Meet Your Medellin City Host, Anya!

1. Tell us about yourself and your background. 

Hi, I’m Anya! I was born in Colombia but spent much of my early life in the U.S., which helped me become comfortable in multicultural environments and learn a second language along the way. I studied Business Administration, which opened up some incredible work opportunities, though I wasn’t quite sure which industry I wanted to dive into. That all changed when I discovered my passion for providing private tour experiences for business travelers visiting my city. Since then, I’ve been immersing myself in the tourism world and building my own brand. It's been an exciting journey!

2. What are you most excited about sharing with the families who travel to Medellin? 

I would be most excited to share Medellín's incredible transformation and the warm, welcoming spirit of its people, known as paisas. The city has evolved from its turbulent past into a thriving cultural hub, rich with art, music, and innovation. Medellín is mountainous valley, with a perfect year-round & 'eternal spring' climate, so nature lovers and city explorers alike will find so much to enjoy. I’d also love to introduce them to the local food, like bandeja paisa, and the stunning flower festivals that celebrate Colombia’s vibrant flora.

3. What do you think are the biggest cultural differences between Colombia and the USA? What will surprise our families? 

One of the biggest cultural differences between Colombia and the USA is the pace of life and focus on family. In Colombia, life moves a bit more slowly, and there is a strong emphasis on spending time with loved ones. Another difference is how Colombians express hospitality. It’s common for strangers to greet one another warmly and for hosts to go out of their way to make guests feel like family. The emphasis on politeness and social niceties might surprise travelers who are used to more direct or individualistic interactions in the U.S. The cultural importance of celebrations and gatherings, from extended family events to city-wide festivals, is also a notable difference.