If you are arriving a couple of days ahead of the wedding date, we recommend staying in El Poblado to get a feel for the city. Then stay in El Retiro on the night of the wedding as the venue is near this town. Please check the travel section of the website for hotel recommendations in both areas.
As Simon likes to say, "yes and no." Some people speak English, but download Google Translate just in case! Hotels in El Poblado and some tours will offer English-speaking options.
We recommend using Gustavo Sanchez's car service business for arranging transportation to and from the airport, around Medellin, to and from the wedding venue. Share your travel plans with us, we plan to have a couple of shuttles from and to Medellin, and to and from el Retiro on the wedding day. There are plenty of taxi cabs for quick trips around the area (taxi drivers don't speak English! and have cash available). If you are staying at a hotel, let the front desk call you a cab from a trusted service.
Yes! As in any big city, be conscious of your surroundings, hold onto your belongings, and blend in :) There's a saying in Medellin, "no dar papaya," which pretty much means "don't give the opportunity to be taken advantage of" AKA use common sense!
Credit cards can be used at the hotel, the mall, and larger establishments - use those street smarts we talked about! Taxis, street vendors, and small shops will only accept Colombian pesos. There are plenty of places to exchange money at the airport, or make a trip to your US bank before you travel.
Spoiler alert... this isn't a beach vacation! Medellin is known as "The City of Eternal Spring." The spring climate in the city will be 60's to 80's and in the mountains will be 50's to 70's (near Fizebad). October is the beginning of rainy season, be prepared for some rain showers!