Medellin, Colombia
60-second confidence challenge:
The confidence challenge is to meet someone new today. You might stop by the mailbox to say “hi,” or visit a park where people are less in a hurry. Start a conversation with someone new today. If you like, then get their name and phone number and give them a call.
If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapters of my book dive deeper into how to build confidence using it—link in description.”
See Book A for addressing the challenge of meeting new people
Find it on our website at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series.
Destination Deep‑Dive
Today’s special destination is Medellin, Colombia, part 1 of 2
Let’s start by discussing the history and some ideas on what to see. Part 2 will focus on what else you can experience.
We’ve all heard stories about drug trafficking in Medellín, in Colombia. I’ve found that the homicide rate has dropped from 1991, when it was around 400 per 100,000, to 15 in 2022. That’s even below the average for Colombia, which is 23 per 100,000. Crime has decreased by 80% since 1991, and poverty has dropped by over 96%, indicating significant improvements in social and safety conditions.
Medellín is considered safe for tourists. Police are present in popular areas. That said, petty crime—including pickpocketing, armed robberies, and drugging-related scams—still occurs, especially targeting visitors to Medellin Tours.
Look for places like El Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado—great for planning your visit! That’s what I did.
Current Safety Landscape
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Medellín is generally seen as safe and welcoming for tourists, with a noticeable increase in police presence in popular areas.
Stay away from drugs, dating, and risky situations.. Serious incidents and tourism-related risks have occurred.
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In recent years, there has been a disturbing rise in violent crimes against tourists, notably involving drug-facilitated robberies or worse, often after meetings via dating apps. Some American tourists were killed after being drugged.
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There’s also an uptick in sex trafficking and exploitation, particularly affecting local women and migrants.
While Medellín is much safer than it once was, you should remain vigilant—especially in nightlife areas and when meeting strangers through apps.
Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour
I took a day to explore Comuna 13. It’s known for street art. I’d recommend you take this powerful cultural experience that highlights Medellín’s rebirth through street art.
Medellin Advisors+3Medellin VIP+3en.wikipedia.org+3.
My experience at Comuna 13. I took a bus from the San Javier Metro station. It was a very crowded intersection where I got off. It was busy at about 5 pm. Two young women helped me with the right exit from the bus, and even shared their food with me. They wanted me to try a special local dish, so I did.
On the way home, I again took Bus 95 back to San Javier metro station.
Parque Arví via Metrocable
Another idea for a solo female traveler is this park. Enjoy fresh air and scenic views in this ecological park. Accessible via gondola, it offers hiking, nature trails, food markets, and the chance to immerse yourself in the region’s flora and history
theunconventionalroute.comen.wikipedia.org.
My experience with Mother Nature included fresh air and a visit to the park. This trip through the jungle, AND part of the public transportation, is part of the Amazon experience. It’s not called that while on the gondola, but that’s what I believe.
Arvi Park Metrocable was the longest gondola/cable car I have seen or been on. Trust the cable. Listen to the sounds of the city. Dogs, roosters, kids, music, it’s all a delight as I ride down. I made two recordings in the cable car/soundbooth.
The experience on this gondola is a must-do. Bring a picnic lunch.
6. Bolívar Park & Sunday Concerts
Relax in this historic urban park, stroll through its green spaces, and enjoy the open-air plaza.
Smart Move and Slip-up pairing:
With safety a concern on my first visit to Medellin, I took a taxi to my hostel from the airport. I accepted a ride from the first driver I saw, and he was nice, but the fare was expensive, around $30 plus tip. My hostel cost that much for the night, which was over my budget, but it was an experience. Back at the airport, I was able to take a bus for only $2.00. If I had known how easy it was to do that, I wouldn't have taken the taxi.
The driver was a professional and he gave good service. He even offered me a better rate if I hired him again.
So, which would I take next time? The bus was a good experience, but the taxi was even better when I first arrived and was not confident of my surroundings. I am passing this on to my listeners like you.
Here's my tip for you.
Read your boarding pass very carefully for the “boarding time.” Can you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight? Sometimes, airlines expect you to arrive at the gate ready to board 50 minutes before departure. So my challenge is to cut down on the stress and anxiety.
Resources Roundup
Find my Instagram or TikTok. I regularly update solo female content on that site. Please let me know if you find this resource helpful, especially if you’re in your prime.
Take away facts on travel and goodbye.
Good news: Motorists killed fewer pedestrians last year compared to 2023, marking the second consecutive year of declines. Drivers killed 7,148 People in 2024, down 4.3% vs 2023. This statistic is still higher than in 2016, by 19.2%.
Fewer people overall died in traffic crashes in 2024. Still, it was 40,000 people.
Pedestrian deaths are rising at a faster rate than overall traffic deaths. From 2009 to 2023, pedestrian deaths rose 80% while all other traffic deaths increased 13%—source: Kiplinger Washington Editors.
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