Medellin offers Spanish-style architecture surrounded by tall, green trees and expansive city views

I just got back from my third trip to Colombia, and I’ve learned an important lesson about the country: It offers environments that will appeal to pretty much any taste, from urban enclaves to quiet beach towns… from highland retreats to steamy tropics.

I knew Colombia had a lot to offer International Living readers. Critical things—like low cost of living, inexpensive properties and a colorful and diverse culture. But what I realized this time—as I traveled to three new regions—was that I was seeing areas that were yet again different from anything I’d seen in Colombia previously. Now, I can’t think of a single segment of the IL membership concerned with climate, culture and lifestyle that couldn’t find their niche in Colombia.

Colombia can offer you a sophisticated, modern urban scene or a cabin in a remote section of desert…a colonial walled city by the sea, or a sleepy Caribbean beachside town…spring-like weather high in the Andes, steamy tropics or the “perfect” weather in between…North American enclaves or indigenous outposts. Unless you’ve got your heart set on snow, you’re almost certain to find your ideal spot in Colombia.

Here are a few of my favorite living options and price points.

Both Popayan and Medellin offer the “world’s best weather”; that is, they’re at an altitude of 5,000 feet and near the equator. So you enjoy days in the low 80s and nights in the high 60s all year. But aside from climate, these two cities are very different.

Popayan is a small, authentically restored colonial city, with narrow streets dividing clean neighborhoods of bright white Spanish-style buildings. Medellin, on the other hand, blends its Spanish-style architecture downtown with gleaming new condos in the hills, surrounded by tall, green trees and offering expansive city views.

Rental returns in Medellin average an impressive 12%, and my personal favorite condo property (with its own private courtyard) is for sale for $90,000.

If you’re after year-round tropical weather and warm seas, Colombia’s Caribbean has another polar-opposite city pair that you’ll enjoy.

I tell you all about it…and the Caribbean town where you can buy an apartment for $55,000…in the current May issue of International Living magazine. And because this month is IL’s 30th anniversary…you can subscribe now with this special link and get a subscription for just $15…and instant access to my Colombia article.