In Colombia, when it comes to gifts and celebrations, “low-effort” is not how things are done.

Whether it’s a birthday mariachi show reverberating through the entire neighborhood or an elaborate “desayuno sorpresa”, Colombians take celebrations seriously, and love to give and receive “detallitos” — small, thoughtful gifts that really mean something.

So as Mother’s Day approaches and us fellas head to the shops in search of that perfect gift for the wife, the suegra, the cuñada — or even mum back home — you’ve no doubt had a thought like this at some point:

What do I actually buy her?

Clothes? Risky — what if she hates it? Jewelry? Easy to get wrong and easy to get gringo priced. Cosmetics? Where do you even begin?

Well, after more than 10 years living in Colombia — and plenty of trial and error buying gifts for my wife — I’ve identified a selection of stand-out local brands that offer high-quality, and make gift shopping for the special ladies in your life quick and easy.

These are brands many Colombians genuinely love, that feel thoughtful and premium, and that have an interesting story behind each of them that reflects a unique aspect of Colombian culture.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a Mother’s Day gift for the wife or suegra, or a birthday or anniversary present that she’ll never forget, in this list of Colombian brands you’ll find something that represents her culture and shows her just how much she means to you.

1. Loto del Sur

Founded in Bogota in 1999 by architect Johanna Sanint, Loto del Sur is a premium beauty and cosmetics company rooted in Colombia’s rich flora and biodiversity.

The products make heavy use of natural, botanical ingredients such as oils, extracts and fragrances from local Colombian plants — and everything feels extremely well-considered and high quality, from the formulations to their exquisite packaging.

They have stores in most big shopping malls in major Colombian cities, where you’ll find everything from moisturizers and facial creams to artisanal soaps, oils, treatments and candles. Their packaging is designed with gift-giving in mind, and it’s the kind of place where you can have a premium gift sorted in minutes.

When to buy:

When it comes to gifts in Colombia, my rule is simple: when in doubt, go to Loto del Sur.

It’s hard to overemphasize how useful this place is, because with Loto del Sur you really can’t go wrong, and that’s why they’re number 1 on my list.

Their products are great quality and they make incredible gifts — whether it’s Mother’s Day, “Amor y Amistad”, a birthday or an anniversary, Loto del Sur really never fails.

For Mother’s Day specifically, the gift boxes are a no-brainer — you can pick one up for the wife, the suegra, and your cuñada in a single trip and walk out looking like a hero.

I’ve bought dozens of gift boxes of different potions, creams and soaps for my wife from this company over the years, and she is always absolutely delighted and makes great use of everything. As a bloke, I’ve also started using their tea-tree based beard oil, which I can highly recommend.

Loto del Sur

2. Mario Hernández

Mario Hernández is one of Colombia’s most well-known leather goods brands. Starting as a small workshop in Bogota, they’re known for quality craftsmanship and exquisite design that blends classic premium leather with traditional Colombian artisanship.

This is another one of my top picks and probably my all-time favorite Colombian brand. I’ve bought their stuff countless times over the years, and the quality, durability and design of their products never fail to deliver. In fact, I like this company so much that I even wore a pair of Mario Hernández brogues at our wedding, which I still wear regularly to this day. And they’re still in amazing condition.

There are other popular leather goods brands in Colombia like Velez or Bosi — that you’ll no doubt see everywhere — but despite the higher price tag, Mario Hernández is a better choice in my opinion because their products are higher quality and tend to last longer.

For handbags, shoes, belts or purses, Mario Hernández is an excellent and easy gift choice for the Colombian lady in your life.

When to buy:

If you want something safe and practical but still very premium, this is a great option. A Mario Hernández bag or purse is an easy win at any stage of a relationship and won’t fail to put a big smile on her face.

A classic leather wallet or small handbag is also the kind of timeless gift that works equally well for the mother of your kids, your suegra, or even your own mum if you’re shipping a parcel back home.

Mario Hernández makes a wonderful and stylish Mother’s Day gift for your darling suegra too, so if you really want to impress and get in her good books, you can’t go wrong here.

Mario Hernandez

3. Lucy Jewelry

When you’re looking for a special and timeless gift for a lady, you can’t do much better than some fine jewelry, and the most iconic native gemstone in these parts is of course the Colombian emerald.

The emerald trade is booming in Colombia and stores and sellers abound, but as a foreigner it can often be confusing and difficult to know if you’re buying something genuine, high quality and at a good price.

That’s exactly why, if you’re planning to buy some emerald jewelry, I’d recommend contacting Lucy Jewelry — a mother-daughter led family business based out of Cartagena with a solid and long-standing reputation.

Lucy Jewelry are emerald stone experts, known for producing fine jewelry that features certified, high-quality and ethically sourced Colombian emeralds.

Unlike more design-led jewelry brands, Lucy produces timeless, wearable pieces created exclusively with 18K gold — the perfect balance of purity and durability. Their work features classic gold settings and designs that feel elegant and timeless, without trying too hard.

This is the kind of jewelry that has the wow factor but will also become part of your girl’s daily rotation, and not something that will just sit in a box waiting for a special occasion.

When to buy:

If you’re looking to wow her with some premium jewelry, this is a great place to start. Their work is high-quality, beautiful, and easy to get right. Their emeralds are certified and ethically sourced, and their settings are crafted with the highest-quality 18K white and yellow gold.

A pair of emerald earrings or a delicate pendant also makes a stunning Mother’s Day gift — the kind of heirloom-quality piece a wife or suegra will treasure for decades.

You can message them directly on WhatsApp or Instagram, or next time you’re in Cartagena, drop by their storefront in the heart of the Ciudad Amurallada and mark that romantic weekend away with a gift she’ll never forget.

Lucy Jewelry

4. Paula Mendoza

Paula Mendoza represents a completely different approach to Colombian jewelry. She began her journey in Bogota by taking apart her grandmother’s rosary beads and reassembling them into new designs.

That experimentation evolved into an international brand that’s now been donned by the likes of Kylie Jenner, Paris Hilton, Beyonce and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Known for bold, sculptural designs inspired by organic shapes and pre-Columbian influences, Paula Mendoza is the type of gift you get when you’re looking to make a statement and get her something designed to stand out.

Her jewelry is akin to works of sculptural art, and despite her international acclaim, is very reasonably priced thanks to her use of unique 24K gold-plated designs, rather than precious gemstones and solid gold.

When to buy:

Be aware that this is not a safe choice — this jewelry is loud, so make sure you’re confident this matches her style before going down this road.

If you want something truly unique and memorable, this can be an incredible gift for the more expressive Colombian girl in your life — or for a stylish suegra who you know still has flair and isn’t afraid to wear a statement piece.

Paula Mendoza

5. Agua Bendita

Agua Bendita was born in Medellin when best friends Catalina Álvarez and Mariana Hinestroza began making handmade swimwear for their friends and family using Catalina’s abuela’s sewing machine.

Their big break came when they were invited to show their hand-embroidered tropical designs at Miami Swim Week, and now over 20 years later they’re a ubiquitous presence in the malls of Colombia with stores everywhere from Cali to Pereira, Bogota, Cartagena and Cúcuta and celebrity collabs with the likes of Ryan Castro.

Their designs continue to incorporate hand-made details, and each of their signature colorful patterns is lovingly hand drawn by expert local Colombian artisans. They’re known for creating fun, expressive and feminine swimwear, and have also expanded into several relaxed beachwear and clothing lines that are all high-quality and full of personality.

When to buy:

Agua Bendita makes a great gift for your girlfriend if she’s a fan of tropical and colorful designs with lots of bold and floral patterns.

If you’re planning a romantic weekend in Cartagena, a gift of some beautiful Agua Bendita swim and beachwear will ensure she looks and feels great by the pool.

They also have an expanding collection of premium beach and resort wear that could make an excellent “detallito” for your elegant and stylish suegra.

Agua Bendita

6. Pauly Lingerie

Pauly is a Medellín-based lingerie and fashion brand that has built its popularity almost entirely online, driven by a strong social media presence and a distinctive, relatable brand.

If you’ve seen the big Colombian lingerie brands like Leonisa in the malls, with their heavily photoshopped models — well, Pauly Lingerie is part of a new generation of trendier online brands that use selfies and lightly edited photos, combined with humorous banter and highly attractive local models to create unstoppable online growth.

Their content feels more like real life than marketing, and this has helped garner their massive online following — which includes Colombian stars like actress and singer Greeicy — and position them as a brand that is sexy, fashionable and highly relatable.

They make simple and feminine lingerie with flexible and light fabrics that make their designs as comfortable for everyday use as they are special for intimate occasions. And their growing range of tops, skirts and swimwear will look great on your Colombian girlfriend, at an affordable price that won’t break the bank.

When to buy:

Colombians are generally open-minded, but you probably want to avoid buying panties or lingerie for your suegra — so keep this option strictly for the wife or girlfriend.

Pauly Lingerie is the kind of brand where you can spend a couple hundred dollars and give your girl enough lingerie and underwear to last her an entire year.

My wife loves how comfortable their products are, and this is the type of gift that will show your girl you’re cool, have good taste, and didn’t just buy the first brand you stumbled across in the mall.

Pauly Lingerie

8. Johanna Ortiz

Johanna Ortiz built her brand in Cali and managed to achieve something few Latin American designers have done — break into the global fashion industry while maintaining an unapologetically Colombian identity.

Her designs are feminine and tropical, with bold, colorful prints and dramatic ruffles that have adorned the shoulders of Shakira, Beyonce and Michelle Obama — and been featured at fashion shows from New York to Paris. You really can’t even begin to discuss Colombian fashion without mentioning Johanna Ortiz.

What began as a swimwear line has grown into a global lifestyle powerhouse, with everything from dresses and tops to sunglasses, shoes and jewelry — 90% of which are still made in her native Cali, Colombia by a 450-strong Colombian workforce that gives opportunities and training to local disadvantaged communities.

Johanna Ortiz is without question the preeminent Colombian fashion voice on the global stage, and you’ll often see her trademark ruffles, bold prints and off-the-shoulder silhouettes replicated and reimagined in shopping malls around Colombia by a host of more accessible fashion retailers.

But if you want to go right to the source and get your loved one a truly designer gift that’s straight from the catwalk, then Johanna Ortiz is a gift that will leave her speechless.

When to buy:

Understand that this is a statement gift and not something you buy on a whim.

JO’s brand has reached the pinnacle of the fashion world and dressed the world’s elites, so be aware that her prices reflect that.

A single bikini can set you back $500, and a signature JO dress could easily leave a dent in your balance that runs into the thousands of dollars.

This isn’t the type of gift you get the chica you just matched with on Tinder last month, but is instead a piece of Colombian fashion history known around the world for quality craftsmanship, elegance and Latina spirit.

This is also the move when you want to genuinely impress a stylish suegra — few Mother’s Day gifts will land harder than a piece from a designer who’s dressed Beyonce and Michelle Obama.

Be aware that her online store doesn’t actually serve Colombia, so you’ll need to get in contact with or visit one of her boutique stores in Cali, Cartagena or Bogota to buy her stuff.

A curated collection of her products is also sold by multi-brand retailer Malva, which can be found in El Tesoro Mall, Medellin — and she also has a store on Madison Avenue, NYC.

Johanna Ortiz

8. Beatriz Camacho

With roots in the tropical city of Cartagena, the Caribbean is clearly at the heart of Beatriz Camacho’s work — not just in how it looks, but in how it feels to wear.

Her pieces lean heavily on natural fabrics like silk, linen and cotton, with hand-drawn prints and textures that give everything a more expressive, almost artistic feel. It’s the kind of clothing that doesn’t just look good on a hanger, but actually comes to life when you wear it — light, fluid, and designed to move.

Think long, flowing dresses that feel effortless in the heat of a Caribbean afternoon, but still carry a sense of elegance. At the same time, she’s not afraid to go a bit bolder — there are plenty of pieces that feel made for a night out, the kind that will turn heads when you walk into a room together.

It sits in an interesting middle ground — more expressive and individual than most everyday brands, but not quite as dramatic or “runway” as something like Johanna Ortiz.

When to buy:

Beatriz Camacho is a great option if she loves fashion that feels a bit more artistic and feminine, but still wants something she can actually wear.

That said, this is definitely at the higher end — a single dress can easily set you back over $2,000,000 COP — so it’s more of a statement gift than something casual.

If you want to impress, though, this is a strong move. It feels considered, very Colombian, and a step above the usual options. Those long, flowing dresses also work beautifully as a Mother’s Day gift for an elegant suegra who appreciates real craftsmanship over logos.

They also offer in-person experiences at their workshop in Cartagena (by appointment), where you can create a custom piece — which, if you want to go all out, is a pretty memorable gift in itself.

Beatriz Camacho

The Bottom Line

In Colombia, gifts matter.

It’s not about the price — it’s about showing that you put thought into it, that you know her, and that you care enough to get it right.

If you’re not sure where to start, go to Loto del Sur.

If you want something safe but premium, Mario Hernández or Lucy Jewelry are solid bets.

If you want to make a statement, look at Johanna Ortiz or Paula Mendoza.

And if Mother’s Day is breathing down your neck this week — Loto del Sur and Mario Hernández are your two safest bets to walk out of the nearest mall with something thoughtful in under 30 minutes.

But here’s the real deal. If you really want to get the Colombian girl in your life something she will cherish and appreciate, then probably the best gift you can give her is your love and honor.

I believe men are called to be generous. But generosity is much greater than material gifts. If you’re generous with your time, with your affection and with your patience, then you’ll make that special Colombiana in your life all the more happier.

During Easter in Colombia families gather, the streets empty and the churches fill to the rafters. It’s a very different atmosphere to where I grew up in England, which is more about stuffing your face with chocolate eggs than any kind of spiritual piety or public display of faith.

Semana Santa is a great time to slow down, give thanks for everything you have and reflect on just how great life can be here in Colombia.

Many in the West assume that a developing nation like Colombia could never compete with the likes of England, or Germany, or the US on quality of life.

Colombia is portrayed as wild, dangerous, and lacking modern infrastructure.

That assessment is partially true. But it doesn’t tell the whole story.

Colombia has it’s problems, nobody would deny that.

But it also has a great deal to offer that simply isn’t easy to find in the developed West anymore.

Which is why even if money were no barrier, I’d still choose raise my family here.

Here’s 11 reasons why...

Faith in everyday life.

Holy Week is an example of something deeply valuable that the West seems to have forgotten.

Here in Colombia, the Holy Week processions are beautiful. But what I find even more endearing, is how faith can be seen in everyday life.

• Rosary beads hanging from the cab driver’s rear view mirror.

• A friendly “Dios te bendiga” from a neighbor

• Prayer chapels in hospitals & bus terminals

• The Marian shrines dotted about that draw crowds daily for prayer and reflection.

When I first came here 10 years ago, it immediately stood out to me how normal it was for people to talk about and display their faith in God openly.

I grew up in a “Christian” country. I went to a Christian school. But faith was never deeply embedded in everyday life when I was growing up like it is here.

Now I’m a father raising my own children, I’m grateful that we live in a country where the true meaning of Easter and the Christian values behind it, haven’t been entirely lost.

Kids get a real childhood

People hesitate when you mention Colombia, because of it’s history and reputation for crime and violence.

But here’s something that’s hard to appreciate without living here.

I would never let my son play outside on the streets of London, but here in “dangerous” Colombia, I can allow that with complete safety.

The reason is simple. Like many expats, we live in a gated community with huge open communal spaces that includes parks, playgrounds, football pitches and pools - all protected by 24h armed security.

My kids can go outside and play. They can run around in the sun, climb trees and play games on the grass.

They can have a relatively normal childhood, something that just isn’t possible for many families in the UK.

And we’re not raising our kids in an ultra-wealthy, expat bubble either. 99% of the families that live in our residential unit are normal, everyday Colombians.

Yes you do need to take precautions and keep yourself protected in Colombia, but the lifestyle we’re able to live gives our kids something many in the developed West don’t have anymore... The freedom to have a normal and healthy childhood.

You don’t need a 6-figure income to live well.

The upside of earning in Dollars or Pounds, and spending in Pesos is hard to overstate.

Colombia isn’t as cheap as it was a few years ago, but it still remains one of the best value countries in the world for living and raising a family.

In my first year in Colombia, I lived on just $1k a month in a small town called Tulua - the kind of place that most expats will never have heard of.

It was extremely hot, humid and pretty unremarkable. But as the only foreigner in the entire town it gave me a unique appreciation for everyday Colombian life, away from the tourist traps and gringo zones.

My apartment cost me $100 a month, I’d work from the only cafe in town with air conditioning and eat a menu del dia lunch that cost me just $4,500 pesos. Around 1.50 USD.

Now I’m not going to tell you that you can still find prices like that today, especially not in the major cities, but the point still stands. Life in Colombia is very affordable.

As a dad, that means I’m able to work less and spend more time with my wife and kids.

It means I can take the kids for a few hours while my wife takes a nap. It means I can take the afternoon off to hit the pool or the shopping mall. It means romantic brunch dates with my wife on weekdays and not living with the stress of unbearable living costs and rising debt.

Colombia may not be as cheap as it was back in 2015, but even today it offers amazing value and in my opinion, some things that money just can’t buy.

Healthcare is accessible, and affordable.

If you’ve ever been up all night looking after a sick toddler, then you know that with kids, healthcare matters.

Here in Colombia, healthcare is both affordable and high quality. Especially in the major cities.

Colombia is now home to around 40% of the top-ranked hospitals in Latin America, and the government is actively investing in positioning the country as a leading medical tourism destination. That means new infrastructure, training, and international accreditation being put in place.

We pay for a private health plan (a prepagada) that gives us access to excellent hospitals and specialists for a fraction of the cost in the US.

And appointments are quick and easy to obtain without the endless waiting lists common in the UK.

We’ve had four children born here and the care was always professional, attentive and affordable.

I can’t say it’s perfect, Colombia suffers from inefficiencies and bureacractic mismanagement too, but for the price, I think it beats many developed countries by a wide margin.

The climate makes life easier

My favourite climates in Colombia are the ‘eje cafetero‘ coffee region and Medellín.

They hit the sweet spot with their stable, temperate climate year round meaning no central heating, or air conditioning, is necessary.

We keep our large balcony doors open, get a regular natural breeze and live very comfortably, even on the warmer days.

Colombia’s geography gives you an unusual amount of choice.

If Cali is too hot and humid for you, try the cooler Manizales or Pereira.

Want tropical sun and the beach life? Check out the Caribbean coast.

If you prefer sweater weather and chilly evenings, Bogotá could be the city for you.

What I love about the Colombian climate is that sunshine is never far away. We have no brutal winters keeping the kids cooped up indoors, and importantly, no huge energy bills.

It’s one of those simple, but practical advantages that doesn’t make the headlines but makes a real difference to your monthly budget and your quality of life.

People are warm, and sociable

Colombians are warm, friendly and sociable people.

Coming from grey and miserable London where people avoid eye contact at all costs, the bright and social nature of Colombia is a welcome change.

Colombians will say hello to each other as they enter an elevator, or climb aboard a public bus. They love to talk, they love to dance and sing, and they’re friendly and welcoming to foreigners.

What I love about Colombians, is they prove that material wealth isn’t necessary to be happy.

Despite living with less than much of the world, they’re some of the happiest people I’ve ever met, and as a parent I think that matters.

My children are growing up in a culture where they’re encouraged to be sociable, to be positive, outgoing and friendly.

I think those are traits that will serve them very well into adulthood, and the sunny and sociable nature of Colombians is something to be admired.

Colombia is outside the danger zone

With the turmoil and political upheaval going on around the world, it turns out that geography matters a great deal more than we assumed.

The war in Iran is wreaking havoc across the Middle East, and suddenly the more trendy and luxurious expat hotspots like Dubai and the Gulf States don’t seem as attractive as they once did.

South America on the other hand, is thousands of miles and two huge expanses of ocean away from all of these major theatres of war and conflict.

We’re outside the blast radius of a potential nuclear exchange, and we’re members of the Treaty of Tlatelolco, a pact that secures regional stability and that South America will remain free from nuclear weapons.

In a world where the global order appears to be shifting, and war and conflict are becoming a very real reality, consider that Colombia is very strategically placed to avoid much of the negative effects of global war.

Colombia can stand on it’s own

Aside from being far away from the fighting, Colombia is also very well set up to ride out a prolonged crisis in the economy too.

The country produces its own oil, generates the vast majority of its electricity from hydropower, has some of the highest per-capita water availability on the planet and has significant natural gas reserves.

When energy prices spike globally, Colombia isn’t entirely at the mercy of foreign suppliers the way many European and Asian countries are.

When it comes to food security, Colombia has an incredibly diverse agricultural base that means we’re much more resilient than other countries that rely heavily on imports.

Coffee, bananas, avocados, rice, corn, sugarcane, tropical fruits, cattle — the list of Colombia’s agricultural output is long, and in a world where food supply chains are increasingly fragile, that kind of self-sufficiency is not a small thing.

This doesn’t make Colombia invincible. We still import a lot of what we consume, and disruption to the global fertilizer and energy markets is going to squeeze our wallets at some point.

But compared to many other nations, Colombia is well positioned to weather the storms of economic disruption better than most.

Dios y Patria

Colombia has a very strong national identity and sense of patriotism.

Just drive around and it’s impossible not to notice how much Colombians love their country.

Whether it’s flying flags or wearing the national football team uniform, Colombians genuinely love their country in a way that many Western nations have forgotten the importance of.

In my own country, people seem ashamed of their national flag, or see it as racist, but patriotism is an important and honorable virtue.

It teaches respect for where you came from, and gratitude for those who came before you.

Although I’m not a Colombian myself, I’m proud that my wife and children are, and I’m very grateful that Colombian culture encourages them to have pride and love for the nation that bore them.

Education on your own terms

Unlike many Western countries, where the state injects itself into every aspect of your child’s life. In Colombia, parents have a remarkable amount of freedom to choose how they educate their kids.

My children study at an online international school. They follow a curriculum built for the modern world, not one that was designed in the 1990s and never updated.

They take classes in entrepreneurialism, coding and AI, and are learning skills that will actually matter in the economy they’re growing up in.

Colombia also has some excellent international schools for families who prefer a traditional classroom setting, many of them bilingual and following internationally recognized curricula.

The point is, you have options here. The government isn’t breathing down your neck or insisting your child must be in a state school.

For us, that means we’ve been able to build an education around our children’s needs and interests, rather than forcing them into an outdated system that doesn’t truly prepare them for modern life.

Entrepreneurialism is in the culture

Colombians are resourceful, creative and self-sufficient.

In a country with an economy where wages are very low and almost no social safety nets available, my experience is that Colombians often learn quickly how to be independent and make ends meet without relying on handouts.

As a dad who is trying to raise his kids to be independent and self-starters, and as the economy shifts away from the traditional 9-5 model, I feel like the culture and atmosphere of Colombia is a great environment to raise my kids in.

They’re picking up the mindset and habits that are going to be essential in the age of AI. And with an uncertain future ahead, I’m confident that the skills they’re learning are going to help them succeed no matter what they choose to do.

The bottom line

Colombia isn’t perfect and I’d never say it is.

The bureaucracy will test your will to live and some of the customs and cultural oddities are still confusing to me even after 10 years. Milk in a bag anyone? What’s that about?

But nowhere is perfect, and what matters for us is that Colombia offers a great deal to families that can’t be found easily elsewhere.

• Faith in daily life

• Real childhoods spent outdoors

• Time with your family

• A warm and sociable culture

• A location away from global chaos.

In a world that seems to be tearing itself apart, Colombia seems to be one of the safest, and sanest places on earth right now.

A place where raising a family still makes sense.

If you’re a young single guy, a couple or an established family looking to live life on your own terms, Colombia is a place you should seriously consider.

After ten years and four children, we’re happy, and we’re not going anywhere.

Considering a move to Colombia? I offer lifestyle and relocation consultations for families of all shapes and sizes planning a move to Colombia. Reach out to me directly for more information.

We live in wild times.

This morning my wife took our newborn baby to a medical appointment.

As she carefully climbed into the Uber with the baby strapped to her body in one of those wrap around baby carriers, the Uber driver made an odd remark.

“Ahh, you’re taking it to the vet?”

My wife puzzled and unsure what to say just smiled and ignored him.

Then, as they wove their way through the Medellin streets the driver piped up a second time...

“Is he sick? Are you going to take the little animal to the veterinary?”

My wife responded with “Uhh, he’s not an animal, he’s a baby.”

The Uber driver, realizing his mistake, was extremely embarassed and apologized profusely, but this story highlights something deeply disturbing that is happening in our society.

An Uber driver who meets dozens of passengers a day, hundreds of new people every week, assumed that it was more likely my wife was taking her pet dog to a medical appointment, than her newborn baby.

How many pet dogs wrapped up in baby carriers has this guy seen?

It must be a lot.

Because actually having a young child in the baby carrier didn’t even cross his mind as a possibility.

It’s not his fault I might add, but it does demonstrate what the data already shows.

All around the world, people are increasingly choosing to forego children, to abstain from building a marriage and a family, and instead choosing to remain “free and single”.

Many have been duped into thinking that getting married and raising children, is no longer a worthwhile vocation. And the attacks on marriage come from all sides of the political spectrum.

On the left, feminists will claim that marriage is an oppressive institution that serves only to subjugate and chain women to their overbearing husbands.

On the right, the red pill bros tell us that women are all dishonest, hypergamous hoes and that a man entering marriage is risking everything for almost zero benefit.

And this anti-marriage messaging campaign is having an effect.

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve seen expat & digital nomad bros in the Colombia facebook groups regurgitate red pill talking points.

If anyone so much as asks for advice on how to navigate the legal paperwork necessary for marriage in Colombia, you can be assured that their post will be met with endless mockery and jeering from guys who claim that getting married is “for cucks”, and “not worth it”.

Meanwhile, birth rates have plummeted to below replacement levels and young people are increasingly choosing to cohabitate and put off having children in favour of being able to afford a nicer car, or take more vacations to Cancun.

Unfortunately, that pesky maternal instinct doesn’t just evaporate.

Which is why pet dogs have become the go to substitute for young women who want to indulge their intrinsic desire to care for something small, cute and defenseless.

Just venture into any shopping mall in Colombia, and you’ll be met with the bizarre phenomena of people pushing their pet chihuahua around in a stroller, or taking Daisy the Labradoodle for a pedicure in the “doggy salon”.

Having children? That’s out of fashion.

My wife has lost count of the times she’s been given weird looks and off-hand comments when she’s out with our growing gang of kids, and she could never make it through a single pregnancy checkup without being lectured about contraception.

The war on marriage and the family is not some wild internet conspiracy theory, you can see it happening in real time. Just look at the numbers.

Europe’s fertility rate sits at 1.41 births per woman in 2025 (Statista, 2025), while Colombia’s is 1.71 (macrotrends.net, 2024)—both well below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to keep a population stable.

France, traditionally Europe’s most fertile nation, dropped to just 1.61 in 2024 (EU Eurostat, 2024), yet even that relatively “high” number means fewer people are being born than are dying.

So what do we do? Well as a married man myself, I feel it’s my duty to speak up.

My primary motivation for writing this substack is to help dispel the myths and lies about Colombia, but also about marriage and family – with a specific focus on my experiences as a foreign man married to a Colombian woman and raising a family here.

My hope, is to encourage more young men to make the decision to get married and raise a family, because without it, you quite literally can’t have a civilization.

For 90% of men, marriage is the single most important and consequential thing they will ever do in their lives.

So approaching it with a clear understanding of what marriage is for, what it’s actually like, and why it’s important is essential.

I read what gringos in Colombia write in facebook groups.

I listen to the passport bro and expat youtube videos.

Honestly, most of it makes me cringe so hard I feel like my face is going to shatter from second-hand embarassment.

There are so many misconceptions, misunderstandings and outright lies floating around that it’s hard to know where to start.

So today, let’s begin with something almost all of the nerds commenting about marriage don’t actually have... real, first-hand experience of being married to a woman.

And I’m not talking just any woman. I’m talking about a Colombian woman.

My wife Alejandra and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary this week.

Aside from thinking a lot about which pair of gold diamond earrings she’d like best, it’s had me thinking deeply about our marriage, our experience so far and what it’s meant for us both.

There’s a lot I could say about this, and I will expound more on this topic in future so make sure you’re subscribed – but for now, here are three of what I think are the most important things to know when considering marriage to a Colombian woman.

When you marry a Colombian woman, you’re marrying her entire family—so choose wisely.

The most important decision you will ever make is choosing who to marry.

This isn’t just about the woman herself. When you marry a Colombian woman, you’re marrying into her entire family network.

If you’ve been dating a Colombian chick for any amount of time, then you’ve probably already met a thousand primos, hermanos, abuelas, tios, tias etc.

Pay attention to how you interact and get along with these people, because as soon as you’re married they’re always going to play a role in your life - especially her mother.

The Colombian Suegra (mother-in-law) is a force to be reckoned with.

Her influence over your wife is profound.

Most women in Colombia grow up in single mother households, so their mother is an incredibly important figure in their lives.

If you fall foul of the suegra, you’re in for a difficult road. But, if you cultivate a genuine relationship with her, you’ve gained an ally unlike any other.

The truth is, your suegra will often give you a snapshot of who your wife may become in 20 years. And more importantly, if you choose a woman whose mother is someone you genuinely care about, you’ve not only married well—you’ve gained a support network that will be invaluable when you’re raising kids and juggling life.

My own suegra is wonderful. She’s a positive presence in our children’s lives, and a source of wisdom and support for my wife.

So when you’re considering marrying a Colombian woman, don’t just ask yourself if you love her. Ask yourself: Would I want this woman’s family in my life for the next 50 years?

If the answer is anything less than an enthusiastic yes, keep looking.

If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Latinas have a reputation for fiery temperaments, and if you’re going to marry one, you need to understand what that actually means.

Dating a latina forges some men into a better, stronger version of themselves. But others break and can’t handle it.

But here’s the thing nobody tells you: Her emotional intensity isn’t going away. It’s not a phase. It’s not something you can fix or logically argue her out of.

It’s who she is, and holding it against her isn’t going to work.

If you’re the type of guy who can’t handle an emotional and temperamental woman, then marrying a Colombiana probably isn’t for you.

But if you can handle it, here’s the golden rule:

Stop taking it personally.

I can’t overstate this. The biggest mistake guys make is mirroring her emotional state and letting her dictate the tone of the relationship.

When she’s upset and acting irrationally, that doesn’t mean you need to follow her lead, it means you need to stay calm and provide the rock steady emotional foundation that strong relationships are built on.

Don’t try to logic her into a better mood.

Don’t give her the silent treatment.

Don’t sulk like a teenager. Just stay calm and hold the line.

Let her cool down, then talk about it later when she’s in a better frame of mind.

When you do this your wife will be able to relax and feel safe around you. And women need to feel safe to truly let their guard down and stop being defensive.

Most of the “fiery” temperament that is typical in latinas is actually a defense mechanism built up from living in an unstable environment.

Many latinas grow up in unstable homes and are surrounded by “hyper-masculine” macho type males that often pose a danger to them.

So the only way to truly get her to relax around you and gain her respect and confidence, is by demonstrating that you’re not going to fall apart when things get intense, and that you’re mature enough to not take her emotional outbursts personally.

When you demonstrate calm, grounded leadership, the drama will decrease and the relationship will deepen.

The men who fail are the ones who try to control her emotions, either through aggression or passive-aggression, or get butt hurt when she’s being emotional.

So don’t be that guy.

Colombian women make excellent wives and mothers.

Everyone assumes foreign men come to Colombia because the women are beautiful. They are. But that’s not why they stay.

They stay because Colombian women are just nicer. They’re kind. They’re feminine. They don’t get offended when you tell them they’re pretty and you want to date them. They embrace their womanhood rather than resent it.

The sexual dynamics here are more natural. Men are attracted to women who are feminine. Women are attracted to men who are masculine. There’s no endless discourse about “toxic masculinity” simply because a man expresses desire for a woman and the result is that women here are happier because they’re not fighting against their own nature.

Yes there are predatory and manipulative women everywhere, including Colombia. If you’re only looking at physical appearance when choosing a wife, you’ll probably come to regret it. But if you know how to spot genuine kindness and honesty, and how to spot the red flags, then Colombia is actually one of the best places on earth to find wife and mother material.

And I say this from direct experience.

When my wife and I met, she wasn’t particularly focused on marriage or children. But as we grew closer and she saw my commitment to building a stable family, something shifted.

When you have principles and you show a woman a clear vision for your future together, most of the time, she’ll follow you.

We got engaged after 12 months of dating, and the transormation in both of us has been incredible.

Watching her step into motherhood has been like witnessing a flower bloom. There’s something deeply sacred about seeing a woman fulfill her natural potential for motherhood. She’s become the most loving, nurturing, protective mother to our children. And despite the stereotype of the “fiery Latina,” Colombian women are extraordinarily warm and devoted mothers and wives.

Don’t listen to the noise

No doubt when I post this, I’ll get a bunch of red pill bros in the comments saying marriage “isn’t worth it.”

And if you’re a young man considering marriage, maybe you’ve seen those same comments and watched those same youtube videos, and you’re wondering if marriage isn’t such a great idea.

So here’s what I’ll say.

Many of the red pill criticisms about modern dating dynamics are justified.

But the red pill solution isn’t any kind of solution at all, because avoiding marriage altogether is catastropically wrong and terrible advice.

Yes, some men get ruined by divorce. Yes, manipulative women exist. Yes, marriage involves risk.

But let me ask you this: Have you considered the risk of not getting married?

Because if this for you is a simple risk calculation, avoiding marriage is the worst option of all.

Because yes marriage comes with some risk, not as much as people claim I would add, but some. But avoiding marriage comes with a cast-iron guarantee that you will die alone.

Avoiding marriage means having nobody to remember you when you’re gone. It means ending your bloodline and reaching old age with no family, no legacy, no evidence that you ever mattered.

That Uber driver who couldn’t conceive of a baby in a carrier? He’s living in a world where baby chihuahua’s are more common than baby children.

That’s where we’re headed if we keep listening to the people telling us marriage is a bad choice.

Red pill bros are wrong about marriage because they view it as a mere transaction, or a “lifestyle” upgrade. That’s a wrong assumption rooted in our consumerist culture.

Marriage isn’t a lifestyle choice, it’s a vocation. It’s not about what you “get” – although you do benefit massively from it – it’s about what you can give.

Marriage is what real men do because they understand the importance of giving themselves to something that is greater than themselves. Something that transcends their own personal ego and selfish desires.

I’m not going to lie to you, marriage is hard. Raising a family is hard. It requires sacrifice, compromise, and the willingness to put someone else’s needs before your own. But you know what? Men are built to do hard things, and for the vast majority of us marriage is the most important thing we will ever do in our lives.

Avoiding it is easier, I get it. And you may think that you’re playing the smart game by not tying yourself down to a girl and children.

But let me tell you this.

Your business won’t remember you.

Your social media following won’t visit your grave.

Your friends won’t think you’re still cool when you’re a 56 year old dude still going to the club.

But when you have children, they will carry on your story and your legacy will ripple through generations you’ll never meet. That’s not sentimentality. That’s not a religious argument. That’s the most rational argument for marriage that exists.

So yes, marry a Colombian woman if you find the right one—one whose family you genuinely want in your life, one whose fire you can not only tolerate but appreciate, and one who genuinely wants to build something with you.

But more importantly, just get married. Build a family. Create something that matters. Something that transcends the boundaries of your own ego.

That’s how civilizations survive. That’s what separates the men from the boys. And honestly, it’s probably the only thing that will ever make you truly happy.

A pause. A polite smile. Then some version of:

“Wow. How’s that going?”

What they really mean is:

“You sound completely insane.”

And to be fair, I get it.

Most foreigners see Colombia as a cool place to visit for a bit of sun and adventure, some IG friendly content and a few good stories to share around the dinner table when they get back home.

But as a serious place to put down roots? To get married, raise children, and build an actual life?

That’s still not how most Westerners think about Colombia at all.

I didn’t either.

When I landed in Bogotá in 2015 with little more than a suitcase and a laptop, I wasn’t thinking about family life. I wasn’t thinking about schools, long-term stability, or where I might one day raise children. Like a lot of foreigners, I just came for the vibes and some fun in a different culture.

I never expected in a million years to end up living out here full-time and be settled down with a wife and kids.

But after more than 10 years, I’ve learned that the real value of Colombia isn’t in the tacky touristy stuff. It’s not about paragliding over Piedra del Peñol or buying a wooden Willy’s Jeep in a souvenir shop in Salento.

What makes Colombia special is what it offers people who want to build a life on their own terms.

And for me, that means time & financial freedom, marriage, fatherhood, and raising a family.

If it hadn’t happened almost entirely by accident, I’d say moving here and having children in Colombia was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Unfortunately, I can’t pretend like I had the foresight to know it’d turn out like this, because this was never in my plans. One of these days I’ll write up the full story of how I ended up here, it’s pretty wild!

But for now, what I’ve discovered after more than 10 years living out here is that despite Colombia’s reputation, raising a family out here in my opinion is one of the best decisions you could ever make.

Here’s why…

The money changes more than your lifestyle

Let’s get the obvious point out of the way first, because everybody asks about it and it underpins almost everything else.

If you earn in dollars or pounds and spend in pesos, the difference in purchasing power is hard to overstate.

And I don’t just mean you can buy cheap beer or get a coffee for under a dollar.

I mean your whole standard of living shifts several notches upwards as soon as you step off the plane.

Coming to Colombia with dollars in your pocket is like stepping through a wormhole into a parallel universe where you’re instantly four times richer, smarter, and more handsome than you were before.

Your money goes further.
Your social circle increases in quality.
And as a result doors open to you that simply wouldn’t be available back home.

In a western city like London, $1000 a month rent will get you a tiny bedsit or a box room in a shared house in a crummy part of town. The type of living situation where your life is at risk each time you step outside after dark and you can’t even imagine having a pet gerbil, let alone an entire family of children.

That same money in Medellín gets my wife and I a beautiful 3 bedroom apartment with a breathtaking view in a gated community. The community has a pool, a gym, a football pitch, a basketball court, tennis courts and squash courts, a jacuzzi, sauna, a private café/restaurant, a private parking space and storage room, and a park where my kids play every afternoon.

We have a maid who helps my wife with the housework. We have private healthcare for the whole family and my kids study at excellent private online schools.

We’re not rich by any stretch in the financial sense, but I consider us to be rich beyond our wildest dreams because of the lifestyle and freedom that Colombia offers.

And here’s the real life changer.

When you live in an economy like Colombia, where your dollar stretches so much further than before, there is a knock on effect that I must admit, took me a while to notice.

Because when the financial pressure drops, you become a different kind of parent.

You’re less stressed. Less distracted. You stop doing mental arithmetic in the supermarket to figure out what you can afford this week.

You may not have a huge amount of money, but that isn’t what really matters.

Kids don’t need a lot of stuff, but what they really do need, is you.

They need time, attention, stability, and parents who don’t hate each other and aren’t permanently fried from working every hour of the day.

And in Colombia, where you can easily make ends meet with even a part-time remote job, that’s exactly what you’re able to give them.

But this isn’t even close to the best thing about raising a family in Colombia, because the real benefit isn’t material or financial at all. It’s something entirely different.

Your kids can actually have a childhood here

Now I know what you’re thinking.

“Yes DJ, earning enough money to live a very comfortable lifestyle improves your family life… we already knew that. And you can do that anywhere if you earn enough, it’s not unique to Colombia!”

I hear you, and you’re right, that’s why I would never say Colombia is the best place to raise a family based on money and finance alone.

It’s a combination of factors, but here’s where I think family life in Colombia really does stand head and shoulders above many other places in the world…

In Colombia, many middle-class families live in what’s called a conjunto cerrado — a gated residential community with security, shared outdoor space, playgrounds, sports areas, and lots of other families living together in the same community.

They vary in size and quality. Some are fairly modest, and some feel like living in a permanent holiday resort. But the principle is always the same… your kids walk out the front door into a safe, enclosed neighbourhood full of other kids.

I can’t stress enough what a gamechanger this is.

Yes, the homicide rates in most European or US cities may be *statistically* lower... but that doesn’t equate to a higher quality of life unless your kids can actually *experience a childhood where they can play outside safely.*

Here in Colombia, conjuntos cerrados are the ultimate unlock for a childhood that many people assume is a long gone memory from the past.

Picture this…

My son Santiago is nine years old.

On a normal day, he disappears after lunch and spends most of the afternoon outside with his friends.

He rides his BMX around.

He plays football on the pitch.

He runs around on the grass, climbs trees, collects sticks and looks at weird bugs in the dirt.

Santi will often come back home at sundown, drenched in sweat with scraped knees and muddy grass stains all over him.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

That’s what childhood was like when I was growing up, and if you ask me that’s how all childhoods should be.

Not sitting indoors glued to a screen for hours at a time, or being shuttled from one sanitised enrichment activity to another.

Just a normal, healthy childhood.

I didn’t move to Colombia for this. I didn’t even know it was an option to be honest.

But now that I’ve experienced it, it’s one of the biggest reasons I can’t imagine going back.

Now as I sit here writing this, I feel truly blessed. Believe it or not, I’m actually writing this from a hospital cafeteria sipping coffee and waiting for the nurses to take my wife upstairs to the maternity ward.

We’re about to welcome our fourth child into the family.

As a father, there are few things more satisfying than knowing the children you bring into the world will be able to go outside, play safely and have a healthy childhood.

Knowing my kids will grow up being able to make friends naturally, develop independence, and enjoy the kind of freedom that much of the modern world seems to have quietly decided children no longer need…

That alone is worth more to me than almost anything else.

Family life is still valued here

They say that when you marry a Colombiana, you marry her entire family.

And as a husband to a Colombian wife, I can say that this description is pretty accurate.

Families in Colombia stick together. It’s one of the things I appreciate most about the culture.

The reasons are varied, and one aspect of this is economic.

Families tend to pool their resources together in order to more easily create shared wealth within the family.

Many Colombians will continue to live together with parents, grandparents and great-grandparents well into adulthood — and often for life.

My wife’s family, for example, owns a very modest three storey building with an apartment on each floor, and different members of the same family live in each of the apartments.

The building has been owned by the family for generations, and different members of the family have all lived there at different times.

I don’t even think anyone even knows whose name is on the deed anymore, nor does it matter because they’d never sell it.

It’s the family home, and it belongs to the entire family.

Nobody’s paying rent. Nobody’s starting from zero. The family unit is the wealth-building engine, not the individual.

So economic necessity is one aspect. But that isn’t the entire story, the importance of family in Colombia can also be traced directly back to the Catholic faith that still unites this country, despite the creeping cancerous influence of secularism.

Although devout adherence to Church teaching in Colombia continues to fall, Colombia is still very much a Catholic nation, and Catholicism is intrinsic to Colombia’s history, culture and national identity.

The traditional Catholic values that place family at the center of society are still commonly held here, and for me as a convert to Catholicism, this is one of the most beautiful aspects of life here and one of the reasons why I think Colombia is a great place to raise a family.

It means my kids aren’t being raised in a silo where seeing family members is a rare and awkward moment that only occurs on special occasions.

It means my kids don’t grow up embarrassed to tell their friends they believe in God and go to church.

It means my wife can give birth in a Catholic hospital that comes equipped with a Catholic chapel where Mass is celebrated on Sundays, and where the nurses aren’t pushing contraception or sterilization on her as soon as our baby leaves her womb.

Living and raise children in a Catholic culture, where good, true and beautiful values are still widely held, in my opinion is a great blessing, and one of the reasons why Colombia is one of the best places on earth to raise a family.

Colombia isn’t perfect — but it gives us what matters most

I’m not trying to pretend Colombia is paradise.

It isn’t.

It has corruption, inequality, dysfunction, security issues, and plenty of reasons to drive you mad. Any honest person who lives here long enough will tell you that.

But the longer I stay, the more convinced I become that a lot of people in the West are completely missing the point.

They assume that raising a family well is mostly about choosing a richer country, a tidier country, or a country with better branding.

But a good family life usually comes down to something much simpler.

Can you afford enough space?

Can your kids play outside?

Can you spend real time together without being crushed by financial pressure every waking hour?

Are your kids raised in a culture that promotes virtue?

For us, Colombia has, despite her shortcomings, answered yes to those questions much more reliably than most alternatives in Europe or the US.

That is why, despite all the obvious imperfections, I genuinely believe this has been one of the best places in the world for us to build our life.

Not because it’s trendy.

Not because it’s exotic.

Not because it gives you cool holiday photos that look great on Instagram.

But because it has allowed us to live as a family in a way that feels healthier, freer, and more human.

And in a world where that is becoming increasingly rare, I don’t take that for granted.

So, you want to date insanely beautiful women here in Colombia—but you’ve heard the rumors. You’ve seen the news reports warning that Colombian women will treat you like a walking cash machine. You could get drugged, robbed, or even worse.

But what if I told you that almost everything you’ve heard about Colombia and its women is a lie? In this post, I’m going to break down the unspoken truth about what Colombian women are actually looking for in a man, the real reason they love dating expats and foreigners (and it’s not what you think), and how you can meet incredible, stunning women in Colombia while building real, meaningful relationships.

After reading this, I guarantee you’ll think differently about love and dating in Colombia.

Common Myths and What Colombian Women Truly Seek

My name is DJ, and I’ve lived in Colombia for over ten years. In that time, I’ve been on dates with hundreds of Colombian women—some fantastic, some not so much—and today I’m happily married with three beautiful children. This is the advice I wish I had when I first came to Colombia in 2015.

Let’s start by clearing up some common myths. Colombian women are not gold diggers and they’re not scam artists. Sure, criminals exist here—just like everywhere else—and yes, Colombia is a fairly corrupt country. But you don’t need to be afraid of dating here. Colombians are friendly, approachable, and it’s easy to avoid the bad apples if you know what to look for.

The real problem is that many foreign men come to Colombia with bad intentions. They’re looking to use local women for sex, and naturally, those kinds of men attract the kinds of women who are looking to exploit them. They get themselves in trouble, those stories spread, and suddenly all Colombian women get painted with the same brush.

After living here for more than a decade, I can tell you that the vast majority of Colombian women are not like that. They don’t jump into bed with anyone, and they don’t just care about money. What they care about is family, stability, commitment, loyalty, and purpose.

What Colombian Women Are Really Looking For

Most Colombian women are looking for a well-put-together guy—someone with values, stability, and purpose. They want a man who’s loyal, ambitious, and has the discipline to see his goals through.

When I went on my first date with my wife, I asked her if she saw herself getting married someday. She said she couldn’t, because most people don’t believe in marriage anymore—most guys just want to have fun. When she asked me, I told her the truth: I believe in family and marriage. I want to raise a family, grow old together, and build a stable, loving home.

She told me later that this was the moment she knew I was the one. And I didn’t have to impress her with gifts or money. I simply showed her that I stood for something and had a vision for our future together.

If you can show a Colombian woman that you’re a man with a mission—someone going places, building something stable, and inviting her along for the ride—you’ll have no trouble meeting incredible, loyal, beautiful women here in Colombia.

Grooming and First Impressions

Colombian women also love men who take care of themselves. They spend a lot of time and effort looking beautiful, so it’s respectful to meet them halfway.

Dress well. Get your hair and nails trimmed. Keep your beard clean. Wear nice clothes and shoes. Smell good. It sounds simple, but it goes a long way. I’ve heard countless women say they love a man who smells great—it’s an easy win.

Why Colombian Women Love Expats (and How to Meet Them)

The Historical and Cultural Reason

So why do Colombian women love dating expats? Contrary to popular belief, it’s not because of money—though the exchange rate does give most foreigners more financial stability.

To understand the real reason, we need to look at Colombian history. Colombia takes its name from Christopher Columbus, who arrived in the Americas in 1493—just one year after Spain’s long war to expel the Muslims from their territory. The Spanish had developed a hyper-masculine warrior culture that rewarded risk-taking and conquest. When they began colonizing the Americas, a lower class of noblemen called Hidalgos—educated but poor soldiers—came seeking fortune, land, and to spread Catholicism.

Colombia became a wild, lawless frontier similar to the Old West. Unlike in England or France, where chivalry and honor were ingrained in noble traditions, Colombia’s culture evolved with looser moral institutions. As a result, many men here gained a reputation for infidelity, possessiveness, and even violence.

Meanwhile, in places like England, France, and their cultural descendants—America, Canada, Australia—men were raised with ideals of respect, virtue, and chivalry. Those cultural values have been passed down through generations.

So when Colombian women meet foreign men from those countries, they notice a difference—not just in wealth or stability, but in manners, values, and emotional respect.

Cultural Appeal and Modern-Day Reality

Colombian men often have a bad reputation for being controlling or treating women like objects. Of course, there are exceptions—many are great guys—but culturally, that’s still a reality.

Foreign men, on the other hand, often show more affection, respect, and emotional maturity. Colombian women find that incredibly attractive. It’s not just about money—it’s about culture and values.

And yes, there’s also an element of social status. Western countries like the U.S., Canada, and much of Europe are seen as advanced and high-status societies. Colombian women who want to build a better life for themselves and their families are naturally drawn to that. Wanting to improve one’s life doesn’t make someone a gold digger—it makes them human.

How to Meet High-Quality Colombian Women

If you’re an expat, digital nomad, or retiree in Colombia, here’s how to meet the right kind of women.

First, learn the language. Knowing Spanish helps you connect with people, recognize scams, and navigate social situations better.

Second, get out of the tourist traps. You’ll find more genuine women in real Colombian communities. Criminals tend to operate in tourist areas because that’s where the easy targets are. In smaller towns or local neighborhoods, you’ll meet women who are sincere, family-oriented, and not looking to exploit foreigners.

Approaching Women and Building Connections

Don’t be afraid to approach women. Colombian women are generally friendly and approachable. You can be direct and say, “Hey, you’re really cute—can I get your number?” They’ll appreciate honesty more than hesitation.

That said, use common sense. Street crime exists, so you’ll have better luck in safe public places like coffee shops or malls.

Also, try not to focus only on dating. Make friends first. Colombians often meet romantic partners through mutual friends and family. Join social groups, go dancing, join a sports club, take classes, or attend networking events in cities like Medellín or Bogotá. These are all great ways to meet people naturally.

Using Dating Apps Safely

Now, about dating apps—yes, scams happen. There are cases where men are drugged with scopolamine (known as “Devil’s Breath”) and robbed. But if you know what to look for, you can avoid it.

Red flags include:

• Profiles full of overly sexual photos with no friends or family.

• Tattoos covering most of her body (a common marker of scam profiles here).

• Refusal to share her Instagram or social media.

• Bringing “a cousin” or “a brother” to a first date.

• Asking to visit your house early on.

• Asking for money or sharing a sudden emergency story (“my grandmother’s in the hospital,” “I crashed my car,” etc.).

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If any of these happen, walk away politely. A genuine woman won’t pressure you for money or get angry when you say no.

That’s the truth about dating in Colombia—what women really want, why they love expats, and how to meet high-quality partners safely.

If you want a more in-depth guide to dating successfully in Colombia, visit heycolombia.com and grab the free download.‍