Camila & Fernando
Things To Do
Guatapé
It’s the must-do day trip from Medellín, but it’s even better if you’ve got a night or two to spare there. Guatapé is a picturesque, colorful lake town about two hours outside the city. Take photos of the vibrantly painted exteriors of homes here, and visit the Plaza de Zocalos for the most colorful town square in Colombia. Along the lake and throughout town you’ll find cheap street foods like empanadas and churros, and of course, the restaurants will supply you with plenty of freshly cooked lake trout and fish soup. The most popular activity in town, however, is climbing the 740 steps up El Peñol, a giant rock, for an amazing view of the islands and water beneath.
Colombia Half Day Coffee Tour: From the Seed to the Cup
Swap the city streets of Medellin for the fragrant coffee plantations of the countryside on a stress-free day trip that allows you to skip the hassle of car hire. An obvious choice for coffee lovers, this small-group tour—limited to an intimate group of 12—reveals the journey of Colombian coffee from bean to brew at an organic coffee farm and includes plenty of tasting opportunities.
Antioquia Museum
A former city hall turned museum, this place houses a great collection of works by Fernando Botero. He’s one of Colombia’s most famous artists, and he had a penchant for painting all things chubby. Born in Medellín, the artist patronized his hometown museum by donating many of the works himself. Guides recommend starting on the top floor with his earlier pieces and making your way down to see his evolution as an artist. The museum also houses works by international artists and offers an audio guide if you want to learn even more. There’s a small cafe and courtyard here where you can take a break.
Take the Metrocable Up to Parque Arvi
The metro and metrocable system of Medellín has received lots of praise for bringing a city of many different neighborhoods together. You can get all over the city with your metro ticket, and if you want to venture up for great views and fresh air, pay a little more to take the metrocable from Santo Domingo to Parque Arvi. The 15-minute ride provides great views of the city and neighborhoods below. At the top, there are places to stop for some snacks made from local Colombian products (like grilled mushrooms) while you enjoy the views. Check out the tents and street vendors selling trinkets and then head out onto the walking trails of the park.
El Castillo Museo y Jardines
Wait, there’s a castle in Medellín? Yep, for a small entry fee you can check out this French-inspired, 20th-century castle and its gardens, fountains, and pathways. Take a little tour to see the inside as well, with its four-poster beds, porcelain collection, and giant dining room table. It was built in 1930 and it opened as a museum in 1971, but in between those years it served as a home for the wealthy and a place for entertaining high society visitors from Europe.
Parque Lleras
Poblado is one of the biggest hotspots for nightlife in Medellín, and for locals and tourists alike, Parque Lleras is often the place where you start out the night. It’s just a little park filled with trees where you’ll find vendors selling art by day and crowds of folks drinking by night. The park is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and clubs, plus it’s close to many of the hostels in the area, so there’s always young people around. Grab a bottle of the anise-flavored Colombian spirit, Aguardiente, or just a few Aguila beers and head to this lively park to hang out before heading out.