On August 10, 2026, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó, struck several regions of western Colombia and the coffee-growing axis. The hardest-hit areas were Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas and Quindío. Cali, Pereira and Manizales reported significant structural damage and ongoing rescue operations.
Medellín was not an affected area. The city is operating with complete normality.
If you have a reservation at Binn Hotel in El Poblado, your stay is confirmed. If you are evaluating whether to travel, this guide answers the questions you are probably asking yourself right now.
What happened and what did not happen in Medellín
The earthquake’s epicenter was more than 250 kilometers from Medellín, in a distinct geographic area separated by the Western Andes. Medellín is located in the Aburrá Valley, in the Central Andes range, a configuration that isolated it from the effects of the seismic event.
José María Córdova International Airport in Rionegro is operating normally. Domestic and international flights reported no interruptions. Road access from the airport to El Poblado, the best neighborhood to stay in Medellín, 28 to 30 minutes away, is fully open with no restrictions.
The city’s infrastructure suffered no damage. The metro, public services, hotels, restaurants and entertainment spaces are in full operation.
Binn Hotel, La Makha and Etro Rooftop: operating normally
Binn Hotel in El Poblado is maintaining all operations without any interruption. Reservations are confirmed, the team is in place and every space in the hotel is functioning exactly as on any other day.
La Makha Restaurant opens for breakfast every day from 6:00 a.m. and for dinner Monday through Saturday. The Colombian author cuisine with ingredients from Bahía Solano, Tumaco and the Montes de María has no interruption in its operation or its verified-origin supply chain.
Etro Rooftop on the 16th floor opens every day from 12:00 p.m. The 360° view over the Aburrá Valley and signature cocktails are available on the same schedule as always.
B Wellness with covered jacuzzi, steam bath and open-air pool is operating normally. B Gym runs 24 hours. There are no access restrictions to any space in the hotel.
What you should verify before traveling
If your route includes layovers or connections in Cali or Pereira, check your flight status with your airline. Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport in Cali and Matecaña Airport in Pereira reported affected operations in the days following the earthquake. Check directly with your airline for updated status before confirming your itinerary.
If you had planned to visit the Coffee Region, Salento, Manizales or any destination in southwestern Colombia as part of your trip, verify the current state of roads and local infrastructure before making the journey. Those regions did experience impacts and some roads remain under assessment.
Medellín as a destination, as a base and as an arrival city has none of those restrictions.
El Poblado is operating with complete normality
The neighborhood where Binn Hotel is located is one of the most active areas in Medellín right now. Restaurants, cafés, coworking spaces, shopping centers and the neighborhood life that defines El Poblado are functioning exactly as before the earthquake.
For the international traveler, Medellín remains the safest and most sophisticated destination in Colombia and the August 10 earthquake does not change that positioning. The Binn Hotel concierge team can guide you on the current status of any regional destination you have planned to visit from the city.
Frequently asked questions about traveling to Medellín after the earthquake
Was Medellín affected by the August 10, 2026 earthquake?
No. The epicenter was in San José del Palmar, Chocó, more than 250 kilometers from Medellín. The affected areas were Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas and Quindío. Medellín reported no damage or interruptions.
Is Medellín’s airport operating normally?
Yes. José María Córdova International Airport in Rionegro is operating normally. If your flight arrives in Medellín, there are no issues with landing, collecting your luggage and reaching the hotel.
Should I cancel my reservation at Binn Hotel?
No. Binn Hotel is operating with complete normality. Your reservation is confirmed and the team is ready to welcome you. If you have any specific questions about your stay, reach us via WhatsApp de Binn Hotel.
Can I visit the Coffee Region or southwestern Colombia from Medellín?
Verify the current status of roads and infrastructure before planning trips to Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío or Valle del Cauca. Those regions did experience impacts. The Binn Hotel concierge team can guide you on the current situation.
Are restaurants and attractions in Medellín open?
Yes. La Makha Restaurant, Etro Rooftop, B Wellness and all of Binn Hotel’s spaces are operating normally. El Poblado and the city in general report no interruption in tourist or commercial activity.
