🇨🇴 | Medellín - From Narcos Stronghold to Urba

Once notorious as Pablo Escobar's headquarters and dubbed "the most dangerous city on Earth", Medellín has undergone a radical transformation. Today, it's one of Latin America's most beloved destinations for travelers and digital nomads alike. ✈️ Transportation Airport Transfer: Take the shuttle bus (15,500 COP, cash only) to Centro or Santiago Station (more convenient). In-City: Use Uber/Indrive or the metro (buy/reload cards at stations). 💱 Money Matters Exchange Rate: ~600 COP = 1 CNY Best ATM: Green-labeled ones (higher withdrawal limits, lower fees than Bancolombia). 🍽️ Food Scene While Colombia isn’t a culinary powerhouse, don’t miss: Local Specialty: Grilled pork chop with sausage & rice. Mondongo’s (Best branch: Carrera 70) Must-try: Tripe soup (surprisingly close to Chinese flavors—add their spicy sauce!). Tip: Skip the touristy El Poblado branch (forced tipping vs. Carrera 70’s honesty). 📱 SIM Cards Buy at stalls or carriers inside San Diego Mall (near Santiago Station). ⚠️ Safety Notes El Poblado is generally safe (but: my drink was spiked here—stay vigilant!). Comuna 13: Once a warzone, now a symbol of resilience (safe for tourists). 🏨 Where to Stay El Poblado: The party never stops! Bars/clubs rage till dawn. 🎉 Unique Experiences 1️⃣ Dance Classes (Salsa/Bachata/Reggaeton) Dance Free: ~¥100/hour for 1v1 lessons + free group classes at night! 2️⃣ Guatapé Day Trip Climb the *740-step rock* for epic lake views. ✨ Final Thoughts Medellín proves that no place is doomed to darkness forever. Between its cable-car sunsets, street art renaissance, and infectious joie de vivre, this city will rewrite your assumptions. #Medellin #ColombiaTravel #FromDangerToDance