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Is Medellin Safe for Travel in 2024?

ViaHero
Updated September 6, 2023

Is Medellin safe? Generally — yes! Medellin is a safe place for travelers (with a little know-how!).

Locals in Medellin helped us create this guide to safety in their hometown. It includes everything from up-to-date COVID info to tips for solo travelers.

Looking for more insider info on safety in Colombia? Work with a local for on-the-ground access as you plan your trip. Learn more.

Update: COVID-19 in Medellin, Colombia

When the pandemic broke out in March 2020, Colombia took quick, decisive actions. Years later, Colombian officials still take COVID seriously and precautions are in place in Colombia that help make the country safe. 

Here are the current rules for travel to Colombia:

 

Because the pandemic is ever-changing, we recommend talking to a Colombian local for on-the-ground information. 

Medellin's crime rates are low

The hills of Medellin | Daniel Vargas/Unsplash

Yes, Medellin was once infamously dangerous — it was even once known as the most dangerous city in the world!

But the Medellin of today is completely different. In fact, Medellin's 82% decline in violent crime means that the city is now safer than New Orleans.

And like other major cities, locals say that violent crimes occur in neighborhoods far away from the center of the city — that is, far from where you'll find most Colombian points of interest.

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Petty theft is your only real concern

Medellin is Colombia’s second-largest city after Bogota, and, like its sister city, has high rates of petty theft.

To avoid petty theft and stay safe in Colombia, locals suggest taking a cue from the popular Colombian saying: “No dar papaya." Roughly translated, this means “don’t put yourself in a position to be taken advantage of.” 

To that end, benefit from local advice when it comes to things like spotting and avoiding petty theft and other scams. Our locals advise to: 

  • Avoid wearing anything that makes you stand out from the locals; flip-flops, fanny packs, shorts, and expensive jewelry are all signs of a novice traveler—which pickpockets use to their advantage.
  • Keep your belongings secured to your person at all times. In Medellin, thieves are known to ride motorcycles through traffic, snatching phones, jewelry, and bags from open car windows. 
Local Tip:

Buying street food is a great way to experience Colombia like a local—just be sure to ask the price before ordering. Once the food is in your hands, vendors can (and occasionally do) charge exorbitant prices.

You probably don’t need any extra vaccines

If you’ve had the COVID vaccine and you’re up to date on your routine vaccines (tetanus, chickenpox, MMR, polio, and flu), odds are that you don’t need any additional vaccines before going to Medellin.

If you’re planning on traveling to more rural points of interest, the CDC recommends getting certain vaccines for Colombia travel, including typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines.

Be sure to check with your doctor before you go!

What kind of traveler are you?
Let’s face it. People want different things when they travel. Rather than spending hours sifting through blogs and top 10 lists written by people who may have totally different interests than you, why not start by sharing a little about what’s important to you when exploring a new destination?
Select your travel preferences below and let a local travel planner with ViaHero take it from there. Your personalized Colombia recommendations, itinerary, and maps are just a few clicks away.

Medellin's tap water is safe to drink

Medellin is one of the many cities in Colombia with an excellent water purification system, so the city’s tap water is absolutely safe to drink. That also means that fresh fruits, vegetables, and street food are safe to consume. 

Medellin's public transit is safe and easy to use

Public transit in Medellin | Alexandercanasarango/Pixabay

There’s no bad choice when it comes to Medellin public transport—whichever option you use for your travel itinerary, you’ll get to where you need to go cheaply, safely, and easily. Medellin’s most popular modes of public transportation are the metro, buses, and cable cars, with the majority of travelers using the metro. 

Medellin’s award-winning metro system is only $0.69 per ride with a Civica card, which works much like a standard metro card in U.S. cities. Civica cards can be used interchangeably between buses, metros, and cable cars. 

Navigate with ease with a little local advice—when our locals design your trip, they can answer any questions you have about transportation.

"How did I ever not travel like this?! Ana’s local insight & planning was a game changer. It’s like having a digital concierge, travel agent, and local fixer all rolled into one!"
Sierra, recent ViaHero traveler to Portugal
Sierra, recent ViaHero traveler to Portugal

Solo female travelers love Medellin

Good news, solo female travelers! Medellin is largely considered to be one of the safest places in Colombia for independent, solo travelers—especially if you keep to the city’s well-populated areas. Real talk: harassment and cat-calling are an issue in Medellin (as in Colombia and Latin America as a whole); however, they’re generally considered to be less severe in Medellin due to the city’s massive student population. 

With that in mind—and given Medellin’s balmy average temperature of 72°—jeans are the go-to wear for most Colombian women if you feel like blending in. But don’t let any haters dictate your wardrobe—many women feel safe wearing whatever they want while hiking around Medellin or partying away in the city’s awesome nightlife

For personalized recommendations on how to dress, how to stay safe, and what women should know in Medellin, work with one of our locals. Find a local.

Emergency numbers everyone should know

In the off chance that you run into any trouble while galavanting through Medellin, here are some numbers to call for assistance.

  • National Emergency Number: 123
  • Tourist Police: (1) 3374413
  • Information: 113
  • U.S. Embassy in Colombia: (+57) (1) 275-2000
Still have questions about travel to Colombia?
Why not ask someone who lives there? ViaHero connects you with a local to help plan your trip. They’ll create a guidebook based on your personal travel style.
You’ll see a unique side of a destination and travel independently—all while saving time and money in the planning process. Find a local today.

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And for more about Colombia travel, check out our articles on: