So, you’re thinking about Medellín. Maybe you’ve heard the hype — perfect climate, thriving expat scene, digital nomad cafés on every corner. Maybe you’ve even booked a ticket, planning to check out a couple of apartments in El Poblado and call it a day.
Here’s the thing: Medellín is not just about one shiny neighborhood or a couple of high-rises with rooftop pools. If you’re really considering it as your home base, you need to see it properly — the neighborhoods, the weekend escapes, and the lifestyle that goes way beyond city limits. That’s why a proper scouting trip to Medellín should last at least a week or two in the city itself, plus a few side trips that reveal the bigger picture of what life here actually looks like.
Let’s break it down.
Medellín as Your Base (1–2 Weeks)
Medellín isn’t called the “City of Eternal Spring” for nothing. Days hover in the 70s and 80s (°F), nights cool down, and it’s rare to need more than a light jacket. But living here even for a week will show you the real climate quirks — sudden rain showers, some days of heavy smog, and the notorious traffic.
El Poblado: This is the expat hub. Sleek apartments, malls, gyms, restaurants, rooftop bars — if you’re moving from the U.S. or Europe, it’ll feel familiar. But it’s also pricey and less “Colombian.” For a first-time scout, though, it’s a solid base.
Provenza & Parque Lleras: Provenza is Medellín’s culinary heart — rooftop restaurants, fine dining, great nightlife. But Parque Lleras has a visible sex work scene at night. It’s not usually unsafe, but it’s worth knowing about.
Laureles: Tree-lined streets, mid-rise apartments, and a calmer pace. More authentically Colombian, more affordable than Poblado, and increasingly popular with nomads.
Envigado: A traditional town that blends right into Medellín. Markets, plazas, and family restaurants, with modern apartments and cheaper rent. Quieter and more authentic.
Sabaneta: A booming town south of the city where traditional Colombian culture meets rapid growth. Affordable, buzzing with local life, and a great option for long-term expats.
And don’t miss Medellín’s metro and cable cars. They’re clean, efficient, and unique in Colombia. They’ll also give you your first jaw-dropping view of the valley.
Side Trip #1: Guatapé & El Peñol (2–3 Days)
No Medellín scout is complete without Guatapé. Two hours away, you’ll find a lakeside playground of colorful streets and vacation homes.
El Peñol Rock: Climb 740 steps for one of the most spectacular views in Colombia — lakes, islands, and rolling hills.
Guatapé Town: Hand-painted tiles, cobblestone streets, and a lively plaza. Yes, it’s Instagram-famous, but it’s also full of community.
The Lakes: Rent a boat, kayak, or stay in a lakeside villa. Many expats and locals keep weekend homes here.
San Rafael Add-On: Less touristy, more rugged — waterfalls, natural swimming holes, eco-lodges.
Living in Medellín often means weekend escapes to Guatapé — so don’t skip it.
Side Trip #2: Jardín, Jericó & Támesis (3–4 Days)
Head south and you’ll discover the heart of Antioquia’s coffee culture.
Jardín: Postcard-perfect balconies, cobblestone streets, and a plaza buzzing with life. Coffee farms, waterfalls, and hiking all nearby.
Jericó: Cultural and historic, birthplace of Colombia’s first saint, filled with artisan shops and museums.
Támesis: Rugged, less touristy, with caves, eco-tourism, and untouched scenery.
These towns show a slower, rural lifestyle — perfect if you’re weighing city energy vs. small-town charm.
Side Trip #3: Rionegro, El Retiro & La Ceja (2–3 Days)
Not every expat wants Medellín’s buzz. Just outside the city, these towns offer a quieter life with city access.
Rionegro: Modern suburban comforts, malls, hospitals, and cooler weather. Popular with retirees and families.
El Retiro: Traditional plazas, colonial charm, and affordable real estate. A balance of authenticity and convenience.
La Ceja: Surrounded by green hills, peaceful, and more rural. A slower pace without isolation.
Many expats start in Poblado and end up here for space, greenery, and peace of mind.
Side Trip #4: Santa Fe de Antioquia (2 Days)
An hour away, Santa Fe offers colonial history and blazing sunshine.
Colonial Capital: Whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets, and historic churches.
Climate: Unlike Medellín’s spring weather, Santa Fe is eternal summer — hot, dry, and poolside-perfect.
Puente de Occidente: A historic suspension bridge over the Cauca River.
Most expats won’t live here full-time, but as a weekend getaway? Absolutely.
Why This Matters for Expats
Medellín isn’t just a city — it’s a lifestyle hub. You can:
Live in a modern, connected city during the week.
Escape to Guatapé’s lakes on weekends.
Immerse yourself in coffee country in Jardín or Jericó.
Retire to the suburbs of Rionegro or El Retiro.
Chase eternal summer in Santa Fe de Antioquia.
The diversity of lifestyles is Medellín’s real strength. And if you’re scouting seriously, don’t just walk El Poblado — test-drive all of these options.
👉Thinking of making Medellín home? Download my step-by-step Medellín Scouting Guide with maps, neighborhoods, and checklists — everything you need to plan your own trip the smart way.