MedellínMedellín is the second largest city in Colombia with an estimated population of 2.5 million. It was once considered the most dangerous city in the world as a result of wars between drug cartels, paramilitary groups and guerrillas. However, following the death of Pablo Escobar (leader of the Medellín drug cartel) and progress towards the development of peace treaties with the guerrilla groups crime rates and homicides have plummeted in this city and it was recently voted one of the most innovative cities in the world. The citizens of Medellín would much rather people focus on this aspect of their development as opposed to the painful history the region has experienced. Hollywood has somewhat glorified the figure of Pablo Escobar but the majority of the citizens of the region see him as nothing more than a criminal and terrorist. They prefer to focus on the bright future that seems to lie ahead for Medellín. The locals are extremely happy to have tourists once again coming to their town and many will welcome (and possibly stare) and foreigners or 'gringos' as they were known here. Obviously an element of caution is still necessary as some areas of the town are not fully safe for tourists.
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