For expats carving out a life in Colombia, the urge to go beyond the usual tourist spots and really dive into local culture is strong. While settling into your new daily rhythm, you probably want those authentic, unforgettable moments that make living here truly special. That’s where Airbnb Originals come in—a fresh, exciting program offering a handpicked collection of unique, locally led experiences designed to deepen your connection with Colombia. From bustling market tours in Bogotá to hidden coffee farm adventures near Medellín, these experiences unlock a richer, more vibrant chapter of your expat journey.
What Makes Airbnb Originals the Key to Experiencing Colombia’s Soul?
Airbnb Originals represents a significant evolution in personalized travel, offering a pathway to genuine cultural integration and unique perspectives. This innovative program moves beyond passive sightseeing, inviting participants into active, immersive engagement. It’s about experiencing a destination, not just observing it.
These experiences are meticulously handcrafted and often led by “icons”—local experts, passionate artisans, and cultural figures who share unparalleled insights into their world. For expats in Colombia, these Originals offer immense value. They foster profound connections, illuminate local nuances, and ultimately enrich life in this vibrant country, allowing you to participate in the real Colombia.
Whether it’s exploring hidden coffee farms near Medellín or joining bustling market tours in Bogotá, Airbnb Originals opens doors to authentic local experiences that go beyond typical tourist offerings.
Which Adventures from Airbnb Originals Should Expats Explore Across Colombia?
For tourists eager to dive deep into Colombia’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich traditions, Airbnb Originals offers a curated selection of unforgettable experiences. These handpicked adventures provide unique insights and genuine connections, spanning culinary explorations, artistic immersions, and outdoor escapades in some of Colombia’s most exciting cities.
Medellín: From Coffee Hills to Urban Artistry
Medellín, known as the City of Eternal Spring, blends innovation with tradition in a way that captivates expats. The Airbnb Originals experience here captures the essence of paisa culture through distinct, locally led experiences.
Experience 1. Coffee Tour in Santa Elena with a Local Barista:
Just outside Medellín, Santa Elena is a charming village where coffee culture runs deep. Led by a passionate local barista, this intimate tour takes you from bean to cup, exploring multi-generational coffee traditions. Beyond tasting, you’ll connect with a family rooted in Colombia’s coffee heritage while soaking in breathtaking rural views—a must-do for any coffee lover living in Colombia.
Experience 2. Comuna 13 Transformation and Street Art Journey:
Explore Medellín’s inspiring Comuna 13, a neighborhood known for its social transformation. Local guides, many of whom grew up in the area, share stories of resilience through vibrant street art and hip-hop performances. This deeply authentic experience offers visitors a powerful window into the city’s soul and its journey of renewal.
Experience 3. Explore Medellín’s Queer Nightlife with a Pro D:
Experience the city’s legendary LGBTQ+ nightlife with iconic drag queens. Enjoy backstage access, signature cocktails, and a night of dancing at Oráculo, the epicenter of Medellín’s queer scene. This experience is a celebration of inclusivity and pure joy, perfect for expats looking to connect with Medellín’s diverse communities.
Experience 5. Colombian Artisanal Dessert Class with Chef Manola:
Delight your senses with a hands-on artisanal dessert class led by renowned Chef Manola in Envigado, just outside Medellín. Learn to create traditional Colombian sweets, discovering local ingredients and techniques. This culinary experience from Airbnb Originals Medellín experience offers a delicious way to connect with Colombian gastronomy and enjoy a creative afternoon.
Bogotá: Metropolitan Flavors and Artistic Expressions
Colombia’s bustling capital offers a rich mix of culinary delights and artistic experiences that reveal its multifaceted identity.
Experience. 6: Paloquemao Market: A Sensory Culinary Journey
Dive into Bogotá’s largest market, Paloquemao, guided by a local food expert. Sample exotic fruits, fresh produce, and traditional snacks to gain firsthand insight into Colombian gastronomy. This immersive experience is perfect for food-loving expats eager to savor authentic flavors.
Experience 7. Painting Sound — An Immersive Art & Music Experience:
Step into the studio of a renowned local artist and classical pianist who explores synesthesia, where music translates into vibrant colors. Collaborate on a painting inspired by melodies, an extraordinary creative journey for culturally curious expats.
Experience. 8: Ancestral Colombian Spirits & Cocktail Pairing
Led by a sommelier, explore Colombia’s rich spirits heritage with tastings and cocktail classes that blend traditional flavors with modern mixology. This sophisticated experience offers a flavorful dive into Colombian culture.
Experience 9. Dive into Colombian corn with an acclaimed chef:
Take a unique tasting journey through Colombia’s corn heritage, guided by acclaimed chef Charlie Otero in Bogotá. This Airbnb Originals experience features traditional dishes like chicha, peto, empanadas, and tamal santafereño, offering expats a delicious and insightful exploration of a fundamental Colombian ingredient and its culinary traditions.
Experience 10. Design and craft your Colombian emerald ring:
Delve into Colombia’s rich mining heritage by designing and crafting your own emerald ring in Bogotá. Work with a local metalsmith to learn about the significance of emeralds in Colombian society and economy. This unique Airbnb Originals workshop offers a hands-on creative experience and a truly personal souvenir.
Cartagena & the Caribbean Coast: Weaving Culture and Coastal Beauty
Cartagena’s Caribbean charm shines through Airbnb Originals that blend history with seaside serenity.
Experience 11. Paint in a Private Art Studio Overlooking Cartagena Bay:
Join a local artist in a studio overlooking Cartagena Bay. Capture the Caribbean’s vibrant colors and light in a personalized painting session—a serene creative escape for expats.
Experience 12. Weave a Mochila Using Ancient Indigenous Techniques:
Learn traditional Indigenous weaving techniques to craft a mochila, Colombia’s iconic knapsack. This hands-on workshop offers a deep connection to the Caribbean coast’s ancestral roots.
Experience 13. Savor Rare Colombian Spirits & Pairings with a Sommelier in Cartagena:
Embark on a sophisticated tasting journey through Colombia’s lesser-known spirits with an acclaimed local sommelier in Cartagena. This Airbnb Originals experience offers a refined exploration of premium Colombian rums and other regional distillates, expertly paired with seasonal fruits, artisanal chocolates, and traditional sweets.
Guided by a passionate expert, you’ll learn about the history, production, and unique flavor profiles of these rare liquors, discovering why Colombia’s spirits stand out in the Caribbean and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just curious, this tasting promises a deep dive into the rich flavors and culture behind Colombia’s liquid treasures.
Experience 14. Blend Your Own Colombian Spice Mix in Cartagena:
Join a local culinary expert for an immersive workshop that uncovers the vibrant history and cultural significance of Colombian spices. In this hands-on Airbnb Originals experience, you’ll test your senses by identifying raw spices and then craft your very own unique spice blend to take home.
This workshop is a flavorful way to connect with Colombia’s diverse culinary heritage and add a personal touch to your kitchen back home. Perfect for food lovers eager to explore new tastes and traditions.
Coffee Axis (Jardín and Salento): Authentic Farm-to-Cup Coffee Experiences
Colombia’s Coffee Axis is synonymous with breathtaking landscapes and world-class coffee. Airbnb Originals here offer authentic farm-to-cup experiences.
Experience 15. Coffee and Jeep Tour at Finca Mariposa in Jardín:
Explore the coffee cultivation process in Jardín with multi-generational experts. This tour combines coffee education with an adventurous jeep ride through stunning scenery—a perfect blend of culture and nature for expats.
Experience 16. Learn about the Colombian coffee process in Salento:
Immerse yourself in the coffee culture of Salento, one of the most iconic towns in the Coffee Axis. This experience takes you through a traditional coffee farm, detailing the entire process from planting to tasting. It’s an essential Airbnb Originals journey for expats seeking to understand the heart of Colombian coffee.
Cali: The Salsa Capital's Rhythms and Flavors
Cali, known as the world’s salsa capital, offers Airbnb Originals that pulse with rhythm and vibrant local culture.
Experience 17. Cali Street Food Tour: Savoring Local Flavors:
Embark on a culinary adventure through Cali’s bustling streets, sampling authentic street food delights. A local guide will introduce you to traditional snacks and flavors, revealing the city’s gastronomic soul. This Airbnb Originals experience offers a delicious way for expats to connect with Cali’s vibrant food scene.
Experience 18. Cali City Tour - Salsa History & Urban Exploration:
Discover why Cali is the “Salsa Capital of the World” on a comprehensive city tour that blends history, music, and urban exploration. A local guide will take you through key landmarks, sharing insights into Cali-style salsa’s origins and its profound cultural impact. This Airbnb Originals experience offers expats a deep dive into the city’s passionate rhythm.
Experience 19. Hiking in the Farallones de Cali. Mountain & Waterfall Adventure:
Lace up your hiking boots for an invigorating trek through the breathtaking mountains of the Farallones de Cali. This Airbnb Originals outdoor experience, led by a local mountain guide, takes you to hidden waterfalls and offers stunning panoramic views of the Valle del Cauca, providing an active way for expats to explore Colombia’s natural beauty.
Experience 20. Siloé: Culture and Transformation in Comuna 20:
Delve into the vibrant community of Siloé, Comuna 20, in Cali, and witness a powerful story of cultural transformation and entrepreneurship. This Airbnb Originals tour, led by a local guide, explores how art, music, and community initiatives have shaped this neighborhood, offering expats a profound insight into Cali’s resilience and spirit.
How Can Expats Find Smart Stays and Make Smooth Transitions in Colombia?
Beyond the captivating experiences Airbnb Originals offers, having a comfortable and secure home base is key for settling in Colombia. This section shares practical tips to help make your transition and stay as smooth as possible.
Navigating Rental Norms in Colombia
For foreigners using Airbnb, short-term rentals are generally legal and straightforward. The responsibility for ensuring compliance with local regulations—such as obtaining the Registro Nacional de Turismo (RNT)—falls primarily on the host and property owner. As a guest, understanding this helps you choose legitimate listings, ensuring a hassle-free stay aligned with Colombian laws.
Where Should Expats Live? The Best Neighborhoods in Medellín for You
Picking the right neighborhood in Medellín depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Here are the top areas favored by expats:
El Poblado
Popular among foreigners for its luxury homes, vibrant nightlife, fine dining, and modern amenities. It’s a great starting point if you’re new to Colombia, with a high police presence and well-lit streets enhancing safety.
Laureles
A more residential, walkable neighborhood with a local vibe, tree-lined streets, and charming cafes. It offers a blend of authentic Colombian culture and modern conveniences, favored by digital nomads and expats seeking a quieter atmosphere.
Envigado and Sabaneta
These neighboring municipalities on Medellín’s outskirts provide a quieter, more residential feel. They are ideal for families or those wanting a local experience outside the city center.
When choosing your base, consider your priorities—whether it’s nightlife, community feel, or proximity to work and amenities.
Budgeting Your Colombian Dream: Understanding Rental Costs for Expats
Airbnb rental prices in Medellín vary widely depending on location, property type, and season. While Airbnb Originals experiences have their own pricing, knowing accommodation costs helps with overall budgeting.
Here’s a general guide to Airbnb rental costs in Medellín for expats (all prices in USD):
| Type of Stay | Typical Nightly Rate | Typical Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
Private Room/Studio |
$45 -75 |
$700 – $1,500 |
|
1 -Bedroom Apartment |
$60 – $180 |
$1,000 – $2,500 |
|
2 + Bedroom Apartment/Loft |
$100 – $300+ |
$1,500 – $ 3,000+ |
To optimize your budget, consider booking during Medellín’s off-peak seasons, exploring neighborhoods outside the main tourist hubs, and looking for long-term stay discounts.
How Can Expats Stay Safe and Enjoy Peace of Mind in Medellín and Beyond?
Prioritizing safety lets you fully enjoy your Colombian adventure. Here are essential tips to keep in mind for a secure and smooth experience.
How Can Expats Make the Most of Longer Stays in Medellín?
For expats planning to settle in Medellín for more than a few weeks, booking an Airbnb long-term stay can be a smart and flexible stepping stone. These fully furnished rentals often include essentials like kitchens and Wi-Fi, allowing you to live comfortably while you explore the city and decide on a permanent home.
Many hosts offer attractive discounts for stays longer than 28 days, making Airbnb a cost-effective alternative to traditional leases during your initial months. To find these options, filter your Airbnb searches by “monthly stays” and don’t hesitate to message hosts directly to ask about special rates or extended availability—even if it’s not explicitly listed.
If you’re planning a longer stay in Medellín and want to find the perfect place to call home, be sure to check out the wide selection of properties. From cozy furnished apartments to spacious condos in the city’s best neighborhoods, you’ll find options tailored to expats looking for comfort, convenience, and great value.
The Bottom Line: Top 20 Airbnb Originals — The Best Experiences for Expats in Colombia
The arrival of Airbnb Originals across Colombia is transforming the expat experience, opening doors to deep cultural immersion and meaningful personal growth. Whether you’re diving into the vibrant Airbnb Originals experiences in Medellín, navigating rental costs, or following essential safety tips, understanding these elements ensures your stay is seamless and enriching. Airbnb Originals connect you with authentic, locally-led adventures that go far beyond typical tourist activities. These experiences invite you to live the real Colombia.
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