Review by David, Freelance Developer | Living in Medellín for 1 year
CIRCULAR COWORKING Circular 72 #39a-22, Laureles-Estadio $8/day (no monthly rate published)
This is where most nomads end up first because it's in Laureles where everyone lives.
What It Is: Small space (maybe 15-20 desks), no AC (fans only), basic setup. The community is the main draw - you'll meet other nomads quickly because the space is intimate.
Internet: 50-100mbps usually. Can get slow when crowded. I've had calls drop occasionally.
The Good:
- Prime Laureles location (near Parque Laureles)
- Easy to meet people
- Flexible (day passes available)
- Very nomad-friendly
The Challenge: At $8/day with no monthly discount, you're paying $160-200/month for a basic setup. Which leads me to...
COWORKING INSPIRA (Two Locations)
Inspira Belén Malibú Cra. 66D #32B-57, Belén COP 184,800/month ($43)
Inspira Laureles Tv. 39B #73-23 Interior 201, Laureles
COP 184,800/month ($43)
Here's what changed my Medellín experience: I found Inspira after 3 weeks at Circular, and the value difference is significant.
What You Get for $43/month:
- Air conditioning (critical in Medellín heat)
- Faster internet (100-150mbps consistently)
- More space, less crowded
- Private phone booths
- Meeting rooms
- Professional environment
Belén Location: This is where I work now. Belén is a residential neighborhood, 15 minutes from Laureles by metro or taxi. It's quieter, more local (fewer expats), and cheaper for food/living.
The space is bigger than the Laureles location, almost never full. Mix of Colombian professionals and some expats. More serious work atmosphere.
Laureles Location: Smaller than Belén but still spacious compared to Circular. More central, easier access. Still only $43/month.
Why Isn't Everyone Here?
Good question. I think it's visibility - Circular is where nomads tell other nomads to go, and that cycle continues. Inspira doesn't market to foreigners heavily, so people don't know about it.
MY RECOMMENDATION:
Start with a day pass at Circular to meet people and understand the nomad scene. Then switch to Inspira for actual work. You'll save $100+/month and have better infrastructure.
Or just go straight to Inspira if you don't need the social scene and want to focus on work.
Other Options:
Selina has coworking in Poblado - nice space, but Poblado is more expensive and touristy.
AtomHouse in Envigado is good if you're living south of the city.
Medellín Tips:
- Don't judge all spaces by Circular
- Laureles is convenient but check other neighborhoods
- Many spaces offer day passes - try before committing
- The metro system is great - don't limit yourself to one neighborhood
Medellín's coworking scene is better than most people realize. The $43/month options are genuinely good value - I'm paying less than I did in Chiang Mai for better infrastructure.