Medellin Reports

Myth 1: Medellin is still unsafe for tourists and travelers.

One of the most persistent myths about Medellin is that it remains unsafe for tourists. While it's true that the city struggled with high crime rates and security issues in the past, Medellin has made significant strides in improving its security situation. For instance, Medellin, through the Colombian government, demobilized significant guerrilla groups and implemented security reforms. As a result, Medellin is recognized as one of the most progressive and safer cities in Latin America, with a thriving tourism industry.

Like any major city, visitors need to take appropriate precautions and follow basic safety guidelines, such as:

Not displaying expensive belongings in public.

Avoiding dangerous neighborhoods.

Being aware of your surroundings.

However, overall, Medellin is now considered safe and welcoming for tourists and those traveling to Medellin Colombia, with increased police presence in tourist areas and low crime rates.

[URL]https://two.travel/medellin-colombia-safe[/URL]

In November 2023, foreign tourists were often held up on the street at gun point in broad daylight in good neighbourhoods. There were often cases where a motorcycle and a pair of men were involved. One guy drove the motorcycle, the other guy hopped off, drew his gun, robbed you, hopped back on and the motorcycle sped off.

Has that all disappeared? (I am not concerned about scopolamine. I don't intend to use tinder or visit nightclubs.).

[QUOTE=TexasPistol;3026166]Myth 1: Medellin is still unsafe for tourists and travelers.

One of the most persistent myths about Medellin is that it remains unsafe for tourists....
'
Has that all disappeared? (I am not concerned about scopolamine. I don't intend to use tinder or visit nightclubs.).[/QUOTE]A couple comments:

1) This conversation has been occuring for as long as I've been coming to Medellin. 2011, so 15 years.

2) While Tinder and clubs are the major source of crime, 'normal' girls can get you too. I was actually scoped by a non-pro girl on a 3rd date. It was Bumble, so maybe not too much better than Tinder LOL, but is known for being a more professional dating app. Also, I think most drugging is ketamine, and not scopolamine (perhaps minor difference, but wish to clarify).

In short, even if you're trying to date 'normal' girls you are at risk, and many would argue that you are at even more risk.

[QUOTE=Turgid;3025949]It is not widely known but the Dominican Republic is a hotbed for female American sex tourists.[/QUOTE]In Sosua it's mostly Canadian women, I've seen and know quite a few.

[QUOTE=DiscoverFL;3025918]All it takes is a single stroll through Provenza. What do you see, 60%+ of older (30+) couples (either locals or mostly foreigners on vacation). Younger folks, harder to tell of course. People who are here for the food, nightlife, country, and fun. That's just the main area. Then you have all kinds of eco-tourism (see how many tours there are online for sale). There are over half a dozen motorcycle rental companies focused on tourists (Colombia is a motorcycle riders dream). Etc. The food / restaurant / nightlife alone is a great bargain for those visiting the country; the country is beautiful to explore, the restaurant choices continue to expand, etc. There is a ton of tourism that continues to grow and guess what, spends way more locally than any monger.[/QUOTE]Go to Comuna 13 and there are hundreds of tourists there every day. If you haven't been it's a great way to spend the day.

[QUOTE=Chicago85;3026209]A couple comments:

1) This conversation has been occuring for as long as I've been coming to Medellin. 2011, so 15 years.

2) While Tinder and clubs are the major source of crime, 'normal' girls can get you too. I was actually scoped by a non-pro girl on a 3rd date. It was Bumble, so maybe not too much better than Tinder LOL, but is known for being a more professional dating app. Also, I think most drugging is ketamine, and not scopolamine (perhaps minor difference, but wish to clarify).

In short, even if you're trying to date 'normal' girls you are at risk, and many would argue that you are at even more risk.[/QUOTE]And it's probably more dangerous for guys that share our hobby than your typical tourist.

That said, if you take the normal precautions (often discussed on this site), you'll likely be fine.

[QUOTE=Chicago85;3026209]A couple comments:
1) This conversation has been occuring for as long as I've been coming to Medellin. 2011, so 15 years.
[/QUOTE]I understand that. And two years ago there was a serious problem with armed robbery of tourists. Like you'll go out in the middle of the day to buy a loaf of bread and find yourself staring down the barrel of a handgun held by a maniac. So I'm simply asking: Are things about the same now as two years ago or has there been a dramatic improvement and today this is unheard of?

I only look for women in brothels or as we say "casas" so I'm not worried about the drinks with drugs added.

[QUOTE=DiscoverFL;3025918]All it takes is a single stroll through Provenza. What do you see, 60%+ of older (30+) couples (either locals or mostly foreigners on vacation). Younger folks, harder to tell of course. People who are here for the food, nightlife, country, and fun. That's just the main area. Then you have all kinds of eco-tourism (see how many tours there are online for sale). There are over half a dozen motorcycle rental companies focused on tourists (Colombia is a motorcycle riders dream). Etc. The food / restaurant / nightlife alone is a great bargain for those visiting the country; the country is beautiful to explore, the restaurant choices continue to expand, etc. There is a ton of tourism that continues to grow and guess what, spends way more locally than any monger.[/QUOTE]If mongers weren't the bold trailblazers of destinations that get negative propaganda, those tourists you mention would likely be too afraid to even go Colombia to begin with. Mongers are the ones who made some of these places popular to travel to. And if they move their focus elsewhere, so will the attention of everyone else, due to exposure and hype via vlogs.

[QUOTE=Chicago85;3026209]A couple comments:

1) This conversation has been occuring for as long as I've been coming to Medellin. 2011, so 15 years.

2) While Tinder and clubs are the major source of crime, 'normal' girls can get you too. I was actually scoped by a non-pro girl on a 3rd date. It was Bumble, so maybe not too much better than Tinder LOL, but is known for being a more professional dating app. Also, I think most drugging is ketamine, and not scopolamine (perhaps minor difference, but wish to clarify).

In short, even if you're trying to date 'normal' girls you are at risk, and many would argue that you are at even more risk.[/QUOTE]Like yourself I arrived in 2010 and have seen the changes for the worse. My only savings grace is that I am not on the hunt for P4P given I am now 15 years older and probably most importantly is that I have a stable of young, fresh, non-pros who need some help from time to time and my selection is honed into vetting only the simply incredible lovers that after a few years have earned my trst, again it takes years.

Half are single mothers and the other half just normal Paisa chicas enjoying some spending money so they can spend on things like their Colombian boyfriends.

Trust no one and don't get a Paisa GF, trust me on this. You have no idea how deceptive two-faced they are UNTIL you have been "the backdoor man", "the "other man", you have no idea.

The Tall Man.

[QUOTE=Chicago85;3026209]A couple comments:

1) This conversation has been occuring for as long as I've been coming to Medellin. 2011, so 15 years.

2) While Tinder and clubs are the major source of crime, 'normal' girls can get you too. I was actually scoped by a non-pro girl on a 3rd date. It was Bumble, so maybe not too much better than Tinder LOL, but is known for being a more professional dating app. Also, I think most drugging is ketamine, and not scopolamine (perhaps minor difference, but wish to clarify).

In short, even if you're trying to date 'normal' girls you are at risk, and many would argue that you are at even more risk.[/QUOTE]How did a non-pro scope you? So you are not paying and dating her for 3rd time and she scoped you?

That is expected though.

[QUOTE=TexasPistol;3026166]Myth 1: Medellin is still unsafe for tourists and travelers.

One of the most persistent myths about Medellin is that it remains unsafe for tourists. While it's true that the city struggled with high crime rates and security issues in the past, Medellin has made significant strides in improving its security situation. For instance, Medellin, through the Colombian government, demobilized significant guerrilla groups and implemented security reforms. As a result, Medellin is recognized as one of the most progressive and safer cities in Latin America, with a thriving tourism industry.

Like any major city, visitors need to take appropriate precautions and follow basic safety guidelines, such as:

Not displaying expensive belongings in public.

Avoiding dangerous neighborhoods.

Being aware of your surroundings.

However, overall, Medellin is now considered safe and welcoming for tourists and those traveling to Medellin Colombia, with increased police presence in tourist areas and low crime rates.


In November 2023, foreign tourists were often held up on the street at gun point in broad daylight in good neighbourhoods. There were often cases where a motorcycle and a pair of men were involved. One guy drove the motorcycle, the other guy hopped off, drew his gun, robbed you, hopped back on and the motorcycle sped off.

Has that all disappeared? (I am not concerned about scopolamine. I don't intend to use tinder or visit nightclubs.).[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=TexasPistol;3026291]I understand that. And two years ago there was a serious problem with armed robbery of tourists. Like you'll go out in the middle of the day to buy a loaf of bread and find yourself staring down the barrel of a handgun held by a maniac. So I'm simply asking: Are things about the same now as two years ago or has there been a dramatic improvement and today this is unheard of?[/QUOTE]I have seen several videos just within the last month of gringos (albeit idiots flashing jewelry, phones, etc.) being robbed at gun point in tourist areas like Calle 10 in Poblado (Parque Lleras) and Provenza. There was just an older wealthy Colombian robbed at gunpoint in El Poblado for his watch. Daily, there are videos of armed robberies of customers and businesses throughout the city. This is nothing new, and I highly doubt increased tourism is what is going to curtail it. I'm not sure if ChatGPT / Grok will do a good job, but you should try to follow some local non-mainstream media accounts on Instagram, etc. It's quite eye-opening. Start with these: prensapaisaoficial qhubomedallo. You should start getting recommendations to follow similar accounts, after that.

Spanish will not protect you from these situations, but it will help. Street smarts will not protect you from these situations, but it will help. Blending in and not flaunting belongings will not protect you from these situations, but it will help.

I don't think ketamine is used more frequently than scopolomine. It is likely a combination of benzos in many instances.

"Benzos alone rarely cause fatal overdoses. But when combined with:

Other benzos.

Alcohol.

Opioids.

Barbiturates.

The central nervous system depression can become life-threatening. ".

Stay safe out there!

[QUOTE=TexasPistol;3026291]I understand that. And two years ago there was a serious problem with armed robbery of tourists. Like you'll go out in the middle of the day to buy a loaf of bread and find yourself staring down the barrel of a handgun held by a maniac. So I'm simply asking: Are things about the same now as two years ago or has there been a dramatic improvement and today this is unheard of?[/QUOTE]There was? I was in Medellin four times in 2023 (same as '22 and 24' I did buy many a loaf of bread (I recommend AlePan Panadera Alemana) and wandered all over, I never stared down any barrels. Sure, some idiots playing with their iPhone on a corner had someone snatch it I'm sure, and I do know of one guy who was robbed while walking late at night in a dark street from Provenza in '23. But nothing as a 'serious problem' as you describe. Personally, I am more concerned late at night in Baltimore, Miami or San Juan than I am in Medellin. Of course there is crime in Medellin, like any city of its size, but nothing that to me seems to bubble up to a 'serious problem'. Don't be a target and you will be fine. Personally, I think crime is a little lower now because of a lower number of 'extremely desperate' homeless Venezuelan, at least I'm running into a lot less desperates begging at every corner like I was encountering in 22/23.

[QUOTE=SlapShot10;3026566]I have seen several videos just within the last month of gringos (albeit idiots flashing jewelry, phones, etc.) being robbed at gun point in tourist areas like Calle 10 in Poblado (Parque Lleras) and Provenza. There was just an older wealthy Colombian robbed at gunpoint in El Poblado for his watch. Daily, there are videos of armed robberies of customers and businesses throughout the city. This is nothing new, and I highly doubt increased tourism is what is going to curtail it. I'm not sure if ChatGPT / Grok will do a good job, but you should try to follow some local non-mainstream media accounts on Instagram, etc. It's quite eye-opening. Start with these: prensapaisaoficial qhubomedallo. You should start getting recommendations to follow similar accounts, after that.

Spanish will not protect you from these situations, but it will help. Street smarts will not protect you from these situations, but it will help. Blending in and not flaunting belongings will not protect you from these situations, but it will help.

I don't think ketamine is used more frequently than scopolomine. It is likely a combination of benzos in many instances.

"Benzos alone rarely cause fatal overdoses. But when combined with:

Other benzos.

Alcohol.

Opioids.

Barbiturates.

The central nervous system depression can become life-threatening. ".

Stay safe out there![/QUOTE]The drug being used is Clonazepam NOT scopolamine. Scopolamine was used years ago but hardly ever used anymore, Clonazepam is easier to obtain as it is available in any farmacia.

[QUOTE=DiscoverFL;3026576]There was? Of course there is crime in Medellin, like any city of its size, but nothing that to me seems to bubble up to a 'serious problem'.[/QUOTE]Maybe I misunderstood, however my strong impression at that time was that people were very concerned about armed robberies on the street in tourist areas.

[URL]https://www.medellinadvisors.com/crime-in-medellin-data-update-2023-mid-year/#Medellins_Tourist_Neighbourhoods_Continue_to_be_Hotspots_of_Robbery[/URL]

Statistically, if you are there for a week or two, chances are that you will not be a victim however you might be. What I did is I did my shopping around 9:00 am. I think criminals sleep late. Beyond that I took an Uber door to door from my airbnb to a casa.

This is the part that really scares me. If I get jacked for a laptop, phone or some cash it's not the end of the world because any of that is easily replaced. God forbid someone slips me a mickey that is badly mixed or triggers an allergic reaction because you don't necessarily know if you can recover from that. It could be the end, as we've seen from time to time.

[QUOTE=SlapShot10;3026566]I have seen several videos just within the last month of gringos (albeit idiots flashing jewelry, phones, etc.) being robbed at gun point in tourist areas like Calle 10 in Poblado (Parque Lleras) and Provenza. There was just an older wealthy Colombian robbed at gunpoint in El Poblado for his watch. Daily, there are videos of armed robberies of customers and businesses throughout the city. This is nothing new, and I highly doubt increased tourism is what is going to curtail it. I'm not sure if ChatGPT / Grok will do a good job, but you should try to follow some local non-mainstream media accounts on Instagram, etc. It's quite eye-opening. Start with these: prensapaisaoficial qhubomedallo. You should start getting recommendations to follow similar accounts, after that.

Spanish will not protect you from these situations, but it will help. Street smarts will not protect you from these situations, but it will help. Blending in and not flaunting belongings will not protect you from these situations, but it will help.[/QUOTE]

I'm happy to pay a service fee, but I'm looking for a girl-friendly hotel with good security. (They keep the girl's passport until she leaves.).

Thanks