Colombia : Safety by City
- Barranquilla
- Bogotá
- Bucaramanga
- Cali
- Cartagena
- Cucuta
- Leticia
- Manizales
- Medellin
- Popayan
- Santa Marta
Medellín, Colombia, was once a small colonial settlement after Europeans arrived in the 16th century.
The history of the indigenous groups, mostly the Aburraes, dates to at least the fifth century.
The name Aburrá came from the indigenous people.
It means painter and likely came from their recognition for painting decorations.
The Spanish formed the first European settlement in what is now Medellin.
The indigenous people experienced tragedy after the arrival of the Spanish.
They were subjected to forced labor and diseases that the Europeans brought to the area.
Those things and other experiences under Spanish rule led to the near extinction of the indigenous people.
Today, Medellin is a well-known destination for travelers, even after having many years of high crime rates, terrorism, and violence.
The government and various groups spent a lot of time and money transforming Medellin into an area of social and economic activities.
The city center of El Centro is where travelers can visit some of the city’s well-known landmarks, experience the history and culture that make Medellin what it is today.
Some people are still likely to wonder if traveling to Medellin is safe, especially given its past issues with crime and violence.
Discover the Medellin of today and explore the area that is known for its rich history, culture, and some neighborhoods that are known for luxury living.
Warnings & Dangers in Medellin
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
The overall risk in Medellin is at the medium level since it is a city where both petty and violent crime acts can sometimes happen against tourists. To remain safe here and minimize the risk of trouble, you should perform activities during the daytime, avoid walking alone, call taxis by phone and do not show electronic devices, credit cards or money in public.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
The best advice in terms of taxis is to call them from your accommodation and always ask the driver to turn on the taxi meter. Driving in Medellin is horrific, so avoid driving your car. If you are a pedestrian, do not rely on traffic signs, since they are not respected. Remain very watchful when crossing the street, even on the marked pedestrian crossings.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Even though Medellin is considered a safe city for tourism, the crime rate does not support that fact. Petty crime is a serious problem and the theft of wallets, electronic gadgets and passports are increasing. Tourist sites are full of the police, so you can feel safe there, but try to avoid parks El Poblado and Laureles.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Flooding, landslides, and earthquakes are common natural disasters in Medellin. In case you happen to be there during any of these disasters, follow the advice of the local authorities.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Violent crime against tourists is not very common in Medellin, but it is important to avoid Comuna 13, Parque Lleras, Parque de las Luces, Parque San Antonio, Parque Periodista, Prado, Barrio Trinidad, and La Sierra especially after dark. Mugging strategies are at a high level and the process lasts a few seconds. It happens everywhere, at any hour, and if you happen to be the victim, just give them what they want. There is no point in arguing or defeating since that can make you more trouble.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
Recent reports show that organized crime, related to the Medellín Cartel, a highly organized drug cartel in Colombia, has occurred repeatedly as a consequence of the fight against them. Tourists are not the direct targets but may be victims in case they find themselves at the place of the attack.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
The possible problems travelers can encounter here is the counterfeit money, so they should always exchange it at the airport or in a bank. Do not exchange money on the street even if they offer you a better rate. As in any other huge city, taxi drivers take advantage of tourists, thieves transform themselves into police officers and credit card skimming is frequent.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Since many women who visited Medellin had no issues, it is considered a quite safe city. Verbal harassment, like cat-calling or whistling, is frequent, but women just need to remain polite if this happens. They should be careful when on bus stations and in taxis, especially at night.
Safest Places to Visit in Medellin
Medellin welcomes more than 1,400,000 travelers each year.
People come to experience the culture, visit the sites, and learn about the rich history of Medellin.
They are likely to know that it is one of the safest places in Colombia.
Several areas in and around Medellín are popular with tourists.
They offer outstanding attractions, restaurants, landmarks, exciting nightlife, a vibrant atmosphere, and outstanding cultural experiences.
The El Poblado District is a favorite area that travelers often visit and stay in when they visit Medellin.
The nice hotels and apartments, nice restaurants, exciting nightlife, and other entertainment, along with a feeling of safety, are some reasons that travelers visit this area.
Plaza Botero is adjacent to the Museum of Antioquia, which is a must-see for travelers.
Visit Plaza Botero, which features more than 20 bronze sculptures created by Colombia’s own Fernando Botero.
Go inside the museum to see more of his famous works, and art created by other Latin American artists.
Comuna 13 used to be one of the dangerous neighborhoods to avoid when visiting Medellin.
The cartels are no longer a serious threat to travelers.
The neighborhood is now a vibrant part of Medellin.
Travelers enjoy the many restaurants, bars, and bold, vibrant graffiti.
Visitors can enjoy history and culture when they see the colorful houses, the street performances, and the amazing views.
Guided tours take visitors to see the sites and learn about the area.
Get away from the crowds when you visit the Botanical Garden of Medellin.
It showcases stunning, lush garden areas, rare orchids, tropical plants, and a pond.
It also has a butterfly house, a cactus garden, and other garden areas.
Explore prehistoric archaeological sites, protected forest areas, and the natural beauty of Avri Park.
The beautiful landscape, amazing wildlife, and walkable trails are some reasons that this ecological nature preserve is popular with travelers.
Visitors also enjoy the metrocable ride that takes them to the park and offers amazing views.
Places to Avoid in Medellin
El Centro is flourishing with activity during the day.
Travelers may want to avoid El Centro at night, especially if they are alone.
The police do not stay around the area at night, which makes it less safe for tourists.
La Candelaria, which is Comuna 10, is a place that travelers should avoid.
It has been known as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Medellin for several years.
Stay away from Aranjuez.
It is among the top Medellin areas for the number of homicides.
Some other Comunas in and around Medellin that have high violent crime rates include Manrique and Robledo.
Do not go to Parque de las Luces after dark.
It is not as dangerous as it used to be, but it may still not be safe at night.
Prado and Barrio Trinidad may be hotspots for drug activity.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Medellin
- Leave your valuables at home. Petty crimes are common, including pickpockets who take advantage of unsuspecting travelers.
- Do not leave your drink unattended. Keep a close watch on your drink to avoid the risk of a spiked drink.
- Use a money belt or an inside pocket. Keep your money and credit cards safer by wearing a money belt. Another option is to keep them in an inside pocket.
- Dress like the locals. Dress like residents so that you blend in with them better and do not look like an easy target for thieves. Do not wear expensive, brand-name clothes, shoes, or jewelry.
- If someone tries to rob you, give them what they want. It is better to lose your money than to lose your life.
- Visit Medellin with a guide or a tour group. Travelers who plan to visit Medellin for the first time should consider a guide or joining a tour group. Staying with a guide or group helps travelers avoid unsafe areas and have an unforgettable, enjoyable trip.
- Make a copy of your documents. Make a copy of your passport and other documents. If you lose your original or become a victim of pickpockets or muggers, you will still have a copy of your important documents and credit cards.
- Exchange money at official locations. Counterfeit money is an issue in Colombia. Exchange money only at official locations. Use small denominations when making purchases to avoid the risk of getting back a lot of change in counterfeit bills.
- Avoid protests and demonstrations. Stay away from public protests or demonstrations. They can turn violent.
- Do not use dating apps. The U.S. Department of State warns travelers who go to Colombia to avoid dating apps. The agency says that U.S. citizens have been robbed, drugged, or killed after using dating apps to meet someone.
So... How Safe Is Medellin Really?
Some areas of Medellin that were once known for criminal activity are now some of the most popular tourist spots.
Areas once known for terrorists and drug cartels have been transformed into places that showcase the culture and natural beauty of Medellin.
Travelers who visit Medellin, including women travelers, usually have great experiences with no safety issues.
Still, people who visit Medellin need to stay alert to their surroundings and changing situations.
Natural disasters sometimes occur in Medellin, especially during the rainy season.
People have lost their lives during floods and landslides.
Most crimes committed against travelers in Medellin are petty crimes.
Pickpockets are especially active on public transport when travelers do not take basic precautions.
Staying in safe neighborhoods can further help travelers enjoy Medellin.
How Does Medellin Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Medellin |
60 |
| Cucuta |
32 |
| Barranquilla |
47 |
| Bogotá |
55 |
| Cartagena |
82 |
| Popayan |
31 |
| Leticia |
70 |
 Haverhill | 74 |
| Sarasota | 83 |
| Slade | 68 |
 Prague | 85 |
| Muskogee | 54 |
 Alicante | 77 |
Useful Information
Visas
For most nationalities, a visa is not necessary when coming to Colombia, as a tourist and stay less than 90 days. On the other hand, there are countries whose citizens need to acquire a visa before they enter Colombia. Your passport must be valid during your stay here.
Currency
The local currency is the Colombian Peso and it is advisable to exchange your money since US dollars and Euros are rarely accepted. Credit cards are used here, but not to that extent as in other more developed countries. In case you need to use an ATM, those found in a shopping mall or large superstores are more secure than those on the street because there is a risk that somebody will rob you.
Weather
The 'City of everlasting spring' is the nickname for Medellin due to its climate. The weather is quite mild with an average temperature that ranges from 15 to 30 degrees C. Humidity is comfortable and cool air comes from the mountains surrounding Medellin. This provides Medellin with the perfect climate.
Airports
José María Córdova International Airport located in Rionegro is the airport that is used when coming to Medellin. Other airports which can be used as an alternative if you decide to come to Colombia are El Dorado International Airport, José María Córdova International Airport, and Rafael Núñez International Airport with non-stop flights to many places.
Travel Insurance
Colombia is a country where accidents can happen, in terms of luggage lost or theft, so what you need to have when coming here is travel insurance that will cover not only medical problems but any kind of loss of personal belongings.
Medellin Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Low °C |
17 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| High °F |
82 | 82 | 82 | 81 | 81 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 81 | 81 | 81 | 81 |
| Low °F |
63 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 |
Colombia - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Barranquilla | 47 |
| Bogotá | 55 |
| Bucaramanga | 32 |
| Cali | 52 |
| Cartagena | 82 |
| Cucuta | 32 |
| Leticia | 70 |
| Manizales | 47 |
| Medellin | 60 |
| Popayan | 31 |
| Santa Marta | 33 |
Columbia correctly spelled is Colombia…
Wonderful trip!
I got a chance to see all of the must-see sights found in Medellin like Parque Berrío, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Museo de Antioquia, the Junin pedestrian street from the Coltejer Building to Bolivar Park. Everything was exceptional and we are already planning another trip in Colombia, in Medellin and other cities as well.
Fun place for young people
I wanted a vacation really badly so I booked a two-week stay in Medellin because it was dirt cheap, had warm weather and I can speak Spanish rather well.
Colombia gets a bad rep if you spend more than a few days in their country and watch local news you will see why. However, most of the incidents are gang-related, gruesome, but gang-related.
All of the locals I interacted with were happy to give me directions or simply to chitchat, don’t believe the naysayers, these people are not out to get you. Yes, they have pickpockets. Yes, they have scammers that will bump you in the street trying to sell random stuff because ‘gran descuento’. Yes, they might overcharge your cab ride – I always ask for an estimate beforehand. What country doesn’t have these flaws?
They excel when it comes to nightlife, you wont run out of clubs and they’re quite inclusive, if you’re gay you will have zero problems blending in. Plus, you will have your pick of gay bars and clubs.
Colombia as a country has a huge problem with pollution so if you’re asthmatic or have any other allergies you might find it rather hard to pace your breath. I can’t remember the last time I used my inhaler more than I did during my two-week stay there.
I was not a fan of the food, though… Local cuisine is not my cup of tea, if you’re a vegetarian you’ll have trouble finding decent salads that are something other than a couple of green leaves sprinkled with some oil.
So, watch your cash, phone, camera, avoid sketchy neighborhoods – believe me, you know it the second you see it. Walking around mindlessly with your eyes glued to the phone is simply asking for trouble, regardless if you’re in Medellin or NYC.
Dont let down your guard
i visited with my girlfriend and got mugged at Cerro el volador. it happened very fast, they were armed and Took all our stuff. maybe it was our mistake for going into a park with few visitors. we talked to some locals and they told us muggings like these do happen very often and more violent crimes are also not rare. on average 20 tourist get killed in medellin every year, most of them in Connection with prostitution or if they try to play the hero when getting mugged. Check colombian newspapers if you dont believe me. i dont want to spoil anyones fun or spread horror stories, i Just want to warn you: be careful! yes, Medellin is not as dangerous as it was 30 years ago, but it is still in no way a city in which you can be carefree. only take with you the valuables you really need, dont wave them around in public, take a copy of your Passport, leave the original in your Hotel. only take registered Taxis or uber. Metro felt safe too. dont walk around at night. avoid empty streets, even in broad daylight. ask your Hotel staff about Security risks and unsafe areas. and most inportantely: listen to your gut Feeling. If an area seems sketchy to you, it possibly is and should be avoided. even the centro around the big Museums can be seedy and doubles as a red light district. dont take unecessary risks, dont let Strangers into your Hotel room/ Airbnb. There are a Lot of muggings connected to tinder dates in the last years. dont leave your drink unprotected (this applies to men too!) and dont think that i am exaggerating because you know some people who had no problems at all – i definitively believe that the majority of tourists never encounter any serious crime, but some do and it can spoil your holidays or even worse – it is a serious Problem and not as rare as you might think. colombia is a beautiful country with charming people, but dont forget that it is also a very poor country compared to almost every western one. this means desperation and also crime. you will be a target for some. stay Safe!
Not heading in the right direction
Things have been going downhill in Medellin since 2023. Lots of guys getting killed meeting women down there. If not drugged, then kidnapped and stabbed or shot. Also, spontaneous robberies seem to be on the rise. There are still some relatively safer areas, such as Envigado and the graffiti area of San Javier, but these are more outliers. Even then, you still have to get from the airport to these areas, and then transportation back and forth. El Poblado is becoming more dangerous.
I had a good time when I went in October, but I also knew people there before I even arrived, and these were people I knew well enough to trust. If you don’t have any contacts down there, it’s more risky. If you go, don’t display your phone on the street, dress like a local, and never hail a taxi from the road. Also, if you are meeting a chica down there, it had better be someone you know exceptionally well.
2.5 stars. Wonderful place BUT in Dec 2020 as a single young female I was nearly kidnapped/robbed on arrival! My Uber (correct plates) set me up and stopped on the highway 10 mins in with the doors unlocked and windows down, didn’t explain why (he knew I spoke Spanish) and started texting someone long messages for close to 10 mins. I got out of it by yelling at him to drive but when I got to my Airbnb I could barely walk… Felt like I was moving through quicksand and had the worst headache of my life! Took 5 mins to cross the street. I stayed in the whole day but the rest of the trip was awesome! I really want to visit Bogota and Ctg but am afraid after that. I have extensive solo travel and this is the only place besides Rio during Carnival I ever felt fearful (nothing hpnd in Rio bc I look Brazilian, learned the language, and dressed like locals). The next time I booked a flight to Colombia there were massive demonstrations that left hundreds dead and blocked travel btwn cities. Luckily I canceled the flight same day! A friend visited that year and said some paramilitary or something blocked exits where she was and had machine guns and they were stuck maybe 2 days? I’m putting Colombia dead last in places to return to. Sad bc outside of crime it has so much to offer!
It’s amazing to see how Medellin has transformed over the years; I never expected to find such a vibrant culture and friendly atmosphere.
It’s fascinating to think about how far Medellín has come after such a troubled past; I felt a mix of hope and sadness walking through El Centro, seeing the vibrant life all around.
It’s incredible how Medellín has transformed over the years; walking through El Centro, you can almost feel the weight of history mixed with the vibrant culture today, and it honestly makes you reflect on how resilience shapes a city.
It’s hard to imagine how much the city has changed when you think about its past struggles, but walking through El Centro really gives you a sense of the spirit and resilience here.
Walking around El Centro and remembering that Aburrá means painter gave me a small smile, seeing the city’s history and its big transformation right next to each other.
I gotta say, after hopping the metro cable to Santo Domingo and spotting those crazy colorful murals I walked away grinning and a bit stunned by how alive the city feels.
Took a stroll through El Centro yesterday and the mix of old church facades, noisy street vendors and the smell of fresh arepas actually made me feel oddly proud of how the city turned itself around.