State of the Map Latam 2025/Call for venues/Medellín
Colombia -located in the north of South America- is a country of contrasts, where everything is possible. It has unforgettable landscapes, indescribable flavors, more than 1,000 rhythms, an incredibly warm population, and much more. Its natural and cultural wealth has much to offer the world and is one of the reasons for its inhabitants to feel proud.
Medellín, Special District of Science, Technology and Innovation, is the second largest city in Colombia, one of the main production centers in the country, home to important national and multinational companies, and designated as one of the epicenter cities of the fourth industrial revolution.
The Colombian OpenStreetMap community has a long history of participation that can be dated back more than ten years. Currently there are active communities mainly in Bogotá and Medellín, and a good number of mappers spread throughout the rest of the country.
The possibility of holding an event of this magnitude in the city has the entire community excited and if successful, it will serve to show its Latin American peers the variety of projects it has been involved in and the possibilities for collaboration that exist.
Team
All the team members are members of Colombia's OpenStreetMap community.
Our team members
Andres Gomez (AngocA on osm) - Volunteer in OpenStreetMap since 2009, leading the Colombia and LatAm communities since 2020. Dedicated to solve notes, create events and member of the HOTOSM brigade. His aim is to integrate the community to strengthen the map in the region.
- Sebastian Bravo - Volunteer member of OSM since 2022. Founder of the SAGEMA chapter of Youthmappers. Data validator of the Humanitarian Mapping Brigade of HOT's HUB LAC. Member of the board of directors of the Association of Collaborative Mapping of Colombia (AC3).
- Yessica De los Rios - OSM Volunter since 2018. YouthMappers Regional Ambassador 2021. Coordination of mapping projects with focus in risk management.
- Angie Trujillo - OSM volunteer mapper and validator in Latin America, active participant in UN Mappers training sessions, volunteer social media manager for OSM Colombia, and member of the OpenStreetMap Foundation.
- Leonardo Gutierrez - Board member and project leader for Latin America for Trufi Association, using OpenStreetMap to develop GTFS data and digital tools. He mentors and encourages youth participation in OSM. Currently serves as President of the Planning Council of Duitama, Colombia.
- Rafael Isturiz - Open source and open data advocate since 1999, Openstreetmap enthusiast, community builder.
Most members have experience organizing conferences, mapping activities and community events (online and in-person).
Venue
We have two venue options in Medellin.
Option 1: Ruta N
It is the innovation and business center of Medellín, created to promote science, technology and innovation in the city. Its purpose is to promote sustainable economic development by strengthening the innovation ecosystem and supporting innovative companies and projects.
Main features of Ruta N:
- It acts as a bridge between companies, universities, entrepreneurs and government institutions to develop innovative solutions.
- It offers programs and services focused on entrepreneurship, technological development and investment attraction.
- It houses the Innovation District, a space that brings together technology companies and startups with a focus on sectors such as health, energy, ICT and advanced manufacturing.
- It facilitates the attraction of international companies interested in establishing themselves in Medellín and participating in the city's innovation ecosystem.
Ruta N has been key in positioning Medellín as an innovative city at an international level, strengthening the knowledge-based economy and promoting local talent.
Ruta N spaces | Capacity | Groups | Plenary ** | U type |
---|---|---|---|---|
Auditorium | 300 | 180 | 120 | 50 |
Room 1 | 60 | 40 | 30 | 20 |
Room 2 | 50 | 35 | 25 | 18 |
Room 3 | 60 | 40 | 30 | 20 |
Room 4 | 50 | 35 | 25 | 18 |
The spaces can be joined.
** With tables and chairs
Auditorium Division
Auditorium 1
Capacity
Auditorium type: 110 people
Distribution in groups: 60 people
Plenary type (tables and chairs): 50 people
“U” type: 25 people
AUDITORIUM | ROOMS | |
Number of chairs | Máx. 300 | 50 to 60 |
Price per hour* | $340.000 | $200.000 |
Assembly and disassembly time* | $170.000 | $100.000 |
*Prices do not include VAT
*Prices in COP
Option 2: C4TA: Citadel of the Fourth Revolution and the Transformation of Learning
Educational and innovation center opened in 2020 on the former site of the El Buen Pastor women's prison, transforming a historic space into an epicenter of knowledge and technological development. It is classified as an institution dedicated to training in advanced technologies and skills related to Industry 4.0, offering academic programs and training paths in areas such as software development, visual arts, and environmental sciences.
The Ciudadela, known as C4ta, has 60,000 square meters, of which 23,000 are for educational equipment and 37,000 for public spaces. It has 8 blocks, 4 terraces, an auditorium, 17 multipurpose classrooms, and 23 laboratories equipped with technology, with free access to computers and equipment required by students for their training.
It has become an epicenter of research and innovation, attractive to technology giants such as Huawei, Wom, and Scotiabank, who have installed learning laboratories in the Ciudadela. Today, it is also used for the development of major Latin American events around technology and innovation.
This project is a joint initiative of the Mayor's Office of Medellín and the Medellín Higher Education Agency (Sapiencia), in collaboration with institutions such as the Metropolitan Technological Institute (ITM), the Pascual Bravo University Institution and the Colegio Mayor de Antioquia. The C4TA seeks to position Medellín as a benchmark in education and technology, aligning itself with its objective of becoming a District of Science, Technology and Innovation.
C4TA Spaces:
Auditorium with capacity for 160 people
Academic rooms with capacity for 30 people
*The spaces are not rented, they are only reserved
City
Infrastructure
- Accessibility - The city is in the process of improving its accessibility protocols. The Medellín Metro has ramps and special facilities for people with motor disabilities.
- Communication - In public parks, libraries and some metro stations there is public wifi. The proposed venues also offer wifi for their visitors. The telecommunications companies that provide their services in Medellín offer plans for travelers or free roaming according to the plan contracted in their country of origin.
- Public transportation - The Medellín Metro has 2 lines, a tram and 5 metrocable lines, in addition to interconnected buses that cover a large part of the city. There are also bus services from transport companies, taxis and taxi applications such as Uber or Cabify.
Was a SotM held in the same country in the previous year?
No. SotM LATAM 2024 took place in Belém, Brazil. And no SotM LATAM has previously been held in Colombia.
Safety
Medellín, recognized for its social transformation, has implemented innovative security strategies that include advanced technology and citizen collaboration. The city's video surveillance system has more than 3,000 cameras connected to the Automatic Dispatch Center (CAD), operated by the Metropolitan Police, allowing for a rapid reaction to incidents. In addition, programs such as 'Medellín Segura' and 'Zonas de Vida' reinforce coexistence in key areas. Although the perception of security varies by area, sectors such as El Poblado, Laureles and the Center show constant improvements, being preferred by residents and visitors.
Institutions responsible for security in Medellín:
Secretariat of Security and Coexistence: Municipal entity in charge of planning, leading and coordinating policies and strategies to strengthen security and citizen coexistence.
Metropolitan Police of the Aburrá Valley: Provides surveillance and control in the city, implementing plans and programs in collaboration with the Mayor's Office of Medellín.
Office of the Attorney General: Investigates and prosecutes crimes, working together with other entities to ensure justice and security.
Is the country and/or city an LGBT+-friendly space?
- Colombia. In 2016, it became the 24th country to approve same-sex marriage throughout the national territory and has an advanced legal system to protect the rights of this segment of the population. Thanks to this and to the cultural diversity, connectivity and wide range of tourism, Colombia was named an Emerging LGBT Destination at the FITUR 2017 fair. Cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena and Barranquilla have an attractive tourist offer for the LGBT segment. (Source: “Why do LGBT tourism in Colombia?”)
- Medellín. Medellín is the city that gave the first cry for LGBT liberation and the birthplace of the first Colombian gay magazine, “El Otro”, which was published in the 1960s, whose copies are in the Library of the University of Antioquia along with other novels of the cultural history of diverse sexuality in Medellín. Since then, there have been notable efforts to consolidate the city as a society friendly to both natives and LGBT visitors. Included in the “Latin American Network of Rainbow Cities,” the LGBT movement in Medellín spreads throughout the city, and is experienced mainly in the realm of art and culture.
What about medical and travel safety?
The right to healthcare for all citizens (and foreign residents) was incorporated into the Colombian Constitution, which was drafted in 1991 and implemented in 1993. This led to many improvements in the healthcare system in Colombia. According to the World Health Organization, Colombia has a top-notch healthcare system. Currently ranked 22nd out of 191 different countries, Colombia's healthcare system is first in Latin America and ahead of Sweden (number 23), Germany (number 25), Canada (number 30) and the United States (number 37). We recommend obtaining health insurance with coverage in Colombia before coming.
Vaccinations required/recommended
Currently, no vaccinations are required to enter Colombia. However, if you want to visit tourist sites such as the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Natural Park, the Tayrona National Natural Park or the different Amazonian reserves, the Colombian authorities will require you to be properly vaccinated against yellow fever. Remember that this vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before traveling to these destinations. https://colombia.travel/en/practical-information/health-and-vaccines
What about terrorism or criminalism?
According to data from 2020, Medellín remained outside the list of the 50 most violent cities in the world for the fifth consecutive year;
Is the location compatible with the OSMF's SotM safety policy?
We are confident that both Medellin and the proposed venues are fully compatible with the SotM security policy.
Travel/Transportation
Connectivity
Medellin has two airports: José María Córdoba (MDE), 25 minutes from the city, and Enrique Olaya (EOH), within the city, but which only handles domestic, commercial, international charter flights and private flights. MDE is the largest and has all international connections to and from Medellin. EOH is an important port of connectivity for domestic and cargo flights.
Direct national routes
38 routes connecting 29 cities:
1. Arauca 2. Armenia 3. Bahía Solano 4. Barranquilla 5. Bogotá 6. Bucaramanga 7. Cali 8. Carepa 9. Cartagena de Indias 10. Cúcuta 11. Florence 12. Ibagué 13. Manizales 14. Mompox 15. Montería 16. Neiva 17. Nuquí 18. Pasto 19. Pereira 20. Popayan 21. Quibdó 22. Riohacha 23. San Andrés 24. Santa Marta 25. Sincelejo 26. Tolú 27. Valledupar 28. Villavicencio 29. Yopal.
Direct international routes
21 international routes connecting with 15 countries, departing from José María Córdoba Airport (MDE): Argentina, Aruba, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, United States, Venezuela, El Salvador, Brazil.
Routes:
1. Aruba 2. Balboa 3. Cancun 4. Caracas 5. Mexico City 6. Panama City 7. Curacao 8. Fort Lauderdale 9. Guayaquil 10. Houston 11. Lima 12. Madrid 13. Miami 14. New York 15. Orlando 16. Punta Cana 17. Quito 18. San Jose 19. San Juan 20. Santiago de Chile 21. Santiago de los Caballeros 22. Santo Domingo 23. São Paulo, inaugurated on December 3
By December 2025, there will be 23 direct international routes.
What kind of visa restrictions are there?
Colombia receives millions of tourists a year. Citizens of 145 countries can enter Colombia without having to apply for a visa in advance. https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/visa https://www.reddit.com/r/Colombia/comments/1emhhs0/qu%C3%A9_pa%C3%ADses_necesitan_visa_para_ingresar_a/#lightbox
Hotel infrastructure
More than 17 thousand rooms and more than 31 thousand beds in MEDELLÍN
More than 44 thousand rooms and more than 73 thousand beds in ANTIOQUIA
Laureles Area – Stadium
BEMINIMAL - $90.00 USD – 24 rooms
EUTOPIQ $60.00 USD – 29 rooms
FIRST CLASS HOTEL $65.00 USD – 60 rooms
HOTEL CAVALTA $57.00 USD – 44 rooms
HOTEL COOL LIVING BY LOS PATIOS $39.00 USD – 51 rooms
INDIE STUDIO $52.00 USD – 130 rooms
INDIE UNIVERSE $52.00 USD – 130 rooms
LIVING BY ARMONIKO $83.00 USD – 14 rooms
TERRA BIOHOTEL $83.00 USD – 41 rooms
ORIGEN LOCAL SUITES $65.00 USD – 40 rooms
Poblado Area – Golden Mile
HOTEL DANN CARLTON MEDELLÍN $145.00 USD – 200 rooms
HOTEL ESTELAR MILLA DE ORO $168.00 USD – 168 rooms
HOTEL FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON $155.00 USD – 123 rooms
HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL $255.00 USD – 296 rooms
HOTEL MARRIOTT MEDELLÍN $90.00 USD – 168 rooms
HOTEL NH COLLECTION ROYAL MEDELLÍN $155.00 USD – 134 rooms
HOTEL NOVOTEL MEDELLÍN EL TESORO $116.00 USD – 238 rooms
HOTEL YORK LUXURY SUITES $255.00 USD – 111 rooms
Tourist attractions, especially linked to innovation issues
Graffitour
A historical, artistic and political tour led by local street artists of Hip Hop culture. Through graffiti, they tell stories of conflict, life and hope. This initiative is led by the Casa Kolacho collective.
City of the Master Fernando Botero Medellín, Museum of Antioquia
The birthplace of the master Fernando Botero, has the largest collection of the artist's work: 188 pieces and 29 monumental sculptures exhibited in different places in the city.
Silleteras Farms
We invite our visitors to be silleteros (peasants) for a day. Visit to silleteras farms in Santa Elena, 40 minutes from the city.
Botanical Garden of Medellín
It is constituted as a living museum within the city, with spaces such as the prehistoric plant path, the urban agriculture laboratory, the butterfly house and its living collections of plants such as: bromeliads, orchids, ferns, among others.
Ruta N
Medellín's innovation and business center. Spaces dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship, science and technology. It houses the Innovation District, which connects companies, universities and startups, promoting technological and economic development in the region.
Citadel of the Fourth Revolution and Learning Transformation (C4TA)
An educational and innovative center. Training in advanced technologies and Industry 4.0 skills, with programs in software development, visual arts and environmental sciences. It is an example of social and educational transformation in Medellín.
Parque Explora
Interactive science and technology museum. Interactive exhibits on biology, physics and technology, as well as an aquarium with Amazonian species. It is a place to learn while enjoying innovative and educational experiences.
Casa de la Memoria Museum
A space dedicated to the historical memory of Medellín. Innovative exhibits that use interactive technology to tell the story of the conflict and the resilience of the city, promoting peace building and social transformation.
Medellín Metro
The first and only metro system in Colombia. More than a transportation system, it is a symbol of urban innovation and citizen pride. It connects with the Metrocable and other lines that facilitate mobility and access to peripheral communities.
Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Technological innovation hub in Colombia. Projects and developments in artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital economy, which position Medellín as a benchmark in technological innovation worldwide.
Medellín River Park
Urban renewal project that integrates innovation and sustainability. Green spaces, trails and cultural zones along the Medellín River, an example of how the city has transformed its natural environment into an innovative and functional space.
Medellín Creative District (San Ignacio District)
A city area dedicated to promoting creative and cultural industries. Coworking spaces, cultural centers, art galleries, theaters and events that promote innovation in the arts and culture. This district seeks to strengthen local talent and position Medellín as a benchmark in the creative economy.
Dates
We do not have a definitive date yet, as we want to see the possibilities of maximizing attendance at the event, which depends on other external factors that have not yet been defined, but it will probably be between August and September 2025.