What Americans Get Wrong About Colombia

When you tell friends you're going to Colombia for dental work, you'll get reactions. Raised eyebrows. References to Narcos. Maybe genuine concern for your safety.

These reactions come from a real place — Colombia's 1980s and 90s were brutal. But they're also frozen in time. The Colombia of 2025 is so different it might as well be a different country.

Misconception #1: "It's Dangerous"

The Reality:

Medellín's 2024 homicide rate: 11.04 per 100,000. That's comparable to Miami and lower than Houston, Chicago, New Orleans, St. Louis, and Baltimore.

In 1991, the rate was 381 per 100,000 — a 97% reduction to today.

Yes, crime exists. Like any city. But the level of danger Americans imagine simply doesn't match reality — especially in neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles where tourists stay.

Misconception #2: "It's a Third-World Country"

The Reality:

Medellín won "Most Innovative City in the World" in 2013, beating New York and Tel Aviv. It has Colombia's only metro system — cleaner than most American subways. The city has fiber internet everywhere, world-class hospitals, and infrastructure that would make many U.S. cities envious.

Is there poverty? Yes, like anywhere. But the Medellín you'll experience as a tourist is modern, functional, and often surprisingly sophisticated.

Misconception #3: "Everyone's Connected to Cartels"

The Reality:

Pablo Escobar died in 1993. The Medellín Cartel no longer exists. Colombia's drug trade shifted to other regions and organizations. The average Medellín resident has as much connection to cartels as the average American does to the Mafia — which is to say, none.

In fact, locals are often frustrated by the cartel association. They've worked hard to rebuild their city, and Netflix shows that glorify the darkest period of their history aren't exactly appreciated.

Misconception #4: "You'll Get Drugged"

The Reality:

Scopolamine ("devil's breath") is real and dangerous. But incidents almost exclusively involve: (1) accepting drinks from strangers, usually via dating apps, (2) engaging with people you just met in nightlife contexts.

As a dental tourist going between your hotel and clinic, eating at normal restaurants, and exploring standard tourist areas — your risk is essentially zero. The same common-sense rules you'd follow anywhere apply.

Misconception #5: "The Healthcare is Substandard"

The Reality:

The WHO ranks Colombia's healthcare system 22nd globally. The United States ranks 37th.

Colombian dental schools are rigorous. Many dentists complete additional training at NYU, UCLA, or European institutions. They use the same implant brands (Straumann, Nobel Biocare) and veneer materials (E-max) as American practices.

The quality gap Americans imagine doesn't exist — at least not at reputable clinics.

Misconception #6: "It's Hot and Humid"

The Reality:

Medellín sits at 4,900 feet elevation. The average temperature is 72°F year-round. It's called the "City of Eternal Spring" for a reason. No extreme heat, no humidity, no winter. Just perpetually pleasant weather.

You're thinking of the coast. Medellín is in the mountains.

What Actually Surprises Americans

People who visit Medellín are usually surprised by:

• How modern everything is. Brand new high-rises, contemporary architecture, better internet than many U.S. cities.
• How friendly people are. Paisas (Medellín locals) are known throughout Latin America for their warmth and hospitality.
• How safe it feels. Walking around El Poblado feels safer than many American downtown areas.
• How affordable quality is. Not just dental work — restaurants, hotels, transportation. Everything offers better value.
• How much Colombians have moved on. The cartel era is history to them. They're building a future, not dwelling on the past.

A Note on Narcos

The Netflix show is well-made. It's also heavily dramatized and focused on the absolute worst period in Colombian history. Imagine if the only thing the world knew about America was Breaking Bad or The Wire.

Colombians are tired of being defined by their past. They've built one of the most remarkable urban transformations in modern history — from murder capital to innovation hub. That story deserves attention too.

The Bottom Line

Your outdated mental image of Colombia is preventing you from seeing an opportunity: excellent dental care at 50-70% savings, in a beautiful city with perfect weather and genuinely friendly people.

The Colombia of your imagination hasn't existed for decades. The real Colombia of 2025 is worth experiencing.