Medellín, Colombia
Medellín, Colombia is a vibrant and modern city nestled in the Aburrá Valley, famous for its stunning views and abundant fresh fruit markets. With a rich history and dynamic cultural scene, Medellín offers visitors a diverse array of activities and attractions.
Trip to Medellín, Colombia
Day 1: Arrival and Local Cuisine
Welcome to Medellín, Colombia! Today, you’ll land at the Jose Maria Cordova International Airport, just an hour away from the city center. After you check into your hotel, you can head out to explore the city and savor some of the local cuisine. Colombian cuisine is heavily influenced by indigenous and Spanish traditions and offers a diverse range of dishes. Some of the must-try dishes include Arepas, Bandeja Paisa, Empanadas, and Ajiaco. Later in the day, you can head to Parque Lleras, a bustling neighborhood known for its lively nightlife. You can grab a drink and try some of the local food at one of the many bars or restaurants in the area.
Day 2: Comuna 13 and Pablo Escobar Tour
Today, you will explore the infamous Comuna 13, once known as the most dangerous neighborhood in Medellin. You’ll learn about the neighborhood’s transformation from a hotbed of violence to a thriving community, with the help of street art, music, and culture. Your guide will take you through the escalators that connect the community and provide stunning views of the city. In the afternoon, you can take a tour of the places that were once the home turf of the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. The tour will take you to his mansion, the cemetery where he is buried, and some of the locations where he carried out his illegal activities.
Day 3: Guatape Day Trips
Today, you’ll take a day trip to the beautiful town of Guatape, located approximately 2 hours from Medellin. The town is known for its vibrant colors, cobblestone streets, and stunning architecture. You will climb the 700 stairs of El Peñón Rock, one of Guatape’s most famous landmarks for a spectacular view of the lake and surrounding islands. Afterward, you can go for a boat ride on the lake or explore the town’s waterfront, eating some local food and souvenir shopping.
Day 4: Botanical Gardens and Parque Explora
On this day, you’ll visit some of the city’s most popular attractions, starting with the Botanical Gardens of Medellin. The gardens span over 14 hectares and highlight the diverse flora and fauna of Colombia. After exploring the gardens, you can head over to the Parque Explora, a science museum and aquarium that’s perfect for families or anyone interested in science. With interactive exhibits and a 3D cinema, the park offers an educational and fun experience for people of all ages.
Day 5: Traditional Artisan Workshops and Local Markets
Today, you’ll experience what it’s like to be an artisan in Medellin by visiting traditional workshops and markets. You’ll learn about the different stages of production of silver, ceramics, and weaving that are still done by hand in some areas of the city. You can visit the Plaza Minorista, one of Medellin’s oldest and largest markets, perfect for souvenir shopping and trying local delicacies. Afterward, you can take a stroll through the park of Berrio and see the famous Botero sculptures that give the area its name.
Day 6: Santa Elena Cloud Forest and Coffee Tasting
Today, you’ll take a day trip to the Santa Elena cloud forest, located an hour’s drive from Medellin. The forest is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including more than 200 species of birds, and some of the endemic butterflies of the region. During the trip, you will also get the chance to visit a coffee plantation, where you will learn about the production process and taste some of the finest Colombian coffee.
Day 7: Departure
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to Medellin. After breakfast, you can check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport for your return flight home. We hope you enjoyed your trip, and we look forward to helping you with your future travels!
