Monteria City Guide

Local dishes like Mote de Queso and Sancocho de Gallina are popular. You will find some Italian, fast food, and Asian foods too. Vegan and vegetarian options are limited but improving. Late-night street food and restaurant options are available in central areas.

Nightlife is developing with bars and clubs mainly in the north and near Centro Comercial Alamedas. Music styles include Vallenato, Cumbia, and Reggaeton. Options range from relaxed spots to dance venues.

Local cafes serve traditional Colombian coffee. Specialty coffee shops are few, and the culture focuses on daily coffee drinking rather than artisanal coffee.

10% service charge is usually included at restaurants, with optional extra tipping. Taxi drivers expect rounding up. Tips for other services are appreciated but not required.

SIM cards are sold at Claro, Tigo, and Movistar stores downtown or in malls. It's best to wait until arriving in the city to buy one. A passport is required to register.

Main avenues and touristic spots are mostly clean. Some residential and market areas can be less tidy. Waste pickup is regular.

Some pharmacies and mini-marts operate 24/7. Night clinics exist. Late-night food can be found, mostly street vendors.

Supermarkets like Éxito, Jumbo, and Olímpica carry local and some international products. Fresh markets such as Mercado del Sur offer local produce. Supermarkets usually open 8 AM to 9 PM, even Sundays with reduced hours. Bargaining is common only in local markets.

Cards work well in big stores and malls. Small shops and street vendors mostly take cash.

ATMs are common in banks and malls. Banks like Bancolombia, Davivienda, and BBVA operate here. International withdrawal fees usually run $3–$5 USD plus your bank's charges.

Local schools mainly teach in Spanish. International school options are limited here; families often look to bigger cities for English-based education.

Small and emerging community with few nomad meetups or co-living spaces. Connecting through coworking spaces or expat groups is the way to network.

Ronda del Sinú offers extensive green space with walking and running paths. Other parks add to accessible greenery.

Running routes along the Ronda del Sinú and parks are scenic and generally safe. Running groups are informal.

Gyms range from international chains to small local options scattered in the city.

Some tennis courts at private clubs and sports centers with coaching and equipment rental options.

Padel is growing with courts appearing at sports facilities. Booking systems vary.

Yoga studios and wellness centers offer classes like Hatha and Vinyasa. English-speaking instructors are rare.

Gyms offer Taekwondo, Karate, boxing, with some Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai options. Instructors may not speak English often.

No skiing in Monteria or nearby due to the tropical, flat geography.

Water sports on the Sinú River include boat rides. Coastal towns nearby offer kayak and paddleboard rentals.

No surfing spots in Monteria or on the nearby coasts like Coveñas and Tolú.

Diving and snorkeling are possible along the Caribbean coast, but require travel from Monteria to the islands.

Hospitals like Clínica Zayma and Clínica Monteria provide private care. Public healthcare quality varies. English-speaking staff are rare, so basic Spanish or a translator app helps. Pharmacies are common and well stocked.

Tap water is purified and generally safe. Bottled water is safer for sensitive stomachs or short visits.

Playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes are available, especially near the Ronda del Sinú and malls. Baby supplies can be found in supermarkets and specialty stores.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is moderate, with some national protections but a conservative regional culture. Public displays and safe spaces are limited.

Pet-friendly especially in outdoor spaces like Ronda del Sinú. Vet services and pet supplies are available. Pet accommodations and restaurants are growing but should be checked.