Moving to Medellín to volunteer is exciting. It marks the beginning of a meaningful chapter in a city full of contrast, colour, and community. Whether you’re staying for a few weeks or several months, this guide is designed to help you settle in smoothly, contribute mindfully, and avoid common mistakes along the way.

Medellín, often referred to as the City of Eternal Spring, has a lot to offer. Like any major city, it also comes with its own rhythms, unspoken rules, and social dynamics. Taking time to understand the local context will not only make your stay safer and more rewarding, it also shows respect for the communities you are here to support.

Start by getting to know the history of the city. A great way to do that is by joining a free walking tour. Real City Tours offers one of the most highly rated free walking tours in Latin America. In about three hours, you’ll learn about Medellín’s complex past, its transformation, and the cultural context that shapes the city today. For those who want to dive deeper, their Barrio Transformation Tour explores how specific neighbourhoods have changed over time and invites critical questions about who really benefits from urban development.

As you get oriented, it’s important to explore the neighbourhood where you will be living, volunteering, or spending your free time. If you’re unsure about safety or logistics, ask your local contacts for advice. As a general rule, stick to streets that are well lit and have open shops or foot traffic. Avoid dark alleys or shortcuts through quiet areas, especially after sunset.

If you’re looking to contribute but can’t commit to long-term volunteering, Digital Nomads for Good shares one-time volunteer opportunities on their Instagram every week. These events are easy to join, welcoming, and give you the chance to discover different parts of the city while supporting local grassroots organisations.

How to Meet People

There’s a thriving mid- to long-term international community in Medellín. There are many WhatsApp groups where you can meet like-minded people. You’ll find a long list of recommended groups through the MDE Community platform. On their website you can also find events, such as the monthly picnic at Parques del Río, the Breakfast Club, and other themed meetups, are a great way to build genuine connections beyond the usual expat bubble.
Onother list of WhatsApp groups you can find here.

Fun Things to Do

Dance classes are a great way to immerse yourself in Colombian culture. Popular studios include Son Havana, DanceFree, and Ven Bailalo, the last one offers structured four-week courses. Most schools are very active on Instagram, so you can easily check their current offerings.
Language exchanges are also a good way to meet people. They help you improve your Spanish while giving others the chance to practise their English. You’ll find these events all over the city, often in cafés or cultural spaces.
If you’re into hiking, check out groups like Vámonos de Caminata or Kinkaju Hikes. They organise regular treks in and around Medellín and are open to all experience levels. The Instagram page MedellInglés is also a great resource to keep track of what’s going on in the city.

To experience the city like a local, try joining Ciclovía on Sundays. Main roads are closed to cars and opened up for cyclists, runners, and skaters. It’s a fun and easy way to explore the city alongside local families and athletes. Another great option is to join free group fitness activities offered by INDER, the city’s public sports and recreation organisation. They host free yoga, dance, and fitness classes in parks throughout Medellín.
On more relaxed days, you can visit one of the city’s large shopping malls. Santafé in El Poblado, Arkadia in Belén, and Unicentro in Laureles are all popular options. They offer everything from food courts to cinemas to coworking cafés.

Money Tips

Be cautious with ATM withdrawals, as not all machines are equal. Banks like Davivienda and BBVA typically allow you to withdraw up to two million pesos per transaction, which helps reduce the ATM fees. More importantly, when the ATM asks whether you want to accept the conversion rate, always select “No.” Let your home bank handle the currency conversion. Saying yes can cost you 20 to 30 dollars extra per withdrawal.

Safety First

There are a few things that are best avoided altogether. One of the most serious risks for foreigners involves dating apps. Unfortunately, there are organised groups that specifically target international visitors through these platforms. Incidents involving drugging and robbery have been reported.
If you choose to use dating apps, meet in a public place, share your live location with a friend, and never take your passport or all your cards with you.

Pickpocketing is another common issue in busy areas. Carry only what you need, use a crossbody or anti-theft bag, and keep your passport and backup cards locked up in your hotel, hostel, AirBNB or home. Extra caution is recommended in November and especially December, as crime tends to increase due to social pressures and larger crowds during the holiday season.

Learn the Language

One of the most valuable things you can do while volunteering in Medellín is to learn Spanish. Even basic phrases will make your experience far more meaningful. It improves your ability to connect with the people you are helping and opens doors to deeper understanding.
Excellent language schools in the city include OLSA, Blink Spanish, and Elefun. The Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) also offers structured courses. Whether you stay for a few weeks or many months, investing in language skills will enhance everything from grocery shopping to real conversations.

Practical Matters

Get a local SIM card early on. Claro and Tigo are widely used providers. You can often buy a pre-registered SIM from a street vendor. Be sure to ask if it’s already registered to avoid administrative issues later, including phone blocking.
Some helpful apps to download include Uber, Cabify, or InDrive for safe transportation. Google Translate with offline Spanish is also a great tool, especially in the beginning.
Bring a reusable water bottle. Tap water in Medellín is clean and safe to drink, and it helps cut down on single-use plastic.

Final Thoughts

Volunteering in Medellín is not just about lending a hand. It’s about showing up with curiosity, listening before speaking, and understanding the community you’re stepping into. It’s also about your own growth, learning how to adapt, connect, and find meaning in places that may at first seem unfamiliar.

The city has much to offer. And if you move through it thoughtfully, you’ll find that your presence here can offer something meaningful in return.

Written by Sabine Bouwmeester, COO at Digital Nomads for Good, where she helps connect local-led charities with people who want to make a real impact. She believes that generosity, critical thinking, and good coffee can change the world — in that order.