Medellín Travel Guide for LASIK Patients

Getting to Medellín

Flights from the US

Medellín's José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) has direct flights from several US cities:

Pro tip: Book 4-6 weeks in advance for best prices. Tuesday and Wednesday flights are typically cheapest.

Airport to City

The airport is about 45 minutes from El Poblado (the main tourist/medical tourism area). Options:

• Taxi: ~$25-35 USD, book at official taxi stand in airport
• Uber/DiDi: ~$20-30 USD, may need to walk outside arrivals
• Clinic pickup: Many clinics offer airport transfers as part of their package

Where to Stay

El Poblado (Recommended)

El Poblado is the heart of Medellín's medical tourism industry and the safest, most tourist-friendly neighborhood. Benefits:

• Walking distance to most LASIK clinics
• Excellent restaurants and cafes
• Safe for walking day and night
• English commonly spoken
• Modern shopping centers
• Parque Lleras nightlife (when you've recovered!)

Hotel vs Airbnb

For LASIK recovery, consider:

• Hotel pros: Daily cleaning, room service, front desk for questions
• Airbnb pros: Kitchen (useful for cooking during recovery), more space, often better value for 7+ nights

Many patients prefer Airbnbs with kitchens so they can prepare light meals and store medications in a refrigerator if needed.

Entry Requirements

• Visa: US citizens receive 90-day tourist visa on arrival (free)
• Passport: Must be valid for duration of stay
• Check-Mig form: Complete 72 hrs to 1 hr before departure at apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co
• COVID requirements: None as of 2024
• Proof of departure: Have return flight booked

Safety in Medellín

Medellín has transformed dramatically over the past 25 years. Today it's a popular destination for tourists and digital nomads. That said, use normal urban precautions:

What to Do During Recovery

You're in a beautiful city — enjoy it (while protecting your eyes)! Recovery-friendly activities:

Days 1-3 (Rest Focus)

• Rest in your hotel/Airbnb
• Listen to podcasts or audiobooks
• In-room massage (many hotels offer)
• Light walks around El Poblado (with sunglasses)

Days 4-7 (Light Activity)

• Coffee farm tours: Nearby Jardín and Santa Elena offer excellent tours (wear sunglasses)
• Jardín Botánico: Beautiful botanical garden with shaded areas
• Museo de Antioquia: Fernando Botero art collection (indoor, no sun exposure)
• Plaza Botero: Outdoor sculptures (quick visit with sunglasses)
• El Poblado restaurants: Excellent food scene — treat yourself
• Spa treatments: Massages, facials (avoid steam rooms/saunas)

After Clearance (Week 2+)

• Guatapé day trip: Famous "La Piedra" rock and colorful town
• Cable cars (Metrocable): Scenic views of the city
• Comuna 13: Famous street art and escalators tour

Practical Information

Money

• Currency: Colombian Peso (COP). ~$1 USD = 4,000 COP (varies)
• ATMs: Widely available in El Poblado; withdraw pesos for best rates
• Credit cards: Accepted at most restaurants/hotels; some smaller places cash only
• Clinics: Usually accept USD or credit cards

Weather

Medellín is called "The City of Eternal Spring" for good reason:

• Average temperature: 72°F (22°C) year-round
• Daily range: 62-78°F (17-26°C)
• Rainy seasons: March-May and September-November (afternoon showers)
• Perfect for post-LASIK recovery — not too hot, not too cold

Language

Spanish is the primary language. In El Poblado, many people speak English, especially in:

• Hotels and tourist-oriented restaurants
• Medical clinics (English coordinators standard)
• Uber/DiDi app (no speaking required)

Knowing basic Spanish phrases helps but isn't required for a LASIK trip.

Packing Checklist for LASIK Trip