The Paisa Plan | Medellín Travel Guide, Insider Tips & Relocation Advice

6 Reasons Medellín Has the Best Public Transportation in the World

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 17:45:21 -0700

When most people think of public transportation, they think of "getting from Point A to Point B." They think of crowded cars, passengers not on their best behavior, dirt and grime, and an overall not very pleasant experience.

But if you’ve spent any time in the City of Eternal Spring, you know the Medellín Metro is something else entirely, and a source of immense civic pride.

Medellín is frequently cited alongside cities like Tokyo and Paris in lists of the world’s best public transportation, and for good reason. It’s currently the only metro system in Colombia, and since its debut, it has transformed the way the city connects.

As someone who has lived here as a permanent resident for years, I strongly believe that the Metro is one of the best ways to understand the heart and soul of the city. There are plenty of websites with basic information such as fares and hours, so I’d rather give you six of my favorite things about the Medellín Metro that make it truly world-class and a must-ride when you visit.

Metrocables arriving at the Santo Domingo station

Visiting Medellín is an unforgettable experience, and for those of us who made the decision to move here, there is no better city. Always on our list of reasons to call Medellín home are the people.

Kind, welcoming, optimistic, and joyful, Paisas are the best. Well, most are.

Like any popular desination, tourists can sometimes be targeted by scams. One of the most common tricks involves tipping, which is a subtle but very frustrating and annoying (not to mention disrespectful) way travelers end up paying more than they should.

Understanding how tipping works in Colombia and knowing what to watch out for can save you money and stress. In this guide, I’ll break down the Medellín tourist scam you’re most likely to encounter, explain how it happens, and share practical tips to avoid it so you can enjoy the city with confidence.

Understanding Tipping in Colombia

I love tipping in Medellín for two reasons. First, it's a way to show gratitude and thanks, and I have a lot of gratitude and thanks....Read More

Medellín Flower Festival: 4 Insider Tips You Won’t Find Elsewhere

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 19:31:12 -0700

Medellín bursts into a kaleidoscope of color, music, and tradition every August during the Feria de las Flores. While guidebooks will tell you about the Flower Festival's iconic parades, concerts, and floral displays, there’s another side to this celebration that only locals like myself know.

The event is arguably the city's biggest celebration of the year, one that is even more popular than the annual Christmas lights. But you might not want to come.

Yes, it is a magical time in a city full of magic, and you can easily find countless blogs telling you about the history of the event and why it should be on everyone's wishlist to see in person.

But my promise to you as Medellín's leading travel advisor is to always give you the information you need to have an authentic and unforgettable experience here while saving time and money. And there are definitely some challenges that come with being here during the festival.

Here are four to keep in mind:

Planning a trip with the kids? Colombia’s “City of Eternal Spring” is more than just a cultural hotspot — it’s a playground for families. With perfect weather year-round, safe and easy transportation, and endless kid-friendly activities, Medellín is an ideal destination for your next family vacation, and really should have been included in the recent The New York Times story Skip the Beach: 5 Cities Where Adults and Kids Can Enjoy Spring Break.

Though I don’t have children myself, I do have many recommendations that I have given to numerous families who used The Paisa Plan to create a kid-friendly (and fun!) itinerary. Here are five reasons why your children will love Medellín as much as you will.

1. Year-Round Outdoor Fun for Families

Planning a trip to Medellín, Colombia? You’ve booked your flights, set your dates, and now you’re wondering if you really need a Medellín travel advisor. With so much information online — and AI-generated guides flooding search results — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The truth is, while DIY planning works for some, having a local expert can mean the difference between a generic vacation and an unforgettable, authentic Medellín experience.

Why Medellín Trip Planning Isn’t as Simple as It Seems

Running a tourism company has never been more interesting, or challenging. Not only am I competing against other people who provide a similar service, but also the rise of computer-generated content generated. While I welcome healthy competition from anyone who loves this city as much as I do, I can’t say the same about AI.

Do a Google search and you’ll quickly learn that AI-generated travel guides often mislead travelers about destinations, activities, and local customs. These guides are compiled by algorithms, which...Read More

The Insider's Guide to Public Holidays in Colombia

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 11:25:26 -0700

Colombia is famous for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes — and an impressive 18 public holidays each year. This fact often surprises visitors and can induce some jealousy, especially if you are coming from the United States where the paid days off number in the single digits! If you’re planning a trip to Medellín, knowing when these holidays fall can help you avoid closures, enjoy unique celebrations, and even score quieter streets during “puentes” (long weekends).

This insider’s guide covers every holiday, plus practical Medellín travel tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Why Colombia Has So Many Public Holidays

As a Catholic nation most, but not all, are based on religion, and each one carries cultural and historical significence, including two days celebrating independance! A full list of them, including holidays that are not public, can be found here. Then keep reading to learn more about the 18 days Colombians look forward to the most:

Año Nuevo (New Year’s Day): The party starts the night before with plenty of music and fireworks, and continues on January 1 with more parties and family gatherings.
Día de los Reyes Magos (Epiphany): Also known as the Feast of the Three Kings, this...Read More

The #1 Mistake Tourists Make in Medellín (And How to Avoid It)

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:48:00 -0700

Many first-time visitors to Medellín make the same mistake: they spend their entire trip in Poblado or Laureles. While these neighborhoods are fantastic and some of my personal favorites in each are included in my blog How To Spend the Perfect Day in Medellín, they’re just the beginning of what the city has to offer. To truly experience Medellín’s culture, history, and local life, you need to explore beyond the tourist hubs and the incredibly diverse neighborhoods elsewhere in the city and the wonderful sights, sounds, and people who call them home.

Here are three must-visit Medellín neighborhoods that will transform your trip from great to unforgettable.

An elevated view of El Centro

Inside a café in El Centro

El Centro: The Historic and Cultural Heart of Medellín

No list of places to see in Medellín is complete without mentioning El Centro, the...Read More

Why December in Colombia Is Magical: Christmas & Holiday Travel Guide

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 19:51:23 -0800

December in Colombia is pure magic. From the warm glow of Día de las Velitas candles to the dazzling Medellín Christmas lights (known as Alumbrados Navideños), the country comes alive with traditions, music, and food that make it one of the best times to visit. Whether you’re here for the cultural celebrations, the perfect weather, or the festive atmosphere, this guide will help you experience the holidays like a local.

Unique Colombian Holiday Traditions

These are some of the unique traditions and customs that you’ll get to experience if you are in Colombia during what many say is the most magical time of the year:

Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles): On December 7th, Colombians light candles and lanterns in their homes, streets, and public spaces to honor the Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception. This tradition also marks the official start of the Christmas season.
Novenas (Nine Days of Prayer): From December 16th to 24th, Colombians gather with their family, friends, and neighbors to pray, sing carols, and play games. Each night, a different household hosts the novena, which is based on a litany of prayers written by a Catholic priest over three centuries ago. This tradition is so important you’ll even see entire community buildings gathering to do it together.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: The main celebration of Christmas in Colombia takes place on the night of December 24th, when families gather for a midnight feast, exchange gifts, and...Read More

Arepas 101: The Ultimate Guide to Colombian Arepas (History, Types & Recipes)

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 19:06:35 -0700

If you spend any time in Medellín, whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, you’ll quickly discover that arepas are more than just food. They’re a daily ritual, a cultural symbol, and one of Colombia’s most beloved culinary traditions. Made from cornmeal and enjoyed in countless variations, arepas have been a staple since pre‑Columbian times, when indigenous communities first transformed maize into these versatile, satisfying rounds.

Today, you’ll find arepas everywhere: sizzling on street‑corner grills, served alongside hearty breakfasts, or reinvented in upscale restaurants. From the thin, crispy arepa paisa of Antioquia to the sweet, cheesy arepa de chócolo, each variety tells a story about the region it comes from and the people who make it.

In this guide, we’ll explore the history of Colombian arepas, break down the most popular types you’ll encounter in Medellín and beyond, share authentic preparation tips, and even show you where to find the best ones in the city. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a home cook, or simply hungry, this is your passport to understanding — and enjoying — one of Colombia’s most iconic dishes.

Types of Colombian Arepas

These are just a few of the varieties that you'll likely come across during your travels in Medellín and throughout Colombia:

If you only have one day in Medellín, you can still experience the city’s magic, from its world‑class coffee culture to its breathtaking mountain views and vibrant nightlife. Known as the City of Eternal Spring, Medellín offers the perfect blend of urban energy and natural beauty.
In this one‑day itinerary, we’ll start with artisan cold brew in the leafy Manila neighborhood, enjoy a decadent breakfast in Provenza, hike to panoramic views atop Cerro de las Tres Cruces, savor a healthy lunch in Laureles, relax in the riverside Parques del Río, and end the night with dinner and dancing in Provenza.
Whether you’re here for a layover, a quick getaway, or just want to make the most of 24 hours, this guide will help you plan the perfect Medellín day, with local tips you won’t find in generic travel blogs.

Arguably the best cold brew coffee at Hija Mía

Morning Coffee in Manila and Breakfast in Provenza
Start the day by heading to Hija Mía in Manila, a small neighborhood within Poblado. Founded by expats and staffed by some of the nicest baristas you’ll ever meet, the cold brew is where it is at to get your day started on the right foot.
Next comes a short walk to Provenza, the most famous part of Poblado, where you’ll end up at the beach-themed Read More