As the second largest and most extremely populated metropolis in Colombia, Medellin is a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers from everywhere in the world. Medellin has over 3 million inhabitants who name this metropolis within the Andes Mountains dwelling. It’s well-known inside Colombia and all over the world for its year-round collection of festivals, such because the magnificent annual Festival of the Flowers, the Jazz Festival, the International Poetry Festival, and naturally the gorgeous Christmas Lights celebration in early December.
Medellin has a lot to supply moreover festivals, too. The metropolis dates again to the mid-1500’s when it was based by Spaniards. The metropolis’s unique structure nonetheless stands amongst its fashionable buildings, creating a captivating juxtaposition between the previous world and the brand new. Tourists are keen about seeing constructions just like the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Antioquia Train Station, the Parque Explore, the Planetarium and way more.
Overall, there are many issues to see and do in Medellin for vacationers. Medellin prizes artists and artwork, and that is evident by the quite a few venues that show sculptures and work.
With Jose Maria Cordova International Airport within the coronary heart of Medellin, it’s simple for guests from the U.S. and different nations to fly into Medellin. But is that clever? How secure is it to go to Medellin?
Travel Danger Risks in Medellin
Overall: Medium
For a big South American metropolis the place quite a lot of crimes will be dedicated in opposition to vacationers, the general danger of hazard in Medellin is Medium. The U.S. Department Of State has a stage 3 warning for Colombia generally which interprets into “Reconsider Travel“.
While visiting, vacationers ought to keep consciousness of their environment, and keep away from behaviors similar to stepping into taxis off the road, occurring solo excursions, and displaying wealth, cash, and telephones and tablets whereas in public.
Also, vacationers want to concentrate on the degrees of hazard in numerous neighborhoods. For instance, Poblado is secure through the day and evening however in different neighborhoods, vacationers must watch out through the evening, and late at evening ought to use Uber or Taxi.
Transportation: Medium
Public security specialists suggest arranging for taxis personally. Don’t ask anybody else to have a taxi come and get you, and don’t get into unusual automobiles on the road, even when they show a taxi signal.
At the identical time, Medellin’s roads are extremely congested, so driving isn’t really useful, both. Pedestrians additionally have to train warning, as a result of visitors indicators are sometimes ignored and pedestrians don’t have the precise of method, even when there are clear alerts and crosswalks.
Pickpockets: High
Like different giant cities, Medellin is a hotspot for opportunistic crimes like pickpocketing.
Petty crime charges are very dangerous in Medellin and solely getting worse. Unsuspecting vacationers might very effectively discover themselves victims of theft of cell telephones, case, wallets, jewellery, tablets, laptops and extra Even while you suppose you’ve gotten a helpful tucked away in your backpacker, a intelligent pickpocket can entry it with out you even noticing.
Mugging: Medium
Mugging is even worse than being pickpocketed as a result of violence is concerned. Generally talking, violent crimes usually are not generally dedicated in opposition to vacationers, however they do occur.
Certain areas ought to be averted, like Comuna 13, Parque Lleras, Parque de las Luces, Parque San Antonio, Parque Periodista, Prado, Barrio Trinidad, and La Sierra. Avoid going anyplace in Medellin after darkish. The greatest recommendation is, solely carry what you want for the day, and in case you get mugged, give them what they ask for, as a result of they most likely received’t hesitate to harm you in case you refuse.
Scams: High
While the common citizen of Meddelin is form and trustworthy, there are unsavory people who find themselves all the time trying to benefit from vacationers. Unfortunately, they prey on vacationers, so that you’re prone to encounter a number of scams in case you go to. These scams vary of money-changing scams to overcharging for providers, to impersonating law enforcement officials to get a bribe, to bank card skimming machines.
In normal, Medellin is among the extra dangerous locations to go to in South America. But in case you journey with a bunch, maintain tabs on each other and be vigilant each time you enterprise out, you can come dwelling with all of your valuables intact, plus some unbelievable lasting reminiscences.