewashed buildings, and grand churches.

Spend a few hours strolling through streets and Plaza Bolivar, admiring the beautiful architecture and timeless feel of Santa Fe before settling down at a restaurant for a refreshing jugo natural (natural juice).

The Catedral de Santa Fe de Antioquia is the centerpiece of the main plaza, but don’t forget to venture around the corner to the Baroque-style church of Iglesia Santa Barbara, as well as the adjacent park and garden.

Puente de Occidente

Situated about a 20-minute drive from the center of Santa Fe, Puente de Occidente is an old bridge that crosses over the Río Cauca.

The easiest way to get to the bridge is to hire a motochiva (tuk tuk) from the main plaza. You’ll have to barter the price with the driver, but you can ask them to meet you at the other side of the bridge while you walk over, and get a better rate for a round trip. 

The Puente de Occidente was built at the end of the 19th century and is considered one of Colombia’s first civil engineering works, as well as one of the most important civil engineering projects of its time. It was declared a National Monument in 1978.

When it was finished in 1895, the Puente de Occidente was the third-longest bridge in the world and the longest in South America at approximately 300 meters.

Towering over the muddy and roiling river below, the bridge is not for the faint-hearted. Traffic alternates from one side to the other via one lane, and when there’s strong winds, the bridge can even sway. That said, the views and novel experience are a must in Santa Fe, and there’s often a lively buzz of people nearby enjoying a beer and watching groups tentatively cross.

Tunel de Occidente

Technically not a tourist activity, but a fun fact about the route to Santa Fe is that it goes via the Tunnel de Occidente. Completed in 2006, the Tunel de Occidente is the longest tunnel in all of South America.

The construction of the tunnel reduced the distance to the pueblo from 50 to 32 miles and cut approximately an hour off of the travel time.

Planning more trips to towns near Medellín? Check out our guides to Jardín, Guatapé, and Santa Elena. To really get the most out of your Medellín experience, hire the best personal travel VIP concierge service in the city.

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Did you enjoy this post? Support Medellin Living by making a small donation, and get access to special benefits like priority email responses to your questions and a free copy of the Medellin Travel Guide. Click here to learn more.

Join Barrio Central’s trivia night

Where: Circular 2 # 68-123

When: 8pm – 10.30pm

Cover: Free

Barrio Central is a British-run bar in Laureles and is particularly well-known for its bi-monthly trivia nights. Paisas and foreigners alike flock to the bar to flex their knowledge over a variety of categories, including science, history, sports, film, and music.

A maximum of six people can make up a team, and the winners take home $50,000 COP in bar credit, plus craft beers for each team member. The quiz is also a great opportunity to practice Spanish, as questions and answers are given in both Spanish and English. 

Reservations have to be made before 7.45 pm on Monday via (+57)5407965 or (+57)3136214659. We recommend arriving early to the trivia, as tables get filled very quickly. 

Watch jazz at El Acontista

Where: Calle 53 #43-81

When: 8pm – 11pm

Cover: Free entry (minimum $15,000 COP menu spend per person)

Located in El Centro, El Acontista is one of Medellín’s best hidden gems. The chic bar/restaurant also happens to be a bookstore, filled with floor-to-ceiling rows of classic stories.

Every Monday, the venue hosts live musicians, ranging from jazz to blues, acoustic and country, to entertain the mostly Paisa crowd. The ambiance is cozy, the service friendly, and the prices cheap – what more could you want for a slightly bleak Monday evening? 

There’s no cover for the event but attendees are asked to spend at least $15,000 COP on items from the menu (can be food or drink). 

Be part of the community at Lunes de Ciudad

Where: Plazoleta de San Ignacio, Carrera 45 #47-66

When: 7 pm

Cover: Free

Taking place in Medellín since 2013, Lunes de Ciudad is an organization that encourages dialogue among communities in countries throughout Latin America. Every Monday, people from all backgrounds are welcome to join the discussion on topics like peace, coexistence, security, urban sustainability, governance, and democracy.

The events sometimes have guest speakers or politicians attend, so really are an opportunity to really have your voice heard or better understand Colombia. 

Salsa away with DANCEFREE

Where: Calle 10A #40-27

When: 9.30pm – 4am

Cover: Free

DANCEFREE is a private salsa school in El Poblado. On Mondays, they host an evening filled with live music and a dance floor full of swaying hips. From 8 pm until 9.30 pm one of the expert teachers leads a group salsa class, and from 10 pm onward, salsa and bachata musicians take to the stage.

The event is suited to both professional dancers and those looking to learn the basics of Latin movement. So, either come alone and be prepared to make new friends or bring a friend/partner and plan to get close and sweaty. 

No reservations are necessary to join the event. 

Party at Fonda la Chismosa

Where: Calle 18 # 35-81

When: 8pm – 4am

Cover: Free

Monday is no excuse not to make the most of Medellín’s awesome party scene. And, there’s no night more authentically Paisa than a fonda — a colorful bar with neon lights, lots of kitsch decorations, performers, and flowing Aguardiente.

Located up in Las Palmas, Fonda la Chismosa is a fantastic experience where visitors can dance, drink, and be very merry. The drinks are a little more expensive than usual in Medellín but the vibrant atmosphere and general wackiness are well worth it. 

Want to fill your itinerary with events on other days? Check out our ‘things to do’ guides for Saturday and Sunday, or keep yourself thoroughly entertained throughout the week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

For other fun activities to do while you’re in Medellín, don’t forget to visit our article “Top 10 events of the week in Medellín” where you can find a variety of events from art exhibitions to movie nights, free language exchanges, classical music concerts, theater nights, gastronomy, and much more.

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Did you enjoy this post? Support Medellin Living by making a small donation, and get access to special benefits like priority email responses to your questions and a free copy of the Medellin Travel Guide. Click here to learn more.