As usual, I didn’t do much research about Colombia before landing in the country, but I did know that I was in desperate need of some more Spanish classes.
My first stop in Colombia was Cartagena and a quick search on Google images did a fine job of helping me fall for the city even before I boarded the plane. Picturesque, colourful and colonial, Cartagena seemed like the perfect place for a couple of weeks of language classes…at least on-screen.
But the second I landed in the city I changed my mind.
There is one word for Cartagena’s humidity, and that’s punishing.
Running at around 80%, I spend 5 days in Cartagena drained, dripping in sweat and completely incapable of concentrating.
There was no way I’d be able to study Spanish there.
From Cartagena to Medellin
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure about studying Spanish in Medellin. It was a sprawling city, densely packed and, let’s not overlook the fact that it was once the stronghold of native resident and drug overlord Pablo Escobar.
As I contemplated moving to the city for two weeks for school, I did what I do best – I offered the decision up to my blog readers and travel friends: “Thoughts: I can study Spanish for 2 weeks in Medellin. Good idea? Bad idea? Safe? Unsafe?”
I was expecting a mixed reaction, but the replies surprised me – they were overwhelmingly positive and came with just one warning: “Your biggest risk in Medellin is that you won’t want to leave”. Intrigued to find out more, I closed my Google search and booked the next flight out.
For two weeks I took classes at Toucan Spanish School and after three weeks in the city, my friends’ predictions were right. I had to force myself to leave the city. Here’s why Medellin is the best city to study Spanish in Colombia.
1. The city sights
I landed in Medellin after dark and got to appreciate the topography. Situated in a basin, the city sprawls up the sides of the surrounding mountains and sparkles with lights at night. Medellin wasn’t the concrete jungle I’d expected.
When you don’t have Spanish classes and after you’ve done all of your homework (good student that I’m sure you’ll be), one of the things I liked most about Medellin was the manageable number of city sights to keep you occupied. I won’t list them all here – instead, head over to Medellin Living for the lowdown.
However, if I had to pick two favourites, I’d recommend taking the metro cable to the top of Parque Arvi where you really get to see the sprawl of the city. And my absolute top recommendation is to take the Real City Walking Tour – it’s not so much the sights that you see on the tour that makes this the best thing to do in the city, but the honest and balanced history that the guides give about Medellin, it’s hard clamber out of difficult times and the key players in Colombia’s current war on drugs.
2. Medellin is a cosmopolitan Colombian city
In the same way that Buenos Aires seems to have more in common with Europe than its Latin American counterparts, Medellin shares a similar vibe. Progressive and contemporary, Paisas (the name for people from Medellin) proudly set themselves apart from the rest of their fellow Colombians.
If you’re looking for the full Colombian contrast, explore the Caribbean beaches in the north, spend time in Colombia’s mountains and add Medellin to the list to complete your sights.
A word on progressive Medellin: As a base for a couple of weeks of language school, Medellin is more than adequately developed. Supermarkets stock everything you might need from food to toiletries, the tap water is drinkable (such a rarity in South America), and you’ll find a host of restaurants from Sushi to Subway (ok, maybe I’m not recommending Subway, but everyone needs a break from the chicken rice and beans from time to time) and all the services you might need are readily available.
3. Colombian is clear Spanish
So many people have told me that Colombian Spanish is the clearest Spanish.
Honestly? I find Colombian Spanish harder than most other Latin American countries…but that’s probably just me and my non-existent linguistic skills.
Either way, you win. If your cloth ears are like mine and have the ability to turn Colombia Spanish into something that sounds more similar to Arabic, your Spanish will develop exponentially as you learn to tune in to the rapid speed. Conversely, if Colombian Spanish is, indeed, the clearest Spanish spoken (as everybody so regularly tells me), then there’s no better place to learn the language.
Colombian Spanish – Essential Reading – If you’re also after a Spanish textbook that isn’t too hideous to carry, I love the Collins 3-in-1 Grammar, Verbs and Vocabulary.
4. Medellin is well-located for day trips
All study and no exploration can make for a dull trip – and, let’s face it, you don’t want all your Facebook photos to be of the inside of a classroom.
If you only manage one side trip from Medellin while you’re taking language classes, make it to El Peñon a big rock you can climb up to get views of the nearby lake and Guatape a gloriously colourful Colombian town (El Peñon and Guatape are 10 minutes apart by taxi).
If you have a bit more time, take the 6-hour journey to Salento (Colombia’s coffee region) for a stay in a hacienda.
Related: Best Things to Do in Canaima National Park
5. Medellin is very well-connected (transport-wise)
Not only does Medellin have a great metro system that will take you around the city (don’t miss the stadium complete with free gym at the “Estadio” metro stop), Medellin has great buses and flight options that can connect you with most of the country.
Travel tip: it can often be as cheap (or nearly as cheap) to fly within Colombia compared to taking the bus.
6. Medellin is the City of Eternal Spring
As much as I loved Cartagena, it fried my brain and when you’re so hot you can barely remember how to brush your hair (or beard for you guys), the chance of you being able to concentrate well enough to learn a language is fairly low.
Enter: Medellin.
Around 5,000 feet above the sea, Medellin’s mountain location makes for perfectly sunny and warm days followed by comfortably cool nights. Known as the City of Eternal Spring, Medellin has the perfect climate for study.
Related: Mitad Del Mundo – How To Cross The Equator, Quito
7. Safety
Home to infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar, I’d be lying if I said safety didn’t cross my mind when I was looking at where to study. And I was a little nervous turning up in Medellin. After all, Medellin once held the title of Murder Capital of the World.
However, the murder rate has decreased by more than two-thirds since the 90s and I’m happy to report that I didn’t feel unsafe once during my three-week stay in the city (that includes walking alone at night for dinner in El Poblado and Laureles). Just stick to the tourist areas and your chances of wandering into trouble should be low. (Note: by comparison, I recently spent 5 days in Cali and I felt like I was looking over my shoulder the entire time in that city).
A word on safety
During the Real City Walking Tour I was told the following about Medellin:
As Medellin is clearly not a poor city, many tourists assume that the city’s wealth was built off the back of drug money. That’s apparently not true – gold and industrialisation are what helped Medellin prosper, way before drugs appeared on the scene.
Back in the 1980s, it was considered safer to be in Beirut than Medellin but the city has worked hellishly hard to pull itself out of the danger and fear that shrouded Medellin for so long. Once-feared spaces have been regenerated and the streets have become safe to wonder once again.
A word on drugs in Medellin
I can’t write this section on safety without mentioning drugs and prostitution. Sure, cocaine and other drugs are available within the city (as they are in most cities around the world) and a fair number of tourists go to Colombia for drug tourism.
All I can say is don’t be one of them – not only do you amplify the problem that the Colombian people are working so hard to stamp out, you give decent tourists (like me!) a bad name…and that pisses me off.
If you are worried about drugs in the city, don’t be – it’s very easy to steer clear of the drug scene, and if you are offered drugs (which will probably happen at least once because of your tourist status), a simple “no gracias” will more than do the job.
A word on prostitution
Read “A word on drugs” and replace the word drugs with prostitutes. Same issue, different subject.
Related: The Safest Places in Mexico For Tourists To Visit | Is Mexico Safe? The Main Risks & How To Avoid Them
8. The nightlife rocks
Ok, don’t tell my teacher, but I partied a lot in Medellin. There’s just something about those hot, sweaty basement salsa bars that throw me back to my time in Havana.
Travel tip: most tourists hit the nightclubs and bars in El Poblado. If you’re looking for more of a local vibe that’s also safe for tourists, head out to Carrera 70 in Laureles.
9. Great places to stay
Medellin is absolutely on the tourist map meaning there are plenty of accommodation options in the city from high-end hotels to hostels and – if you really want to commit to learning Spanish – local homestays.
Where to stay in Medellin
Toucan Spanish can arrange a homestay if you really want to immerse yourself in your Spanish study but it’s not for everyone. Here are some alternative accommodation suggestions.
On a budget: I checked out a good number of hostels when I was in Medellin and by far my favourite place was The Wandering Paisa. Continually attracting a good bunch of people and with a fantastic series of events from open mic nights to language exchange nights (involving the Medellin Couchsurfing crowd), you’ll be hard-pushed to find a more social place. Don’t be put off by the fact that this hostel is away from the others – it’s in a more local area that, IMO, is a more fun (plenty of bars and restaurants) and interesting place to be.
If you do want to stay in Poblado (the main tourist area), then check out Saman Hostel. Small but perfectly formed and, most importantly, just across the road from Parque Lleras where all the bars and restaurants are scattered, Saman is a great option. And if you’re looking to take language classes at Toucan Spanish (where I took lessons), you’re just a few minutes walk away.
Other popular hostel options in Poblado are: Black Sheep Hostel Medellin, Casa Kiwi and Tiger Hostel
But book early as these three tend to book up before all the rest.
For hotels: Although The Charlee isn’t top of the luxury list, it’s one of the most iconic buildings in the city and if nothing else, you should at least take a trip for a cocktail and views from the bar at the top.
10. Medellin has been crowned “Most Innovative City”
Medellin was named “Most Innovate City” beating both Tel Aviv and New York to the top spot. The city may have a shady past but those days seem far behind it. Development, growth and “one of the most remarkable urban turnarounds in modern history”, Medellin these days is receiving a lot of praise.
And I can absolutely see why. After two weeks of studying Spanish in Medellin and a further week of play, I really did have to tear myself away.
Have you studied Spanish in Medellin? Any other top reasons to choose the city as your language learning home?
Related Articles:
How to Speak to Someone Who Doesn’t Speak Your Language
Best Things to Do in Canaima National Park
Guide To Tortuguero National Park Costa Rica
The Best Places to Visit in Colombia
Your Ultimate Costa Rica Travel Guide
Your Ultimate Baja California Road Trip Itinerary
My Spanish classes in Medellin were courtesy of Toucan Spanish School. My opinions on Medellin are my own.
I read on another website that Toucan had closed operations in 2020. Did they reopen? Their website doesn’t mention anything about being closed.
Hi Jennifer, I’m not aware of it having closed and the website is still taking bookings…
Hi there
Very interesting & well explained.
How much is the fee for school to learn Spanish in Medellin.
and how much is the accomodation.
How do u apply.
Take care
Hi Slantu, the up to date details and pricing are all on the website – link in the article. Have a great trip.
2,000 feet above sea level? Medellin is more like 5,000 feet above sea level. Other than that, a great piece, thanks.
Ha ha – thanks. Article updated!
He!
Im in Colombia now and I really want to pick up at least a good understanding off Spanish. I’ll be traveling in Ecuador and Bolivia after so enough time to practice. I’m thinking of a course to speed it up a bit do you think 1 week is a waste of time did you learn more in the second week?
Hi Laura,
Personally, I think any time spent with a language is time well spent. It will give you a good foundation to build on and some notes to review through your travels. I personally learned less in the 2nd week because I was overloaded and could have done with some independent study time. Hope that helps.
What a great article. I’ve literally just arrived and this is soooo helpful. I’ve already inquired at Toucan and will be following a lot of this advice. Thanks for taking the time to help others 🙂
Hi Sheldon, hope your Spanish classes are going well!
Hola Jo,
I was looking for specific prices of goods (I’m putting together a budget to move to Medellin) and came across your blog on studying Spanish in the city. Para mi, y yo no tengo mucho fondo con Espanol, todo jente in Colombia hablan Espanol muy despacio y muy claramente. I was stunned. In Mexico, I’m lucky if I catch one in eight words!
It is true that you have to tear yourself away from the city, I should have planned a longer trip. I do want to go back and the first thing I want to do is to take an immersion class for five months or so.
I must add as well, that the people were so friendly, I felt like a long lost cousin. Que bueno!
Salud
Hi Rick, it’s so funny about the language understanding. I think maybe I learned more Spanish in Mexico and therefore Colombia confused me. Sounds like you had the opposite experience. Enjoy your return trip to the city!!
I LOVE COLOMBIA
🙂
Thank you! Really enjoyed your summary – despite having been in Spanish speaking countries since November, I’m still doing terribly, so contemplating a week of lessons when I reach Medellin…it’s got to help, right?! (We’re travelling by bike, so stopping in one spot long enough to learn has been an issue!)
Wow! Travelling by bike through Colombia is an amazing challenge and adventure. I think you will deserve a break by the time you get to Medellin 🙂
Thanks so much Jo!! This was really helpful. I’m considering studying in Medellin for a few weeks next year, so it was great to read about your positive experience there. My family is pretty concerned about safety, so I’m glad to hear that you were fine. 🙂
You’re welcome! Have an amazing trip.
Indeed Medellín have the most neutral accent in the country, and in south america. Inside all Colombia there are some cities, like cartagena that even same colombians can´t understand at all their speech, other cities have this “tone” like their trying to sing, or going to cry, or asking in every sentence, they speak too fast or like cutting the words etc… not with the purpose to been mean, but to try you can get an idea about the “tone”, and then, in the rest of the countries different speaking speed and accent.
To learn Spanish in Medellín Total Spanish school is another great place, shame you didn´t saw it on your time there. check google reviews.
other comment is about sexual tourism and drugs… indeed if there´s no market /consumption there´s no offer. Local citizens start to hate foreigners, cause there have been oficial police reports in the news, talking about foreigners asking specifically teenagers, girls “pre pago” besides prostitutes, and its a problem they blame on tourism, cause it wasn´t that big. also people who die inside the apartments with reports of overdose…
Also air bnb has allowed this bad behave on tourists, cause not all stablish the cohabitation and moral expected behavior rules. Locals popular saying is that foreigners come to the country to do what they are not allowed on their own…
Some tourists ask private apartments for couple days or weeks, and they bring inside all prostitutes, drugs, make parties, to the buildings with strict residential purpose, that situation is turning those familiar environments in uncomfortable zones inside the same area where every family should feel at home, and that kind of behavior is allowing prostitution,sexual tourism and more to reach areas where it can damage more.
Hi, I, sadly, agree with what you say above. The fault definitely falls on both sides – the visitors who are doing what they wouldn’t dream of doing at home, and the government and businesses for not protecting the vulnerable locals. I wish I had a fix 🙁 Thanks for stopping by and sharing your observations.
I am living in Tijuana and commuting to the States to work. I thought I would learn way more Spanish here than I am it is a border city and the folks here get offended a lot if I do not speak English to them, thus my immersion Spanish has kind of flopped. Plus, the Spanish here is border Spanish. I asked how to say ‘refill’ with my garrofina of water the other day and they looked at me like I had ten heads…. “Refill,” they replied.I have spent time in Peru, Costa Rica, Mexico, El Salvador and Spain. I promised myself before I move back to Europe that I will be fluent. I watch telenovelas non-stop here to learn on my downtime, and am wondering if I should learn Spanish Spanish in Spain or if I will do well learning in Colombia. I am moving to Amsterdam. I have a free ticket and want to see Colombia. I just need to brush up on verbs and telling stories using them because all of my friends speak English, so I can talk about the brakes on my car, my kidneys, electricity, et al, but telling a story is difficult. “If I were to have gone somewhere after having done something,”is grossly difficult for me colloquially. Being that I am moving to Europe and am speaking South American/Mexican Spanish, should I just go to visit and take a class or two and save it for Europe, or will I get along okay in Europe. I have spent some time in Barcelona, but they were not friendly because I was speaking Spanish, not Catalan. (I had two people be mean enough to bring me to tears in Barcelona- I was better speaking English, then they were happy). Any advice?
Hi, Sorry for the delya, I’ve had a bit of illness in my family so I’ve been offline for a while. I understand your frustration and, to be honest, that doesn’t surprise me about Barcelona – it’s not much better than trying to speak French in Paris. I usually stubbornly persist until the people realise it’s going to be quicker to indulge me and speak my terrible Spanish than try to speak to me in English, but it takes determination and a tough skin (or a beer!). I honestly think you’ll be fine in Europe. Most of my Spanish was learned in Latin America and it’s often a talking point. In Madrid the people were more friendly, helping me practice and outside the main cities, downright grateful they didn’t have to pull out their English. Don’t let me stop you if Colombia calls but I don’t think it’s necessary to get on in Europe. Do come back and let me know what you decided to do…
Hi Jo.
I would like to thank you for your blog post as it was very helpful to organise my trip. I have recently come back from Medellin after 2 weeks studying Spanish at Toucan and I must say that it was difficult to leave the city as I was so in love with it.
I think I had a very similar experience to yours, including:
– Toucan is a good school and has a great social scene.
– The nightlife in Medellin is really great.
– The accent is pretty difficult to understand there.
– Cartagena is way too hot.
Can’t wait to come back to Medellin!
Bests,
Camila
Hi Camila, so pleased you had a great time at Toucan, in Medellin and in Colombia. I’m sure Cartagena is the hottest place on earth – certainly the hottest place I’ve ever been! Yes, Medellin was a complete surprise to me and I can understand your urge to go back.
You made some nice points there. I did a search on the subject and found nearly all
people will agree with your blog.
Thanks!
I have been all over Latin America, and the place that I learned most Spanish in the shortest amount of time is definitely Colombia. Colombian Spanish is generally quite easy to understand (except for the coast) and the people are really lovely and super-easy to communicate with. I am right now living in Medellin and I have fallen in love with the city completely. For anyone who plans on a longer trip to South America, I recommend to stay at least for one month in Medellin for learning Spanish.
What’s Spanish school have you chose?
I chose this school:
Hi Jo, great piece, thanks 🙂
Could you tell me about Toucan? Did you find it to be a good school?
Hi Megs, I did find it to be a good school – I’ve tried various schools and methods over the years and the stuff I learned at Toucan seem to stick better. Also, the school had a great social scene, which I believe has expanded a lot since I took my classes. Hope that helps. Have a great time in Colombia.
Hi Tord. I’m planning a trip to in Medellin in December in the hope of brushing up on my Spanish. I am contemplating Toucan Spanish School as Jo has recommended, but are there any other good schools in the city that you would recommend?
Jo thank you for a very informative post.
Hi Jo,
I definitely agree Medellin is a great place to learn Spanish probably the best in Colombia. I have been here 2 months and I have never felt in danger, but as you said to your readers stick to areas like Poblado and Laurleles. Also you never pointed out how super friendly the Colomboan people are once you get to know them. I took Spanish classes in Medellin for 2 months. I would highly recommend it to anyone coming to Medellin. As you said leaving is the most difficult part of this great city.
Hi there!
Just came across your post in my search to fulfill my dream of learning Spanish 🙂 I’ve only taken Spanish in high school and one or two semesters in college, so I know only the basics, if even that 😛 I’m thinking of doing 2 months somewhere (I’m just assuming that it’ll take me longer to learn than I think lol) and was curious as to how proficient I could get.
In your experience of doing 3 weeks, how proficient did you get? Did you have any prior knowledge of Spanish? Also, what was the age range of the people in your class?
Thanks so much for writing this post! Colombia has always been a place where I’d like to go but slightly afraid to go alone. I feel more confident now after reading about your experience 🙂
Hi Mai-Thi Le, it’s a difficult question to answer about how proficient you will get because everyone learns at a different pace – and it depends how good you are at doing your homework 🙂 ha ha. However, as you already know the basics, I imagine you can get very proficient if not fluent in two months. To increase your chances, I’d recommend doing a homestay so that you live with local people and practice your Spanish outside class. I also found it really helpful to supplement my group classes with private lessons.
The only Spanish I had before I took classes was the Spanish I’d picked up as I travelled, so you’re definitely ahead of me with your basic knowledge but within two weeks I really felt like I had a good grasp on things. I just wish I’d had longer to spend – two months would be ideal.
In terms of the class age, there was a real mix at the school with people literally aged from their early 20s to their late 60s!
Glad the article has helped you feel more confident about Colombia. I really love Medellin and felt safe and at home there – in no small part thanks to the school! Drop me a line if you have any more questions.
Cannot agree more. Medellin is such a cool city. I’ve only been here a few weeks but so far it’s been amazing. The people are charming, the weather is nice ALL the time, the nightlife is ace. It’s a bit ridiculous. I’m going to a spanish school here at the moment, it’s new but it’s better than a couple of other Spanish schools I’ve been to. They’re really keen to get you out practising with locals, they organised some volunteering with local charities etc and the teachers a super friendly. And they have accommodation so I’m saving a bit of money on hostels. Come! It’s called Colombia immersion, in Envigado.
This sounds great! What is your weekly cost for the school? And what is your average total cost for a week if you include a couple of nights out? Thanks
Hi Jo 🙂 nice write up about Medellin. After reading your experience I feel more confident about being here. I arrived yesterday from Bogota now I’m staying with a Colombian friend I met in the U.S. I want to take some Spanish classes here in Medellin. I came across Toucan on the net during my search. Would you recommend the school? And how was your experience? There a are a few options for classes others being at universities. I’m not sure which one to try for a beginner. I would appreciate your advice. Thank you 🙂
Hi Lyndsey, glad you liked my article and that you’re feeling better about being in Colombia. Bogota can be a bit confronting for your first stop so well done one enjoying it! Medellin feels a lot less intense and it felt friendlier (to me at least). I coan’t comment directly about the university courses but I know friends who took that route and the courses sounded a lot more formal – dozens of people in class facing a screen and taking notes. What I liked about Toucan was the small class sizes and with that comes much greater ability to practice speaking (without lots of people watching you mess up) and also ask those dumb questions we all have. Not only that, Toucan Spanish has a really social element. There was the option to go for a great group lunch after every class (I had morning sessions) and there were plenty of activities included – salsa, city tours, a brewery visit. I’m not sure if that’s on offer through the university and, if so, how well executed it is. After my first week, I made good friendships with a number of people in the school (not all in my class) and we went out a few times and I’m still in contact with them now. If you’re travelling alone and looking to meet cool people as well as learn Spanish, I’d highly recommend Toucan Spanish. Hope that helps! Enjoy your stay in Colombia. You might also like my other article:
Hey Jo, great article! I’m planning on heading to Medellin to learn Spanish in the coming months and wanted to see if you had any advice as to where to stay. You mentioned local homestays – which I would absolutely prefer – but am not sure where to start. Thoughts? Thanks!!!!
Hey Scott, the homestays were organised through the language school I used – Toucan Spanish. If you study there, they can arrange that for you. Hope that helps! Otherwise, try Airbnb and look for a room in a house 🙂
I love Medellin, this is my 5th visit and it is indeed a great place to learn Spanish. In my opinion, the tap water isn’t so great as claimed. The chlorine content is very high and it hurts my throat. I stick to buying water, I buy the 6 liter bags or the 20L boxes at Jumbo. Wishing you a great time in Medellin with those lovely people!
Richard, fair point on the water. I’m one of those people – if it’s safe to drink from the tap, I will, regardless of taste, because it’s a luxury I don’t always get but yes, there is definitely finer tasting tap water out there 🙂
Thanks for this article! As a profession, I am a cycling tour guide mostly in Europe, but now taking my own vacation to Medellin to learn more Spanish (per the recommendation of a prior guest who lives in Bogota). This article makes me very excited for this adventure. I am a single female traveling solo, so it’s great to hear the positive feedback. I’ve also written down your suggestions on the walking tour, etc. As a guide, getting tips like these are huge, so thank you! If you did anything cycling related worthy of passing along, I’d love to hear about it. I plan to dig into tours available.
Cheers!
Hey Terra, good luck with your trip to Medellin. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Yes, the walking tour is amazing. I have to confess, I can’t ride a bike (long story!) so I can’t make any bike tour recommendations but there are definitely plenty of activities and adventures to be had in Colombia! Enjoy.
I enjoyed my week in Medellín enormously, but interestingly had different experiences to you safety-wise. I had several occasions when I felt unsafe (as a male!) in the city, especially in the Plaza Botero area both during the day and at night. I got harassed a couple of times for being a gringo, and had to quickly leave the area. By contrast, I spent three weeks in Cali, and not once did I feel anything but 100% safe. I guess everyone’s experiences differ!
I’m glad you’re enjoying Colombia, it’s a wonderful country. Greetings from Peru!
Jonny, that’s such a shame to hear about Medellin. I was doing research for my article on safety in Mexico the other day and realised that Cali is currently number 4 on the “Murder capitals of the world” list – so you did well feeling safe there 🙂
Zab and I had to miss out Colombia during our 10 months in South America because we ran out of time (we travel really slowly, apparently!). Medellin was the place I was most sorry to miss because of that, and it’s still very high on my list. Among other things, I really like the sound of the climate there, though the name “City of Eternal Spring” does kinda fill me with dread as a sufferer of hay fever!
Sam, I know exactly what you mean about travelling slowly and it’s easy to run out of time…just means you’ll have to go back 🙂 And don’t worry about Medellin – I suffer terrible hay fever in the UK and didn’t get a single sniffle in the city 🙂
Jo, I always thought Peru had the easiest Spanish to understand…as I contemplate where I would brush up on my Spanish…compelling reasons for Medellin!
Corinne, that’s interesting to hear about Peru. My Spanish was so bad when I was in Peru it was hard to gauge. I’d definitely recommend Medellin if you want to brush up!