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Botero statue of a fat man on a fat horse in Parque Botero in Medellín, Colombia

Destinations > Latin America > Colombia > The Entrepreneur-Friendly Transformed City of Medellín

Medellín, located in the Aburrá Valley region of Colombia, has a long and turbulent history, but in recent years the city has made great strides of improvement, making it a fabulous destination for visitors to South America. The city’s rapid growth in the second half of the 20th century, combined with the rise of the infamous drug cartels, meant that it was faced with some difficult challenges in terms of public safety, infrastructure, and planning. Improvements in the 21st century have been slow but steady, and the city has been in multiple top award lists for the ways in which it has overcome these challenges, creating an accessible public transit system, and building or refurbishing the public spaces and cultural programs.

Learn more about this country, and its customs and culture, by reading the short Culture Smart! book today!

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View of the mountains from the 4th floor of an apartment in Envigado, in Medellín, Colombia

Where to Stay in Medellín

If you’re the relaxed type that enjoys a quiet, relaxing, and safe area with plenty of trees, then we highly recommend only looking for a place in Envigado. It’s on the main level of the city so you aren’t needing to take cable cars anywhere up into the mountains. However, if you are more of the lively type that likes to stay out at night and party, we recommend checking out El Poblado near Parque Lleras for great food and drink spots close to all of the action. You may even want to try a nightlife rooftop pub-crawl!

You’ll notice a main highway that runs from the top of Medellín to the bottom like a spine. The closer you are to that highway, the nicer your neighborhood is likely to be - but, again, we are recommending Envigado as it is close enough to everything yet still super quiet, relaxing, and safe. We wish that we ONLY stayed in Envigado, but we did stay a short while in Las Palmas and San Antonio De Prado - both areas that we don’t really recommend. We ended up moving back to Envigado because it was the best.

Private transfer service from or to Medellín Airport

Auto Rickshaw in Guatapé with our family inside and ready for our trip around the colorful city

Piedra del Peñol and Guatapé

If you’re going to Medellín, the absolute must-take day-trip is the one out to the Piedra del Peñol and Guatapé. Actually, there are more than 2 highlights on this trip:

Stop in the town of El Peñol, near Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Chiquinquira, a cave church
Take a short drive to Parque Temático Réplica del Viejo Peñol, a traditional town that had to be relocated when Guatapé Lake was created
Relax on a boat ride across Guatapé Lake, passing by Pablo Escobar’s Hacienda La Manuela and seeing panoramic views of the area
Enjoy a typical Antioquian lunch at a local cafe near the massive rock known as “La Piedra del Peñol”
Climb the 742 stairs to the top of “La Piedra del Peñol” for some amazing views of the lake or browse the shops at the bottom
Walk, or ride in an auto rickshaw, around the colorful streets of Guatapé, a.k.a. the “Pueblo de Zócalos,” which are adorned with colorful picturesque baseboards that tell stories of the town and its people.

Not everything was listed on the tour page, but they did stop at all of these locations and it was a day to remember!

Lock in your trip today!

Other Amazing Day-Trips:

The authentic private food tour through Sabaneta is definitely worth doing. You’ll be trying local arepas, traditional drinks, and tropical fruits with a local expert that’ll have you wanting to go back and get some more afterwards!

Medellín is also known for its ATV, Paragliding, and White Water Rafting day trips. Experience all 3 of these adventures on a single day trip to get the most for your money!

Parque Explora

One clear indicator of both the historical foundations of art and science in the city, and the successful modernization is the Parque Explora. Designed by architect Alejandro Echeverri, the distinctive red boxes that make up the science and technology museum showcase the ways the city of Medellín has embraced modern design. The museum itself is home to over 300 interactive exhibits and attractions, including an aquarium and auditoriums for educational programs in 3D.

Check out the Parque Explora website for more details.

Ground floor of the Planetarium Jesus Emilio Ramirez Medellín with its store fronts, unique benches, and view of the upstairs astrology rooms

Planetarium Jesus Emilio Ramirez Medellin

The Museum’s location in the city’s North Zone means that it’s nearby to many other scientific attractions, including the Planetarium Jesus Emilio Ramirez Medellin. Founded in 1984, the planetarium is situated in the Garden of Wishes, a public space designed to highlight the organization’s goals of technological and scientific advances. Though, like much of the city, it struggled with the unrest of the time, the planetarium was renovated in 2006, and in 2011 the Parque Explora joined the city’s efforts to improve it further – now it’s home to a science visualization center, a library specializing in science literacy, and the standard gift shop and café.

Hot Tip: Combine your Parque Explora ticket with a Planetarium ticket for the best rate!

Jardín Botánico de Medellín

Another key attraction in the North Zone is the Jardín Botánico de Medellín. The gardens were originally a farm called The Bathhouse of Eden, and were expanded again in the 1970s. Like many of the city’s public spaces they felt the threat of closure, but renovation won out. One of the garden’s highlights, and there are many, is the pavilion called Orchideorama, which is home to a beautiful collection of orchids and the butterflies that pollinate them. In addition to the various garden spaces, there is also an auditorium, library, museum, and both a café and a fine dining restaurant, which will also provide box meals for picnics on the grounds.

Check out the Jardín Botánico website for more information.

The fountain and church and Envigado’s Main Park in Medellín, Colombia

Envigado Marceliano Vélez Barreneche Main park

The city has worked hard to reinvigorate the public spaces and parks. The Envigado Marceliano Vélez Barreneche Main Park is a lovely paved square, with trees to provide shelter in the summer and gorgeous decorations in the winter. The central fountain and statue celebrating Simón Bolívar, a historic figure who led several of the South American countries to claim their independence from Spain in the early 19th century, are focal points of the park.

You’ll also find many food stalls, restaurants, and shops located around the area to keep you from getting hungry.

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Adventure area at Viva Park in Viva Envigado Mall, in Envigado, Medellín

Viva Envigado Mall and Viva Park

On the nearby bank of the Medellín River you’ll find Viva Envigado and Viva Park. Often referenced as the largest mall in Columbia, this complex is so much more than a shopping center – though if you need something, you’re sure to be able to find it here. Also a conference center with frequent expos and events, there’s even a soccer field where you can enjoy some time playing the nationally beloved sport. If sports are not your thing, check out the graffiti walls – the corridors where local artists have embellished this public space make a great backdrop for your photos. The park on the top floor not only has great views of the city, but also amusement rides for kids of all ages.

Learn more about Viva Envigado and Viva Park on their official website.

La Casa de las Piedritas

When it comes to unique sites in Medellín, La Casa de las Piedritas is not to be missed. The private home has been built by hand over the last 40 years and it’s a work of art. Reusing and repurposing found materials, the incredible care and intricate detail shine out from every corner of this home. The owners offer a tour and tell their story, and even offer refreshments. The incredible love and hospitality of the home makes all visitors feel so welcome in the lovely space.

The entrance fee here ended up being a donation of our choosing. We offered 50,000 Colombian pesos and they seemed very pleased with that amount. You may need to ring the doorbell to gain access.

Parque Arví

Parque Arví, accessible via the Line L Metrocable, is located 30 kilometers from the center of Medellín. The park is a huge nature reserve, covering over 39,000 acres of natural landscape, that visitors can explore by hiking, bicycling, or horseback riding on the over 33 miles of accessible trails. In the ecological park area, also called Parque Piedras Blancas, there are camping and picnicking facilities available, as well.

In addition to the natural wonder the park offers, visitors can also experience the archeological sites displaying pre-Hispanic life and construction. A stop at the environmental and cultural center is helpful to learn more about both the natural and the historic sides of the area. There is even an adventure park with ziplines, rope courses, and tons of interactive and educational programs.

Once you arrive at the park, you won’t be given a map or instructions on how to navigate the park. In fact, it is quite difficult to determine where to go as it feels like you end up at a standard road after you pass the cafe. It is definitely a requirement to pay for access to the trails or get a private guide. We tried to do it on our own but eventually ended up paying. It is worth the cost, but we felt a bit dismayed with the lack of help for people who don’t pay the premium.

Culture Smart

Pueblito Paisa

Located at the top of Cerra Nutibara, Pueblito Paisa is a replica of a traditional village with great views of the city. The park gives visitors a glimpse into the past with its recreation of the turn of the century village. It’s especially beautiful during the Christmas season, when the lights and decorations provide an even more inviting atmosphere than it already has. There are several good cafes and restaurants in the area, as well.

The Private City Tour of Medellín brings you to Pueblito Paisa, as well as a number of the other highlights of Medellín, and ends up at Parque Arví, a great combination to explore the best places in a single day!

Parque de la Conservación

Another fascinating site in Medellín is Parque de la Conservación. The conservation park, formerly the Santa Fe de Medellín Zoo, has restructured its mission around the conservation of biodiversity. This mission is carried out through multiple programs, both on site and in conjunction with local, national, and international conservation organizations. In addition to experiencing the animals in situ, the park also offers a variety of educational programs. There’s an onsite café and restaurant. Admission to the park includes the Butterfly, Invasive Species, and Aviary exhibits.

Learn more on the Parque de la Conservación official website.

View of the back of the Castle Museum with garden, fountain, and spires, Medellín

Castle Museum - El Castillo Museo

The Castle Museum (El Castillo Museo y Jardine) offers visitors a fun variation from the local architecture style. The medieval gothic style building was designed after castles in the Loire Valley in France as a private residence in 1930. In the 1970s, the home and its collection were donated to become a museum. The formal gardens around the museum provide a lovely venue for walking and relaxing.

Check out the Castle Museum official website for more information and tickets.

Original Medellín graffiti depicting the cruel conditions imparted by Spanish settlers upon natives near Parque Berrío, Medellín

Free Walking Tours

There are several organizations that offer Free Walking Tours of the city. The general model is that you pay what you feel the tour is worth after experiencing the storytelling proficiency of the guide; However, they generally recommend the equivalent of about $10. This model means that you get a very enthusiastic performance as they take you through the history and traditions on your walk. The local guides, born and raised in Medellín, have a wealth of lore and information on the sites of the city. There’s a variety of themes that the tours center around, so whatever your interests are there’s a tour that has stories for you.

E-bike tours with fruit and coffee stops are a great way to improve upon many of the “free” walking tours.

Medellin: Half-Day Colombian Coffee Farm Tour

Memory House Museum

It’s important to remember the violent history of the city and the country that has played a huge role in shaping Medellín. The Memory House Museum is a testament to this history. This space honors the victims of the somber past in a collection of photos, videos, voice recordings, and artifacts that outline the turbulent history of Medellín, a city that was once considered the most dangerous in the world. The interactive and multimedia exhibits are engaging and respectful, and there are also rotating temporary exhibits that focus on different aspects of the city’s history.

Take your journey through the whole context of the narco era, stopping at key shops, comuna 8, and the memory house museum.

View of La Piedra del Peñol from the food court at the bottom with Guatapé Lake in the background

El Peñol de Guatapé

While you’re in Medellín, a visit to the nearby pueblo of Guatapé is worth the time. Located beside a massive manmade lake, the lakeside village is full of picturesque sidewalk cafes and great lake access. The pueblo is also home to El Peñol de Guatapé, a granite rock formation that towers over the surrounding landscape. The views from the top are incredible, but the climb up the 700+ stairs to get to them is intense. Luckily there is seating and a convenience store at the top along with the viewing platform, so you can take a break before you head back down.

One of the best ways to experience El Peñol and Guatapé is by taking a day trip out to these areas like we did. It was a long day, but there were so many highlights on that trip! Here is the one that we took.

Street filled with artwork graffiti at the end of Carrera 109 near Cremas Doña Consuelo in Comuna 13, Medellín

Comuna 13 and Las Escaleras

Perhaps one of the areas that most demonstrates the ways that Medellín has revitalized itself is Comuna 13 and Las Escaleras. Once one of the poorest areas of the city, the installation of the 1,260-foot-long electric escalator up the side of the hill opened up access and initiated a revitalization of the area. Now filled with incredible street art and a thriving restaurant scene, the colorful area is welcoming to locals and visitors alike.

Stay safe while exploring Comuna 13 with a local guide.

Plaza Botero

Plaza Botero is another testament to the public art in Medellín. The plaza is home to several works from one of the county’s most beloved sculptors, Fernando Botero. His voluptuous and playful style makes it a challenge to choose a favorite sculpture. The plaza is bordered by the Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe and the Museum of Antioquia, which are both also worth a visit to further explore the arts and culture in the region.

This is one of the most iconic spots in Medellín and a must-stop place for anyone visiting. In addition to seeing Plaza Botero, you’ll also see Pueblito Paisa, Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture, Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, Iglesia de la Veracruz, the Metro and Metrocable de Medellin, and Parque Arví on this Private City Tour.

Parque Berrío

The original town center of the city, Parque Berrío is a popular meeting place for locals and centrally located for tourists as a jumping off point for many of the sites in the city. The park’s metro stop is covered with murals depicting the history of the region. Across the park is the oldest church in Medellín, the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, a lovely Neoclassical cathedral with a gilded altar and plasterwork.

You’ll stop here on just about all of the city tours or “free” walking tours around Medellín.

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The 300 dramatic light poles and bamboo trees in Plaza Cisneros, Medellín, Colombia — The 300 dramatic light poles and bamboo trees in Plaza Cisneros, Medellín

Fraught with danger and drug cartels in the past, Medellín today is an inspiring picture of what can be done when the government and the people work together to make things better. The city’s parks and museums, cultural activities, and public art shine, inviting visitors to share in the triumph of the investment in the future the people and leaders have made.

Learn more about this country, and its customs and culture, by reading the short Culture Smart! book today!

FAQ’s

How safe is Medellín for tourists and digital nomads?

Medellín has improved a lot in terms of safety and security in the past decades, but it still has some issues with crime and violence. According to the [US Department of State], Medellín is rated as Level 3: Reconsider Travel, due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. However, most of the tourist areas and digital nomad hubs are relatively safe, as long as you follow some common-sense precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night, not flashing valuables, and staying away from sketchy neighborhoods²³.

What are the best coworking spaces and cafes for digital nomads in Medellín?

Medellín has a vibrant and growing digital nomad community, and there are many options for coworking spaces and cafes that cater to their needs. Some of the most popular and recommended ones are:

- Selina Medellín: A trendy and spacious coworking space and hostel that offers a variety of amenities, such as high-speed internet, meeting rooms, events, workshops, yoga classes, and a rooftop bar.

- Global Express: A cozy and friendly coworking space and cafe that offers a comfortable and productive environment, with fast and reliable internet, ergonomic chairs, coffee, snacks, and a terrace with a view.

- Pergamino Cafe: A hip and modern cafe that serves delicious coffee and food, and has a large and bright workspace with plenty of power outlets, wifi, and a garden patio.

What are the best things to do and see in Medellín for cultural and historical exploration?

Medellín has a rich and diverse culture and history, and there are many attractions and activities that showcase its beauty and transformation. Some of the best ones are:

- Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour: A guided tour that takes you to one of the most notorious and impoverished neighborhoods in Medellín, which has been transformed into a colorful and artistic district, thanks to the efforts of the local community and the government. You can see amazing graffiti and street art, learn about the history and social issues of the area, and enjoy the views from the escalators and cable cars.

- Museo de Antioquia: A museum that displays the works of the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero, who is known for his exaggerated and humorous depictions of people and animals. You can also see other collections of modern and contemporary art, as well as historical and cultural exhibits.

- Parque Arví: A natural reserve that covers more than 16,000 hectares of forest, trails, lakes, and archaeological sites. You can access the park by taking a scenic cable car ride from the city, and enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, camping, birdwatching, and picnicking.

¹: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/colombia-travel-advisory.html

²: https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/south-america/colombia/is-medellin-safe

³: https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/medellin-travel-guide/

: https://www.selina.com/colombia/medellin/

: https://www.globalexpressmedellin.com/

: https://www.pergamino.co/

: https://www.comuna13tours.com/

: https://www.museodeantioquia.co/

: https://parquearvi.org/

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Eat Wander Explore Family under the colorful umbrellas of Guatape, Colombia — Eat Wander Explore Family under the colorful umbrellas of Guatape

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