Which is the BEST Region of Colombia? (for Expats) 🇨🇴

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Description written by A.I.
In this video, we take a closer look at the diverse regions of Colombia. From the Caribbean coast to the Andean highlands, we break down the unique cultures, traditions, and landscapes that make each area of the country special. From the bustling cities to the remote villages, we explore the people, food, and history that define each region. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Colombian culture and discover the beauty and diversity of this amazing country.

[@JakeRunnels]

Let me know what I missed/got wrong (it'll help the algorithm lol). & Follow me on IG @jake.runnels

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

Don't compare Bogota to sh!thole NYC. Bogotá is much nicer and less poor than sh!thole NYC. Bogotá has El Chico and la Candelaria and Parque 93 en Villrey. New York City is just ghetto after ghetto.

[@JakeRunnels]

good point

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

​@@JakeRunnels Heart the comment let everyone knows NYC stinks. Saludos

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

Villa De Leyva Boyacá and Raquira Boyacá are small cities worth your while. Mention them next time. They are hidden gems. Weather is cooler, similar to Bogota weather.

[@zacharyoconnor5632]

Can a woman and a 5 yearlong boy live of of 3.2 million pesos in Medellin colombia

[@RichardHarlos]

I chose Bucaramanga as my first Colombian destination. I haven't found anyone that came across to me as angry. Whenever I'm walking down the street, if I greet someone they almost always return the greeting with a smile and a warm tone of voice. As well, one of the supermarkets that I frequent has a cashier and a security guard who, after meeting me (and my struggling to communicate in Spanish), took it upon themselves to learn a few English greetings to make me feel less uncomfortable. Now, when they're working and I come into the store, I say "buenos dias" and they say "hello" -- it's a very nice feeling to see people in their own country accommodating me, a foreigner, who barely speaks any Spanish (I am learning, but I assumed it would be easier and faster than it is so I definitely underestimated the challenges I imagined by attempting to 'learn Spanish as I go'. Anyway, I encourage you to visit Bucaramanga and let it tell you what it's like. I've been here since early November 2022 and so far, the impression it's made on me has me seriously considering retiring here. Cheers!

[@JakeRunnels]

Thanks for the added perspective! What made you choose Bucaramanga as your first destination?

[@RichardHarlos]

@@JakeRunnels There were several criteria I had in mind: less tourism-focused, moderate weather, clean air quality (no one seems ever to cover this point, yet all human beings need air to breathe; it's way more important a consideration than most people seem to realize), cost of living (of course), and scenic views. Buca ticks off all those boxes, and a few more that I've come to appreciate, such as zero air-traffic noise (although the airport is nearby, I've never, ever had aircraft noise interrupt me during a phone call, watching a video, etc.

[@Logoshlbb]

Thanks for sharing Richard! Can I ask about the crime there? I’ve heard that’s it’s been crazy since last year. How do you feel about that? Is it safe?

[@RichardHarlos]

@@Logoshlbb I haven't found it to be an issue. I've walked the streets well after midnight by myself and have never felt uneasy. Granted, I currently live close to the border between an estrato 4 and 3, so perhaps that's part of the reason. When I first got here, I didn't know about estrato distinctions and during the day I walked into what I now know to be estrato 2. At some point I did begin to feel uneasy, just a vibe, and so I turned around and headed back toward my airbnb in 3. But even then, nobody actually bothered me, or even approached me to find out why I was there. I've heard stories, as I'm sure you have, about people feeling uneasy because they were being followed. I myself experienced this once, but not to the degree that I felt scared for my safety. It was more like, 'hey, i think that guy is following me' and then simply choosing streets that were well lit until I got back to my airbnb. Now, to be clear, I'm not saying that it isn't dangerous, or that bad things havne't happened to others, or that they can't happen in the future. I'm just saying that my experience doesn't resemble the experiences that many others have described. I know this is a long answer so I'll close with this: Some time ago, psychologists interviewed prison inmates who were incarcerated for robbery. These inmates were asked if they would describe how they picked their victims. Across the board, they said it was based on how a person carries themselves out in the open. People who are scared tend to adopt certain body-language 'tells', and the criminals intuitively recognize these things. So with that in mind, I make a point of reminding myself to walk down the street with total confidence that I'm going to be just fine. Not exaggerated as if I'm boasting or challenging anyone, just confident that I know who I am, where I'm going, and it's all good. So, good posture, confident gate, head up, shoulders back... stuff like that. But again, just to be clear, that doesn't guarantee that I can't be targeted, or that I won't be targeted. And, for reference, I really stand out as a foreigner so it's not like I'm 'lucky' because I blend into a crowd or anything like that. I hope this helps you to get a sense not only for what Bucaramanga is like at present, but also for how important it is not to give criminals a reason (body language) to believe that you're an easy target.

[@renoplamorales3911]

@@RichardHarlos Waooow

[@carlitoxb110]

As a Colombian my best recommendation: if you like beaches: Santa marta If you like a bustling city full of things to do: Bogota if you are looking for a chill lay back lifestyle: Pereira and bucaramanga are great cities if you wanna party : Cali Medellin Bogota Best weather: medellin Pereira and Manizales (the coffee axis) Medellin is getting too expensive, you can have a similar experience in Pereira on a budget if you don't mind nightlife that much

[@chrisg966]

Definitely love to hear about places in Colombia other than Medillin!

[@JakeRunnels]

:)

[@cuikalopes2774]

One historical explanation of the African culture and influence of the Valle del Cauca comes because the Valle region’s economy has always been sustained by the sugar cane industry and back into the 17-18-19 centuries when slavery was legal, the slaves were brought from Africa to work in big haciendas, something similar with the south of the US and the cotton plantations.

[@JakeRunnels]

fascinating

[@davidwhite1919]

A very informative video. It answered a number of questions I had at the back of my mind about the different regions of Colombia.

[@juanburgos5545]

I went to Cartagena de Indias couples months ago and I’ve to say this beautiful and charming city stole my heart, people are friendly never fell in danger at all, love food beach etc.

[@JakeRunnels]

Too much drugs and tourist traps for me personally

[@juanburgos5545]

@@JakeRunnels, Venezuelan women are increasing the prostitution and drug because foreigners tourist, it’s just a business you buy it they sell it.

[@juancamilo6610]

Putumayo is a magical region. Definitely, a powerful energy moving down there 👍

[@JakeRunnels]

Great for ayahuasca

[@eddieonthegotravel]

I'm on my way Barranquilla next month for tres meses. As for their dialect, my friend's Dominican pareja told me that the local dialect - Costeña - is the Spanish that is spoken in the DR and other Caribbean islands as well as that coastal region of Mexico.

[@chandlerrezac5922]

Hey just wanted to say your content is really great keep it up man:)

[@JakeRunnels]

Thanks bro!

[@WheresWes]

Nice vid bro

[@dprice6189]

People from Bucaramanga are NOT angry, they are strong will and hard workers.

[@kentl.7035]

region full of many Afro-Colombians and Cali, being close by, has received a lot of migration of the Afro-Colombian population. But it really isn't a mostly Afro city like Cartagena or Quibdó are. 5. Afro-Colombians did not settle in the country simply because they preferred the warm climate of certain regions. They are mostly descended from slaves brought from Africa and are located near the port areas where they landed or where they were used for forced labor. They did not have the option of choosing to locate anywhere due to climatic preferences. I apologize for my English, but I thank you very much for the video and for trying to explain to foreigners how the different Colombian regions are characterized. Greetings.

[@JakeRunnels]

Thanks!

[@marcuswhite7208]

Hey Jake, great video! I think Bogota is a great introduction to Colombia for first timers. They have walking tours that teach you about the city. The Gold Museum teaches people about the origins of Colombia. Great video! Can you do one on Ecuador?

[@arpiafederation502]

My experience in Colombia was a dozen years ago and I spent a week in the Old City of Cartagena and enjoyed it - except for the humidity. Bucaramanga was fantastic. I went paragliding and the weather and scenery was great. I spent 10 days in Bogota and it was okay - not bad and not particularly great or memorable. Obviously, lots of things have changed in the past 12 years. I'm looking forward to visiting Pereira in the very near future.

[@conversationclub8230]

Hey Jake, i know you'd reach a lot more people if you did walking around colombia videos without a lot of edition. people wants to see what's going on on the streets and the way of life. cheers.

[@JakeRunnels]

Thanks for the feedback. Can you be more specific? You mean like walking tours or walking and talking in the street?

[@RichardHarlos]

CC, I'd be cautious about such a recommendation. Many of the street-walking videos come across to me like low-key perv's trying to get footage of scantily-clad women. Not all, but many. Perhaps you could link to a video that serves as a good example of what you mean by _"walking around colombia videos?"_

[@delfina128]

We, the people from the coffee region, are also considered paisas. There are the paisas from Antoquia which includes medellin and the paisas from eje cafetero.

[@ENB90]

El eje cafetero is the best! Also yes the coffee region is Paisa culturally.

[@JakeRunnels]

It’s great

[@esmolem]

A little better explanation of "paisas". A Paisa is someone from a region in the northwest of Colombia, including part of the West and Central cordilleras of the Andes in Colombia. The Paisa region is formed by the departments of Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío. Some regions of Valle del Cauca Department (north) and Tolima Department (west) culturally identify as paisas. The main cities of the Paisa region are Medellín, Pereira, Manizales and Armenia. That being said, the people from Antioquia capitalized on the "paisa" name and the other paisa regions are not much concerned with that. Departments in Colombia are as States in USA. There are two mayor regions by the low lands as you call them which are "Los Llanos", vast planes before hitting the jungle where the Amazon starts. The Amazon region extends beyond Colombia into Brasil, Ecuador and Peru.

[@JakeRunnels]

Nice explanation, nailed it.

[@leonardoca6369]

I had one of the best experience in Cartagena, I guess it all depends on a lot of things .....one can be very bored and others can have like the best time of your life, it boils down what you like etc.

[@JakeRunnels]

How

[@Jupiterssilhouette]

As someone who has a Santanderiano family, I can confirm that we have an angry reputation. 😂 Nonetheless please come and visit Bucaramanga and the region as a whole, we got some beautiful natural landscapes.

[@JakeRunnels]

I know, i really have to make the trip soon

[@sebastianquintero1883]

Bogota is underrated, you will love it if you like good food, lots of festivals and activities, nature and hikes in the mountains.

[@romansotelo7240]

0:59-1:04 I am going to Medellin for my 24th birthday.

[@goggleman7211]

6:15 I've thought about this anthropologically alot actually, you can see this correlation throughout all of the Americas, latitude is the same reason why the southern cone of south america and of course the US and Canada were initially more popular for colonization. The whole lowland Caribbean region was very deadly due to Dengue and Malaria before the french started synthesizing and producing quinine at scale in the mid 1800s, this is why low areas of Colombia have a more balanced mulatto mix (Africans have sickle cell trait and fast twitch muscle fibers which make us mostly immune to Malaria). But in the 1500s over a third of Europeans would die if they spent several months on the coast. I'm going to disagree with you on Bogota being more European than Medellin I saw way more pretty Pocahontas type chicks in Bogota than Medellin 😍. I always read that the paisa region was of the most Spanish descent. But there's so much bleed over between regions either way.

[@JakeRunnels]

Fantastic comment, thank you.

[@Jupiterssilhouette]

I have background from Santander, my main family members and I are more Spanish than indigenous though still mixed.

[@sebasty1800]

Bogotá is a special case due to Colombian internal conflict: Medellín with Pablo Escobar and all of that versus Bogotá with no Pablito; Lots of displaced populations chose to move to Bogotá, hence the seemingly more diverse DNA, but originally, all of the Andean region (Santander, Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Antioquia, etc) was pretty homogenous with European/Criollo/Mestizo heritage, primarily.

[@luicastillo8630]

Sorry to hear about my home town Cali. I think it is underrated even though it is true that it has higher levels of crime than most other cities in Colombia.

[@ezratotravel]

Hot take - Cartagena was my favourite city to visit of the 9 Colombian cities I've been to. Yes, it was touristy, but in terms of people trying to sell me stuff, it wasn't any worse than the other coastal cities like Santa Marta or Riohacha in my experience - Costeños in general tend to be more forthright people from what I noticed. The colonial buildings and history in Cartagena more than made up for the touristy stuff though. Imo it's unequivocally the prettiest city in all of Colombia (at least, the colonial city and modern city areas) and after visiting Santa Marta and Riohacha, I found it to be the most relaxing of those coastal cities by a mile. Santa Marta feels very dense in population and a bit aesthetically drab. Riohacha is fine but there's not a lot to do in the city itself. Also, in both of these places, people were just as forthright in trying to flog me stuff. Cartagena by comparison feels much more luxurious and safer (at least in the tourist areas), and was a nice retreat for me after those other cities, which I never really found relaxing. I didn't spend a lot of money or anything, I just found it a lot more peaceful, despite the tourism. I know a lot of people complain about Cartagena, but unless you REALLY hate tourists, you probably shouldn't discount it entirely if you haven't been yet. If you're just there for a short time, it's a beautiful city and historically amazing to see in person.

[@LifeWithCandis]

Interesting!! Thank you for sharing!

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Can you tell us something about retired people in Cartagena compared to Cali and Medellin their cost of living for expats, and also about the air pollution problems? Apparently Bogotá is so big and polluted that I would never visit there. Also, where are the cooler and less humid places? Thanks.

[@mojorider8067]

wasnt sure if i was gonna go to Brasil or Colombia. After reviewing the tax laws in Brasil, looks like it will be Colombia. lol

[@JakeRunnels]

What did you find out?

[@mojorider8067]

@@JakeRunnels if i became a resident, i would have to pay 27.5% to Brasil, plus what i owe the IRS in the states. f-ck that. lol. sure, i could avoid it by just not becoming a brasilian resident, but what if i got married and started a family down there or something? I could only be there 180/365. no chance i could make that work, so why even bother? ill come to colombia and i'll drop some serious change for whatever community i end up in ( buying local kids christmas presents, school supplies, etc), and consider myself fortunate for being able to do it, but itll be a cold day in hell before i lose half my money between two governments. lol.

[@renoplamorales3911]

I agree with you. Blessings from Monterrey Mexico

[@davidguarin358]

And closer to USA 🇺🇸 IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

[@GBU61]

@@mojorider8067 VAT in Colombia is 19%. One trick to avoid paying taxes is do not open up a Colombian bank account. Pull your money from ATM’s only. I learned this the hard way. I pay about equal taxes in both the US and Colombia, which is in the $1500-range. However, I save a lot living in Colombia compared to the US so I consider it a small price to pay to live outside the states. It would do you good to spend an hour with a tax attorney in both countries to learn what you are up against. It is possible there are loopholes that would reduce your tax burden. Colombia taxes on your worldwide income minus what you pay on your US taxes. I do not know how the Brazilian tax code is done. I have a friend who qualifies disabled in the US and pays no income tax to Colombia. So seeing an attorney would be a wise move.

[@frankkluz9787]

Well - Buca is certainly my 1st and likely only choice in Colombia. Armenia might be a distant 2nd for the low cost of living. Health care if needed for English speaking expats in Buca seems to be a clear winner. Cost of living is good for my budget & much better than Medilion. The airport now has direct flights to the US which is nice. -- My Spanish sucks but I will be using one of those hand held 'translators' for convenience. -- The comments on here are very helpful and encouraging for us who haven't been there yet. The expat FB group is helpful as well. Meeting other expats will be fun.

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

3:02 I could not understand your pronunciation of the coastal paradise location. Could you please write it here?

[@COLOMBIAFRANK]

thx for that video but some information is not very accurate - The eastern plains (los llanos) is not the Amazon, although the Amazon is almost 1/3 of the Colombian territory - Cali is statistically the most dangerous city but those numbers do not tell the whole story, investigate more - Almost nobody likes Bogota as it is the capital and the city where everything is, same happens to many capitals all over the world - People from Bucaramanga are not the most angry, wrong interpretation of the word "bravo". That means that they speak up, not using such a massive filter when addressing issues or debating like in other regions Also the information you provide is a mix of travel guide and information for digital nomads but not all expats are digital nomads keep up the videos cheers frank

[@JakeRunnels]

Thanks! Great feedback

[@luicastillo8630]

Thanks for your comment Frank. I have seen your videos before and yes, they are very informative. Your comment about Cali is spot on, there is more to Cali than people get to know/hear.

[@TheHolyActivist]

Nice video, good job.

[@TnStrading]

you mentioned the region coffee access as your favorite place but failed to mention the name of the place.. i do find your videos very informative and well thought out, but you dropped the ball here, i put on the subtitles and is clearly wasn't named sir .. so whats the acutely if the place you call coffee access pls

[@paulashwell1604]

nice one

[@JakeRunnels]

Thanks!

[@LifeWithCandis]

I've spent time in Bogota and the region of Quindío.. near Armenia and Periera. Both were pretty cool to experience. If I wasn't volunteering and spending my days with about 100 other people (American and Colombian), I Don't know what I would do to stay entertained or busy in the mountains but Bogota was super interesting and although its a big city, I preferred it at the time. There's a lot more food choices, things to do and I found really nice, quality areas that weren't so sketchy. lol Overall Bogota was very vibrant and I experienced so much love from the people there. I would go back. Cheers. 💗💗

[@davidguarin358]

Jake : people from bogota have a better accent than the rest of Colombia 🇨🇴

[@JakeRunnels]

My favorite is eje

[@davidguarin358]

@@JakeRunnels but is not the most clear one ☝️ but I will agree is the best area to live

[@cristianloquesea]

Bastante discutible...

[@davidguarin358]

@@cristianloquesea lo dicen varias encuestas

[@cristianloquesea]

​@@davidguarin358esas encuestas es lo mas estupido que puede haber, como dicen "para una encuesta otra encuesta"

[@AdamantRecluse]

From your experience, which of the Coffee Axis cities would you say is best suited for a family with small children? We’ve been doing our research in and around Medellin, mostly for access to better schools, but the sense we’ve been getting is that the overall pace of places like Pereira and Armenia would be more what we’re after.

[@JakeRunnels]

I’d say all 3 are good. Armenia and Manizales are probably a little more family friendly.

[@0fficialdregs]

As someone who have a fiancee in Santa Marta, unless you have stable income it's very hard living there. My fiancee and her daughter are moving back to Bogota due to the low job rate lol

[@thealternativemindset]

We love Bogotá! is important to mention that in Medellín there are some people with a strong feeling of regionalism, is like a toxic pride for their region (not everyone of course) so they think that talking bad of Bogotá (the most important city in Colombia) is a way to highlight their city. Meanwhile, Bogotá has a more diverse culture, is the city that has more people from other regions and contries for many years, the diversity of people here is enormous, that's why sometimes is called 'the city of everyone'. However, people here is more open in that way, that's why here you are not going to find that strong regionalism like in Medellín. People in here, with different origins, don't have any problem to recognize the good things of other regions and of course Medellín is a great city! but we love Bogotá too!

[@Charlie-bl3kq]

The region near and outside of Bogota and near Boyacá is the best.

[@JakeRunnels]

Why?

[@onzagalaverde4905]

@@JakeRunnels Weather

[@elvdell5582]

It is hard to call it the BEST region in Colombia because it is all subjective. I actually also have spent considerable time in Colombia, and I prefer Cartagena to the others so far. I like the more afro centric / afro Caribbean vibes that I feel there. But this is such a personal decision. Some people like heat, some people like cold, some like rain, some like sun. I really think the video misses the mark based on the title because it based on so much conjecture. But keep doing your thing. I came based on the title, so it is nothing personal.

[@marshall886]

To walk around the neighbourhoods, it still looks rather rough. There is not a lot of thought towards caring about plots of land; steel fences and scrub and weeds behind it. The malls by contrast look bland. I think that the people though are really special.

[@JakeRunnels]

I've always felt this way, the exterior (aside from the nature) is not much to gawk at unlike a place like Europe, but I would much rather be in the pueblos of Colombia than being surrounded by European architecture in a land with no soul.

[@JS-jh4cy]

Some place outside of the gringo zones and cheaper

[@Holbrooks1984]

You describe the people where you are visiting, but without known where they are actually come from, and where is located their real origin, that's why your opinion is bias, because you don't know the language, so you can't distinguish between locals and immigrants. Medellin (the real paisas) has a lot more European influence than Bogota. Greetings.

[@leonardomendez2244]

The real Bogotanos or cachacos are very European too, actually all the Andes región in Colombia has similar genes background. The difference between Medellin and Bogota DC is that in the capital live more people from other regions or countries in a huge quantity, definitely more than in Medellin. Quiet apart from that, the architectural buildings in both cities are definitely a huge demonstration of the European influence. The diversity in Bogotá DC is so huge!!! ❤

[@LoLHahaLolHahaLol]

I liked the video when you spoke about the places you knew, and had been to I disliked it when you spoke about places like Barranquilla and you never have been there and gave the weather how was a costal city and how Shakira was from there lol maybe 🤔 just a video in the future of places you have been to only? as I know you will visit more. Location in the future I still gave you a thumbs up and subscribed looking forward. To future videos, especially one on. Barranquilla perhaps

[@jameskoehler6038]

You missed the vest place that is coastal.....Coveñas

[@jameskoehler6038]

Best

[@dprice6189]

The true Bogotanos do NOT prefer Medellin. Maybe the paisas that moved to Bogota prefer it.

[@dprice6189]

If Cali is one of the most insecure cities it is because of the influx of paisas (Medellin natives) that moved there.

[@dprice6189]

Bogotá is the Athens of South America.

[@jaimeandresjimenezordonez5589]

Cundinamarca Is the best región of Colombia.

[@JakeRunnels]

Why?

[@onzagalaverde4905]

@@JakeRunnels Near Bogota, love the weather & the Sabana towns

[@nadicmark-4077]

the best is Aguachica, Cesar

[@JakeRunnels]

What is it?

[@nadicmark-4077]

@@JakeRunnelsis a town in Cesar Department

[@JakeRunnels]

Why do you like it?

[@nadicmark-4077]

@@JakeRunnels laid back, extremely unexpensive cost of living

[@marcelcicort9671]

You need to slow down.. names you call out without on screen info is hard to follow.. I can't understand you well and have to constantly repeat..

[@dprice6189]

Colombia speaks Castillian.

[@robertbombace9153]

Nice job, However your speech is very Fast. Why, People who tuned into you will take the extra time to listen.

[@JakeRunnels]

Where are you from?

[@jumpinjehoshaphat1951]

Great info, but what is the big rush? S l o w d o w n !

[@JakeRunnels]

Where are you from

[@gmcsprky5401]

You have a lot of echos

[@JakeRunnels]

sorry

[@CityProfiles]

the best region is of Colombia is Mexico haha Colombia sucks imo

[@JakeRunnels]

Lmao

[@leochuck298]

还是攒钱去斯里兰卡按摩正骨去吧…..跑那里花钱买气生去了…服务质量那么差.！