Medellín, Colombia Gets Thumbs Up From Gray Lady

Travel Blog • Michael Yessis • 08.15.07 | 11:24 AM ET

In the ongoing debate over whether its safe to travel to Colombia, the New York Times has weighed in with a yes, at least for the city of Medellín. “[I]n the last decade, this city of two million, with its beautiful colonial architecture and year-round spring-like weather, has awakened from its drug nightmare,” writes Grace Bastidas. “Mr. [Pablo] Escobar and his minions are gone and the cocaine trade has been largely dispersed. Bullet-riddled neighborhoods are coming to life with art museums and well-designed parks. And the constant rumble of construction—new shopping malls, flashy casinos and luxury hotels—can be heard throughout the city.”

The U.S. Government last updated its travel warning for Colombia June 4, saying, “Violence has continued to decrease markedly in most urban areas, including Bogotá, Medellin, Barranquilla, and Cartagena.” However, it still warns “U.S. citizens of the dangers of travel to Colombia. Violence by narcoterrorist groups and other criminals continues to affect all parts of the country, urban and rural.”

Photo of Medellín by el DVD, via Flickr (Creative Commons).