Pros & Cons of El Poblado, Medellin (Full Breakdown)

[@AKJoel]

✅ FREE Perfect Week in Medellin eBook: www.akjoel.com/ebook

[@MSmith-mb1ut]

I love the comment section of your videos. People take everything so literal and get bent out of shape. Your videos are informative, basic and relatable to a wide range of people. Theyre exactly what they should be. Keep up the good work.

[@AKJoel]

Lol what can you do 😂 can't please everyone

[@nathanmiller9545]

I will visit Medellin in February 2025 I was coming this October but I had to move it because of work, I will be staying in El Poblado for a few days, this will be my 2nd visit to Colombia, I like to travel around to different cities so I’ll be doing the same again

[@AKJoel]

Enjoy!

[@freddyrivera8890]

What an amazing review of my city and poblado neighborhood… EVERYTHING this guy said is as accurate as it gets. Good job… and well come to the eternal spring city.

[@MrYatin89]

Quite informative. Cheers mate

[@AKJoel]

No problem 👍

[@TravelingWithLos]

Going to Colombia for a full immersion 1yr spanish course at OLSA January of 2025, your videos are very informative and has been helping me alot! NO bs straight to the point!

[@AKJoel]

I'm glad you're enjoying them and best of luck with the immersion course :)

[@ifran77]

Just got back, great synopsis on Poblado. I paid half of what I paid in Poblado on what they called. 70, route 70, “la setenta”. I will say this, though it didn’t feel as friendly as Poblado when on the outskirts but overall, the people are awesome, the city offers a lot, and your money can go along way there if you’re not trying to ball out. I will definitely be coming back, but if I had an opportunity to live there, I probably would that’s how cool it is.

[@aimee349]

Love this vid, thanks so much! I'm an Aussie travelling to Medellin in December and most likely staying in El Poblado as a solo traveller - your advice confirms that I've chosen the right place to stay but would also love to see less touristy areas to see the 'real' Medellin :)

[@Pedal2TheMetal]

@@aimee349 poblado IS real Medellin. Stop letting foreign KZbinrs tell you it’s not.

[@outsideadventure]

Good info 👌🏼 thank you!

[@jackblack2370]

Only con for me was that Poblado was more expensive than expected ... that said, I plan to come back and stay a month or two next winter ...

[@AKJoel]

Yeah it's definitely much more expensive than the rest of the city!

[@johnmcconkie3458]

Dealing with the nonstop carnival barkers, gets tiring

[@jackblack2370]

@@johnmcconkie3458 I'm not white and can pass for Latino so didn't really get that too much ...

[@SuperSpins1]

On your next trip to Medellin I recommend u stay in laureles I recommend the hotels el dorado or Origen. Laureles is surrounded by bars,clubs restaurants is also where the locals party at

[@Acteaon]

I’ve been to colombia more than I can remember and have been going a lot since 2016 and yes…poblado has gotten more and more expensive every year.

[@jimschuler8]

I stayed northwest of the actual boundary area and within a block or two of a few places you showed for my first visit. Attitude was to get a good deal but still pay gringo if necessary. It’s actually a perfect safe area that you can do the daily exploration. Next fall I’ll master the metro before taking a puddle jumper up to Armenia/Salento to expanded my visit and search in that area. When I got home I stated I was selling everything and a kidney. I truly loved my visit. Great people.

[@jonathankee4017]

Those hills are no joke

[@CruisingWithPrince]

Facts…. I went to communa 13. Almost had a heart attack

[@user-tm1oy6ck4t]

Curious what the places are pictured from 2:25-2:32?

[@Pedal2TheMetal]

I think your point got lost in translation because poblado is real Medellín. Matter of fact, it’s quite literally the birthplace of the city. Historically, over a very long time, wealthier Paisas have lived in El Poblado. El poblado didn’t just become what it is when tourists came in, tourists filled it in because it was what it was. Even through the times of Pablo Escobar and such, el poblado was always a place of elevated safety and amenities.

[@DJV94022]

Col link is the best hotel to stay its lowkey great price

[@Ojodeltigre8]

Amigo.. Pareces como un hombre Indio. Soy de la India pero vivo en Dubai. Llegare a Medellin en la proxima semana.. Estoy muy emocionado!

[@JasonStewart-cx1mu]

Great video! Can you do a similar one about Laureles?

[@AKJoel]

I did one a couple of days ago, here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hH-6Y4Woeah-iNk

[@AgeniszSamadhi]

Yes please

[@tripjet]

Medellin is awesome!

[@AKJoel]

Una chimba!!

[@norelatoro9]

Hola Joel, me han encantado todos tus videos, ya perdí la cuenta de cuantos videos ya he visto; me gustaría preguntarte: te has documentado de las diferentes actividades como: feria de las flores, festival de Jazz, semana de la moda, los conciertos de salsa, vallenato y otros ritmos, los partidos de futbol en el estadio, los eventos en plaza mayor etc etc, 😊 gracias

[@SuperSpins1]

I avoid el poblado at all cost. That area is build for the gringos crazy prices. I recommend to stay in laureles LA 70 is also where the locals party at

[@clefawntravels]

I would definitely like to hear a more extensive explanation about where to stay away from on the map and if you are in that area how to get out.

[@AKJoel]

The best way to know is ask a couple of locals. They'll usually tell you if a place is safe or not. This could be your Airbnb host or hotel concierge. If you're super worried just stay to Poblado, Laureles & Envigado.

[@leshardley4248]

GREAT video!! So much B.S. and misinformation about El Poblado and literally everything you said is true, based on my 30 plus trips and counting to Medellin 😘 I love the Beverly Hills analogy because it is true. When people say to me "El Poblado is NOT the real Medelin" I say : "Perhaps, but that's like saying Beverly Hills is not the real California or USA because most people don't live like that.... but it is REAL for the people that can afford to live there" Also I love walking in El Poblado. Like I said I have taken multiple trips, usually every other month from Orlando Florida 3 to 4-night extended weekends and I will typically lose 5 pounds just from all the walking up and down the hills you mentioned..💪💪🙏🙏

[@overproofbrandy]

Been there and going back next week .. it’s more than affordable

[@AKJoel]

Depends on your budget I suppose!

[@RK-bx1by]

Weird question, but do you often get mistaken as an Indigenous Colombian (or another South American)? I'm of Indian descent and I keep wondering how well I can blend in, as long as I don't open my mouth and try to speak Spanish. My skin is certainly darker than most Colombians, so perhaps I can pass off as an Indigenous Colombian or as someone from Bolivia. Probably the closest I can get to 'stealth-mode' in real life. Just this reason alone - among many others - makes we want to visit Colombia and Latin America in general.

[@AKJoel]

I've been mistaken for Colombian a few times but I was mistaken a lot for Brazilian when I was in Brazil. But obviously as soon as I speak, they know I'm not lol

[@Hoolbrooks1984]

In El Poblado or in Medellin in general, most of the Colombians are not indigenous like you said, for you probably we look the same. AK Joel did not clarify your question well. Bolivia is another country thousands of miles away from the southern border, they are Hispanic also, but there are many differences between both countries. Greetings.

[@Haraaami]

There are Indians and Pakistani's in Medellin as i am friends with a few and i think they blend in quiet well.

[@jimmylieb5225]

many light skinned people in Medellin that you would never guess are Colombian!!

[@Pedal2TheMetal]

@@Hoolbrooks1984well said

[@TRider09]

Poblado is so beautiful 😍 views views views at night

[@espem88]

Medellín's history is fascinating in that it was somewhat protected from the Spanish Inquisition due to being more difficult to access because of the Andes Mountains. Cartagena was more heavily impacted by Spaniards. Paisa of Medellín are descendants of natives and Spaniards from Extremadura region. The tongue is considered the most beautiful spanish.

[@xzy2real]

You should talk about danger of currency exchange rate. Rate is dropping. I remember a time, rate was 1500 to 1. Many expat were struggling to pay bill. Debt is treated different than America or other countries. They could prevent you for leaving Colombia until debt is settled. Or they could put you in jail. You have lease on apartment and you cannot pay. Don’t think you could just walk away.

[@AKJoel]

It's only 3750 now, no cause for alarm 👍🏾

[@SuperSpins1]

@@AKJoelit’s $4.100 now

[@chandlertate]

I arrive next month for the first time! Getting from the airport, everything I see is the white taxi blue stripes are the easiest/safest given the potential uber drama getting picked up? ❤️

[@jackblack2370]

Went in January and Uber pickup at airport was fine for me ...

[@chandlertate]

@@jackblack2370 thats good to hear 👀 did they pick you up at arrivals? Or did you do the whole departures pickup thing ive seen some youtubers talk about?

[@jackblack2370]

@@chandlertate Picked up at arrivals

[@AKJoel]

Check out this video, I explained everything and even showed the options as I came out of Medellin airport : kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZfCpX9je76soJo

[@chandlertate]

@@AKJoel thanks!!

[@kirstanuci]

El Poblado is a great metropolis city center like London is to England, Tokyo to Japan, Rome to Italy, New York City is to USA...the boroughs in NYC like Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx can be equally broken down into Hell'sKitchen, Soho, Harlem. You can't say they are not NYC but collectively they are. 42nd Street/Times Square is the Tour Section, however, the NY character is alive and well there. No one needs to be mugged on a subway to get an authentic NY experience. El Poblado is a Colombian City that caters to tourists, and that's great. I don't think anyone wants to visit a neighborhood in Colombia and get "shaken down". Like all cities, when you get a local friend all the doors open, I don't recommend going to any city in the world and winging it, especially now in this anti-foreigner world.

[@jamaicanbae9337]

Hey Ak do Jamaicans need a Covid test anymore for entry

[@AKJoel]

As far as I know nobody needs a covid test to enter anymore. They abolished this requirement over a year ago. But make sure you check your government/embassy website.

[@MarxismLeninismMaoism]

I have an Indian passport but I have a Schengen visa on my passport. Am I eligible for the digital nomad visa of Colombia?

[@AKJoel]

No idea sorry - you should ask a qualified immigration lawyer - bit.ly/contactnexolegal

[@MarxismLeninismMaoism]

@@AKJoel Thanks for the plug, G. BTW are you of Indian descent?

[@AKJoel]

Yup my parents are from Chennai

[@romansotelo7240]

@AKJoel do you believe its wise to have a support network when you move to Colombia.

[@AKJoel]

It makes things easier for sure

[@romansotelo7240]

@@AKJoel How much money do you need to survive in Medellín?

[@AKJoel]

To survive or live well? The minimum wage here is about $300 and there's plenty of Colombians living on that.

[@romansotelo7240]

@@AKJoel both?

[@bipolarpunt5721]

I think Safety is worth paying more for rent. How many tourists in Pablado die from the Devils Breath?

[@HongKongCashUFC]

Nice

[@viltheegr8334]

I go to Medellín every 4/5 months and I always come back to the states with money it’s always a cheap trip

[@Marco44ch]

What neighbourhood is close enough but cheaper for accommodation

[@AKJoel]

Laureles, Belen, Envigado

[@SuperSpins1]

@@AKJoelbelen has a beautiful mirador call El cielo is a must visit

[@evertonblue14]

Ok so I want to eat at great cafes restaurants but not be tied to gringo area and its prices…where can I go and still be safe…and not have to transport much

[@AKJoel]

Look near the 1st and 2nd parks in Laureles.

[@Rob-z7k]

I still dont get why foreigners go to Poblado. No girl ive dated would be caught going to Parque Lleras. I always stay in Laureles and go to La 70 strip

[@patrikel-talabani2359]

Why exactly is Parque Lleras so unsafe? I heard there are many prostitues, is it the reason?

[@Gierboo]

🔥

[@mathias2659]

would you say Spanish schools are cheap?

[@AKJoel]

Yeah, I'd say they're very affordable.

[@peeweeherman5590]

Yeah I love the fact that your link doesn't work For the free eBook😢

[@AKJoel]

People are signing up for it every day - so it must just be an issue on some devices. Honestly I'm not sure - but try this link www.akjoel.com/ebook - or just type that url into your search bar

[@glendimahitani2091]

no need for attitude :) esp for something free....damn

[@peeweeherman5590]

@@glendimahitani2091 No one wants to double check their work nowadays especially the millennials carpenters in the old days would measure twice and cut once. people just want cut once today

[@jimmylieb5225]

My Colombia wife lives in Barrio Simon Bolivar near Laureles. we go to nice trendy restaurants in Laureles like Crepes y waffles, il forno and a nice Mexican style restaurant. We used to go to Polblado parque lleras when I first started coming here 15 yrs ago now but never anymore. the thieves target Poblado. y too may putas hanging around parque lleras.

[@worldfamouspatlyons]

Lol like me #worldfamousPatLyons exactly tall blond blue eyes

[@wraith2222]

I’m going back I have a great woman their my Spanish is so trash tho 😢I’m to Americanized I hate that for myself

[@boriss1976]

Started watching until you say Parque Lleras unsafe. Enough for me

[@匿名希望-p7j]

Thaks,Joel! But,why do you trim scenes speaking Spanish every video?If you did the viewers uncocerning,I feel you guys Hispanophobic like Anglophobic locals in Medellin besides your wife😢We(anti Hispanophobic) wanna watch you really speaking Spanish even poor with subtitles.Por favor!

[@AKJoel]

I'm not sure what you're talking about??

[@匿名希望-p7j]

Joel,habla Español? Si si,responde me Español por favor! If no,reply me English please! And,I apologise you an unsuitable coment. Muchas Gracias!

[@AKJoel]

Por supuesto. Tengo muchos videos en los que hablo solo en español.

[@viltheegr8334]

That’s wild to move there and not speak any Spanish

[@pablojosepoloprasca3948]

Lo aprendes rápido es muy fácil el español

[@ahveer]

" not walkable" everywhere is walkable.. just a matter of fitness

[@AKJoel]

Lol I suppose so

[@ahveer]

@@AKJoel how you think the Colombianas have such great glutes 😂. My calves gone be on fleek!

[@santiagomonsalve119]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@TCKe]

Compared with rest of Colombia its a mega gringo expensive turist trap. But better stay there dont go and destroy the rest.

[@VCC-g8o1012]

Where else do u suggest that's safe but more authentic?

[@TCKe]

@VCC-g8o1012 well that depends on hour taste and level of spanish and willingness to adaptability to another mindset and culture. Colombia has many options when it comes to towns there is Cali and Bogota witch are polar opposites of one and other. Cali is hot and lay back and Bogota is cold and business like. Both have thir charms if you are willing to explore them. Whatever works for you may not work for another so take some time to travel the country and find your place that works for you.

[@VCC-g8o1012]

@TCKe in terms of safety which of the two would you recommend? And about being a woman safety wise? I'm pretty open I would say....

[@TCKe]

@@VCC-g8o1012 Colombia and south America in general is safe if you learn and listen to the people where to go and when to go. And as you surly know a bit of skepsis to whoever you have around you, may it be friend or lover or whomever is highly recommended. 😅 you may try Cali its very friendly and layed back good first experience in Colombia... but you may need to speak Spanish

[@SanSooRayRay]

El Poblado is for gringos that are getting boned with higher prices & paying triple for the prepagos pues, wooo falou galera 🤙😁😂🤷🤔

[@gradyslims2858]

Your such a hater some people are trying to live their best life

[@AKJoel]

Where is the hate?

[@M.haleyyy]

This guy has never been there. Everything he says directly lifted from reddit lol. Why?

[@AKJoel]

😂😂😂

[@snakeplissken6717]

Medellin is overrated-Change my mind

[@AKJoel]

No need to change your mind, there's plenty other cities in the world for you to enjoy 🙂