Medellín, often called the "City of Eternal Spring" for its perfect year-round climate, has undergone a revival over the past decades. Now known for its vibrant nightlife and welcoming locals, it has become a hotspot for digital nomads and fitness travelers. Beyond its dynamic urban energy, Medellín boasts a thriving street workout culture with numerous outdoor activities and hiking trails. With the massive Estadio sports complex and its prevalence of free outdoor gyms, Medellín is undoubtably the premier fitness destination of all of Latin America for expats and digital nomads.
Gaston Coliving – Nice, quiet and affordable hostel featuring triple tier bunks. Walking distance to Estadio and the skytrain.
Oasis Hostel – Well located in Laureles, a social hostel with a huge rooftop terrace.
Estadio Sports Complex – World-class sportsplex in the heart of Laureles, right next to tourist street 70 "La Setenta". Former site of the Pan American Games. Facilities include but not limited to: swimming, fencing, weightlifting, boxing, wrestling, track and gymnastics. Training is open to foreigners—just show up and ask the coach about group or private sessions.
Estadio Outdoor Gym – "The Yard" – Free outdoor gym by Estadio station. Plenty of chained free weights, benches and calisthenics bars. There are also some cable machines which is quite rare for an outdoor gym. Probably the most extensive free outdoors gym in Medellin.
Poblado Outdoor Gym – Free outdoor gym in the Poblado nightlife area. Well equipped with squat rack and calisthenics bars.
While Medellín offers a pleasant “eternal spring” climate and amazing training facilities, it does have some downsides to consider. The city’s location in a valley makes it prone to heavy traffic congestion, which can often lead to gridlock on busier streets. This topography also contributes to occasional air quality issues, especially during dry seasons. Although safety has improved significantly in recent years, some neighborhoods such as Bello still experience higher crime rates.