Because 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 residence. It’s well-known inside Colombia and around the globe for its year-round sequence of festivals, such because the magnificent annual Competition of the Flowers, the Jazz Competition, the Worldwide Poetry Competition, and naturally the attractive Christmas Lights celebration in early December.
Medellin has a lot to supply in addition to festivals, too. Town dates again to the mid-1500’s when it was based by Spaniards. Town’s authentic structure nonetheless stands amongst its trendy buildings, creating an enchanting juxtaposition between the outdated world and the brand new. Vacationers are obsessed with seeing constructions just like the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Antioquia Prepare Station, the Parque Discover, the Planetarium and far more.
Total, 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 Worldwide Airport within the coronary heart of Medellin, it’s simple for guests from the U.S. and different nations to fly into Medellin. However is that smart? How secure is it to go to Medellin?
Journey Hazard Dangers in Medellin
Total: Medium
For a big South American metropolis the place quite a lot of crimes could be dedicated in opposition to vacationers, the general danger of hazard in Medellin is Medium. The U.S. Division Of State has a degree 3 warning for Colombia basically which interprets into “Rethink Journey“.
Whereas visiting, vacationers ought to preserve consciousness of their environment, and keep away from behaviors similar to moving into taxis off the road, occurring solo excursions, and displaying wealth, cash, and telephones and tablets whereas in public.
Additionally, vacationers want to concentrate on the degrees of hazard in several neighborhoods. For instance, Poblado is secure throughout the day and night time however in different neighborhoods, vacationers should watch out throughout the night time, and late at night time 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.
On the identical time, Medellin’s roads are extremely congested, so driving isn’t advisable, both. Pedestrians additionally have to train warning, as a result of visitors indicators are sometimes ignored and pedestrians don’t have the appropriate of manner, even when there are clear indicators and crosswalks.
Pickpockets: Excessive
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 could very effectively discover themselves victims of theft of cell telephones, case, wallets, jewellery, tablets, laptops and extra Even whenever you suppose you’ve gotten a worthwhile 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. Usually talking, violent crimes should not generally dedicated in opposition to vacationers, however they do occur.
Sure areas needs to be averted, like Comuna 13, Parque Lleras, Parque de las Luces, Parque San Antonio, Parque Periodista, Prado, Barrio Trinidad, and La Sierra. Keep away from going wherever in Medellin after darkish. One of the best recommendation is, solely carry what you want for the day, and should you get mugged, give them what they ask for, as a result of they in all probability gained’t hesitate to harm you should you refuse.
Scams: Excessive
Whereas the typical citizen of Meddelin is sort and sincere, there are unsavory people who find themselves all the time seeking to reap the benefits of vacationers. Sadly, they prey on vacationers, so that you’re prone to encounter a number of scams should you go to. These scams vary of money-changing scams to overcharging for companies, to impersonating law enforcement officials to get a bribe, to bank card skimming machines.
Normally, Medellin is likely one of the extra dangerous locations to go to in South America. However should you journey with a gaggle, preserve tabs on each other and be vigilant each time you enterprise out, you would come residence with all of your valuables intact, plus some unbelievable lasting reminiscences.
