Adventures in Colombia 🇨🇴: Medellín - From Narco Capital to Digital

Once notorious as the world's most dangerous city in the 1980s and '90s—infamous for violence, drug trafficking, and murder 😱—Medellín was the stronghold of Pablo Escobar (the real-life inspiration behind Narcos). Today, this Colombian metropolis has transformed from a warzone into a global hub of innovation 🤖 and one of Latin America's top digital nomad destinations 💻. Ironically, Pablo remains the city's most famous tourist icon—his face adorns murals, souvenirs, and even fridge magnets! 😅 While taking a taxi, I met a fluent English-speaking driver. When he asked why I visited Colombia, I joked, "Because of Pablo." After a pause 😶, he shared that his childhood friend had been one of Escobar's henchmen. He only learned the truth a week after Pablo's death, when news broke that his friend had also been gunned down. 💔 Must-Visit Spots ✅ Comuna 13 Escalator 🎨 Once the most violent and impoverished district in this "city of sin" 👿, Comuna 13 is now a vibrant open-air gallery. Connected by outdoor escalators (some of the world's longest) 🏗️, its steep alleys are splashed with psychedelic graffiti and cyberpunk installations. The energy here is electric—a testament to resilience and reinvention. ✨ ✅ San Javier Cable Car 🚡 Like many South American cities, Medellín's favelas cling to the mountainsides ⛰️. The wealthy live in the valley's center, while the hills glow at night with a sea of makeshift lights 🌃—a view my hotel perfectly framed. 🤩 The San Javier station combines metro and cable cars, just 15 minutes from Comuna 13 (or a short shuttle ride 🚌). For safety, I rode the cable car round-trip without disembarking, soaking in aerial views of the sprawling slums. Pro tip: Stay on board and transfer directly to the metro for the old town. 🚇 ✅ Plaza Botero 🎭 This square celebrates Medellín-born artist Fernando Botero, Colombia's national treasure, with his signature chubby sculptures (proof that art imitates life 😂). Dining Spotlight 🍴 Alambique Step into this jungle-meets-Hogwarts restaurant 🏰🌴, where generous portions fuse tradition with creativity. A feast for the eyes and palate! 😋 #ViewFromAbove #WorldTravel #ArtisticVibes #UrbanPhotography #StreetArt #ColombiaTravel #MedellinAdventures #SouthAmerica