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The transformation of Medellin

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Experience the uplifting turnaround in Colombia's most dynamic city.

Medellin is a city which is barely recognisable from the anarchic days of the paramilitaries and the dominance of the drug cartels. Lively, enterprising, optimistic and forward-looking, the city’s government and people have, over the last 20 years, achieved an extraordinary transformation for the better.

Visit Communa 13, once controlled by guerrillas but now a centre for the arts, with amazing works of street art created by its inhabitants and guest artists from around the globe. Artisan ice-cream sellers, dance troupes and musical groups are popping up everywhere Elsewhere in the city, ride the cable cars, which link the outlying boroughs on the hillsides, from where you have extensive views over the growing city.

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    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

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    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

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    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

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    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

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    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

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    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

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