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Discover the Magic of Medellín
Welcome to the City of Eternal Spring, where the sun shines almost every day of the year.But did you know that Medellín also has amazing coffee, delicious food, awesome parks, excellent public transportation, friendly Paisas (Medellín natives), inspiring civic pride, world-class culture, and captivating sunsets?
The list of magical things about Medellín is endless, and whether you’re visiting for a week or moving for a year (or more!), The Paisa Plan is your complete travel advisor for discovering Medellín.From curated things to do, neighborhood guides, and even expert relocation tips for expats, my insider knowledge is something you won’t find in generic travel blogs and will help you experience Medellín like a local.
Some of the places I've been featured:
Trust The Paisa Plan for Your Medellín Adventure
I'm Jason, an expat from San Francisco and permanent resident of Colombia. I've spent years exploring every corner of Medellín, and I'm the city's leading travel advisor for accurate and up-to-date information and recommendations.
From the world-class restaurants of Provenza to the leafy cafés of Laureles, travelers, expats, and families use me to confidently navigate Medellín and experience what guidebooks leave out. You'll save time and money as I help you:
- Discover the best of everything throughout the city with The Magic of Medellín map (preview)
- Select the right neighborhood to stay in and the perfect hotel or Airbnb apartment
- Enjoy delicious restaurants at every price point while avoiding the places that aren't worth it
- Find outstanding places to shop, have a coffee, enjoy a cocktail, and watch the sunset
- Determine the ideal time of the year to visit for the biggest festivals and holidays
- Explore the neighborhoods of Poblado, Laureles, Belén, and El Centro, and the city of Envigado
- Make dining reservations and secure tickets to the symphony, the ballet, and other cultural events
- Book tours where you'll learn more about the city's history, architecture, and innovation
- Experience can't-miss activities, parks, and attractions such as the famous Comuna 13
- Locate family-friendly things to do that are perfect for kids of all ages
- Plan trips to popular destinations like Guatapé, Jardín, and Santa Fe de Antioquia
- Use public transportation, take a taxi, buy groceries, ship items from abroad, and exchange money
- Learn how to buy property, obtain a Colombian visa, become a legal resident, and pay taxes
- Schedule appointments with excellent English-speaking doctors, dentists, and insurance professionals
- Take Spanish lessons, hire a private driver, get a haircut, and have clothes tailored
- Run a U.S.-based company while working remotely as a digital nomad
- Navigate the banking system, join a gym, order prescription drugs, and get a SIM card
- Answer any other questions about Medellín and how to successfully live abroad
Start Planning Your Medellín Trip Now
Whether you need a do-it-yourself guide or a fully customized itinerary, I’ve got you covered:
PAISA PICKS
$0.00
$9.00
The Insider's Guide to Visiting Medellín (click the plan image for a preview) is free with Paisa Picks. It's 16 pages filled with essential info such as where to stay, what to bring, how to get around, and a plan for the perfect day.Coming soon
PAISA PLUS
$49.00
Upgrade to the Plus plan and you get the guide, The Magic of Medellín map featuring over 100 of the best restaurants, cafés, parks, shops, and more throughout the city, and a 30-minute planning call about visiting or moving here.QuantityComing soon
PAISA PRO
$99.00
Ready to become a real Paisa? The Pro plan includes the guide, The Magic of Medellín map, the 30-minute planning call, and your choice of a one-hour private walking tour in either of the popular neighborhoods of Poblado or Laureles.QuantityComing soon- 19 november 202420 juli 2024
More Paisa Than an Arepa
Born in California but a Paisa at heart, I visited Medellín as a tourist and immediately fell in love with the city. Inspired by its remarkable transformation, captivated by its breathtaking natural beauty, and enamored with the kindness of its resilient citizens, I decided to move here and become a resident of Colombia.
However, because I'm not originally from Medellín, I was often teased by locals that I'd never become a true Paisa. But after hearing me talk with such enthusiasm about all of my favorite places and activities, things they often didn't know about, they'd say that I'm más Paisa que una arepa, which means I'm as Paisa as they get. This is an especially high compliment for someone who wasn't born and raised in the city.
Then they'd ask for my The Magic of Medellín map, a Google-based guide to over 100 of the best places I've been. Driven by so many people saying that it was the best Medellín map that they had ever seen, as well as my own desire to showcase the real city, not just what is popular with tourists, the idea for The Paisa Plan was born.
You can learn more about me and my story by reading this excellent CNN feature.
"Tour guides and Googling will in no way connect you with the Medellín lifestyle like the information and tips that you will receive from The Paisa Plan. This is the perfect way to enjoy Medellín, avoid the tourist traps, and end up feeling like you have been a real part of the city."
- Rich
"I’m Colombian and when I tell you Jason knows more places than any Colombian or Paisa I know . . . I'm being serious! Trust his reviews and recommendations: he’s picky in the best way. Whether you’re in Medellín for a little while or here to stay, The Paisa Plan will definitely help you find great places and hidden gems that you probably never knew existed."
- Verónica
"Fantastic service. I got a real insight into the city and culture and food. Highly recommend you look up The Paisa Plan next time you are in Medellín. Gracias, Jason!"
- Peter
"Jason was my personal guide to my favorite city in the world, Medellín. I highly recommend The Paisa Plan to anyone looking for a complete and enjoyable experience in the city; it was like having a local friend showing me around."
- Andrew
"This was a trip of a lifetime thanks to The Paisa Plan, and we would love to return again. I can’t recommend Jason enough as he is responsive, creative, and takes great pride in making sure you have a personalized travel plan."
- Samantha
"Jason's insights, guidance, and map (oh what an amazing map!) were all so incredibly helpful. Rather than visiting all the touristy spots, we found unique local coffee shops, restaurants, and bars in various areas of the city. We had a great time and will definitely be back soon."
- Chris
"Through The Paisa Plan, I discovered hidden gems in Medellín that made me fall deeper in love with this beautiful city! I've saved time and money thanks to his valuable recommendations, tips, suggestions, and overall guidance. Jason has expanded my knowledge so much that it has made Medellín feel more like home."
- Rizvi
"Like many others, I previously only knew Medellín's negative history. Now I love it thanks to Jason! His knowledge, love, deep respect, and understanding of the city allowed us to have more than the typical tourist experience. He helped curate an itinerary, arranged a day trip to Guatapé, recommended so many delicious restaurants, and left us wishing to return."
- Meera
"Jason had the best recommendations and the most detailed map with so many hidden gems, anytime I was in a new area I would know where to go. He also went above and beyond with suggestions on the planning call and WhatsApp. He was always responsive, well-informed, and helpful. Jason really knows Medellin and is an awesome guide."
- Brittany
"As a Paisa who was raised in different cities of the country, finding The Paisa Plan was incredible since he helps you get to know the city's true essence. With Jason's tools, it is easy to understand the city, the places to visit, and the things that are really worth seeing. He also helps foreigners feel like locals while enjoying Medellín. I totally recommend him!"
- Mónica
Read more reviews on Google and Tripadvisor.
Do you receive compensation for your recommendations?
All recommendations come from personal experience, and I do not receive compensation or free items for providing initial referrals.
Why don't you reveal the location of your Instagram and TikTok posts?
It takes a significant amount of time and expense to find the best of Medellín, so the location is shared exclusively with supporters of The Paisa Plan who purchase a Plus or Pro plan.
Does The Magic of Medellín Map have options for vegans?
Yes! It has plenty of outstanding entirely vegan and vegan-friendly spots, including for dessert! I also recommend reading my This is Why Vegans Absolutely Love Medellín blog to learn why the city is so awesome for vegans.
How many days should I spend in the city?
To experience the full magic of Medellín, you should stay at least four days, and ideally for a week. The shorter your trip, the less time you’ll have to enjoy the happy and relaxed Paisa lifestyle, visit hidden gems, and explore beyond the city. Get your planning started with the free The Insider's Guide to Visiting Medellín.
Do you offer plans for long-term visitors or residents of Medellín?
Definitely! There is a special Paisa Pass available with one year of access to The Magic of Medellín map. Use the contact form to send me a message and learn more.
Can you tell me where to go salsa dancing?
I can give you some recommendations, however I'm terrible at salsa. But I love electronic dance music as much as a good arepa, and I can tell you where to find the best nightlife. I can even help you schedule your trip around the touring schedule of one of your favorite international DJs.
Do you feel safe in Medellín?
While no city can ever be called completely safe, Medellín has always felt safer than any big city in the United States. The transformation over the past three decades has been nothing short of remarkable, and the city has won multiple innovation awards while receiving global acclaim. The most dangerous thing to happen to me was during my first visit as a tourist, when I was walking under an avocado tree, and an avocado almost fell on my head. You can learn more about safety in The Insider's Guide to Visiting Medellín.
Why does everyone say "con mucho gusto"?
It’s a phrase that you’ll hear over and over again, and it’s the way locals express “with much pleasure” in response to “thank you” for almost every service provided or question answered. One could argue the pleasure is actually ours for having the chance to be on the receiving end of such kindness.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
You can get around without it, and some people do know English. But you’ll enjoy your experience so much more if you can speak and understand a little Spanish, something you can accomplish in just a few hours with Duolingo. The locals will appreciate it too! Then when you are ready to go beyond the basics, I can introduce you excellent Spanish teachers.
Is the weather really that good?
The only time I wear a jacket is when I (reluctantly) leave the city. An umbrella is never a bad idea as it does rain often, but that’s why Medellín is so brilliantly full of trees, plants, and parks. Parts of the year have more precipitation, and I can help you plan your visit during the dryer months. Check out my The Insider's Guide to Visiting Medellín for more tips about when to visit.
Medellín sounds like paradise, can I actually live there forever?
It is, you can, and during a Paisa Pro planning call or walking tour I can share my first-hand experience on how you can make the dream a reality. Learn more about Paisa Pro and the other plans available here, and check out my blog 10 Reasons You Should Be Living in Medellín for more inspiration.
What's your favorite thing about Medellín?
It’s what maps, photos, and videos can't capture and must be experienced, and that is the warm, friendly, helpful, proud, resilient, optimistic, enthusiastic, and happy people themselves. Paisas are the true magic of Medellín, and it's an honor to be considered one of their own.
Ready to Experience Medellín's Magic?
Send me a message with any inquires about my plans and services, but please note I will not be able to respond to specific questions about visiting or moving to Medellín unless you have purchased a Paisa Plus or Pro plan.
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