Guide To Medellin, Colombia
Your Guide To Medellin, Colombia
From a Colombian American perspective
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As someone born in Colombia, but grew up in the United States I've always heard the typical responses when I say I'm from Colombia. "Pablo Escobar" "Cartels" "Colombia is so dangerous" and a million more things people like to say. It's taken many years for Colombia to be seen for its true beauty. The people are amazing and resilient, the culture is lively with dancing and music, the food is delicious and you can experience different climates and landscapes all throughout the country.
I'm going to share with you my experience as someone who is Colombian American and has traveled to Medellin multiple times. What was once the most dangerous city in Colombia has turned into the city that everyone wants to visit. That is with good reason. I want to share with you guys some experiences and tips that will hopefully help you have a great trip!
Let's start from the beginning... so you just flew into Medellin. You likely have flown into Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE). This airport is about 30 minutes outside of the city of Medellin where people normally stay. Here you have a few options to get to your accommodation:
Car or van transportation that was prearranged before your arrival
You can also contact your hotel to arrange a transfer for you
Call an Uber upon arrival. I have always had good experiences with Ubers in Colombia, and they're affordable for most people. For my solo travelers I have always been told by Ubers that I need to sit in the front seat next to them.
Take an approved taxi from the airport. Make sure prices are negotiated before you get into the taxi.
If you're on a budget there is a bus that will take you into the city. I recommend Google maps that will tell you what route exactly you need to take. Also Rome2rio.com is also a great option to see what route is best for you
Great so now you flew in and you're in whichever form of transportation you chose on your way to your hotel (or Airbnb maybe?). When choosing somewhere to stay I recommend three neighborhoods. The most popular being El Poblado. Here you will find majority of the nicer hotels, but definitely has the most influx of tourists. Then you have Laureles, which has some great options too. You'll find less tourists in Laureles. Finally, I recommend Envigado. If you want to be close to the craziness but not directly in it. Wherever you choose to stay, the people of Medellin will make you feel welcomed. After traveling to most of Colombia, I can confidently say there is only one other place where the locals are friendlier than in Medellin. That will be for another post!
When planning your stay in Medellin, I would look to spend minimum 3 nights here. If you're wanting to really explore the city I would stay for a week. Honestly, you can spend weeks in Medellin and probably never be bored. So what is there to do here? In no particular order:
Visit la Comuna 13: once one of the most dangerous Comuna's in Colombia is now flourishing. The locals have turned this place into a magical spot. From dancing, artwork, local food, and the impressive electric stairs you'll be entertained here for hours. Make sure you have a local guide with you to make the experience even better!
Visit el Pueblito Paisa: this cute replica of a typical pueblo in the region of Antioquia located right in the center of Medellin. There's local shops and food vendors while you snap pictures of your lovely experience. This city tour will take you to the main places https://www.viator.com/tours/Medellin/Full-Day-Tour-of-Medellin-Paisa-for-a-day/d4563-308792P9?pid=P00002191&uid=U00510238&mcid=58086¤cy=USD
Go Paragliding over the city of Medellin in San Felix. https://www.viator.com/tours/Medellin/The-Dream-Of-Flying-Paragliding/d4563-218974P1?pid=P00002191&uid=U00510238&mcid=58086¤cy=USD
If you're not much of an adventure seeker I would still recommend going to the area where they paraglide. Go to the look out San Felix for some beautiful views. Also try Panchoca. The most delicious cheesy bread. We went to @panchochaelautentico. Find them on Instagram.
Theres also many other look outs through the city where you can find amazing views. Another one I recommend that is not as popular with tourists is called El Cielo. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7pCxHMOqpF/?igsh=dDNmaXJlc24wa2du
Plaza Botero: where you'll find the sculptures of the famous artist Fernando Botero plus Museo de Antioquia and el Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe
Experience nightlife in Provenza and Laureles La 70
If you're a big futbol (soccer) fan then check to see if Nacional is playing at el Atanasio Girardot Estadio
Go to one of the many rooftop bars in the city. At the top of the Charlee hotel is Envy, which has great views but is so expensive so beware of that!!
You have to try the typical Bandeja Paisa
Day trip to Guatape or if you have extra days to stay in Guatape for at least two nights. This is a small pueblo about 2 hours out of Medellin. This is where the famous rock El Peñol is located. https://www.viator.com/tours/Medellin/Full-Day-Gastronomic-Tour-in-Guatape/d4563-308792P1?pid=P00002191&uid=U00510238&mcid=58086¤cy=USD
Day trip to Jardin is a less known super cute pueblo a little farther out than Guatape
Medellin has one of the most impressive metro systems. I highly recommend taking the metrocable up to Parque Arvi. Take the K and L lines up to Parque Arvi. This park has hiking trails and local shops that have handmade bags, jewelry, and other items. Find a map of the metro system here: https://www.medellincolombia.co/getting-around/medellin-metro/
Go on a street food tour. Theres so many options that you might miss otherwise. This is a great way to sample different foods that are native to Colombia and Medellin. https://www.viator.com/tours/Medellin/Street-Food-Tour-in-Medellin/d4563-289461P10?pid=P00002191&uid=U00510238&mcid=58086¤cy=USD
Honestly, I could go on and on about all the things you can do in Medellin. This is totally up to you and how you like to travel. You can pack your days with activities or you can wake up and see where the universe takes you. Whichever type of traveler you are Simply Adventurous Travel is here to get to know you and understand exactly what you're looking out of your trip. You can reach out for a free consultation to schedule one email angie@simplyadventuroustravel.com or visit our main website page.
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Love,
Angie Uribe
Owner of Simply Adventurous Travel