Prepare your visit👋 - Ciudad Refugio

Prepare for your visit

Our establishment

Our foundation, Ciudad Refugio, offers cozy and contemporary housing options to volunteers and missionaries, whether they are staying for a brief period or an extended time.

The data

Metrocable

Medellin was the first city in the world to use cable cars as a means of public transport. More than 30,000 people a day use the affectionately named “Metrocable” to go up and down the mountain.

The most innovative city in the world

Medellin, once mourned as the “World’s Most Dangerous City,” now has a new title. In 2013, it was named by the Urban Land Institute as the “World’s Most Innovative City” for its efforts in sustainability and urban development.

Largest internally displaced population

Due to years of violence at the hands of drug cartels and guerrilla groups, Colombia has the largest population of internally displaced people in the world.

City of eternal spring

Medellin is close to the equator and is situated in the Aburra Valley of the Andes Mountains. Due to its unique topography, it enjoys year-round temperatures between 20°C-24°C (70-75 F), making it worthy of its nickname “City of Eternal Spring.”

Biodiversity

Colombia is home to more than 56,000 animal species, making it the second most biodiverse country in the world after Brazil.

Art

Due to years of violence at the hands of drug cartels and guerrilla groups, Colombia has the largest population of internally displaced people in the world.

Checklist for your trip

Copy of passport (electronic and hard copy)
Diary and Bible
Personal hygiene items
Medications / vitamins
Copy of the international policy or insurance (if applicable)
Water bottle
Hand sanitizer
Nuts / snacks
Sun block
Comfortable shoes (sneakers for ministry days, sandals or regular shoes for church and the day off)
Bath sandals
Hat / cap
Sweater or light jacket for evenings or rainy days.
Comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty on ministry days. (jeans and t-shirts)
Church attire (think more casual than dressy, blue jeans with a nice blouse or collared shirt is fine)
Sheet, towel (a small pillow if necessary)
Night light, book light, cell phone flashlight or small flashlight. This is to make living in the rooms at night easy and comfortable.

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS:

Vaccinations and repellents are not required in Medellin, but should be considered if traveling to other parts of Colombia.
It is not considered prudent to wear shorts and in the case of skirts, they should be below the knee. Blue jeans are always a good option.
It is not considered prudent, in the case of women, to wear strapless shirts, sleeveless shirts or leggings (unless it is with a long shirt that covers the back).
Dress for church service is casual. You may dress nicer if you wish, but it is not necessary. Blue jeans with a nice blouse or collared shirt are acceptable.
Keep jewelry to a minimum (we recommend leaving nice watches, valuable earrings and/or wedding rings at home).
Be cautious with piercings and tattoos. Depending on the culture, these things communicate different things to different people.
Tap water is safe to drink in Medellin.
There is Wi-Fi access at the foundation, however, please remember to limit or suspend internet/cell phone/social media usage during ministry hours.
WhatsApp is a free messaging app that is the number 1 form of communication in Colombia.

Things to keep in mind

MONEY

It is not recommended to travel with cash or US dollars to exchange. It is recommended to bring your ATM card and withdraw cash from a Bancolombia ATM (with a safer and more recommended exchange rate). You can withdraw funds at the airport in Medellin.
Exchange rate of $1 USD to COP
You can withdraw up to 600,000 COP at a time from an ATM and up to 1,800,000 COP per day.
Remember to notify and call your bank or financial institution to inform them that you will be using your debit or credit card abroad to avoid it being blocked.

SECURITY AND TRANSPORTATION

UBER is the safest way to travel around the city, the metro and buses are also safe, however, we recommend using it during the day and with a local or Spanish-speaking person.
Buddy system at all times
Avoid carrying cameras, tablets, cell phones, large backpacks or purses while on the street.
We have restrictions on travel and nighttime activities for security reasons.
If not needed for ministry work, leave valuables at home
The maximum time to enter the foundation (curfew) is 9:00 pm (for the safety and respect of those who live in the foundation).
In Medellin, there are safe, top-notch health clinics and hospitals. If you do not have travel insurance, you can receive treatment, but you must pay cash for such service. If you have an international insurance plan or general traveler’s insurance, you must pay cash for treatment and the value will be reimbursed later through your insurance policy. Please review the service policy and procedures of your policy or service before arriving in Colombia.