Things To Do
Medellín
Medellín, the city of our wedding and Dani’s current home, is one of Colombia’s most vibrant and welcoming destinations. Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by green mountains, it’s known as the City of Eternal Spring for its perfect weather year-round and the warmth of its people. Beyond being where our celebration takes place, it’s also where we’ve spent so much time together this year discovering favorite cafés, scenic views, and the local spots that make this city so special to us. Continue reading for more specific recommendations within the city. Then further down you'll find more recommendations throughout the beautiful country of Colombia.
Medellín - What to Do and See
One of the best ways to take in Medellín is from above. Ride the Metrocable, the city’s gondola-style public transport that glides over the mountainsides. It offers sweeping views of the valley and a unique look from above into the many communities that make up the city. For a closer, ground-level perspective, visit Comuna 13, once one of Medellín’s most troubled areas and now a symbol of creativity and resilience. The neighborhood bursts with colorful street art, local music, and friendly guides eager to share its story of transformation. If you’d like a taste of traditional Colombia, Pueblito Paisa offers a small, hilltop replica of a typical pueblo. While charming, we strongly recommend visiting a real town like Salento or Jardín if you can since they capture the true warmth and rhythm of Colombian small-town life. And if you have a free day, Guatapé is an almost must-do day trip. Read the *Guatapé* section below for more information!
Medellin - Eat, Drink, and Explore
Medellín is full of flavor, creativity, and color. For authentic Colombian food, La Fonda La Tienda en la 70 is a lively favorite with traditional music, dancing, and hearty bandeja paisa. We love finding cute spots in Laureles to enjoy since it's the perfect mix of local residents and tourists. In El Poblado and Provenza, you’ll find world-class restaurants, rooftop bars, cafés, and boutique shops tucked among lush, walkable streets. The city’s centros comerciales, like El Tesoro and Santa Fe, offer a mix of shopping, dining, and open-air terraces with mountain views. During the day, explore the city’s cafés—many roast beans from local farms—and enjoy a perfect cup while people-watching. At night, Provenza glows with string lights and live music, creating the perfect setting for a drink or romantic dinner. Beyond what we've been able to include here, Medellín has so much more to offer. Also, be sure to continue scrolling to see more travel recommendations around Colombia!
Guatapé & La Piedra del Peñol
We visited Guatapé together and absolutely loved it! It’s an easy and memorable day trip from Medellín. Just leave early in the morning with one of the many tour groups that offer round-trip transport. Our tour included lunch, a boat ride, and a visit to the colorful town, though we bought our own ticket to climb the rock (only a few dollars). The striking landscapes, vibrant streets, and fresh air were such a refreshing escape from the city. We highly recommend it if you have a free day! (Day trip from Medellín)
Salento & the Cocora Valley
Nathan visited Salento with his cousin Matt and instantly fell in love with its charm! This colorful town, said to have inspired the setting for Encanto, offers a true taste of Colombia’s small-town life. Getting there takes a bit of adventure: the easiest route is a quick national flight to Pereira, followed by a bus ride into town. From Salento, you can hop on a classic Jeep ride out to the Cocora Valley to see the stunning, one-of-a-kind wax palms and explore some amazing hikes. The area is also known for its coffee farms, and Nathan visited one to learn about Colombia’s famous coffee-growing process firsthand. Don’t miss trying the fresh trout by the river, it’s a local specialty. With its beautiful scenery, friendly vibe, and balance of authenticity and tourism, Salento is well worth the trip. (spend 2 days here)
Cartagena
Cartagena holds a special place in our hearts since it’s the first place we said “te amo.” This romantic coastal city perfectly captures the spirit of Colombia’s coastal culture, with its warm breezes, vibrant colors, and rich history. We loved exploring its beautifully preserved Spanish architecture and wandering the old town streets on a guided tour. Don’t miss the impressive Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a historic fort with incredible views. The beaches are gorgeous too, though be prepared for plenty of friendly (and persistent) vendors! And if you can, catch a sunset from atop the city wall by the coast — that’s where we said “I love you.” (Fly in domestically or internationally. Spend at least 2-3 days here)
Santa Marta & Tayrona National Park
We spent some time together in Santa Marta and loved its laid-back coastal vibe and beautiful beaches. While we didn’t make it to Tayrona National Park this time, it’s high on our bucket list! You can reach the park by boat from nearby beaches or by road from Santa Marta, and it’s known for its incredible hiking trails, jungle scenery, and postcard-perfect beaches. During our stay, Dani was working hard, so we spent a lot of time exploring cozy cafés and enjoying the slower pace of the city. Santa Marta is a great place to relax by the sea, soak in some sunshine, and experience another side of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. (Fly in domestically. Spend at least 2-3 days here)
Jardín
Similar to Salento, Jardín is another charming pueblo (small town) that offers a truly authentic Colombian feel, but with fewer tourists. It’s about a few hours from Medellín by shuttle or bus, so we’d recommend staying at least one night. Nathan visited and took on the intense (but incredible) Seven Waterfalls hike, which filled the day with amazing scenery and adventure. Jardín is also known for its beautiful coffee farms. You can take local tours to see how coffee is grown and roasted, often right on family-owned fincas. Between its colorful streets, mountain views, and welcoming small-town vibe, Jardín is the perfect spot to slow down and experience Colombia at its most genuine. Nathan does NOT recommend the bus ride from Salento to Jardín as it is not for the faint of heart. (Buy a direct shuttle/bus ticket from Terminal del Sur. Spend about 2 days here)
Cali
Known as the salsa capital of the world, Cali is full of rhythm, color, and contagious energy. The city is famous for its lively nightlife, incredible music, and passionate dance culture. You’ll find legendary salsa bars throughout the city and even big street dance events on weekends, especially around the same time of year as the wedding. Taking a salsa lesson (or many) here is a must and a fun way to experience the local spirit firsthand. While Cali has so much to offer, it’s important to stay aware and travel smart. We recommend using Uber to get around, and avoiding walking alone at night. If you stick to the well-known neighborhoods like Granada, San Antonio, or El Peñón, you’ll be able to safely enjoy everything this vibrant city has to offer! (Fly in domestically. Spend at least 2-3 days here if you like to dance)
Bogotá
If your flight takes you through Bogotá, it’s worth spending a day exploring Colombia’s capital. You can visit Monserrate, a mountaintop church with sweeping views of the city that can be reached by hiking, cable car, or funicular (mountain train). A city bike tour is another great way to get a feel for Bogotá’s neighborhoods and history, and you’ll find a few impressive museums, like the Gold Museum or Botero Museum, if you have the time. That said, other parts of Colombia like Medellín, Salento, or Cartagena will better represent the warmth, culture, and natural beauty the country is known for. Bogotá makes for a convenient and interesting stop, but we’d encourage exploring beyond the capital to really experience Colombia’s magic.
Travel Tips for Colombia
Colombia is such a welcoming and vibrant place, and we want you to feel as comfortable exploring it as we do. With just a few smart habits, you can relax and enjoy everything the country has to offer. In big cities like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cali, it’s best to use Uber since it’s reliable, inexpensive, and simple. Walking is great in busy, well-lit areas, especially during the day, but stick to public zones and keep your phone and valuables close, just as you would in any major city. In smaller towns (pueblos), taxis are usually fine; just confirm the price before hopping in.
Money & Staying Connected
U.S. dollars aren’t accepted here, so bring some cash to exchange at the airport when you arrive. Most hotels and restaurants take cards, but some taxis, small cafés and countryside spots often prefer cash. To quickly estimate prices, take the thousands place and divide by four (for example, 40,000 COP ≈ $10 USD). The current exchange rate is usually around 3,800–4,000 COP per U.S. dollar, so if you prefer more precise conversions, it’s easy to check a currency calculator app. We also recommend buying tickets and tours from reputable vendors or directly through your hotel—it’s smoother and safer. To stay connected for directions, translations, and Uber rides, pick up a local SIM card (Claro, Tigo, or Movistar) at the airport or a nearby mall if you haven't already downloaded an eSIM.
Staying Street Smart
Keep your bag close in crowded areas and avoid leaving things unattended at cafés or restaurants. While cities are lively, Colombia’s warmth truly shines through its people—locals are kind, generous, and quick to help if you need it. Just a bit of awareness goes a long way. Whether you’re strolling through Medellín, hiking near Jardín, or relaxing in Cartagena, we’re confident you’ll feel welcome, safe, and inspired by how much this country has to offer.
