If you, like me, are among the millions of Americans who feel our existence is threatened by the rightward political shift in the United States, then you may already be considering a temporary—or permanent—escape from this country. As a writer and “digital nomad,” I recently had the opportunity to spend two months in Colombia, which provided a taste of what life could be like outside the U.S. After my time there, I can offer several reasons to consider Colombia as a possible haven for a temporary respite, or even a permanent relocation.
Affordability is a key reason to consider living in or visiting Colombia. Travel and Leisure magazine recently reported that the cost of living in Colombia is about 54% lower than in the U.S., and rent is about 79% lower. Despite the recent economic turmoil, the dollar remains strong and can go a long way in Colombia. With some modest budgeting, I was able to live comfortably on $1,500 - $2,000 USD per month. Rent for a nice one-bedroom apartment in a fashionable Medellín neighborhood averages $750 a month. Lunch at a neighborhood café offering the menu del dia (special of the day) costs around $4, including a soup, salad, entrée with rice, fresh-squeezed juice, and tip! A pedicure that normally goes for at least $35 in the U.S. will cost about $11—yes, including tip! While I stayed in sprawling Medellín, with its approximately 4 million inhabitants, I rarely paid more than $5 for an Uber ride, and less than a dollar to ride public transit.
Michael Dru Kelley travels to Colombia Michael Dru Kelley (center) and friends escape to a nearby luxury resort in the mountains of Colombia, and the view from a luxury Airbnb.Courtesy Michael Dru Kelley
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_in2adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_12n2adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeAccessibility is another primary reason to consider Colombia for temporary or ongoing living. According to Monica Robeldo, a Colombian immigration attorney based in Medellín, U.S.- and most foreign-born citizens can enter Colombia with a 90-day visa, which can be extended for 90 more days via an online application, allowing for non-residents to spend up to 180 days, or six months per calendar year, in Colombia. This liberal permit allows one to return for up to six months every year, provided all processes and deadlines are met.
For longer stays, Colombia’s immigration regulations include visitors’ visas for various purposes, including medical and dental treatments, digital nomads (those who work remotely, exclusively for a foreign company), students, and some journalists. The typical duration of these visas is one to two years. These Colombian visas cannot be “renewed,” and every subsequent visa needs to fulfill the requirements of each visa category.
One can obtain a Colombian residence visa only after accumulating continuous time on any of the immigrant visas. Residency can be established after three years for same-sex marriage or domestic partnership, two years for parents of Colombian nationals, and five years for real estate or business-based visas. However, immigrant visas can be revoked if you leave Colombia for more than 180 days in a calendar year. The resident visa can be revoked if you are absent from Colombia for two consecutive years. All visa types require certain health and other related insurance coverages. It’s best to seek the advice of a local, experienced Colombian immigration attorney.
Michael Dru Kelley travels to Colombia Michael Dru Kelley with his Spanish Professor (left) from Spanish by Yeni, Medellin.Courtesy Michael Dru Kelley
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_ln2adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_15n2adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeAbundant beauty—from the climate to the people to the culture—is the best reason to consider visiting, living, or investing in Colombia. The country has stunning vistas and rich biodiversity, as its borders encompass parts of the Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest, the Equator, and include both Caribbean and Pacific coasts in the northern end of South America. Medellín, where I was based, is known as the “city of eternal spring,” (la ciudad de primavera enterna) because it sits about 6,000 feet above sea level, and boasts year-round temperatures that typically range from the 60s at night to 80s during the day, with ample sunshine and rain.
Despite a well-entrenched class system, my experience with the Colombian people showed me a people who are generally happy, healthy, and thriving regardless of their position in life. In this country of 50 million people, eating healthy food, exercising, and seeking out one’s own happiness is a priority. Enjoying life is a way of life. Colombia’s proximity to the rainforest, along with rolling hills and valleys curated for local agriculture, means an abundance of the freshest produce, meats, eggs, and dairy products. Many of my meals were not just affordable, they were also some of the most delicious foods I have had anywhere in the world, packed with ingredients that were good for my body and soul.
Colombia—and especially Medellín—is also sensible in its receptivity and inclusivity of LGBTQ+ visitors. While the Colombian Constitution is heavily influenced by Christian overtones, modern Colombian society—and law—embraces diversity. Marriage equality has been legal nationwide since 2016, and reproductive healthcare, including abortion, is protected by a 2022 ruling from the Constitutional Court. My experience with Colombians tells me they are welcoming to all people, lifestyles, and gender expressions. They value both the sanctity of life and the quality of life. I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe, and was delighted to see the many options for gay clubs, bars, and saunas throughout the city.
Michael Dru Kelley travels to Colombia Cuisine of Medellin, and Michael Dru Kelley (right) with travel friend visiting Medellin’s famed Communa 13Courtesy Michael Dru Kelley
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_on2adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_18n2adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeMy experience in Colombia was life-changing, including taking my first steps in learning Spanish, improving my yoga with world-class yogis, and expanding my horizons on almost every level, from cooking to love-making. Plus, after nearly 10,000 daily steps on some of the steepest hills I’ve experienced, my mind, body, and spirit were rejuvenated. If you need an escape for a short vacation or the rest of your life, I highly recommend Colombia.
This article originally appeared on Out: Need an escape from American anxiety? Consider Colombia.
