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It goes without saying how popular Medellin has become over the years.
Although it also has a large number of disadvantages.
Expats have long regarded Medellin as a budget-friendly getaway where they can live cheaply in phenomenal weather, scenery and culture.
Even more so now that the digital nomad craze has taken over the planet, making this city one of the most attractive in Latin America.
But…it’s time to put on the brakes. There is another attractive Colombian city that is rarely talked about. In fact, it’s safe to say that many don’t know it exists.
To make matters even more confusing, it shares its name with another country.
The underrated city Armenia is perhaps the most overlooked city in Colombia, and it’s actually a huge draw.
Easily accessible with cheap, direct flights
How are there direct flights to a place no one knows about?
Well, we’re not here to solve life’s mysteries, but we’re here to tell you what you’ve been missing.
To be clear, this is not a new flight announcement. Spirit is the only US-based airline offering flights to Armenia, and has been around for years.
Spirit offers flights from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) several days a week. While we all know how airline tickets fluctuate, this particular airline is best known for its savings, even though they were just named the safest airline in America.
Even more reasons to fly this route as you zoom over Colombia’s extravagantly jagged mountains.
If you browse through random summer dates, you can easily find a round-trip flight between $200 – $300, with more options to connect from another city in the Spirit network.
A new playground For digital nomads
As prices rise in the US, there was probably no better time for Forbes to release their ’13 Exciting Places You Can Live for $1,500 a Month – or Less’. article.
And you know where this is going… Armenia has made the difference.
While Medellin used to be insanely affordable, popularity comes with higher prices.
Nowadays, whether in Medellin or another similar situation, travelers are more often than not looking for an alternative.
Armenia is such a spitting image of Medellin, both sharing the same nickname of the ‘eternal spring’ city, given the spring-like weather all year round.
However, the weather isn’t the only attraction. Despite some legitimate security concerns, Colombia is a great option for digital nomads with one of the easiest visas to obtain.
Without a doubt, instead of visiting the more popular cities, the nomads should set their eyes on Armenia with these eye-watering savings.
Living under $1,500 is very doable with rent under $550 per month, and even cheaper outside the city limits.
Food bills are expected to hover around $200, leaving plenty of disposable income for a fun time in this lesser-known city.
Welcome to coffee country
Colombia is known for many things, but perhaps the most recognizable is coffee.
As a city of more than 300,000 people, coffee is the driving force behind Armenia and the state of Quindio, in more ways than one.
Of course, the coffee scene also only adds to the appeal for digital nomads, as there are plenty of cafes to work in and enough caffeine to keep you awake during boring Zoom meetings.
What makes Armenia even more appealing is its authenticity, where you can café-hop anywhere without ever finding a Starbucks.
And why would you? Why is ‘Americanization’, as the economic engine of the region, a good thing?
Tourists can visit scenic coffee farms and even stay overnight in a cozy farmhouse to get a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals.
Armenia is not the only place where this happens; there are plenty of nice villages around the city that are worth a visit. Escape city life and immerse yourself in the lush mountains with local farmers.
Popular tours cost as little as $28 and top-rated off-the-beaten-path stays, like Finca Hotel Café Bernal, cost less than $50 per night.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
