Medellín, once infamous for its turbulent history, has transformed into one of Colombia’s most exciting cities. Nestled in the Aburrá Valley, surrounded by lush mountains, Medellín offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, innovative urban development, and rich cultural heritage. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its temperate weather, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Colombia. In this blog post, I’ll outline how to get to Medellín and share a 3-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time in this vibrant city. Of course it’s worth to stay here longer, or even move here if you like the city’s vibe and natural surroundings.
The best way to explore the city is by using the extensive metro network. Medellin had a very smart idea: include the poorest parts of the city by extending mass transit to them. The issue is that some of the poorest communities live perched on the slopes of the mountains that surround the city. Local transport authorities solved the problem in a brilliant fashion: build a cable car with various stops. In fact this has been so successful that they soon built a second and a third. It feels unusual to hop on a cable car as if it were a subway train. The gondolas even have a built in emergency system and microphone and the stations are clean and well organized. The views of the city are great and it is nice to see that with this smart investment some poorer communities have been included in the economic growth of the city.
Day 1: Dive into Medellín’s Transformation and Culture
Start your day with a City Tour of Downtown (El Centro)
Begin your first day by exploring Medellín’s downtown area, El Centro, where you can experience the city’s blend of history and modern development. One of the best ways to do this is by joining a free walking tour. Companies like Real City Tours offer informative and engaging tours that provide a local perspective on Medellín’s transformation from one of the world’s most dangerous cities to a model of urban innovation. The tour will take you through the historic Plaza Botero, where you’ll find sculptures by the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero. His oversized, humorous sculptures have become a symbol of the city. From there, you’ll visit iconic sites like the Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe and the Catedral Basílica Metropolitana, all while learning about Medellín’s complex past and remarkable rebirth.
Of course, you can easily walk safely through these areas yourself, no tour needed. However, the free walking tour will give you some more details on the city and in my opinion, here it’s really a nice ad-on to your visit,
Comuna 13: Street Art and Transformation
In the afternoon, head to Comuna 13, where you can also have a bite in one of many restaurants. A La Parilla is great for meat lovers (at least that is what I have been told) but you will not have many vegetarian options there. If you are looking for a meat less meal then Gourmet Urbano is the place for you. If you have no idea where to eat, just ask your tour guide and surely, you will get the right place.
Comuna 13 is one of Medellín’s most famous neighborhoods due to its remarkable story of resilience and transformation. Once known as one of the most dangerous areas in the city, Comuna 13 has become a vibrant community renowned for its street art and cultural revitalization. The escalators are a unique urban innovation that replaced a grueling hike up steep hills, allowing easier access to the area. Take a guided tour to fully understand the significance of the neighborhood’s murals, many of which depict stories of struggle, hope, and change.
If you would like to know more about this particular neighborhood, don’t hesitate to read my post about it here.
Savor Medellín’s Nightlife in Poblado
After a day of exploring Medellín’s cultural and historical heart, you can either go back to your accommodation or unwind in El Poblado, the city’s most popular neighborhood for nightlife. This upscale area is filled with trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes. Head to Parque Lleras, a lively square surrounded by restaurants and nightclubs. You’ll find everything from casual eateries to high-end dining experiences here.
If you’re in the mood for a cocktail with a view, check out one of Poblado’s rooftop bars, like Envy Rooftop at the Charlee Hotel, which offers panoramic views of the city.
Day 2: Medellín’s Nature and Innovation:
Ride the Metrocable to Parque Arví
On your second day experience Medellín’s impressive Metrocable, an urban gondola system that connects the city’s neighborhoods. It’s more than just a means of transportation; it offers spectacular views as you ascend the hills surrounding Medellín.
Take the Line K Metrocable to Santo Domingo and transfer to Line L, which will take you up to Parque Arví, a nature reserve perched high above the city. The park is a perfect escape into nature, offering hiking trails, picnic spots, and even local food markets. Take a peaceful walk through the forest or rent a bike to explore the area. If you’re interested in learning about the indigenous history of the region, there are guided tours available in the park as well. Just ask at the park’s info center next to the arrival point of the cable car.
You can easily spend the whole day here. Well, let’s be honest, it’s worth spending the whole day here. If you are looking for some tips on trails, check my post here. It took me two attempts to hike there, but I managed and it’s definitely worth the trip. If you prefer to go back down for lunch and spend the rest of the day in the city, it’s ok too. There are some short hiking options that will be suitable for half a day. Again, check my post to find out which trail is the best for you. A hint: go to the Park in the morning. As said, it took me two attempts to hike because I was not aware that afternoons in Medellin can be very windy and rainy. On the day I decided to leave city center just before the lunch (hoping to spend the whole afternoon hiking) I almost got stuck on the top. After an infinite journey and by the time I reached the top station the skies were starting to cloud over (not really an eternal spring in my opinion), so I decided to have a quick lunch and skip the hiking in order to avoid the rain. I entered the gondola and no sooner had it left the top station that rain started. Shortly after we were caught in a lighting storm and the gondola was swinging in the wind and the system was constantly shut down. Luckily two other travelers that were in the gondola had a great sense of humor and managed to turn the whole affair into a fun experience. Finally we reached the mid station and discovered that we were the last passengers on board and the entire system was shut down for the subsequent two hours, until the storm passed over. I ended up using a more conventional mini bus to return to the city. Of course, the hike for me was just postponed by one day and you can read about it here and to make the most of your experience, just check the weather forecast and leave the city in the morning.
If you are in Medellin with young kids and you opted for a short hike in Parque Arvì, you can spend the afternoon at the Explora Park, an interactive science museum perfect for all ages. The museum features an aquarium, planetarium, and exhibits on everything from biodiversity to physics. It’s a fun, hands-on way to explore science and innovation. Right next door is the Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden), a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. The garden is home to thousands of plant species and is a great spot to relax, stroll around, and admire Medellín’s natural beauty. Don’t miss the stunning Orquideorama, a unique orchid pavilion designed to mimic the shape of trees.
If you are not too tired after a day full of hikes and science, head to the Laureles neighborhood for a tasty dinner. It is a quieter and less touristy part of the city compared to Poblado. Laureles is known for its circular streets and more laid-back vibe. For dinner, try La Bodeguita Havanera, a Cuban restaurant offering some veggie options or La Causa Laureles, a great Peruvian restaurant. In Laureles is also very popular among the expats community in Medellin so you can easily meet families who live in the area and socialize with them. If you are curious about expats life in Medellin, check my post about it here.
Day 3: Day Trip to Guatapé
If you really managed to all the above in two days, then you are really a pro in visiting the cities and you deserve a day trip to one of the most picturesque spots in Colombia—Guatapé. It is about two hours outside of Medellín and is famous for El Peñol, a massive granite rock that towers over the surrounding landscape. You can climb the 740 steps to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Guatapé Reservoir, a network of lakes and islands that looks like a patchwork of green and blue from above. I warn you: you will love it so much that you will want to stay here the whole day. Eventually you will walk back and I can tell you that the town of Guatapé is one of Colombia’s most colorful towns. The buildings are painted in bright hues, with intricate zócalos (decorative panels) adorning the lower parts of the walls. Stroll around the town’s cobblestone streets, explore its lively main square, and have lunch at one of the local restaurants. Many places serve trucha (trout), a popular dish from the region.
I know what you are thinking: why not to stay for a night or two in this cozy town. Check my post about spending a weekend in Guatapé and the best options of transportation.
Let’s go back to Medellin and the last tips for you to make the most of your trip:
Accommodation in Medellin
As the tourism in the city is booming you will find plenty of options for all the budgets. If you are arriving in the evening, make sure to book your accommodation in advance. If you have time and don’t mind wandering around in the center, you will surely find a decent room and you will be able to negotiate the price. I can absolutely recommend you to stay in this family run hotel Casa Esencia, very central, quite and simply perfect.
How to Get to Medellín
By Air: Medellín has two airports, but most international travelers will arrive at José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), located about 40 minutes outside the city in the nearby town of Rionegro. The airport offers direct flights from major U.S. cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York, and Los Angeles, as well as from other Latin American and European destinations.
Once you land, the most convenient way to get to the city center is by taxi or a shared shuttle, which can be booked at the airport. For budget travelers, buses run from the airport to the San Diego Mall in Medellín, which is near the city center. From there, you can take a quick taxi to your hotel or Airbnb.
If you’re flying domestically within Colombia, you might land at Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH), which is located right in the city. This smaller airport mainly handles domestic flights, making it a quick and easy option for travelers coming from Bogotá, Cali, or Cartagena. I arrived from Carategna in the evening and it was super safe but chilly. I find that flying into this airport is much easier rather than Intl Airport so if Medellin is your firs stop in Colombia I would advice you an international flight to Bogotà and then a connecting flight to Medellin.
By Bus: If you’re already traveling within Colombia, taking a bus to Medellín is another option. Terminal del Norte and Terminal del Sur are the two main bus terminals in the city, offering routes from Bogotá (around 10 hours), Cali (9 hours), and Cartagena (13 hours). While bus travel is slower than flying, it’s often more economical and offers beautiful views of Colombia’s varied landscapes along the way.
Bonus Tips:
- Metro System: Medellín’s Metro is one of the most efficient and clean in Latin America. It’s an easy and affordable way to get around the city.
- Weather: The weather in Medellín is mild year-round, but be prepared for sudden rain showers, especially in the afternoon.
- Safety: While Medellín has come a long way in terms of safety, it’s still important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or at night.
Medellín’s transformation from a city plagued by violence to a beacon of innovation and culture is nothing short of extraordinary. With its good weather, stunning landscapes, and welcoming people, it’s a city that will surprise and captivate you at every turn. Three days is just enough to get a taste of what Medellín has to offer, but you’ll likely find yourself wanting to come back and explore more.
Nomadlytics 
Leave a comment