Greg Bentz
Founder · 11 years living in Colombia

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I started Colombia Mágico because when I arrived, the good information was scattered across Facebook groups, outdated Reddit threads, and posts written by people who had never lived here.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.
Guides by Greg Bentz
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.
CultureBrew 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.
CultureCerveceros 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.
SportsEl 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.
SportsEl 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.
SportsEl 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.
SportsEl 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.
SportsEl 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.
SportsEl 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.
SportsEl 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.
SportsEl 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.
SportsEl 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.
SportsEl 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.
SportsEl 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.
SportsEl 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.
SportsEl 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.
SportsEl 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.
SportsEl 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.
SportsEl 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.
SportsColombian 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.
SportsEl 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.
CultureCorralejas 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.
CultureCorralejas 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.
SportsHow 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.
SportsCómo 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.
SportsThe 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.
SportsEl 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 CupColombia 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 CupColombia 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 CupWhere 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 CupDónde 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 AroundFollowing 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 AroundCómo 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.
MoneyHow 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.
MoneyCómo 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.
SafetyIs 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 CupColombia'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.
SafetyColombia 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.
FamilyColombia'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.
CitiesEl 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.
SafetyBuying 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 AroundSpirit 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.
SafetyIs 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.
SafetyViolence 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.
VisasColombia'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.
CitiesBogota 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 LifeLearning 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 LifeBringing 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 LifeRenting 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.
CitiesMedellin 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.
MoneyHow 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.
SafetyTayrona 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.
MoneyColombia'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.