BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Nestled in the stunning Aburra Valley in the mountainous Antioquia terrain lies the magical city of Medellin, Columbia: "The Land of Eternal Spring" and "Capital of The Flowers".

The population of Medellin is almost 3 million people. This modern city is capital of Antioquia department and has an average temperature of 24 degrees C. Medellin is highly regarded in Columbia because of it's well-organized and economically lively community. Its people are hard-working and industrious. Major industries include coffee and flower export, information technology and hotel services. Medellin has more Internet hook-ups than any other Colombian city. It is also the fashion capital of Colombia. And each year the "Feria de Las Flores" (Flower Festival) attracts visitors from all over South America for parades and conventions. The city's fast and efficient "Metro" is the only public transit subway system in Colombia. And the "Empresas de Pública de Medellin" is widely viewed as the best public utility service in the country. In culinary delights, Medellin is said to have created Colombia's ubiquitous "arepa" - a bread and corn patty stuffed with cheese, and often chicken or beef. Meanwhile, Medellin's historical traditions are evident in Pueblito Viejo, a squared section of town with homes and shops preserved as they were 100 years ago.

Safety - Safety in Medellin is a much-discussed but often-misunderstood topic. Medellin city is absolutely safe, while the trend in all the major cities and Colombia generally is much improved with all the recent efforts of the Uribe government such the Democratic Security plan.

Language: Castilian Spanish, plus over 200 indigenous languages
Currency: Colombian Peso (peso) = 100 centavos.
Visas/Passports: American Citizens are required to only possess a U.S. Passport at the Colombian port or gate of entry to secure a Tourist Visa for thirty (30) days. For more information about visas for Colombia:

Click here for a contact list of COLOMBIAN CONSULATES IN THE U.S.
Pictures of Medellin.