Things to know before visiting Colombia

Beach services and goods in Cartagena are priced with negotiation in mind. Volpe demonstrates that haggling is expected and can significantly change what you pay.

Medellín is genuinely affordable for visitors spending in dollars or euros. Creators show that $20 can cover multiple activities, meals, and more — making it easy to under-budget and over-experience.

Multiple creators focused on expat living confirm that cities like Medellín, Santa Marta, and others can support a comfortable lifestyle for well under $1,000/month, making Colombia attractive not just for short trips but extended stays.

The Medellín Metro is reliable, affordable, and covers key tourist and residential zones. Getting a Cívica fare card is the correct way to pay, and knowing which stops to use from the airport saves money and stress compared to taxis.

At both Bocagrande in Cartagena and Rodadero in Santa Marta, creators report being approached by vendors every few minutes from the moment they step out of a taxi. Saying no firmly and repeatedly is necessary — the pressure does not stop on its own.

Barranquilla Carnival is one of the biggest street parties in the world, but the dense crowds create prime pickpocket conditions. Locals on the ground specifically warned the creator to guard pockets throughout.

Tourist-friendly zones like Provenza, Parque Lleras, and El Poblado feel safe for walking, but straying into certain areas — including parts of Centro — can escalate quickly. Multiple creators who live or travel in Medellín stress that the line between safe and unsafe zones can be narrow.

The colonial walled city of Cartagena is tourist-friendly, but venturing outside it exposes you to areas with significant trash, strong smells, and a very different environment. One creator found it almost unbearable and advises mental preparation before exploring beyond the walls.

Going deep into comunas or less-touristy neighborhoods with locals can feel adventurous but carries real risk. Even experienced travelers with local contacts have found themselves in genuinely dangerous situations that required quick exits.

The walled city of Cartagena has a tourist-priced restaurant layer, but guided food tours focused on where locals eat reveal dramatically cheaper and more authentic options — including community-based tours that also give back locally.

Colombian breakfast culture includes regional specialties that surprise first-timers, from cheese dissolved into hot chocolate to exotic tropical fruits and corn-based dishes. Creators flag these as genuine culture-shock-in-a-good-way moments.

Once Medellín's most dangerous neighborhood, Comuna 13 today features world-class street art, outdoor escalators, local food, and resident artists. Creators recommend it as a must-visit but note that understanding its history deepens the experience significantly.

Attending a local fútbol match is highlighted as a top Medellín experience, but it requires advance planning — it's the kind of activity that sells out or requires knowing how to get tickets before you arrive.

San Andrés, a Colombian Caribbean island, offers world-class scuba diving and famously multi-colored water (the 'Siete Colores'). It's consistently described as off the beaten path compared to Cartagena, rewarding travelers who make the extra effort to get there.

San Gil in the Santander region is purpose-built for adrenaline: paragliding over the Chicamocha Canyon, white-water rafting on the Río Fonce, bungee jumping, and more. Creators treat it as a standalone multi-day destination, not a day trip.