As Good As It Gets In South America
We’re not the only ones who believe 2017 is going to be a big year for Colombia.
Lonely Planet has listed the country among its top 10 places to travel this year. Here’s what its editors had to say:
“Decades of civil war and violent crime meant Colombian passport stamps were once for hardcore travellers only. Fast forward to the present day, and the lost years seem but a dust speck in Colombia’s rear-view mirror. There are no world wonders, but the country’s mix of vibrant culture, nature and hospitality is a rich tapestry woven by welcoming arms. Over a decade into its dramatic about-face, this South American jewel is even expecting a visit from the world’s number-one Catholic. When Pope Francis kisses Colombian soil in 2017, it will mark the Andean nation’s first papal visit in 30 years.”
While no official date has been agreed upon for the Pope’s visit (it hangs on the completion of the peace process), our own dates for Colombia have been firmly set. We’re looking forward to being in the country April 19–21 for our sixth Live and Invest in Colombia Conference—your one and only chance to be in the room with our full team of Colombia experts and expats in 2017.
The main focus of our interest in Colombia is its second-largest city, Medellín—our base for these three days together. Medellín is a city that truly has to be seen to be believed… and one that’s attracting an increasing number of U.S. retirees—offering a safe, elegant, First World lifestyle that’s not easily found in this part of the world.
Coming from the snows of Illinois, Wendy and Darren Howarter were quickly sold on Medellín’s temperate climate… but it was the unexpected affordability coupled with the “small-town friendly” nature of the locals that helped to seal the deal for them. (They’ll share their story in full with you this April.)
Now, you may ask, if a bunch of retirees has already moved in, are you too late to make your own move to Medellín?
Absolutely not. Real estate prices in Medellín’s most exclusive neighborhood remain lower than in Panama City… Montevideo, Uruguay… or Fortaleza, Brazil…
And, wherever you go in the country, thanks to the currency exchange rate, you have 70% more buying power here today than you would have had two years ago. We can’t say how long this will last, but if you can get down here over the coming months, prepare to be surprised by the opportunities for both living and investing.
In El Poblado (at the top end of the market and a favorite neighborhood among expats), you can still buy from as little as US$1,000 a square meter… and live well on US$1,500 a month.
While Medellín is our base for this April conference, we have other places on our agenda, too… like Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast with its historic center and world-class beaches… and the small town of Popayán, a colonial gem where you could live the good life for under US$1,000 a month…
At our Live and Invest in Colombia Conference, April 19–21, you’ll get all the inside information and on-the-ground support you need to be able to make your plans and invest wisely.
Again, this is your only chance this year to meet us in Colombia and:
- Explore with us to see the best of what the country has to offer, region by region. We’ll not only have expats to give their point of view, but also Colombians who can showcase their country…
- Discover the natural wonderland within Colombia. You’ll hear from Andrés Múnera, founder of Land Venture Travel. Andrés will not only show you the natural wonders of Colombia from our conference room… but can organize a personal tour to show you the best of what the region has to offer.
- Get the facts on being a part-time resident in exciting locations like Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Medellín…
- Visit the expat-friendly neighborhoods with the people who live here now…
- Discover how to find an affordable rental—starting at US$500 per month—and where you should be looking…
- Get the facts on safety and security in the “new Colombia”…
- Discover Colombia’s medical care… what many believe is Latin America’s best, most modern, and most affordable…
- Learning the language is a terrific investment to help you get the most out of your experience in Colombia. We’ll showcase the best of Colombia’s many fine language schools for your convenience…
- Get a grasp on the cost of living. We’ll show you actual budgets from people who live here…
Valentine Fouché
Editor, Live and Invest Overseas Confidential
