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Greg Bentz

Founder · 11 years living in Colombia

Photo of Greg Bentz

I have lived in Colombia for 11 years. Everything on this site comes from doing it myself, not from a two-week trip or a hotel lobby in Cartagena: the visa process, opening bank accounts, renting apartments (and getting burned by scams), dealing with Migración Colombia, sorting out healthcare, and learning which neighborhoods actually make sense for foreigners.

I started Colombia Mágico because when I arrived, the good information was scattered across Facebook groups, outdated Reddit threads, and posts written by people who had never lived here. I write the guide I wish I'd had: honest about the upside and the downside, updated when things change, never sponsored.

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Guides by Greg Bentz

Safety

Is Cartagena Safe? An Honest Look (and the Calm Coast Locals Prefer)

Is Cartagena safe in 2026? An honest answer for travelers: the real risks are scams and petty crime, not the border-region violence behind the US advisory. Plus the quiet Caribbean coast that skips the hustle.

Safety

¿Cartagena es segura? Una mirada honesta (y la costa tranquila que prefieren los locales)

¿Cartagena es segura en 2026? Una respuesta honesta para viajeros: el riesgo real son las estafas y el hurto, no la violencia de las zonas fronterizas que motiva la alerta de EE. UU. Además, la costa caribeña tranquila que se salta el ajetreo.

Culture

Brew Your Own Craft Beer in Pereira with 1516 Malta y Lúpulo

Spend four hours as a brewer in Pereira: 1516 Malta y Lúpulo's hands-on craft beer experience, guided tastings, and three packages from COP 121,516 per person.

Culture

Cerveceros por un día en Pereira: la experiencia de 1516 Malta y Lúpulo

Cuatro horas elaborando tu propia cerveza artesanal en Pereira con 1516 Malta y Lúpulo: cata guiada y tres planes desde COP 121,516 por persona.

Sports

El Clásico Añejo: Deportivo Cali vs Millonarios, Colombia's Oldest Grudge

Deportivo Cali against Millonarios is the Clásico Añejo, a rivalry born in the El Dorado golden age of the 1950s between two of Colombia's most decorated clubs. What it means and how to see it.

Sports

El Clásico Añejo: Deportivo Cali vs Millonarios, el rencor más viejo de Colombia

Deportivo Cali contra Millonarios es el Clásico Añejo, una rivalidad nacida en la época dorada de El Dorado entre dos de los clubes más laureados de Colombia. Qué significa y cómo verlo.

Sports

El Clásico Bogotano: Millonarios vs Santa Fe, the Capital Derby

Millonarios against Independiente Santa Fe is the derby of Bogotá, two clubs sharing El Campín and the soul of the capital. The history, the barras, and how to go to a game safely.

Sports

El Clásico Bogotano: Millonarios vs Santa Fe, el derbi de la capital

Millonarios contra Independiente Santa Fe es el derbi de Bogotá: dos clubes que comparten El Campín y el alma de la capital. La historia, las barras y cómo ir a un partido con seguridad.

Sports

El Clásico Cafetero: Pereira vs Once Caldas, and the Bridge to Dosquebradas

The Coffee Triangle derby between Deportivo Pereira and Once Caldas is one of Colombia's most underrated, and most volatile, rivalries. The history, how to go, and an honest account of the violence that has shadowed it.

Sports

El Clásico Cafetero: Pereira vs Once Caldas, y el puente a Dosquebradas

El derbi del Eje Cafetero entre Deportivo Pereira y Once Caldas es una de las rivalidades más subestimadas, y más volátiles, de Colombia. La historia, cómo ir y un relato honesto de la violencia que lo ha acompañado.

Sports

El Clásico Costeño: Junior vs Unión Magdalena, the Caribbean Derby

Junior de Barranquilla against Unión Magdalena is the Clásico Costeño, the derby of Colombia's Caribbean coast: Barranquilla against Santa Marta, heat, drums and bragging rights. How to go.

Sports

El Clásico Costeño: Junior vs Unión Magdalena, el derbi del Caribe

Junior de Barranquilla contra Unión Magdalena es el Clásico Costeño, el derbi de la costa Caribe colombiana: Barranquilla contra Santa Marta, calor, tambores y orgullo regional. Cómo ir.

Sports

El Clásico de las Estrellas: Millonarios vs América de Cali

Millonarios against América de Cali is the Clásico de las Estrellas, a meeting of two of Colombia's most glamorous and decorated clubs, blue against red, Bogotá against Cali. How to see it.

Sports

El Clásico de las Estrellas: Millonarios vs América de Cali

Millonarios contra América de Cali es el Clásico de las Estrellas, el cruce de dos de los clubes más glamorosos y laureados de Colombia: azul contra rojo, Bogotá contra Cali. Cómo verlo.

Sports

El Clásico de las Multitudes: Atlético Nacional vs América de Cali

Atlético Nacional against América de Cali is the Clásico de las Multitudes, the meeting of the two most widely supported clubs in Colombia, green against red, Medellín against Cali. How to see it.

Sports

El Clásico de las Multitudes: Atlético Nacional vs América de Cali

Atlético Nacional contra América de Cali es el Clásico de las Multitudes, el cruce de los dos clubes con más hinchada de Colombia: verde contra rojo, Medellín contra Cali. Cómo verlo.

Sports

El Clásico Paisa: How to See Nacional vs Medellín, and Where to Sit

Atlético Nacional vs Independiente Medellín at the Atanasio Girardot is one of South America's great derbies. What the rivalry is, how to buy tickets, and an honest read on the sur, the barra-brava end that is electric and not always safe.

Sports

El Clásico Paisa: cómo ver Nacional vs Medellín, y dónde sentarse

Atlético Nacional contra Independiente Medellín en el Atanasio Girardot es uno de los grandes clásicos de Suramérica. Qué es la rivalidad, cómo comprar boletas y una lectura honesta de la sur, la tribuna de la barra brava: eléctrica y no siempre segura.

Sports

El Clásico Vallecaucano: América vs Deportivo Cali, the Class War of Cali

América de Cali against Deportivo Cali is Colombia's class derby: a century of resentment split across two clubs, two stadiums, and one city. The history, the barras, how to go, and an honest read on the risk.

Sports

El Clásico Vallecaucano: América vs Deportivo Cali, la guerra de clases de Cali

América de Cali contra Deportivo Cali es el clásico de clases de Colombia: un siglo de rencor repartido entre dos clubes, dos estadios y una sola ciudad. La historia, las barras, cómo ir y un relato honesto del riesgo.

Sports

Colombian Football Explained: Leagues, Cups, and How the Season Actually Works

A plain-language guide to Colombian football for foreigners: the BetPlay league, the two-tournaments-a-year format, promotion and relegation, the domestic cups, and the South American tournaments Colombian clubs play in.

Sports

El fútbol colombiano explicado: ligas, copas y cómo funciona la temporada

Una guía clara del fútbol colombiano para extranjeros: la Liga BetPlay, el formato de dos torneos al año, ascensos y descensos, las copas nacionales y los torneos suramericanos que juegan los clubes colombianos.

Culture

Corralejas de Tolú: Inside Colombia's Wildest, and Possibly Last, Bull Festival

What the corralejas of Santiago de Tolú actually are, why they are dangerous, why Colombia is about to ban them, and how to experience one safely as a visitor on the Sucre coast. Told partly through a gringo who runs in them every year.

Culture

Corralejas de Tolú: por dentro de la fiesta brava más salvaje, y quizá la última, de Colombia

Qué son realmente las corralejas de Santiago de Tolú, por qué son peligrosas, por qué Colombia está a punto de prohibirlas y cómo vivir una de forma segura como visitante en la costa de Sucre. Contado en parte por un gringo que se mete a correr todos los años.

Sports

How to Go to a Football Game in Colombia: Tickets, Seats, and What to Expect

A practical guide for foreigners on attending a Colombian football match: how to buy tickets, what they really cost in pesos, which section to sit in, what to bring, and how to stay safe and have a great time.

Sports

Cómo ir a un partido de fútbol en Colombia: boletas, tribunas y qué esperar

Una guía práctica para extranjeros sobre cómo ir a un partido de fútbol en Colombia: cómo comprar boletas, cuánto cuestan de verdad en pesos, en qué tribuna sentarse, qué llevar y cómo estar seguro y pasarla bien.

Sports

The Superclásico: Atlético Nacional vs Millonarios, Colombia's Biggest Game

Atlético Nacional against Millonarios is the closest thing Colombian football has to a national clásico: Medellín against Bogotá, the two biggest clubs in the country. What the rivalry means and how to experience it.

Sports

El Superclásico: Atlético Nacional vs Millonarios, el partido más grande de Colombia

Atlético Nacional contra Millonarios es lo más parecido a un clásico nacional que tiene el fútbol colombiano: Medellín contra Bogotá, los dos clubes más grandes del país. Qué significa la rivalidad y cómo vivirla.

World Cup

Colombia Beats Uzbekistan 3-1 in World Cup 2026 Debut: Goals, Group K Standings, and What's Next

Colombia opened the 2026 World Cup with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan at Estadio Azteca. Goals from Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz, and Jáminton Campaz put the Tricolor top of Group K. Full recap, standings, and the next fixture against DR Congo.

World Cup

Colombia vence 3-1 a Uzbekistán en su debut en el Mundial 2026: goles, tabla del Grupo K y lo que viene

Colombia abrió el Mundial 2026 con una victoria 3-1 sobre Uzbekistán en el Estadio Azteca. Goles de Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz y Jáminton Campaz dejaron a la Tricolor líder del Grupo K. Resumen, tabla y el próximo partido contra RD Congo.

World Cup

Where to Watch the World Cup 2026 in Colombia: Channels, Streaming, and From Abroad

Every way to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup from Colombia. Free-to-air on Caracol and RCN, full coverage on DSports and DGO, the streaming apps, kickoff times in Colombian time, and how to watch from outside the country.

World Cup

Dónde ver el Mundial 2026 en Colombia: canales, streaming y desde el exterior

Todas las formas de ver el Mundial 2026 desde Colombia. Señal abierta en Caracol y RCN, cobertura completa en DSports y DGO, las apps de streaming, horarios en hora colombiana y cómo ver desde fuera del país.

Getting Around

Following Colombia to Mexico and the USA: a 2026 World Cup Fan Travel Guide

Traveling from Colombia to a 2026 World Cup match? The visa rules, not the airfare, are what stop most fans. The US B1/B2 visa versus Mexico's visa-free entry, flight and bus costs to Guadalajara, and a pre-departure checklist.

Getting Around

Cómo seguir a Colombia a México y Estados Unidos: guía de viaje para hinchas del Mundial 2026

¿Viaja desde Colombia a un partido del Mundial 2026? Las reglas de visa, no el tiquete, son lo que frena a la mayoría. La visa B1/B2 de EE. UU. frente a la entrada sin visa a México, costos de vuelos y buses a Guadalajara, y una lista de chequeo.

Money

How to Shop Amazon Prime Day 2026 from Colombia

Amazon Prime Day 2026 runs June 23 to 26. Here is how to shop it from Colombia: the local Prime membership (COP 24,900/mo), free US delivery, customs reality, and how to prep.

Money

Cómo comprar en Amazon Prime Day 2026 desde Colombia

El Amazon Prime Day 2026 es del 23 al 26 de junio. Así se compra desde Colombia: la membresía Prime local (COP 24.900/mes), envío gratis desde EE. UU., aduanas y cómo prepararte.

Safety

Is Colombia Safe in 2026? An Honest Region-by-Region Guide for Visitors and Expats

An honest, sourced answer to whether Colombia is safe in 2026. US State Department advisory levels, real homicide numbers for Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena, the actual risks (scopolamine, express kidnapping, dating-app robbery), and a practical safety checklist.

World Cup

Colombia's 2026 World Cup Squad: Full 26-Player Roster, Group K Draw, and What Expats Need to Know

Néstor Lorenzo's official 26-man Colombia squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, the full roster, Group K opponents (Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan), friendlies, and where to watch from Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena.

Safety

Colombia Election Weekend May 30 to June 1, 2026: Dry Law and Border Closures Explained

Ley seca, Rumichaca bridge closure with Ecuador, and what expats and tourists need to know for Colombia's May 31 first-round presidential election.

Family

Colombia's Permanent Minor Travel Permit (Permiso Permanente)

How the Escritura Pública gives your child blanket exit authorization until age 18. Setup, costs, the 30-day vigencia rule, and edge cases Migración Colombia enforces in 2026.

Cities

El Tour de La Ferro: Pereira's Community-Run Mural Corridor at the Airport Entrance

El Tour de La Ferro is a community-led art and music walking tour starting 5 minutes from Pereira's Matecaña airport. Backed by Colombia's Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo and FONTUR. Here is what it is, who runs it, and how to actually book it.

Safety

Buying and Selling in Colombia: Marketplace Culture, the 'What Is Your Minimum Price' Rule, and the Scams That Will Drain Your Bank Account

How Colombians actually negotiate on Facebook Marketplace, MercadoLibre, and HeyColombia, and the fake-transfer-screenshot scam that uses your cédula to lock you out of your own bank account before you realize you were never paid.

Getting Around

Spirit Airlines Is Shutting Down: What It Means for Flights to Colombia

Spirit Airlines ceased all operations on May 2, 2026. Here is what the shutdown means for the 7 Colombian cities Spirit served, how to get refunds, and which airlines are filling the gap.

Safety

Is Prostitution Legal in Colombia? 2026 Sex Tourism Laws Explained

Yes, prostitution between consenting adults is legal in Colombia, but 2026 enforcement is aggressive: a May 2026 Supreme Court ruling, entry denials at MDE and BOG airports, hotel liability, and hard criminal lines explained.

Safety

Violence Surges Across Colombia Weeks Before Presidential Election

FARC dissident factions launched coordinated attacks across Cauca and Valle del Cauca in late April 2026. What happened, why now, and what expats in Colombia should do.

Visas

Colombia's 2025-2026 Visa Crackdown: What Changed and What It Means for Expats

Colombia has tightened visa requirements dramatically since late 2025. Higher income thresholds, stricter document verification, and a crackdown on perpetual tourist visa runs. Here is what actually changed and how to navigate it.

Cities

Bogota Metro Line 1 Construction Progress: 80% Complete (2026 Update)

Bogota is finally getting a metro. Line 1 reached 80.37 percent as of June 2026, with 16 km of viaduct built and 14 of 30 trains in the country. Here is what it means for neighborhoods, commutes, and where to live.

Daily Life

Learning Spanish in Colombia: Schools, Apps, and Why Colombian Spanish Is Easier

Why Colombian Spanish is considered the clearest in Latin America, the best language schools and tutors, which apps actually work, immersion strategies that speed things up, and a realistic timeline for getting conversational.

Daily Life

Bringing Your Dog or Cat to Colombia: ICA Requirements and Airline Rules

The complete process for bringing pets to Colombia: ICA import paperwork, health certificates, vaccinations, airline cabin and cargo policies, costs, and finding pet-friendly housing once you arrive.

Daily Life

Renting an Apartment in Colombia: Scams, Deposits, and How to Actually Find One

Everything you need to know about renting in Colombia: where to search, how deposits and fiadores work, the estrato system, furnished vs unfurnished, and the scams that target foreigners who do not know better.

Cities

Medellin vs Bogota: An Honest Comparison for Expats Who Cannot Decide

Weather, cost of living, nightlife, safety, transportation, and culture compared honestly between Colombia's two biggest expat destinations. No cheerleading, just the trade-offs.

Money

How Much Money Do You Actually Need to Retire in Colombia in 2026

Real monthly budgets at three spending tiers, broken down by rent, healthcare, food, and transportation. Why the 'retire on $1000 a month' claims are misleading, and what it actually costs to live well.

Safety

Tayrona National Park Closed in February 2026: What Happened and What to Do Instead

Tayrona National Park shut down with no announced reopening date in February 2026 due to armed group threats, not the regular seasonal closure. Here is what happened, how to check reopening status, and where to go instead.

Money

Colombia's 23% Minimum Wage Hike: Why Expats Should Pay Attention

Colombia raised the minimum wage by 23 percent for 2026. That changes visa thresholds, rent, domestic help costs, and your monthly budget. Here is what moved and by how much.

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