July 20 is the two-year anniversary of the launch of the Medellin Guru website. So, we look our accomplishments in our first two years and look at our 20 most popular articles published over the past two years.
Two years ago, on July 20, 2017, the Medellin Guru website was launched. So, July 20 is the anniversary of Medellin Guru. The goal of this website is 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.
2-Year Anniversary: Medellin Guru’s Accomplishments in 2 Years
In the past two years, Medellin Guru accomplished the following:
- Became the most popular English-language blog in Colombia, the Medellin Guru website has averaged over 75,000 unique visitors each month in 2019.
- Published a total 409 articles in two years with a total of over 845,000 words and over 4,800 photos and videos.
- Updated a total of 215 articles in the past 30 weeks. Some articles have been updated multiple times, as things change constantly in Colombia. Medellin Guru is the only blog in Colombia that has a policy of not letting articles on our website become out-of-date.
- Published articles from 18 different authors.
Weekly Page-views on the Medellin Guru website, July 20, 2017 to July 20, 2019, Source: Google Analytics
- Surpassed a total of over 1.2 million unique visitors and over 3.3 million total page-views on the Medellin Guru website in the past two years.
- Over 55,000 spam comments received and deleted. The website has spam protection and every comment is reviewed before publishing.
- Achieved over 15,700 likes and over 16,100 followers on the Medellin Guru Facebook. Medellin Guru is the first English language Colombia blog to achieve this.
- Held a total of 11 monthly Medellin Guru meetups in Medellín, which have become the most popular monthly events for foreigners in Medellín. Over 190 people attended our July 2019 Medellin Guru event.
- Launched the Medellin Guru visa service in partnership with the Expatgroup.co visa agency. In the first four months of this service, a total of 55 clients have received Colombian visas.
Thanks to all of our readers over the past two years!
2-Year Anniversary: Medellin Guru’s 20 Most Popular Colombia Articles
Here are Medellin Guru’s 20 most popular articles about Medellín and Colombia published over the past two years. All 20 of these articles received over 25,000 views each and the top three articles received over 60,000 views each.
Colombian National Police, photos courtesy of Colombia National Police – Is Medellín Safe?
1. Is Medellín Safe? Security in Medellín and Safety Tips – 2019 Update
Is Medellín safe to visit? Medellín is generally safe to visit if you follow some basic safety tips, as you will reduce your risk of being a victim of crime. However, security in Medellín is still a major concern for expats living in Medellín and also tourists visiting the city.
We typically update this very popular Medellín safety and security article at least once a year with updated crime statistics.
Options to get to Medellín from the Airport
2. How to Get to Medellín from the Airport – 2019 Update
There are several ways to get to Medellín from the Airport. Medellín actually has two airports, so we look at how to get to and from both of Medellín’s airports.
In addition, this article was updated with 2019 fares for going to and from the Medellín airports.
Waitresses at Patrick’s Irish Pub, a popular sports bar in Medellín
3. 6 Popular Sports Bars in Medellín to Watch the Super Bowl and Other Sports
We look at 6 popular sports bars in Medellín, which are good places to watch major sporting events like the Super Bowl, World Cup, World Series or NBA finals.
Traffic, one of the downsides of living in Medellín
4. 11 Downsides to Living in Medellín: An Expat Perspective
Medellín has a reputation as a good place to live with a good climate and low cost of living. But no city is perfect and there are downsides to living in Medellín, we look at 11 downsides to living in Medellín.
World-class Christmas lights in Medellín
5. Alumbrados: A Guide to the 2018 Medellín Christmas Lights
One event that Medellín is famous for is the annual Medellín Christmas lights display that is known as Alumbrados Navideños or El Alumbrado.
Note this popular guide to the Medellín Christmas lights is updated each year as a guide to each year’s Christmas lights in Medellín.
Feria de las Flores in Medellín
6. Feria de las Flores 2019 Schedule of Events and Expat Tips
Medellin’s biggest annual festival, La Feria de las Flores 2019 (Festival of Flowers), runs from August 2 – 11, 2019. We provide a guide with tips for visitors.
Furthermore, this popular guide to Feria de las Flores in Medellín is updated each year.
Carnaval de Barranquilla: second largest Carnival in the World
7. Carnival de Barranquilla 2019: Second Largest Carnival in the World
We provided an insiders’ guide to Carnaval de Barranquilla 2019 in Colombia, the second largest carnival in the world, which was on March 2 to 5 in 2019.
Also, this popular article is updated each year before Carnival in Barranquilla.
How to obtain a Colombian visa
8. How to Obtain a Colombian Visa – With Up-to-Date 2019 Info
Colombia offers many different categories of visas, which enable you to stay in the country for a year or more. In addition, Colombia changed its visa rules in late 2017.
Most noteworthy, the new visa rules went into effect on December 15, 2017. So, it’s important to understand the new visa rules before applying for a Colombian visa.
In addition, this popular guide to Colombian visas is updated one or more times each year and was last updated in April 2019.
Unfortunately Pablo Escobar’s grave site in Medellín has become a tourist site
9. Pablo Escobar’s Grave: An Unfortunate Tourist Attraction
Pablo Escobar’s grave in Medellín has unfortunately become a tourist attraction due to the popular Narcos series. Pablo Escobar tours stop at his grave site.
Medellín vs Pereira vs Bucaramanga
10. Medellin vs Pereira vs Bucaramanga: 3 Cities of Eternal Spring
Medellín vs Pereira vs Bucaramanga, all 3 are cities of eternal spring in Colombia but which is best to live in. We compare the cities in 14 categories.
Colombian fruits for sale at Plaza Minorista in Medellín
11. 30 Exotic Tropical Fruits of Colombia: A Fruit Lovers Paradise
Colombia is a fruit lover’s paradise with many delicious and exotic tropical fruits that are difficult to find in North America or Europe.
In Colombia, you can find the typical fruits that are easy to find in North America and Europe like apples, bananas, pineapples and strawberries. But one of the benefits of living in Colombia is the tropical fruits, which are delicious, inexpensive and plentiful.
Four of the top churches in Medellín
12. Top 14 Churches in Medellín: The Beautiful Churches of Medellín
Medellín and the Aburrá Valley area have many beautiful Catholic churches. We look at the top 14 churches in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley, which are worth seeing.
These top 14 churches in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley use several architectural styles including Byzantine, Colonial, Eclectic, Gothic, Greek-Roman, Neo-Byzantine, Neo-Gothic, Neo-Romanesque, Renaissance and Romanesque.
Medellín dating tips
13. Medellín Dating Tips: Up-to-Date Advice for Foreign Men
You are a foreigner guy and you’d like to meet some Medellín women? We have 11 Medellín dating tips to increase your chances to make a good impression.
These dating tips will increase your chances to make a good impression with Medellín women, and also to avoid some frustrations during your first dates.
View of Bogotá. Which is the better city to live In? Medellín vs Bogotá
14. Medellín vs Bogotá: Which is the Better City to Live in?
Medellín vs Bogotá. We compare the two largest cities in Colombia in 17 categories to see which is the better city to live in for expats.
Why Medellín? Views of Medellín
15. Why Medellín? 27 Reasons I Chose to Live in Medellín
Why Medellín? After traveling to over 40 countries, Jeff provides 27 reasons he ending up choosing Medellín as a great place to live.
23 of the Best Hospitals in Latin America are located in Colombia
16. Colombia has 23 of the Best Hospitals in Latin America
Colombia has the best healthcare system in Latin America with 23 of the best hospitals in Latin America. And 9 of these best hospitals are located in Medellín.
View of Medellín from La Catedral, Pablo Escobar’s prison during the early 1990’s
17. Pablo Escobar Tour: Is a Controversial Tour Worth Going on?
Going on a Pablo Escobar Tour in Medellín has unfortunately become popular with tourists due to the popular Narcos series. But we have seven Pablo Escobar tour alternatives.
Guide to Colombia holidays: Colombia has 18 holidays each year
18. Colombia Holidays: A Guide to the Many Festivos in Colombia
Colombia has more public holidays than most countries with a total of 18 holidays during the year. We provide a guide to all the Colombia holidays in 2019.
14 cheap things for expats in Medellín
19. 14 Surprisingly Cheap Things in Medellín for Expats
One of the benefits of being an expat living in Medellín is that there are many surprisingly cheap things found in Medellín compared to costs in the U.S.
Lechona – one of the traditional Colombian dishes you must try in Colombia
20. 15 Traditional Colombian Food Dishes You Must Try in Colombia
Colombia isn’t well known around the world for Colombian food and its cuisine. But there are a number of delicious traditional Colombian foods worth trying.
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.
Some of the top things to do in Medellín
2-Year Anniversary: The Best of Medellín
Over the past two years, Medellin Guru has published several articles about the best and top places and things to do in Medellín including:
- 35 Top Things to Do in Medellín and Nearby: Top Tourist Attractions
- 17 Top Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Medellín and Nearby
- 13 Best Malls of Medellín – the Ultimate Guide to Medellín Malls
- 12 Best Museums of Medellín and the Aburrá Valley
- 8 Best Pueblos Near Medellín Worth Visiting
- 5 Best Panoramic Views of Medellín
- 2 Best Walking Tours in Medellín
- 14 Top Churches in Medellín Worth Visiting
- 20 Best Mobile Apps to Use in Medellín and Colombia
Also, Medellin Guru has several articles about the best restaurants and coffee shops in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley:
- 16 Best restaurants in Laureles in Medellín
- 15 Best Pizza Places in Medellín: The Best Pizzerias in the City
- 15 Best Restaurants in Envigado, Colombia
- 14 Best Restaurants in Sabaneta, Colombia
- 13 Best Burgers in Medellín: Best Burger Places in the Aburrá Valley
- 12 Best Steakhouses in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley
- 12 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in El Poblado
- 9 Best Places for Brunch in El Poblado
- 8 Best Mexican Restaurants in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley
- 5 Best Independent Coffee Shops in El Poblado
- 8 Top Coffee Shops in Laureles
- 5 Best Nano/Micro Breweries in Medellín
We have a comprehensive guide how to get a Colombian Visa in 19 articles
2-Year Anniversary: Medellin Guru’s Comprehensive Visa Series
The Colombian visa changes that went into effect in mid-December 2017 were significant. So, on the Medellin Guru site, we have a comprehensive series of visa articles that are kept up-to-date and should answer most visa questions. These articles include:
- Colombia Visa Guide: Ultimate Guide How to Get a Colombian Visa
- How to Obtain a Colombian Visa with Up-to-Date Info– an overview of all the Colombian visas
- Visa Agencies: A Guide to Visa Agencies in Medellín and Colombia
- 7 Common Colombian Visa Mistakes: How to Avoid Them
We have looked in detail at the seven most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:
Also, we have looked in detail at three additional Colombian visas, which are less popular for foreigners:
- Rentista visa (annuity visa)– for foreigners with a fixed income
- Beneficiary visa– for relatives of visa holders
- Expertise visa– for professionals
In addition, we have a guide to Colombia tourist visas and how to extend a tourist visa. Also, we have a guide to renewing passports in Colombia.
Furthermore, we have a guide to how apply for a cedula extranjeria in Colombia and a guide to using notaries in Medellín and Colombia. Finally, Medellin Guru has partnered with a visa agency to offer Colombia visa services.
All of our Colombia visa articles were updated in early 2019 to ensure they are up-to-date. In addition, all visa articles on this website will be kept up-to-date as new details are disclosed.
Some of the top things to do in Colombia
2-Year Anniversary: Top Things to See and Do in Colombia
On the Medellin Guru website, over the past two years we have looked at several of the most beautiful places in Colombia in a series of top things to see and do in Colombia. This is due to many readers asking about several of these things to do in Colombia.
We have looked at 20 of the top things to see and do in Colombia, in alphabetical order:
- Caño Cristales – the most beautiful river in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful river in the world by some people.
- Carnival in Barranquilla – the second largest carnival in the world.
- Cartagena – Oozing history, romance and sun-drenched beaches, the allure of historical Cartagena is hard to resist.
- Ciudad Perdida – the site of an ancient city in Colombia that is older than Machu Picchu in Peru.
- Colombia’s Pacific coast – often overlooked by tourists visiting Colombia but offering untamed nature and undiscovered beauty that is off the beaten path for most foreign tourists.
- Desierto de la Tatacoa – the second largest arid zone in Colombia is Tatacoa Desert, which has surreal desert landscapes and some of the best stargazing in Colombia.
- Guatapé – a picturesque pueblo near Medellín known for its huge rock and lake. And it’s likely the most visited pueblo in Colombia by foreigners.
- La Guajira Peninsula – one of the most visually stunning places in South America, which is located on the northern tip of Colombia where the desert meets the sea.
- Las Lajas Sanctuary – the most beautiful church in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful church in the world.
- Medellín’s Christmas lights – Medellín’s annual world-class Christmas lights known as Alumbrados Navideños.
- Medellín’s Feria de Las Flores – Medellín’s world-famous flower festival each year.
- Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados – a popular national park in Colombia located in the heart of the Colombian coffee region.
- Parque Tayrona – known for its beautiful beaches and the world’s highest coastal mountain range.
- Popayán – a colonial gem in Colombia best known for its white buildings and churches, it’s a city off the beaten path for foreign tourists but is definitely worth visiting.
- Rio Claro Nature Reserve – located about three hours from Medellín, Rio Claro is the perfect place to unplug from hectic daily life and enjoy a picturesque crystal-clear river, canyon and tropical rainforest.
- Salentoand the Cocora Valley – Salento is a picturesque pueblo in Colombia’s coffee region and the nearby Cocora Valley is one of the most striking landscapes found in Colombia.
- San Agustín Archaeological Park – the largest group of pre-Columbian monuments and megalithic statues in South America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- San Andrés – Colombia’s Caribbean island which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve featuring many beaches, islets and coral reefs that are filled with flora and fauna.
- San Gil – Colombia’s adventure capital that is full of things to do including white water rafting, paragliding, caving, rappelling, hiking and much more.
- San Jose del Guaviare – a hidden gem and eco-tourism location off the beaten path and offering wildlife watching, jungle trekking and delving into Colombia’s prehistoric past.
Apartment buildings in Medellín
2-Year Anniversary: Medellin Guru’s Guide to Renting Apartments
On the Medellin Guru website, we have published comprehensive and up-to-date guide to renting apartments in Medellín found in several articles, including:
- Apartment Rental Guide: Renting Unfurnished Apartments in Medellín
- Guide to Finding Unfurnished Apartments in Medellín and Casas
- Guide to Overcoming the Fiador (Cosigner) Requirement in Colombia
- 2018 Unfurnished Apartment Rental Costs in Medellín
- 5 Inexpensive Neighborhoods for Unfurnished Rentals in Medellín
- Furnishing Apartments: A Guide to Furnishing Apartments in Medellín
- Furnished Apartment Rental Costs in Medellín – 2019 Survey Results
- Guide to Finding a Furnished Room for Rent in Medellín
- 11 Things Real Estate Agents in Colombia May Not Tell You
- Apartment vs Casa (House) Rentals in Medellín: Pros and Cons
- Estratos: A Guide to Understanding Estratos in Colombia
Help Keep the Medellin Guru Website Up-To-Date
Medellin Guru is the only blog in Colombia that has a policy of not letting articles on our website go out-of-date.
Things change constantly in Colombia. So, in the past 30 weeks we updated a total of 215 articles. Please help us keep the Medellin Guru website up-to-date!
If you see something that is inaccurate or has changed in any of our articles, please let us know in the article comments or via our contact form. And we’ll verify and make updates so that everything on this website remains up-to-date.
The Bottom Line: Medellin Guru’s Second Year Anniversary
We are celebrating our second year anniversary of Medellin Guru. We want to thank to everyone who read Medellin Guru in our first two years, which helped us become the most popular blog in Colombia. Also, we thank our over 16,000 followers on Facebook, our thousands of email newsletter subscribers and all the attendees of our monthly Medellin Guru meetups.
We have many new and interesting articles planned for our third year. Also, we look forward to continuing to keep our readers informed and bringing you many more popular articles.
In addition, we are always looking for feedback and suggestions. Are there any topics you would like us to cover? Please share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below. Or you can always contact us via our contact form.
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