Is Medellin safe? I get asked this question all the time. People who have never been here still have a (distorted) image of Medellin and Colombia, and while the country can still be hazardous in some parts, Medellin has made strides in terms of safety. The 80s and 90s were highly violent times, but nowadays, Medellin is a relatively safe and welcoming city.
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Medellin’s Past Reputation
Medellín was a warzone in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The city’s staggering homicide rate far surpassed what’s considered extreme violence. In 1991, the murder rate was at its peak, 381 murders per 100,000 people – almost 40 times the UN’s ‘endemic violence’ threshold. That’s about 16 murders a day!
Medellin’s violence at that time dwarfed current crime rates. In 2023, Tijuana, Mexico, sits atop the list of the world’s most dangerous cities, with 138 murders per 100,000 people. St. Louis, the most violent U.S. city, has a rate of 69.4 per 100,000
Infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar is primarily to blame. His Medellín cartel fueled the violence, controlling a vast portion of the global cocaine trade. The brutal conflict between the cartel and authorities devastated the city, particularly its most impoverished areas.
At its height, the Medellin Cartel earned as much as $4 billion a year—most of it cash—for its members and controlled 80% of the cocaine supply in the United States, leaving tens of thousands of corpses in its wake.
Pablo Escobar and his 100,000-man-strong cartel directly orchestrated Medellín’s descent into violence during the 80s and 90s. Escobar’s political ambitions crumbled as his role as a drug kingpin became public, leading him down a path of vicious retaliation. Assassinations and, finally, open warfare against the state were his terrifying responses to being cornered.
He unleashed a relentless campaign of terror: assassinating presidential candidates, blowing up banks and shops, detonating countless car bombs across Medellín, openly offering cash rewards for the murder of police officers, and even bombing an airplane.
Unfortunately, Medellin still struggles with lingering perceptions of danger. Many people continue to associate the city with violence and crime despite its significant progress.
Transformations for a Safer Medellin
Following Pablo Escobar’s death in 1993, Medellin’s path to recovery was a long and arduous one. Despite Escobar’s fall, gangs, paramilitary groups, and crime remained a problem in Medellin. The lure of wealth from drug trafficking continues to attract those facing poverty, perpetuating the cycle of criminality. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that Medellin could finally begin to rebuild its infrastructure meaningfully.
Medellin has made remarkable strides since then—the city’s success in drastically reducing violence created space for its evolution. Medellín’s revitalization has made it a globally recognized center of innovation, praised for its visionary approach to urban planning. Its numerous awards, like 2013’s World’s Most Innovative City, highlight this extraordinary progress.
In 2002, then President Álvaro Uribe’s aggressive approach sparked controversy. He launched military strikes against Medellín with US support, including the infamous Operation Orion in the Comuna 13. Some argue these forceful measures were necessary for peace and Medellín’s transformation. However, human rights groups raise concerns about extra-judicial killings and the state’s alleged ties to paramilitaries, suggesting these actions may have further fueled violence.
Medellin’s transformation wasn’t just about force – it was about inclusion. Then, Mayor Luis Perez initiated a game-changer: the metro cable, a gondola lift system. This was the first time a gondola was constructed exclusively for public transportation worldwide. The city’s steep hillsides isolated these neighborhoods, making them difficult to access by the city center. This lack of government presence led to disorganization and a rise in crime. While some security challenges remain, the situation in these hillside communities has significantly improved.
The metro cable connected dangerous and poor hillside neighborhoods to the city center, dramatically reducing residents’ travel time. This success story was followed by constructing three more cable car lines, all focused on integrating marginalized areas. These projects aimed to create a more inclusive economy by giving residents more accessible access to opportunities in the city center, cutting their commute from over an hour to just 15 minutes.
Dedicated mayors made considerable strides in transforming Medellin. They invested in education, anti-gang initiatives, healthcare, parks, museums, sports facilities, electric buses, bike-sharing systems, and more. They installed highway security systems, created free Wi-Fi zones and Internet education centers, and developed innovation districts attracting international tech companies. Additionally, sensors now monitor weather conditions throughout the city. This impressive digital progress has made Medellin a role model for urban planning.
In March 2023, the Colombian government initiated negotiations with several criminal factions in Medellín under President Gustavo Petro’s Paz Total and Social Forgiveness project. These included ‘La Oficina de Envigado,’ a confederation of criminal groups. A ceasefire was agreed upon, reducing conflict between rival gangs.
According to the Medellín Mayor’s Office, La Oficina de Envigado oversees roughly 39 organized criminal groups with an estimated 3,600 members; this represents approximately 70% of the 350 ‘combos’ (gangs) across the region’s ten municipalities.
The Gulf Clan, another major player in the Aburrá Valley, consists of approximately 2,600 criminals across organized criminal groups.
At least ten other organized criminal groups nationwide operate within the capital of Antioquia: Picacho, Caicedo, La Unión, Trianón, Los Triana, Pachelly, Los Chatas, La Terraza, Robledo, and La Sierra.
Despite its past reputation, Medellin’s homicide rate is lower than that of many cities in the United States. According to the Ministry of Defense, it’s 12.9 per 100,000 inhabitants; other sources say it’s between 20 and 25.
Safety Tips for Visitors
So, Is Medellin Safe? Well, it depends. Like every big city, especially in Latin America, it has safety problems. You have to be careful while traveling. Street crime exists, traffic is somewhat chaotic, and although violent crime is increasingly uncommon, Medellin is no stranger to petty crime.
Since the problematic 1990s, safety has shown considerable improvement. However, the recent COVID-19 Pandemic has set back some of these gains. The pandemic resulted in many Colombians losing their jobs, especially within the heavily impacted tourism industry. Unfortunately, this rise in poverty throughout the country has contributed to an increase in crime.
Statistically, the most dangerous neighborhoods are in the center of Medellin, La Candelaria, the Bronx, and Prado. These areas should be avoided, especially at night.
If you want to visit touristy areas like the center with its landmark sights or the beautiful Prado district, do so during the day, in a group, or with a local guide.
Many people and blog posts will tell you that Medellin’s safest areas are El Poblado, Laureles, and the south (Envigado, Sabaneta, Itagui). However, these are also the wealthiest parts, most frequented by tourists and, therefore, targeted by criminals.
Tourists and expats should be aware of a heightened risk of theft and robberies, according to a study by the Medellín Metropolitan Technological Institute (ITM). Professor Julián Alberto Uribe’s research reveals that festive periods, particularly during the Flower Festival in August, create an environment ripe for opportunistic crimes. The same goes for December. With direct robbery and pickpocketing on public transport being the most common methods, travelers are advised to exercise extra caution.
Medellin generally has a high theft rate, averaging 113 daily incidents. The worst problem is personal theft, where criminals target valuables like phones, wallets, and cash a staggering 82 times a day. The city recorded 18,421 cases in 2023, a worrying 13% increase from the previous year.
I walked (drunk) at night through dark and lonely parts of Belen, Barrio Trinidad, and the center without problems. However, I also heard stories from expats and tourists about robberies happening in broad daylight, even in popular areas like El Poblado or Laureles. My takeaway is that while luck may play a role, it’s never wise to rely on it. Be aware of your surroundings, stay alert, and avoid risky situations (“no dar papaya”).
Safety Tips
- Use Common Sense. Don’t be flashy or show off your “ostentatious wealth.”
- Avoid dark and lonely areas, especially at night—for example, the Parque Lineal El Presidente or the Parque de la Bailarina in El Poblado.
- Stay in public places if you don’t know the city well.
- Keep your valuables hidden, and only carry what you need.
- Keep an emergency stash of cash and a copy of all essential documents in the cloud or on a USB stick.
- Take Ubers. They are safer, better than taxis, and safer than walking, even if it’s only a 10-minute walk. At the airport, only take the white taxis to your hotel, AirBnB, or the bus to San Diego, from which you can order an Uber.
- Don’t walk around with your phone or other valuables.
- Watch out at ATMs. I only withdraw cash in Shopping Malls or Banks.
- Don’t look too touristy (Flip Flops, “Medellin que una chimba parce” shirts, etc.)
- Never accept drinks or food from strangers; always watch your drinks and food.
- Be wary of over-friendly strangers; they might be trying to scam you. Colombians, in general, are super friendly, but some have hidden intentions.
- Don’t share information (address, etc) with strangers. You never know if someone is just curious and tries to make conversation or to feel you out.
- Avoid drugs, avoid getting drunk
- Don’t invite strangers over to your place.
- Don’t fight back when getting robbed. Just give them what you want.
- Buy a local sim card and or use offline maps.
- Don’t look like a victim.
- No da Papaya. While it translates to “don’t give papaya,” it’s a call for caution. It means to be aware of your surroundings and avoid making yourself an easy target for crime.
Is Medellin safe for solo travelers?
Medellín can be a perfectly safe destination for your travels! By following essential safety tips and staying aware of your surroundings, you’ll significantly enhance your experience. We also have a guide on dating in Medellín available for those interested in the scene.
Is Medellin Safe for Digital Nomads?
El Poblado and Laureles offer a variety of coworking spaces and cafes that are popular with digital nomads. While these areas are generally safe, be mindful of your belongings. Avoid walking with valuables in plain sight, and consider using Uber for transportation, especially at night. Remember, items like MacBooks are significant purchases (about ten times the minimum salary) in Colombia, so minimize what you carry and avoid showing off expensive electronics publicly. Unfortunately, thefts can happen, even in public spaces like parks.
Additionally, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is always wise. It protects your online activity and personal information when using public Wi-Fi networks.
Is Medellin safe for female travelers?
Female travelers in Medellin are generally safe. Unfortunately, like most places worldwide, ladies must consider safety differently from male travelers. Catcalling (Piropos) is still a thing, and local men may approach you with straightforward requests. Taxis can be dangerous at night, especially for women, so don’t get drunk or at least keep a responsible friend close. Walking around at night by yourself is not recommended, especially for women.
Is Medellin safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Colombia has seen significant advancements in LGBTQ+ rights in the past two decades. Same-sex marriage is legal nationwide, and laws prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. Notably, government institutions like the State Police have implemented pro-LGBTQ+ initiatives, demonstrating a growing acceptance of diversity within Colombia. Bogota, the Colombian capital, has an openly lesbian Mayor.
Most restaurants and hotels are inclusive, allowing you to relax and enjoy your visit without concerns about discrimination. For a vibrant nightlife experience, consider Bar Chiquitita, known for its lively drag queen shows and trans parties.
Getting around safely
Driving in Medellin can be challenging. There are two or three motorcycles for every car, and some drivers disregard safety or traffic rules. The same goes for buses and taxis. Also, the older the vehicle, the worse its brakes often are. It is essential to pay extra attention and anticipate behavior. That said, I ride my motorcycle everywhere and have rented cars without issues.
As a pedestrian, don’t expect anyone to respect you; crosswalks mean nothing in Colombia. In general, the city is not always accessible for walking around. The pavements aren’t exactly top-notch. The drains are profound, the curbs are high, and the tiles might be slippery when wet.
The public transportation in Medellin is world-class, especially the metro. It’s also safe and clean. I think it’s the best option to get around safely and quickly. Public buses, in general, are also secure, but they can be a bit tricky if you are new and don’t speak Spanish. Routes might change depending on the time of day or the traffic situation, and there are very few official bus stops. If you want a bus to stop, wave at it.
I recommend using Uber if you want to go to a particular place. Taxis in Medellin are generally plentiful and safe, but Uber (or other apps like the Medellin-based InDriver) are safer and have better cars. You don’t have to worry about being overcharged or not having the right amount in cash.
What if you have been a victim of a crime
First, you should contact the police and file a report (denuncia). Even if they won’t catch them, it’s merely for your insurance, and you may need the report to replace the stolen items or to deactivate your stolen phone.
A new emergency hotline, 911, has been launched in Medellín specifically for foreign visitors. This dedicated line can be dialed from any landline or mobile phone to connect foreign tourists with assistance in their language. Once connected, callers will be redirected to the National Police emergency line, 123.
English Emergency Hotline: 911
National Emergency Number: 123
Tourist Police: +57 337 4413
Information: 113
U.S. Embassy in Colombia: +57 275 2000
Another option is to contact your local police department directly. The phone numbers are in the police directory provided here.
Is Colombia safe?
While Medellin might be safe, Colombia has some of the 50 most dangerous cities in the world.
Felipe Jiménez Ángel posted on X data from the Ministry of Defense about Colombia’s 20 most dangerous cities.
Cali, the third-largest city in Colombia, has a long history of violence due to its strategic location for drug trafficking. In 2023, it had the highest number of homicides in the country, with a rate of 44.4 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Sincelejo saw a 73% increase in homicides in 2023, making its debut on the list. This violence is attributed to a turf war between drug trafficking groups. 44.4 out of 100,000.
Buenaventura has a homicide rate of 42.3 per 100,000 inhabitants. Violence is driven by clashes between two gangs vying for control of drug trafficking in the port.
Cúcuta, located on the border with Venezuela, has been plagued by violence for years due to the presence of binational gangs. The city also suffers from the vulnerability of Venezuelan migrants who cross the border in search of a better life. Cúcuta had a homicide rate of 34.7 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023.
Cartagena de India, Colombia’s leading tourist destination on the Caribbean Coast, has become one of the most violent cities in the country. The stark contrast between the wealth of the tourist areas and the poverty of the surrounding neighborhoods fuels violence. The city had a homicide rate of 33.4 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023.
Palmira, a city in the Valle del Cauca department, has been on the list of most dangerous cities since 2013. The violence is attributed to drug trafficking, gangs, and a lack of opportunities for young people. The city had a homicide rate of 32.8 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023.
Santa Marta, a popular tourist destination, also saw an increase in homicides in 2023. The violence is a result of clashes between the Clan del Golfo and the Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada (ACSN), a paramilitary group. 32.2 out of 100,000.
Barranquilla/Soledad, the largest city in the Colombian Caribbean, was once considered one of the safest capitals in the country. However, since the pandemic, the city has seen a surge in violence due to a turf war between gangs. Soledad had a homicide rate of 29.5 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023, and Barranquilla had 27.0.
Other cities are Armenia (24.7), Pereira (23.8), Neiva (21.9), Valledupar (19.3), Bucaramanga (18.8), Popayán (18.4), Villavicencio (18.1), Soacha (14.1) Bogotá (13.7), Medellin (12.9) and Ibague (12.1)
To put these numbers into context, Baltimore sees 51 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, New Orleans 40.6, and Detroit 39.7. Tijuana, Acapulco, and Caracas top the list with 138, 111, and 100, respectively. Even popular tourist destinations like Cancun have 64 homicides per 100,000.
Armed groups in Colombia
Colombia continues to grapple with a 100-year-old internal conflict. While the decades-long armed struggle between the government, far-right paramilitaries, crime syndicates, and far-left guerrilla groups has decreased in intensity, it persists in certain regions. This complex conflict has its roots in the 1920s, stemming from disputes in the Sumapaz and Tequendama regions. Much of the historical context for the violence stems from the era known as “La Violencia.”
The country struggles with the presence of diverse armed groups, including paramilitaries, the ELN, former FARC dissidents, and drug cartels. Despite the official demobilization of some factions, the government’s ‘Total Peace’ initiative has faced setbacks. Remnants and successor groups persist in various regions, raising concerns about the long-term implications for justice and reconciliation efforts.
Some of the groups that had the most significant impact in Colombia are ELN (ca. 5000 members), Farc Dissidents (ca. 5000 members), the Clan del Golfo, also known as AGC or Los Urabeños (ca. 4000 members), Los Rastrojos, Los Pelusos, and Los Pachelly.
The most affected zones are: Montes de María, Sur de Bolívar, Occidente antioqueño, Sur de Chocó y bajo Calima, Medio y bajo Atrato, Norte del Cauca y sur de Valle del Cauca, Pacífico nariñense y sur de Cauca, Catatumbo, Caguán, Yarí, Ariari y Bajo Putumayo, Sabana y piedemonte araucano, Nordeste antioqueño y Bajo Cauca, y Urabá antioqueño and sur de Córdoba (alto y bajo Sinú), Norte de Santander, Chocó, Arauca, Antioquia, Valle del Cauca, Cauca y Nariño, Putumayo.
The armed groups in Colombia engage in a wide range of crimes, including:
- Extortion and Kidnapping: These are primary tactics for funding operations. Targeted victims include businesses, wealthy individuals, farmers, and ordinary citizens.
- Drug Trafficking: Many groups control different aspects of the drug trade, from coca cultivation to production and international smuggling networks.
- Forced Displacement: To gain territory or eliminate resistance, groups forcibly displace communities from their homes and land, often seizing the land for resource extraction or other purposes.
- Massacres: According to Indepaz, 93 massacres in 2023 took place with 300 victims; in 2022, there were 94 massacres with 300 victims.
- Human Rights Abuses: This includes murders, torture, sexual violence, and recruitment of child soldiers. They employ these tactics to silence opposition, exert control, and intimidate populations.
- Attacks on Infrastructure: Sabotaging oil pipelines, power lines, and roads is familiar, often with economic and environmental consequences.
- Illegal Mining: Especially gold mining, this activity fuels these groups and causes devastating environmental damage.
Before traveling outside Medellin and other tourist areas in Colombia, it is highly advised that information about the safety situation in the respective area be gathered.
Natural Disasters
Colombia is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Andean Volcanic Belt due to the collision of the South American Plate and the Nazca Plate. This produces an increased risk of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
1979 Tumaco earthquake: The epicenter was near the Ecuador-Colombia border, and the magnitude was 8.2. A significant tsunami caused the majority of the 300-600 deaths.
1994 Páez River earthquake: Landslides and mudslides compounded the destruction, devastating the town of Páez, Cauca, killing approximately 1,100 people.
1999 Colombia earthquake: Centered near Ibagué, this magnitude 6.2 earthquake devastated Armenia and the Coffee-Growers Axis region, causing 1900 deaths. It was the strongest earthquake to hit Colombia in 16 years.
The most devastating natural disaster was the 1985 eruption of Colombia’s Nevado del Ruiz volcano triggered lahars (volcanic mudflows) that devastated the town of Armero. Over 20,000 residents died, with the total death toll reaching nearly 23,000 when, including casualties in the nearby cities.
Travelers in rural Colombia, particularly during the rainy season, should be aware of the increased risk of landslides. A tragic example occurred in January 2024, when a landslide claimed 33 lives on a road between Medellín and Quibdó in the Chocó department.
The rainy season is generally dangerous, causing floods all over the country. In May 2024, heavy rainfall in Medellín resulted in many lightning strikes and threatened several streams. Seven hundred seventy-two lightning strikes were recorded, and six streams were identified as at risk of flooding.
Heavy rains and winds exceeding 100 km/h inundated streets in Medellín in late January 2023. Emergency services were overwhelmed with over 180 calls for help, and approximately 25 people were injured. Government officials confirm at least two deaths as a result of the flash floods and severe weather.
Diseases in Colombia
Although there are Dengue, Zika, and Malaria cases in the Medellin area, this shouldn’t affect travelers too much. However, this risk increases if you travel to warmer regions of the country.
The National Institute of Health has registered 55,340 cases of Dengue, with 40.2% presenting alarm signs and 1% severe cases. As of March 3, 2024, 94 probable deaths have been reported, with 10 confirmed cases and 69 under study. The incidence of dengue at the end of February 2024 was 154.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants at risk, in marked contrast to the 48.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants reported in the same period of the previous year.
Health Tips
Medellin’s tap water is safe to drink. While taste is subjective, some people opt for bottled water, which is easily found throughout the city. I like Manantial. The ice in Medellin’s restaurants and bars is also safe for consumption, as it’s made from purified water. If you plan an extended stay in Medellin, consider investing in a water filter for convenience.
Sunscreen is a must in Colombia! The UV index is notoriously high due to the country’s proximity to the equator and higher elevation. Don’t be fooled by cool or cloudy weather—always protect your skin.
Expats considering a move to Medellín should be aware of the city’s significant air pollution challenges. This problem stems from the city’s location within the Aburrá Valley, which traps pollutants and restricts wind circulation. Medellín’s tropical climate, terrain, and humidity also contribute to regular periods of poor air quality, especially during March-April and September-October. Forest fires during the dry season also contribute to bad air quality.
Medellín is committed to addressing air quality by expanding its monitoring network and investing in sustainable transportation. This includes the introduction of natural gas buses, electric vehicles, the Metroplús, metro cables, and a growing network of cycle paths.
Conclusion
So, is Medellín safe? I say yes, as long as you follow the safety tips! Like any big city, use common sense, and you’ll have a great experience exploring all Medellín offers. I’ve lived here since 2018 and have never had any issues.
I encourage you to research the current safety situation before visiting specific neighborhoods in Medellin or other municipalities in Colombia.
