Medellin Colombia Affordable Travel Guide

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When I first decided to visit Medellin, also known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had heard so much about its transformation. As a budget traveler, I wanted to explore all the city had to offer without overspending. This city, in Colombia, has the Andes Mountains. Proved to be a destination that balances culture, nature, and affordability. If you’re like me and looking for ways to make the most of your money. Then this trip to Medellin travel guide will help you do that.

Is Medellin Colombia Affordable Travel Location?

When I started researching my trip to Colombia, I was immediately attracted to Medellin. Because it offered so much value for so little cost. With its year-round eternal spring weather and a mix of affordable activities, accommodations, and transportation. It became apparent that Medellin, is one of the best travel destinations for budget travelers. Whether taking a day trip to Guatape or wandering through El Poblado. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to stretch your budget. While still having an amazing time.

Is Medellin Safe for Tourists?

Before arriving, I had concerns about safety in Medellin. Like many people, I had heard stories about its past. Still, once I arrived, I quickly realized, Medellín had made incredible strides in improving safety. During my stay in El Poblado and Laureles, I felt comfortable exploring these areas during the day. At night, I made sure to stick to well-lit areas and took a taxi or Uber when necessary. If you’re planning a trip to Colombia for the first time. I’d recommend staying in these neighborhoods to get a feel for the city while staying safe. Also, like me, you can book cheap affordable hotel from Skyscanner.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

Where to stay in Medellin

When finding a place to stay in Medellin, El Poblado was my first choice. I stayed at Los Patios hostel, and it offered everything I needed for just $10 USD per night. Including free coffee and a gym. I got this deal from Skyscanner. If you’re a backpacker like me, you’ll love the social atmosphere. Proximity to the city’s best nightlife. But suppose you’re looking for something quieter. In that case, I’d suggest checking out Laureles or Envigado. Where you can find affordable stays in guesthouses and Airbnb.

Local Neighborhoods to Stay in for Budget Travelers

While I loved El Poblado, I also spent a few days in Laureles. It was a refreshing change, offering a more local vibe without the crowds. Airbnb listings here are affordable. Also, the area is quieter. Making it an excellent option for anyone looking to stay away from the tourist hotspots.

Eating on a Budget in Medellín

Must-Try Local Foods (Arepas, Bunuelos, and Bandeja Paisa)

Food is a massive part of why I travel, and in Medellin, I couldn’t get enough of the Colombian food. Street vendors sell arepas, empanadas, and bunuelos for as little as 1,000 COP (around 30 cents USD). Making it super easy to eat on a budget. One of my favourite meals was the Bandeja Paisa, a hearty platter with steak, beans, rice, and plantains. For just $4-5 USD, it kept me full for most of the day!

Where to Find Affordable Local Restaurants

Sometimes I wanted to mix things up from street food. So, I explored some local restaurants in Laureles and Poblado. I found that many comedores serve incredible meals for just 10,000 COP (around $2.50 USD). These small, family-owned spots offer an authentic dining experience without the tourist prices. Which I highly recommend seeking out.

Transportation Tips in Medellín

Using the Medellín Metro and Cable Car

One of the highlights of my trip was how easy and affordable it was to get around Medellín. The Medellin Metro is clean and efficient and costs only 2,800 COP (less than $1 USD) for a single ride. Even better, the cable cars are part of the same system, and they offer stunning views of the city. I took the cable car to Parque Arvi, a beautiful eco-park, and it was the perfect way to escape the city’s hustle for a while.

Affordable Taxi and Bus Services

When I didn’t feel like navigating the metro, I opted for Uber or taxis, which were surprisingly cheap. A typical taxi ride across town costs me around 15,000 COP (roughly $4 USD). Which is great if you travel at night or want to get somewhere quickly. The bus system is also a great budget option if you’re planning a day trip to nearby areas. You can also use Skyscanner for car rental services. By doing so, you can be safe and hassle-free.

Free or Low-Cost Activities in Medellín

Free Walking Tours

I love taking free walking tours when I visit new cities, and the one I did with Real City Tours in Medellín was one of the best. Our guide gave us a detailed history of the city, from its dark past to its recent transformation. While the tour is technically free, I tipped 20,000 COP because it was just that good! I recommend doing this tour early in your trip to get a solid introduction to Medellin.

Explore Medellin’s Public Parks and Gardens

While in Medellín, I spent much time in the city’s public parks. Nutibara Hill offers incredible views of Medellin and is entirely free to visit. If you want to experience nature, take the cable car to Parque Arvi. I spent the afternoon hiking and bird-watching, a nice break from the city.

Commune 13 Graffiti Tour

I also visited Commune 13, a neighbourhood famous for its street art and history. The graffiti tour was eye-opening, and incredible to see. This shows how the community has transformed. For just 30,000 COP ($8 USD), the guided tour took me through the area’s best murals. It quickly became one of my favourite experiences.

Day Trips from Medellín on a Budget

Day Trip to Guatape and El Penon

One of the most memorable experiences from my trip to Medellin was the day trip to Guatapé. For 25,000 COP (around $6-7 USD), I hopped on a bus to this colorful town. Climbing the El Penon de Guatape rock, with its 600 steps, was a workout, but the views from the top were worth it. I’d recommend staying overnight if you have the time, but you can easily do it as a day trip.

Visiting Coffee Plantations Near Medellín

As a coffee lover, visiting a Colombian coffee plantation was high on my list. I booked a coffee tour for around 50,000 COP ($13 USD). It was fascinating to see the coffee-making process from start to finish. Plus, the fresh coffee I drank right at the source was the best I’ve ever had!

Safety Tips for Budget Travelers

No Dar Papaya: What It Means and Why It’s Important

While wandering around the city, I kept hearing “No dar papaya,” . Letter i understand It means “Don’t allow anyone to take advantage of you.” It’s good advice for any traveler. I kept my valuables hidden and kept aware of my surroundings. Especially in crowded areas or when using public transportation. For extra peace of mind, I also made sure to have good travel insurance before my trip to Colombia.

Money-Saving Tips for Traveling in Medellín

Managing Your Cash and Credit Cards

One of the things I learned quickly was that small bills are key in Medellín. Many vendors and street markets won’t have change for larger bills. So, I made sure to keep plenty of smaller notes on hand. Most businesses accept credit cards, but it’s always good to have cash. Especially when buying from street vendors or using public transportation.

Tipping and Other Customs to Be Aware Of

Tipping in Colombia is generally around 10%. I found that many restaurants would ask, “Con propina” (TIP) before adding it to the bill. I also tried to tip taxi drivers and tour guides based on their service.

Conclusion: Enjoying Medellin Without Breaking the Bank

My time in Medellin was filled with incredible experiences that didn’t break the bank. From riding cable cars to exploring Commune 13, this city offers much to travelers on a budget. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or planning your first trip to Medellín. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with this City of Eternal Spring. just like I did. If you book your Fight in advance, then you will be able to save a lot of money. Using Skyscanner I booked my Flight and Hotel at a cheap price. which helped me a lot.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Medellin safe for solo travelers?
- Yes, I traveled solo and felt safe in neighborhoods like El Poblado. Just be sure to use Uber or taxis after dark.
How do I get around Medellín cheaply?
- The Medellín Metro and cable car system are the best ways to get around the city. They’re cheap, reliable, and offer fantastic views.
Can I drink the water in Medellín?
- Yes, Medellín’s tap water is safe to drink, which saved me money on bottled water.
What’s the best way to do a day trip to Guatapé?
- Take a bus from Terminal del Norte for 25,000 COP. It’s an easy and affordable way to reach Guatape and enjoy the scenic countryside.
  
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