Homestay in Laureles: The Experience of Living Like a Local in Medellín's Most Authentic Neighborhood

Why Laureles is the ideal neighborhood for an authentic stay

If you're reading this, you've probably already gotten tired of hostels full of noisy backpackers or hotels where everything feels the same as in your city. Laureles is not El Poblado, and that's exactly what makes it special. There are no glass skyscrapers here or lines of tourists wearing the same souvenir shirt. Laureles is the neighborhood where locals have been living for decades, where grandmothers still pull out chairs on the sidewalk, and where the sound of birds competes with that of mototaxis. Staying in a homestay here is not just about getting a cheap room: it's the opportunity to wake up to the smell of freshly made arepa, learn why paisas put hogao on everything, and walk along the 70 without feeling like you're in a theme park. In July 2026, this is still the best move for anyone seeking more than just a stamp on their passport.

Available options

Not all homestays are the same. Finding a good one requires knowing where to look and what to ask. Here I'll tell you the most common ways and how not to end up in one that feels more like a boarding house than a home.

Digital platforms with a local filter

Airbnb has options, but not all are truly homestays. Many listings say "private room in local home" and end up being an apartment building where the owner lives elsewhere. To hit the mark, look for hosts whose reviews mention guests sharing meals or activities. Another platform that works well is Homestay.com, specialized in this type of accommodation. There you can filter by neighborhood and see profiles of families who have been hosting travelers for years. In Laureles, look near Avenida Nutibara or Carrera 70, which are areas with good connections to everything.

Local contacts and trusted agencies

If you prefer not to rely on algorithms, there are small agencies that connect travelers with families in Laureles. For example, Colombia Homestays has verified options with years of experience. You can also ask at Spanish schools like Colombia Spanish or New Horizons, which usually have lists of families renting rooms to students. Another move: look for Facebook groups like "Medellín Travel Tips" or "Laureles Expats" and post that you're looking for a family. Comments from other travelers are pure gold.

Word-of-mouth recommendations

If you're already in Medellín, walk around Laureles and look for houses with "Room for rent" signs. Many families don't advertise online. Ask at neighborhood stores or the corner bakery. Paisas are friendly, and if you explain you're looking for an authentic experience, they'll give you leads. That said, always ask to see the room and meet the family before handing over any money.

Updated costs

Prices in Laureles are kinder than in El Poblado, but they have gone up with inflation. I'll give you reference figures from July 2026 so you don't get any surprises.

• Single room with breakfast included: Between $40,000 and $60,000 COP per night (about 10–15 USD). If you negotiate by the week, it drops to $250,000–$350,000 COP.
• Room with half board (breakfast and dinner): $70,000–$90,000 COP per night. This is the most popular option among Spanish students because you save time and eat home-cooked meals.
• Monthly rental in a homestay: From $1,200,000 to $1,800,000 COP, depending on whether it includes meals, laundry, and a private room with its own bathroom.

Important: some hosts ask for a deposit of one week or one month. Ask if it's refundable and get everything in writing, even if it's on WhatsApp.

Estimated timings

Living like a local in Laureles is not a weekend affair. The true rhythm is felt over full days. Here's an example of a typical routine:

• Morning (7am–10am): You have breakfast with the family. The usual is arepa, egg, coffee with milk, and maybe a glass of guava or lulo juice. The lady of the house tells you about yesterday's market trip or asks if you need anything for the day.
• Noon (12pm–2pm): Lunch at home. The family cooks bandeja paisa, sancocho, or something with beans. You take the opportunity to practice Spanish while watching the local news.
• Afternoon (3pm–6pm): A walk through the Unidad Deportiva de Belén or along Carrera 70. If you go with the family, they'll take you to buy fruit at the market square or for a coffee at Pergamino (even though it's more towards the center, it's worth it).
• Evening (7pm–9pm): Light dinner. The family teaches you how to make arepas or tells you stories of what Laureles was like 20 years ago. If there's a soccer game, the Transversal becomes the center of the living room.

To truly absorb the experience, stay at least a week. With less, you'll barely get to know the names of the family's children.

Practical tips

It's not all sunshine and roses. Here are common mistakes and how to dodge them like a local expert.

• Not confirming the house rules: Ask from day one if there are curfews, if you can invite friends, or if the bathroom is shared. Some families are strict about noise after 10pm.
• Thinking all families are the same: Some families integrate you like one of their own, while others just rent you a room. Read reviews and, if you can, talk to former guests via direct message.
• Not taking advantage of the meals: Many travelers eat out and miss the chance to try home-cooked dishes you won't find in restaurants. The family's food is part of the cultural package.
• Ignoring safety in the area: Laureles is safe, but as in all of Medellín, don't walk around with your phone in your hand after 10pm. Ask the family which streets to avoid.
• Not learning local fruits and vegetables: The family will offer you things like "lulo", "guanábana", or "curuba". If you don't know what they are, ask them to explain. They'll look at you funny but will love you more for it.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to stay in a homestay in Laureles?

Yes, Laureles is one of the safest neighborhoods in Medellín, especially in areas near Avenida Nutibara and Carrera 70. The families that rent out rooms usually have years of experience and know the neighborhood well. That said, always verify that the house has good reviews and that the area is well-lit at night.

Can I cook my own meals at the homestay?

It depends on the family. Some allow you to use the kitchen if you let them know in advance, but others prefer you eat with them. If you have a special diet (vegan, gluten-free), tell them before you arrive. Most families will accommodate if you ask respectfully.

How do I find a homestay if I don't speak Spanish well?

It's not a big problem. Many families in Laureles have experience with foreigners and speak basic English. Use Google Translate for the first conversations, and you'll see the communication flows. Plus, it's the best way to practice Spanish without pressure.

Join our community of travelers who have already tried this experience and share your story on Malokal (malokal.com). If you lived in a homestay in Laureles, write to us on our forum and tell us what you learned. Your anecdote could help another traveler find their second family in Medellín.