Medellin has a bad reputation, going back to when drugs and violence were omnipresent, largely due to urban war between the Pablo Escobar and opposing drug lords. This began to improve after the death of Escobar in 1993.
My hotel was located in El Poblado, one of the safest parts of town, in a residential area.
The walk back from town was all uphill, so I started taking a Uber. I gave my driver a 1 USD tip, which he turned over and over saying, "Wow, a dollar. May God bless you."
I only figured out later that I had given him a 50% tip.
One of the previously most dangerous neighborhoods was Comuna 13, which has now developed into a street-artsy, pulsating tourist attraction.
The wiring is still quite pragmatic.
There is graffiti everywhere. They do a little too much hip-hopping for my taste, but I enjoyed the visit. The hill is also quite accessible because of the escalator that runs up the side.
El Peñol
Guatapé
This small village about 2 hrs from Medellin has found their niche by adorning their houses with zócalos (bas-reliefs) which attract a great number of tourists who would not otherwise find their way here.
Church with Tuk-tuk
740 steps up Peñol Rock. Last year they lost 7 tourists to heart failure. It was work, but worth the climb.
The reward was great views on all sides.
This man was retouching what already looked like a perfect mural.
The white church stands out among all the colorful houses.
The inside of the church was quite nice, but for me somewhat unusual. The cross overviewing the proceedings, but only a white cloth on it (no Jesus). I did not find out what the tradition was.