Living the Digital Nomad Life: One Month in Envigado, Colombia
In the heart of Colombia, nestled within the Aburrá Valley, lies a city that’s often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Medellín. Yet, for the digital nomad who dares to explore beyond the well-trodden path, Envigado offers a unique blend of Colombian culture, tranquility, and connectivity. Here is our story of the unforgettable month we spent living and working in Envigado.
This was our first trip traveling together for an extended period of time but we had been planning on making the move for a while. We had considered several destinations in South America, but after some careful consideration of the weather, culture, and cost of living we decided Medellin Colombia would be the perfect destination. Only when we began researching where to stay, we found that the neighboring city of Envigado was an even better fit for us than the actual city of Medellin.
Discovering Envigado
Envigado is only a 15-30 minute drive or 30 minute train ride from proper Medellin, but the two cities seemed worlds apart. Envigado, with its tree-lined streets and warm paisa hospitality instantly felt like a home.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved Medellin as well and we spent plenty of time exploring there as well, but that is all in another article.
Unlike Medellín’s fast-paced rhythm, Envigado moves at a leisurely pace, and felt much more local. Seldom did I even come across another traveler walking the streets, but the people of the city were very warm and welcoming. From the moment I arrived, I knew I had stumbled upon a place that would redefine my understanding of work-life balance.
Why Envigado is Ideal for Digital Nomads
As a digital nomad, the first question that comes to mind is, “How’s the Wi-Fi?” In Envigado, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The city boasts a robust internet infrastructure, making it easy to stay connected with clients and colleagues worldwide. I was working from the comfort of the desk in my AirBnb five days a week. (Sometimes from the hammock on the balcony too) The internet ran smooth and never had a single connection issue.
Its also very convenient that you can order food through their food delivery service Rappi. This is just like Uber eats or similar brands but I think they are only in Latin America.
We also found numerous remote work cafes and digital nomad hubs throughout the city. For most of these you will need to go to Poblado or Sabaneta but there are plenty around to choose from.
To connect with the digital nomad communities in Colombia we joined a whatsapp group specific for Digital Nomads in Medellin. (Message me for details on this). This community was very active and they organized meet ups and events across the city. One of my favorites was Taco Tuesday Entrepreneur Night. Good tacos and good company!.
But it’s not just the practicalities that make Envigado perfect for remote workers. It’s the city’s character – a blend of traditional Colombian culture with a splash of modernity
Daily Life and Working Remotely
My typical day in Envigado began with a morning stroll to one of the many quaint cafes in the area. We had a couple cafes that became go-to spots so much so that the baristas recognized us!
The aroma of freshly brewed Colombian coffee – arguably some of the best in the world – was the perfect kickstart to my day. With my laptop open and a steaming cup of café tinto (local colombian black coffee), work felt less like a chore and more like a part of my travel adventure.
The city’s calm atmosphere allowed me to focus and be productive, while the friendly locals, always ready with a smile and a “Buenos,” made me feel at home.
Most days I would work for several hours at the AirBnb and then take an afternoon stroll around the city. Often we would grab lunch as we walked and there were enough restaurants to try something new everyday.
By Dinner we would often walk until something caught our eye. The local cuisine, a delightful array of traditional dishes like bandeja paisa and fresh empanadas, was always a highlight of my day. Though some days we would have a delicious bandeja paisa other days we would eat at a Mexican Italian fusion restaurant or Peruvian food. Really it seemed you could find almost any kind of food fare your heart desired and at a price you couldn’t beat.
One of my favorites was a pizza place way off the beaten path called Pizzeria Antica. Each slice was bigger than my head and the toppings all felt gourmet!
Favorite Local Spots and Hidden Gems
Envigado is filled with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. One of my favorite spots was Parque Envigado, the city’s heart, buzzing with life and local culture. Here, I spent many evenings soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, filled with music, laughter, and the irresistible smells of street food.
We found they have a flea market here at least once per month on the weekends. This filled the square with arts, crafts, and delicious food being sold so we had to try a little bit of everything.
Another gem was the small, family-run restaurants, or “comedores,” where I savored authentic Colombian dishes. Each meal was a new experience, a new flavor to explore.
Cultural Experiences and Learning Opportunities
Living in Envigado isn’t just about enjoying the present; it’s also about immersing yourself in Colombia’s rich history and culture. One of those cultural experiences would definitely be the Salsa clubs. We have been dancing Salsa for a couple of years but in Colombia, it’s a part of the culture.
We found that even at restaurants if there was music playing people would just start dancing! Many of our favorite spots were just small salsa bars with a dance floor barely big enough for a handful of dancers.
The city, with its mix of modern and colonial architecture, tells a story at every corner. The Church of Santa Gertrudis, with its stunning architecture, stands as a testament to Envigado’s historical significance.
Changes of Plan
When we set out for Colombia we had planned to stay for a month and fly to Costa Rica for 2 months. So as our month came to a close we began looking closer at the next steps towards our next destination and we found a little obstacle.
That obstacle was a Yellow Fever Vaccine. We had read that it is not required when traveling from major cities like Medellin, however, we found some contradictory information in forums and the Costa Rican immigration site.
Not only did we need the vaccine but we had to have it administered at least 10 days prior to arrival in Costa Rica! This is where some quick adaptation and a positive mindset turned what could have been a roadblock into merely a detour.
We found we could get the vaccine in Colombia for free!… We just had to travel to Either Bogota or Cartagena to get it. We had heard good things about the Caribbean beach town of Cartagena so decided we would spend another week in Medellin and fly up to Cartagena for the rest of the month…That’s another story though…Tune in to the next chapter
As for Envigado, we loved it so much we extended a week and were sad to go. I realized that this city had given me more than just a place to work; it had offered me a new perspective on life in Colombia…and it was good.
For those seeking to break free from the confines of a traditional office, Envigado is more than just a destination; it’s an experience, a community, and perhaps, a glimpse into a new way of living and working. It’s a city that doesn’t just welcome digital nomads; it embraces them with open arms and an open heart.
As I pack my bags for my next destination, I carry with me not just memories but lessons learned and friendships forged in this quaint Colombian city. Envigado, you will always hold a special place in my heart
