What is a personal host and why travelers hire one in Medellín
A personal host is not a tour guide. It is a bilingual local who adapts to your plans, keeps you safe and opens doors. Here is what they do and what they cost.
Arik Anderson, CMP, CTC · Founder & CEO, Medellín Group · Medellín Hostess·
·2 min read
Quick answer: a personal host is a vetted, bilingual local who accompanies you in Medellín for a few hours or a full day: translating, recommending, booking, negotiating and keeping you safe. Unlike a tour guide, a host follows your plans, not a route. It is quoted by hours or by day, with a written proposal before you commit.
What is the difference between a host and a tour guide?
A tour guide follows a route. A personal host follows you. They meet you at your hotel, help you order, translate at the clinic or the notary, recommend the restaurant that is actually good this month, negotiate when needed and make sure you get home safely.
Who hires a personal host?
- First-time visitors who do not speak Spanish.
- Medical and dental travelers with appointments.
- Business travelers with meetings and dinners.
- Groups celebrating a birthday or a bachelor weekend.
- Solo travelers who prefer not to explore alone at night.
What does a personal host cost in Medellín?
Hosts are quoted by hours or by day depending on your plan. Tell us your dates and what you want to do and we send a written proposal the same day, by email and WhatsApp. A private driver can be added to the same proposal.
How are hosts vetted?
Every host is interviewed in person, background-checked, trained by our team in Medellín and reviewed by travelers after each service. You receive your host's name, photo and WhatsApp the day before.
How do I book a host?
Send the request form or a WhatsApp message with your dates. Once you confirm the proposal, you receive your host's name, photo and WhatsApp the day before, and you can message the team from your account at any time.
Frequently asked questions
Are hosts vetted?
Yes. Every host is interviewed, background-checked and trained by our team in Medellín.
Can I book a host for several days?
Yes. Book each day separately or contact us for a multi-day package.
Do hosts speak English?
Yes, all hosts are bilingual in English and Spanish. Other languages on request.
Sources
Written by
Arik Anderson, CMP, CTC
Founder & CEO, Medellín Group · Medellín Hostess
Arik Anderson is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) with over 31 years in the travel industry and more than 5.5 million miles flown. He first visited Colombia in 2005, fell in love with Medellín and built a fully licensed agency in both countries (RNT 169523, CST 201483-40). Medellín Hostess is his host-service brand for travelers landing in the city.
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Personal Host & Companion
A bilingual local by your side to explore Medellín safely and get the most out of every day.
