How do I meet people and make friends as a newcomer?

Language exchanges, sports leagues (football, running, climbing), salsa/bachata classes, and coworking spaces are the reliable ways in. Meetup, Facebook expat groups, and WhatsApp community groups are active in Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena. Saying yes to invitations early and learning even basic Spanish opens doors fast — Colombians are warm and social, and a little effort goes a long way.