Medellin, Colombia has one of the most fascinating histories of any South American city. From being the center of Colombia’s drug ring to becoming an up-and-coming bucket list travel destination, Medellin has had an incredible turnaround.
Medellin is safe for solo travel. However, despite Medellin’s makeover, there are still precautions that you should take, especially as a solo traveler. I spent two weeks exploring the city and was fortunate to never run into any issues.
In this article, I am going to give you the full list of tips for solo travel in Medellin, Colombian, and how to best stay safe so that you can fully enjoy your experience.
Is Medellin Safe for Solo Travel?
To make a long story short, yes. Medellin is safe for solo travel.
Despite its dangerous history, Medellin has undergone some serious infrastructural and social change. It’s not the same criminal haven that it was in the recent past.
People are always out and about, wandering around the city. There are some neighborhoods that are considered upscale, which is where lots of foreigners choose to stay. Even what used to be the most dangerous neighborhood in the city, Comuna 13, is now totally safe to visit.
Medellin is safe for solo travel. However, there are certain actions you should take to make sure you stay safe. Don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger. Follow these tips and remain cautious at all times.
Tips to Stay Safe – Solo Travel in Medellin
Here is my best advice for staying safe when traveling in Medellin:
1. Do like the locals
One of my go-to rules for staying safe while traveling is to do like the locals. And adversely, if the locals aren’t doing something, don’t do it.
For instance, if there are no locals walking on that road, don’t walk on it. If no locals are eating that street food, don’t eat it.
Trust me, this will save you in the long run.
Locals know better than any of us what is safe and what isn’t. You can learn simply by paying attention to them.
2. Don’t walk alone at night
There were very few times that I ever chose to walk alone at night in Medellin. Usually, it was before 8pm and the streets were busy with people.
The crowds at night are way different than the crowds during the day. A majority of muggings happen at night when you’re walking by yourself.
Medellin is safe, yes. But I heard so many stories of people being mugged at night. Usually, it was because they were in a vulnerable position- alone or drunk.
This brings me to my next piece of advice…
3. Don’t get super drunk
Be careful when you’re drinking. Even if you’re super cautious with your belongings, being drunk makes you sloppy.
Not to mention drunk club-goers walking home late at night are a prime target for thieves.
I’m not saying don’t drink. Definitely drink. Colombia has some cool native cocktails that you should for sure try. But drink in moderation and don’t let yourself past the point of no return.
4. Keep your money and belongings somewhere pickpocket-free
This is honestly the most important thing on the list. The number of people in my hostels that got stolen from would probably frighten you. It definitely concerned me.
I personally carry a fanny pack everywhere with me. I keep it strapped like a cross-body bag and keep my hand on it when I’m walking through busy areas.
Another excellent choice is the money belt, which keeps your belongings hidden.
5. Don’t have your phone out on the street
For some reason, when I first arrived in Bogota, I thought a phone in my hand was way safer than a phone in my bag.
But then multiple ladies came up to me on the street and told me I should put it away. Thank god for them.
Apparently, if someone sees you with a phone, you become a target. Sometimes they will just snatch it out of your hand and run off quickly.
So I always left my phone in my fanny pack and only took it out when I was looking at google maps. But even then, I made sure I had plenty of space between me and any people.
You can also just walk into a store or restaurant and check your phone in there before putting it away.
I have to say, not being able to have my google maps constantly out really made me learn directions a lot quicker.
6. Don’t touch the cocaine. Seriously, don’t.
I wasn’t super surprised to get to Medellin and see a bunch of people doing drugs.
One guy even told me that the cocaine they were taking is “the purest you’ll get” (since it’s made locally).
I’m going to let you in on a secret- that coke is not pure.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
People sell the worst of the cocaine on the streets to foreigners for really low costs and export the best of the cocaine out of the country. There’s no point selling it cheap at home when there’s an infinite demand of foreign buyers that will purchase it for a lot more.
I can attest to the above statement because I heard it from locals. Why sell the best stuff cheap? There’s no business strategy there.
So that coke they are selling on the streets? It’s not great stuff. Be extremely careful if you decide you want to try it (I recommend not trying it, but it’s up to you).
7. Use uber!
Uber saved me so many times when I had to get somewhere late at night. I like it better than taxis because you have the price beforehand, plus you can track the driver on your phone and see their previous reviews.
However, Uber is actually illegal in Colombia. Many people still use it, of course, but they try to be discreet about it. A lot of drivers will ask you to sit in the front seat so they don’t get pulled over.
Uber is widely available in Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena. However, in smaller cities like Santa Marta, you can only use taxis.
8. Don’t say Pablo Escobar’s name in public
I did not realize this was a thing until my tour guide refused to say his name aloud. Apparently, it can attract unwanted attention.
Sentiments towards Pable Escobar vary in the most extreme definition of the word. Some people love him and some people hate him. You never know who is going to hear you talking about him.
My tour guide called him ‘Voldemort’. I thought that was pretty funny.
9. Keep the bare minimum on you
On the off chance that you do get robbed, I wouldn’t advise carrying around all your most prized possessions. Keep small amounts of cash on you and your phone. Only what you need.
When I was in a different city, a guy in my dorm room was robbed at 4pm, when it was still light out. And he was a native of Colombia.
This really freaked me out. But I realized that I should just make sure I never have too much on me, just in case. Also, don’t wander off by yourself like he did (into a park). And you’ll be fine!
10. Stay in more up-scale neighborhoods
Lots of foreigners choose to book a hotel or hostel in the El Poblado neighborhood, which is considered one of the nicer areas in Medellin.
I personally chose to stay here because of safety and didn’t regret it. The neighborhood is filled with cute restaurants, coffee shops, and clubs.
The is also a metro stop right in El Poblado which makes getting to the city center really easy. The Medellin metro is very nice and easy to use. Locals are very proud of the metro in their city and take good care of it.
Don’t let your fear stop you from going to Medellin!
Yes, hearing all these stories may be a bit frightening. I was definitely worried before going to Medellin. But then I absolutely LOVED it and ended up staying for two whole weeks.
As long as you take the proper precautions, Medellin is completely safe for solo travel!
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