Located at the tip of South America, Colombia is where the Pacific and the Caribbean collide with the Andes and the Amazon. It’s a country that is more beautiful, dramatic, and diverse than nearly any other. It offers sparkling colonial cities in the highlands and world-famous (and safe) resorts along the Caribbean. Cartagena, a walled colonial city on those turquoise shores, is one of Spanish America’s most beautiful enclaves.
What’s more, Colombia boasts beautiful areas where the cost of living is the lowest you’ll find anywhere in South America—lower, even, than in Ecuador.
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Population: 43,677,372
Capital City: Bogota
Climate: Tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands
Time Zone: EST (GMT-5)
Colombia Articles
Buy Real Estate Priced in PesosPosted on January 15, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
When you buy international real estate you can generate income in another currency. All your eggs aren’t in one basket. If the value of your dollar goes down, for example, you might be very happy to have an income stream in Brazilian reais…or Colombian pesos. Diversification…particularly in turbulent times…is just plain common sense.
- Why Ecuador is the World’s Best Retirement Haven
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Why did Ecuador top the 2012 Retirement Index? One of the key strengths that …
- Cheapest Places to Retire
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Ecuador 97/100 Ecuador stormed to the top of our list in the cost of …
- The Best-Value Real Estate
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Ecuador, Scored 97/100 Ecuador topped the real estate category in this year’s Retirement Index—and …
- Colombia’s Most Magical Mountain Villages
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Jasmine Stephenson
Colombia’s cities have a little something for everyone. Cali is famous for its tropical climate and salsa fever. Medellín is a livable, sophisticated city with modern architecture and beautiful people. Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, offers international dining, globally renowned festivals and museums, and colonial Cartagena is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Truth About ColombiaPosted on November 29, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
In June I visited Medellín, Colombia with friend and IL’s Roving Latin America Editor Lee Harrison. Lee was there to pull the trigger and buy. I was there to see first-hand if Medellin is a place we can generate a strong rental income with the prospect of capital appreciation.
Lee did indeed buy a property. A couple of weeks ago he filled me in on how things are working out. The proof of the pudding, so to speak. He followed up with the note below. This is valuable hands-on experience. Also, it’s worth drawing attention to how clear Lee is about his goals. Clear goal-setting is the first step that can be missed so easily.
Ice Sculptures and Camel WrestlingPosted on November 24, 2011 by Darius Fisher
A round-up of the weird and wonderful events taking place around the world over the coming months.
- Vistas, Plazas and Parks in Stylish Medellín
Posted on November 24, 2011 by Eoin Bassett
As she shifts her tote bags, the woman across from me smiles. A well-dressed young guy puts his headphones on and gazes out the window. This could be any urban commute in the world, except for one thing—we’re hanging hundreds of feet above the city.
Life among Nazis, Kidnappers and CrimePosted on November 24, 2011 by Lee Harrison
Over the past 10 years, I thought I’d picked some of the world’s best places to live…places that stood out because of their fantastic lifestyle, rich culture, and low cost of living. Walking the cobblestones of Spanish colonial cities… enjoying the convenient city living in a world capital… and beachfront living on a tropical island seemed pretty hard to beat.
Business in Medellin, Colombia: The “City of Opportunity”Posted on November 9, 2011 by Cole LaValley
I always thought that I’d want to live on the beach in some out-of-the-way area. When the time came though, a bigger city was the place for me. Medellín in Colombia is physically beautiful. It’s the greenest city I’ve ever been to. The weather is better than any other place I’ve lived.
- Editor’s Note: Your Own Business Abroad?
Posted on October 27, 2011 by Jennifer Stevens
Here’s a note from our executive editor, Jennifer Stevens, on what we’ve covered in our November issue.
Five Strangest Travel SuperstitionsPosted on October 27, 2011 by International Living
You may do little more than double check that the oven is off before you go on a trip, but in other parts of the world, travelers can get mighty superstitious.
Get in Now for Big Yields in Medellín, ColombiaPosted on October 27, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
In Medellín, Colombia, a cool mist rises from the streams that bubble down the mountainside and wend through oases of bamboo and broad-leafed trees. At 5,000 feet, the weather is perfect. A typical day—year round—is sunny and in the mid-70s F. You won’t need air conditioning—nor even screens for your windows—as bugs are almost nonexistent. The physical beauty, perfect weather, and First-Worldliness of this city are big draws. But I’m not here on vacation….
Living the Dream: Doing Business in ParadisePosted on October 27, 2011 by International Living
Quentin and Wyona McKay wanted to move to paradise. They wanted to exchange their hectic life for a simpler, more fulfilling one…to own their own business in an exotic tropical location and work for themselves doing something they enjoy…
Where to Start a Business Abroad: Our 7 Top Picks for the Year AheadPosted on October 27, 2011 by International Living
It might be a palapa bar on a white-sand beach, deep-sea fishing tours, a restaurant, a surf shop, importing t-bone steaks, teaching English, making cheese, exporting art work…Whatever your idea, there’s a place overseas where you can make it a profitable reality. But readers ask us all the time: Where is best? That’s why we’ve put together International Living’s first-ever Business Index.
Property Picks: Dive Destination HomesPosted on October 27, 2011 by International Living
In this month’s Property Picks, we’re highlighting properties next to some of the world’s best dive destinations.
Last Word: The Truth About Entrepreneurship AbroadPosted on October 27, 2011 by Lee Harrison
The young lady came out of the bar with three mugs of dark beer. She put one in front of IL Real Estate Editor Ronan McMahon, one was for Eoin Bassett—managing editor of this magazine—and one was mine. Ronan ordered a sizzling burger… which the owner assured us was the city’s best. We were discussing our day spent exploring Medellín, Colombia, and how we were going to write about our various discoveries. Within a half-hour, a few expats joined us — Rich, Sarah, Scott, and Dennis. Each has a fascinating story.
Business Index 2011…What Our Experts Say…Posted on October 21, 2011 by Robert Carry
To evaluate our seven countries for our Business Index 2011 we consulted seasoned entrepreneurs who’ve made the move and learned the ropes, as well as worked through in-country attorneys. We asked them about visa requirements, financing, and how easy it was to set up a bank account. They told us about local taxes, business expenses, infrastructure and the local culture for doing business, Here is what they had to say…
Thinking of a Business Overseas? Here’s What the World NeedsPosted on October 21, 2011 by Robert Carry
For International Living’s first ever Business Index we asked our in-country correspondents and a host of expat entrepreneurs what opportunities they see around them in their new homes. These gaps in the market include everything from small guesthouses to dog grooming services… read on to spot your opportunity.
Colombia’s El Poblado: Mature, Active and Under-ValuedPosted on October 21, 2011 by Lee Harrison
Medellín combines three important benefits that most of us look for when searching for an overseas destination; year-round excellent weather, an enviable lifestyle, and affordable properties. And in 10 years of searching the world for the perfect getaway, I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
Colombia’s Caribbean CityPosted on October 6, 2011 by Lee Harrison
This café is one of dozens of new businesses springing up to handle the recent tourist upswing in Santa Marta. Things are changing rapidly here as the city goes through a major renaissance.
Medellin, Colombia: Perfect Climate, Low Property PricesPosted on October 4, 2011 by Lee Harrison
I have traveled to almost every country in Latin America in search of the top spots for living, investing, and retiring abroad. From the mountains of Honduras to the beaches of Brazil, I’ve discovered hundreds of great lifestyle options. But I’ve never seen anything like Medellín, Colombia.
Note From the EditorPosted on September 16, 2011 by Jennifer Stevens
Seventy percent of Americans have no passport. No wonder, as a people, we know so little about the world beyond our borders. Not you. You’re reading International Living… I trust you possess both a passport and the regular urge to use it.
Perfect Weather is Just the Start—Why You’ll Fall for Medellín, TooPosted on September 16, 2011 by Lee Harrison
The morning sunshine is streaming through the open window as I grind rich Colombian coffee bought yesterday at the local shop. Every new day here starts with inspiring views as sunlight spills over the hillside towns on the far side of the valley.
Investment: Spanish Phone Company Hits the “Sweet Spot”Posted on September 16, 2011 by Chris Hunter
It’s easy to repeat Warren Buffett’s advice at dinner parties: “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.” It’s harder to follow when it comes to your own portfolio.
- Property Picks: Where No Car is Required
Posted on September 16, 2011 by International Living
A sample of properties where you can live without needing a car to get around.
Find a Miracle Spot in ColombiaPosted on August 22, 2011 by Dan Prescher
It’s not hard to believe in miracles once you see the Sanctuario de las Lajas, an incredible feat of faith and engineering in the municipality of Ipiales in southern Colombia. Legend has it that in 1754, a woman named Maria Mueces and her deaf and mute daughter, Rosa, sought shelter from a thunderstorm in a cave in the valley of the Guáitara River, known for its flat rock formations that resemble lajas, or floor tiles.
The Opportunity in Colombia Right NowPosted on August 18, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
In my last issue, I told you how pleasant I found the city of Medellin, Colombia. The leafy high-end area of El Poblado in particular is a great place to sip coffee or enjoy a nice meal in the shade next to one of the many streams that gurgle down the hillside.
What can you buy here for $100,000?
Medellín, Colombia: For Investors, Travelers and HomebuyersPosted on August 12, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
Following my recent scouting trip to Colombia with Lee Harrison (International Living’s roving Latin America editor) and Eoin Bassett (International Living magazine’s editor), we all got together by phone to debrief on what we learned. Everything was taped – you can listen to it now.
Video Postcard: The Lively Side Streets of Santa Marta, ColombiaPosted on August 12, 2011 by Lee Harrison
IL editor Lee Harrison is in El Rodadero—just a block in from the beach, just down the Caribbean coast from Santa Marta city in Colombia. Here you’ll find open-air markets, shops, casual restaurants of all types, and residential sectors.
Colombia Video: Santa Marta Beach PartyPosted on August 12, 2011 by Lee Harrison
In this video, IL editor Lee Harrison is in Santa Marta, Colombia. At night, Santa Marta comes alive. The waterfront often turns into an impromptu beach party; especially on weekends.
“The Lifestyle is Excellent in Medellin, Colombia”Posted on August 11, 2011 by Eoin Bassett
At first, it was every two months. Then once a month. But that wasn’t often enough for Larry Snyder. So in 2008 he packed his bags, and he and his German shepherd took a one-way flight to Medellin, Colombia.
Colombia Video: The Plaza Botero in Central MedellinPosted on August 10, 2011 by Eoin Bassett
IL editor Eoin Bassett is in Medellin, Colombia. In this video, he shows a snapshot of Plaza Botero in central Medellin. When you visit this city, don’t miss out on this plaza.
Video of El Poblado: The Most Exclusive Neighborhood of Medellin, ColombiaPosted on August 10, 2011 by Eoin Bassett
In this video, IL editor Eoin Bassett shows a panoramic view of the lush, upmarket neighborhood of El Poblado—the most exclusive area of Medellin, Colombia. Yet you can still find property with views like the one in this video for around $115,000.
Colombia – Is it Time For Us to Get In?Posted on August 5, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
I recently spent some time in Medellin, Colombia, investigating the potential for strong rental yields.
I must admit I was a bit cynical at first. However the morning after I arrived, I was less so.
- Medellín, Colombia: For Investors, Travelers and Homebuyers
Posted on August 4, 2011 by Lee Harrison
I do a lot of traveling around Latin America, but this scouting trip to Medellín, Colombia was a first.
That’s because I traveled with Ronan McMahon Editor of Real Estate Trend Alert…and Eoin Bassett Managing Editor of International Living magazine…
I was looking to buy a place in Medellín for a part-year residence.
So for this Roundtable debrief, you’re going to get a close-up look at Medellín from three very different and diverse viewpoints.
Colombia’s Remedy for the Big City BluesPosted on July 20, 2011 by Eva Bartlett
Every day, I walk to work past houses framed with bright bursts of flowers, whose owners unfailingly smile and call out a greeting. I have moved to Chia, Colombia, 45 minutes north of Bogota.
Video Postcard: Basilica de las Lajas, Ipiales, ColombiaPosted on June 2, 2011 by Dan Prescher
IL editors Dan Prescher and Suzan Haskins visit the Sanctuario de las Lajas near Ipiales, Colombia, where, in 1754, Maria Mueses and her deaf mute daughter, Rosa, were caught in a violent thunderstorm. While sheltering in a cave, Rosa saw a vision of the Virgin Mary and, although being deaf and mute, said to her mother, “Momma, the mestiza calls to me!”
New Markets, New Opportunities – 8 Places I’ll Visit This SummerPosted on May 27, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
Summer has arrived. For me, it brings with it a jam–packed schedule of scouting trips on your behalf. I’m looking for new places where we can profit from the major trends on my beat, including:
– New Middle Class: As people join the middle classes they can afford things they couldn’t before like a new condo or vacation on the beach.
– Path of Progress: New bridges, roads and airports that are going to improve accessibility
– Distressed opportunities created by crisis.
My travels will take in Colombia, Ireland, London, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
A Business You Can Run From AnywherePosted on April 20, 2011 by Eoin Bassett
At first, it was every two months. Then once a month. But that wasn’t often enough for Larry Snyder. So in 2008 he packed his bags, and he and his German shepherd, Hans, took a one-way flight to Medellin, Colombia.
