What’s the most eco-friendly city in the world? Which city is most focused on innovation? When you ponder these questions, you might think of Tokyo, Singapore, or Stockholm. And while those cities are incredible, you may be surprised to learn that Medellín, Colombia is one of the most eco-friendly and innovative cities on the planet today.
My latest international travel destination was Colombia, and I was astounded by Medellín’s transformation into a thriving, people-focused metropolis. It goes to show that with inspired leadership and a community mindset, there are solutions to troubled cities. No longer is it the dangerous place we often imagine. I loved my time in Medellín and highly encourage fellow travelers not to skip this wonderful city. Here’s what I learned about Medellín’s astounding transformation during my guided tour.
First, a Little Context
From the 1960s to the 1990s, Medellín was synonymous with drugs and crime. My tour manager Carlos saw those horrors first hand. His family were victims of the guerillas who took over farms to manufacture cocaine. Until kingpin Pablo Escobar was killed by police in 1993, this constant fear was the reality for Medellín residents. But according to Carlos, his generation began to realize the power of education, and former president Juan Manuel Santos worked tirelessly to end the widespread violence. Thanks to those efforts and a new mindset, people from all over the world safely visit Medellín and immerse themselves in the incredible culture.
Putting Education at the Forefront
The government and citizens of Medellín put a clear focus on education in the hopes of eliminating violence and drug use. In fact, in 2019, the city received UNESCO’s Learning City Award for its progress. The city’s leadership implemented a slew of new initiatives, including one that worked to integrate high school drop-outs into the workforce. Broadly, their educational planning focuses on including women, at-risk youth, and other historically-excluded groups. Like Carlos said, young people have seen the transformative power of education and are empowered by better access to it.
Welcoming a Community Mindset
Medellín has been featured in the World Economic Forum’s Top Ten Urban Innovations for its efforts toward social integration and taking a community-oriented approach to urban planning. One of the most well-known community projects is the Spain Library Park. This behemoth of a building was part of a city-wide initiative to improve the infrastructure in the poorest neighborhoods. When I visited, I got to check out a library branch at the cable car station. No fines for late books, just shelves of stories available to the community!
Fostering a World-Class Arts Scene
The arts are thriving in Medellín, and that’s an understatement! No longer are the streets filled with drugs and danger—instead, they’re home to incredible art pieces created by local painters and sculptors. During my tour of Comuna 13, formerly the most dangerous part of the city, I was absolutely enthralled by the graffiti tour! Just walking down the street, I saw some of the most fabulous, colorful art the city has to offer. In addition to visual arts, I also got to see some break dancing! The talent in Comuna 13 is incredible—one of the best things I’ve seen on my baby boomer travels!
A trip to Medellín isn’t complete without a stop at Plaza Botero. This park is an art lover’s paradise—but if you’re hoping for run-of-the-mill sculpture, this isn’t it! The plaza is full of unique, rotund art pieces from one of Latin America’s most loved artists–Fernando Botero. Medellín’s art scene is just as marvelous as that of Paris!
Clearing Your Head in Medellín
We can all agree that investing in education, community, and the arts are great ways to transform a city. But all of that has to be supported by one thing—health! It warmed my heart to see a city so focused on mental health. Medellín is home to lots of green spaces where residents can take a break from the concrete jungle, and community organizations are out and about creating activities for children. Even the Medellín Metro has gotten involved! The public transportation department puts on lots of cultural events to encourage more people to feel engaged with the community—never isolated.
Reinventing How We Get Around
Speaking of public transportation, Medellín has certainly earned their title of “innovator” in this category. In the States, many of us take transportation for granted. The vast majority of people here have their own cars and rarely have to think about getting from point A to point B. But in Medellín, that isn’t the case. The city leaders are much more focused on sustainable travel, including free bikes for low-income residents and a world-famous cable car system. The Metrocable is the perfect way to see the city and travel up and down steep hills without burning out your calves!
One of the World’s Most Biodiverse Places
Lastly, I can’t talk about Medellín, or anywhere in Colombia for that matter, without mentioning its awe-inspiring nature. Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with more than its fair share of hummingbirds, butterflies, flowers, and fungus species. And the best part? You can immerse yourself in nature, even within the city! I mentioned the numerous green spaces in Medellín, but the city is also known for the Orquideorama. This gorgeous canopy occupies space in the city’s botanical gardens and melds nature with urban architecture. I didn’t take any photos of the gardens this time around—maybe next trip!
Add Medellín to Your Bucket List
First impressions are important, but it’s always important to remember that an initial impression may not be true to reality. While Medellín used to be a no-go for most travelers, today, you’d be hard-pressed to find somewhere as innovative as this Colombian city. So, the next time you’re picturing your ideal South American adventure, go beyond just colorful Cartagena and teeming Bogotá. Medellín isn’t a city to be missed!
Not only does it offer outstanding tourism potential today, but Medellín is a testament to humanity’s ability to change and improve, even after the toughest of times. Kind of like Times Square—what used to be seedy and dangerous is now one of the most iconic attractions in the world. People change, and so do cities. I hope you’re inspired to see this magnificent destination, and I, for one, can’t wait to visit again!