Medellin Guru 2021 – as the year is coming to an end and we start 2022, it’s time to revisit the most popular and most discussed articles of 2021 on the Medellin Guru website.
On July 20, 2017, Medellin Guru was launched, with a goal to provide up-to-date articles about Medellín and Colombia to help expats by covering the best places and best things to do, along with useful travel tips, living tips and experienced expat tips while also offering amazing photos.
In the past 54 months, Medellin Guru published a total of 692 articles with well over 7,000 photos.
In addition, we are working hard to keep all this content up-to-date. In the past 154 weeks up to December 29, we updated a total of 2,221 articles. Some articles were updated multiple times, as things change constantly in Colombia due to coronavirus.
In 2021, the Medellin Guru website had over 1.8 million page-views during the year, which was nearly as many as in 2020, despite the coronavirus pandemic. However, our viewership has changed with about 55 percent of traffic now coming from the U.S.
Also in 2021, we reached over 17,000 followers on Facebook, which makes Medellin Guru the most popular Colombia blog in English about Colombia in less than four years.
Medellin Guru 2021 – Our 10 Most Popular Articles
Here are the 10 most popular articles on the Medellin Guru website in 2021. And each of these articles received over 10,000 page-views in 2020. Also, you can click on the heading for each article to see the article.
Coronavirus in Colombia: Myth vs Reality – Current Status
1. Coronavirus in Colombia: Myth vs Reality – Current Status
Coronavirus in Colombia: We look at current Coronavirus statistics in Colombia and the measures taken by Colombia to minimize the threat of COVID-19.
This popular article is updated daily and is our most popular article published with over 66,000 views in 2021.
PCR Test: How to Get a COVID-19 Test in Medellín – Medellin Guru
2. PCR Test: How to Get a COVID-19 Test in Medellín.
PCR Test: looking to get a COVID-19 test in Medellín? We provide advice and information on places and prices for COVID-19 tests in Medellín.
Coronavirus show no signs of going away in Colombia. Many Medellin Guru readers have asked about COVID-19 tests and particularly about PCR tests needed for international travel.
Note the U.S. will start requiring a COVID-19 test for travelers to the U.S. starting on January 26, either a PCR test or an antigen test.
16 Traditional Colombian Food Dishes You Must Try in Colombia – Medellin Guru
3. 16 Traditional Colombian Food Dishes You Must Try in Colombia
Colombia isn’t well known around the world for its cuisine and Colombian food. But there are a number of delicious traditional Colombian dishes that are worth trying.
Some countries are well-known for their cuisine. So, you can find Italian, Chinese, French and Indian restaurants in cities throughout the world. But you would be hard pressed to find a restaurant specializing in Colombian food in many cities around the world outside of Colombia.
Some foreigners in Colombia or visiting will tell you that traditional Colombian dishes are generally bland, overly fried, too salty and meat-heavy. However, some of the dishes in Colombia are actually packed full of flavor and not everything is meat-heavy.
How to Obtain a Colombia Resident Visa – Medellin Guru
4. How to Obtain a Colombia Resident Visa – 2021 Update
The Colombia resident visa is intended for foreigners who wish to live full-time in Colombia. We provide 2021 updates to the Colombia resident visa rules
Colombia changed its Colombian visa rules in late 2017, which went into effect on December 15, 2017. So, the previous resident (RE) visa in Colombia became an R visa in late 2017.
Test – How to Obtain a Colombia Retirement Visa
5. How to Obtain a Colombia Retirement Visa – 2021 Update
Colombia’s retirement visa is intended for retired persons receiving a retirement income. This retirement visa is relatively easy to get with a low-income requirement and only a few documents needed. Medellín in particular in Colombia is gaining a reputation as a top foreign retirement location.
COVID-19 Testing in Colombia: Realty About Coronavirus Testing
6. COVID-19 Testing in Colombia: Reality About Coronavirus Testing
We look at the reality of COVID-19 testing in Colombia: how many COVID-19 tests are being done and compare to testing in other countries. On December 31, Colombia reported a record 83,539 COVID-19 tests were completed in one day.
This popular article is updated daily with current COVID-19 testing statistics in Colombia.
Scopolia plant, from which scopolamine is made, photo by Jorge Láscar – Medellin Guru
7. Scopolamine: The Realities of Devil’s Breath in Colombia
Scopolamine, also known as Devil’s Breath, is a drug used in Colombia for the purpose of robbery. But there are a number of urban myths circulating about Scopolamine.
he bottom line is that there are some urban myths circulating about scopolamine and it’s been sensationalized. But the use of drugs like scopolamine to incapacitate and rob victims in Colombia can and does happen.
In over eight years living in Medellín, I have only met one expat who was a victim of scopolamine poisoning. However, I have heard it’s more common in Bogotá.
Also, most of the scopolamine incidents happen to people at night at bars and nightclubs. So, take care and don’t leave drinks or food unattended or accept drinks or food from strangers.
Colombia tourist visa stamps in a passport
8. Tourist Visas: How to Extend a Tourist Visa in Medellín – 2021 Update
Colombia offers tourist visas to citizens of many countries good for 90 days. It is possible to extend a tourist visa by 90 days for a total of 180 days. Follow our guide to extend a tourist visa that is updated for 2021.
Colombia offers instant tourist visas to citizens of many countries that are good for 90 days. These “tourist visas” are really just a stamp in your passport and aren’t really visas. And it is quite easy to extend a Colombian tourist visa to enable staying in Colombia a maximum of 180 days in a year.
Guide to Cuts of Beef in Colombia – Medellin Guru
9. Cuts of Beef: A Comprehensive Guide to Cuts of Beef in Colombia
We provide a comprehensive guide to cuts of beef in Colombia. Colombian cuts of meat can be difficult for foreigners to understand so we provide a guide.
Several Medellin Guru readers asked about cuts of beef in Colombia. So, we researched and provide a comprehensive guide that matches over 40 cuts of beef in English with the Spanish equivalent in Colombia.
The butchers in Colombia typically won’t speak much English. So, you will need the Spanish names for the cuts of meat you want to order. Our guide should make it easier for foreigners buying meat in Colombia.
Guide to Buying and Using Cell Phones in Colombia – Medellin Guru
10. Comprehensive Guide to Buying and Using Cell Phones in Colombia
Cell phone services are relatively easy to establish in Colombia for foreigners but there are a number of regulations. So, we provide a comprehensive guide to buying and using cell phones in Colombia, updated for 2021.
Colombia has a relatively modern telecommunications infrastructure with several Colombian competitors offering mobile phone services. This is due to Colombia opening up its telecommunications industry in 1991.
Over the past decade, the mobile market has been one of the fastest growing industries in Colombia. And Colombia now has more cell phones than people.
Our 20 Most Popular Articles in 2020
The following list is the 20 most popular articles on Medellin Guru in 2020, including all of our articles that were originally published in 2020 and in 2017, 2018 and 2019
- Coronavirus in Colombia: Myth vs Reality – Current Status
- International Flights Return to Colombia Starting in September
- Colombia Quarantine: Nationwide Quarantine Extended to September 1
- Carnaval de Barranquilla 2021: Second Largest Carnival is Cancelled
- How to Obtain a Colombian Visa – With Up-to-Date 2020 Info
- 30 Exotic Tropical Fruits of Colombia a Fruit Lovers Paradise
- Mercado De La Playa: A New Gastronomic Market in Medellín
- Humanitarian Flights from Colombia to the U.S. and Other Countries
- How to Obtain a Colombia Resident Visa – 2020 Update0
- How to Obtain a Colombia Retirement Visa – 2021 Update
- Tourist Visas: How to Extend a Tourist Visa in Medellín – 2020 Update
- Cuts of Beef: A Comprehensive Guide to Cuts of Beef in Colombia
- How to Get to Medellín from the Airport – 2020 Update
- Scopolamine: The Realities of Devil’s Breath in Colombia
- Pico y Cedula: Grocery Shopping Restrictions During Quarantine
- How to Obtain a Colombia Marriage Visa – 2020 Update
- Is Medellín Safe? Security in Medellín and Safety Tips – 2019 Update
- 11 Downsides to Living in Medellín: An Expat Perspective
- COVID-19 Testing in Colombia: Reality About Coronavirus Testing
- Colombia Holidays: A Guide to the Many Festivos in Colombia
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Popular Premium Articles About Visiting and Moving to Colombia
- How to be an Expat in Colombia? 12 Tips to be a Successful Expat
- 10 Reasons Why Expats Leave Colombia: Colombia is Not for Everyone
- 17 Top Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting Colombia
- Guide to Saving Money in Medellín: 19 Tips to Save Money
- 13 Downsides of Owning a Car in Medellín: Why Expats Don’t Have Cars
- Tourism Impact of Coronavirus: Colombia Starts to Reactivate Tourism
- Tourism is Permitted in Colombia – What are the Rules?
- 8 Reasons Why Colombia is Unlikely to Return to a Quarantine
- Will the Quarantine Return to Colombia? What if Cases Increase?
- Protests in Colombia: Current Status and What Happens Next?
- Colombia Needs to Ramp up COVID-19 Vaccinations
- Is Colombia Starting to Win the Coronavirus Battle?
- Is it Safe to Travel to Colombia During Protests?
Renting Unfurnished Apartments and Casas (Houses)
- Apartment Rental Guide: Renting Unfurnished Apartments in Medellín
- Guide to Finding Unfurnished Apartments and Casas in Medellín
- Apartment vs Casa (Houses) in Medellín: Pros and Cons
- Rent vs Buy: Downsides of Renting and Buying Property in Medellín
- Guide to Overcoming the Fiador Requirement in Colombia
Buying, Selling and Investing in Real Estate
- Medellín Real Estate: 2021 Property Buyer’s Guide for Foreigners
- Mistakes Foreigners Make When Buying Real Estate in Colombia
- 13 Things Real Estate Agents in Colombia May Not Tell You
- New Apartment Prices in Medellín: Costs to Buy – 2021 Update
- Investing: Risks of Investing in Real Estate in Colombia
- Selling Real Estate in Colombia: A Guide to Selling for Foreigners
- 9 Risks of Investing in Short-Term Rental Real Estate in Colombia
- Rent vs Buy: Downsides of Renting and Buying Property in Medellín
Choosing a Neighborhood in Medellín
- 5 Best Neighborhoods in Medellín: A Guide to Choosing a Neighborhood
- Why Sabaneta is the Second Most Popular Neighborhood in Medellín for Expats
- What are the Safest Neighborhoods in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley?
- 9 Downsides of El Poblado: Living in Medellín’s Expensive Neighborhood
- Pros and Cons of El Poblado: A Popular Neighborhood for Expats in Medellín
- Pros and Cons of Envigado: A Popular Neighborhood for Expats Near Medellín
- Pros and Cons of Laureles: A Popular Neighborhood for Expats in Medellín
- Pros and Cons of Sabaneta: A Popular Town for Expats Near Medellín
- Pros and Cons of Belén: A Medellín Neighborhood Becoming Increasing Popular
- Pros and Cons of El Centro: A Medellín Neighborhood Discovered by Some Expats
- Pros and Cons of Buenos Aires: A Hidden Gem Neighborhood in Medellín
- El Poblado vs Laureles: Which is the Better Neighborhood to Live in?
- El Poblado vs Envigado: Which is the Better Neighborhood to Live in?
- El Poblado vs Sabaneta: Which is the Better Neighborhood to Live in?
- El Poblado vs Belén: Which is the Better Neighborhood to Live in?
- The Ultimate Guide to El Poblado for Expats Living in El Poblado
- The Ultimate Guide to Laureles for Expats Living in Laureles
- The Ultimate Guide to Envigado for Expats Living in Envigado
- The Ultimate Guide to Sabaneta for Expats Living in Sabaneta
- The Ultimate Guide to Belén for Expats Living in Belén in Medellín
Choosing a City in Colombia to Live in
- Guide to Choosing a City in Colombia to Live in Colombia
- Medellin vs Pereira vs Bucaramanga: 3 Cities of Eternal Spring
- 12 Downsides to Living in Bogotá: An Expat Perspective – 2021 Update
- 11 Downsides to Living in Medellín: An Expat Perspective – 2021 Update
- 11 Downsides to Living in Cartagena: An Expat Perspective – 2021 Update
- 11 Downsides to Living in Cali, Colombia: Expat Perspective – 2021 Update
- 12 Downsides to Living in Santa Marta: Expat Perspective – 2021 Update
- 13 Downsides to Living in Manizales: An Expat Perspective – 2021 Update
- Pereira vs Manizales vs Armenia: 3 Cities in Colombia’s Coffee Triangle
- Medellín vs Bogotá: Which is the Better City to Live in?
- Medellín vs Cartagena: Which is the Better City to Live In?
- Medellín vs Cali: Which is the Better City to Live in?
- Medellín vs Barranquilla: Which is the Better City to Live In?
- Medellín vs Santa Marta: Which is the Better City to Live?
- Medellín vs Manizales: Which is the Better City to Live in?
- Medellín vs Pereira? Which is the Better City to Live in?
- Cartagena vs Santa Marta: Which is the Better City to Live in?
- Medellín vs Armenia: Which is the Better City to Live In?
- Medellín vs Popayán: Which is the Better City to Live in?
Choosing a Foreign Retirement Location and Comparing Cities
- Why Expats Move to Medellín From Other Countries in Latin America
- 12 Reasons Why Medellín is a Top Foreign Retirement Location
- Why the Retirement Publications Get Medellín and Colombia Wrong
- Medellín vs Cuenca: Which is the Better City to Live In?
- Medellin vs Panama City, Which is the Better City to Live in?
- Medellin vs Costa Rica, Which is the Better Place to Live?
- Medellin vs Belize, Which is the Better Place to Live?
- Medellín vs Algarve: Which is the Better Place to Live?
- Medellín vs Chiang Mai, Thailand: Which is the Better City to Live In?
- Medellín vs Lima Peru: Which is the Better City to Live in?
- Medellín vs Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Which is the Better Place to Live?
- Medellín vs Mexico City: Which is the Better City to Live In?
- Medellin vs Mazatlán, Mexico: Which is the Better Place to Live?
- Medellín vs Rio de Janeiro: Which is the Better City to Live In?
- Medellín vs Fortaleza, Brazil: Which is the Better City to Live In?
- Medellín vs Buenos Aires, Argentina: Which is the Better Place to Live?
- Medellín vs Santiago, Chile: Which is the Better City to Live In?
- Medellín vs Valletta, Malta: Which is the Better Place to Live in?
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Medellín Guru’s relocation services
Medellin Guru 2021: Relocation Services
Moving to a city in a foreign country is complicated. Medellin Guru offers services for expats in Colombia. In less than two years we helped over 1,150 clients.
Medellin Guru starting offering services in March 2019. Since that time with our partners we have helped over 1,150 clients with visas, insurance, expat consultations, apartment rentals, real estate services and Spanish classes.
We have partnered to offer visa, health insurance, real estate, furnished rentals and Spanish school services to foreigners to help with relocation:
- Visa services with Expatgroup.co
- Insurance services agent – including health, homeowners, car and life insurance as well as travel insurance
- Real estate services with real estate by expatgroup.co
Our partnerships are affiliate relationships (like the Amazon affiliate program).
If you use our partner services, Medellin Guru receives a small commission and you support the website. This is at no additional cost to you. The price remains the same, whether you use a button or affiliate link for these services on this website or not.
When I moved to Medellín over eight years ago there was little help available for foreigners. And our goal with our relocation services is to make it easier for foreigners to move to Medellín.
The Bottom Line: Medellin Guru 2021 Year in Review
Thanks to everyone who read Medellin Guru in 2021. We have many new and interesting articles in work for 2022. And we look forward to continuing to keep you informed in the new year.
We are always looking for feedback and suggestions. Are there any topics you would like us to cover in 2021? Please share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below.
Also, you can see our article about our 2020 Medellin Guru year in review where we looked at our most popular articles and accomplishments in 2020.