Medellin, a metropolitan hub and capital of Antioquia is located in the north-western part of Colombia and is also referred to the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its mild climate.
This innovative metropolis is surrounded by mountains and beautiful landscapes and is well known for its friendly people and delicious food. It is a place where modernity meets Colombian history and culture. This is also reflected in the yearly Flower Fair held every August. The Flower Fair is an important cultural celebration that brings together antioqueños as well as thousands of visitors in search of flowers, music, and fun.
In the surrounding areas there are many interested places to visit, such as Guatape and the Peñol. Guatape is a beautiful town with colourfully decorated colonial houses and traditional culture. The town in set next to a lake and not too far away you can find the big black Rock El Peñol. If you climb up the 740 steps of the rock you can enjoy an amazing view over the green mountainous area and blue Guatape Lake.
Santa Fe de Antioquia, a little village located in western Antioquia, was the capital of Antioquia until 1826 and is recognided as World Heritage Site thanks to the Puente de Occidente, the most important civil engineering works of its time in America and its beautiful colonial architecture: 8 churches and a lot of houses from XVI and XVII century.
There are many things you can do in Medellin, from visiting museums, parks, surrounding villages or the hip neighbourhood Poblado. You can go paragliding, cycle through the city or go on a shopping spree checking out some of the finest Colombian designers – the options are many. What about taking the public cable car up to the Arvi Park to enjoy some of the best views in town?
Below you can find different itineraries to give you an idea of some of the great things to do in this metropolitan City of Eternal Spring.
On this tour you will get the chance to visit some of the highlight in Medellin as well as in its surroundings. You will learn about the transformation of the city and visit Guatape, El Peñol and Santa Elena.
See below for more information about the activities of each day. Starting price: 625 USD
Once you arrive at Medellin Airport you will find your driver and guide waiting for you in the entrance hall to bring you to your hotel in town. On the way you will get some great tips and recommendations and can enjoy the rest of the day to acclimatize or to explore the city on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel Patio del Mundo
Today you will learn more about the history and transformation of Medellin during an exciting tour through the city. Did you know that 20 years ago Medellin was one of the most dangerous cities in the world? Only since 2002 the city began to change. This was when local politicians started to invest heavily in infrastructure and public education. Today the “City of Eternal Spring” is one of the most innovative metropolises in the world.
You will have time in the afternoon to explore some of the recommended places by your guide or to stroll through one of the many parks.
Accommodation: Hotel Patio del Mundo (Breakfast)
Your guide will pick you up after breakfast for a full day excursion. You will visit the flower village Santa Elena and the famous Peñol Boulder in Guatapé.
The small village of Santa Elena, which is located high up in the mountains of Antioquia, is less than an hour drive from Medellín. You will learn more about the importance of the village and the well-known floral arrangements that have become a famous symbol of Medellín. You will visit an organic flower farm, enjoy local food and get in touch with the traditional culture of the mountain villages of Antioquia.
Afterwards you will travel through the green hills to the Peñol Boulder in Guatape, known as one of the most spectacular destinations in the surrounding area of Medellín, and climb the 220 m high monolith through a staircase of 740 steps to enjoy breathtaking views over the stunning surroundings full of green mountains and blue lakes. The town Guatape is famous for its colourful paintings decorating the houses of the village which you will get a chance to check out too.
Accommodation: Hotel Patio del Mundo (Breakfast & Lunch)
Your driver will bring you to the airport in time for your flight to your next destination.
Accommodation: none (Breakfast)
This 4-day tour will show you Medellin in a different light – you will learn about the history and culture during a graffiti tour and a street food tour. You will try new things and be amazed by the huge offer. You will also visit a Nature Reserve close to Medellin and can go zip-lining over a river.
See below for more information about the activities of each day. Starting price: 609 USD
Your driver and English-speaking guide will be waiting for you at the airport. They will bring you to your hotel and will give you some great recommendations and tips for your stay in Medellin.
Accommodation: Hotel La Campana Boutique
After breakfast you will embark on an adventure through the city learning more about the history and culture through art, precisely through graffiti. You will get the chance to admire some local works and understand the meaning behind their art better.
In the afternoon you will explore the hustle and bustle of the city centre of Medellin on a unique culinary walking tour and try the most emblematic street-food of the region and Colombia. Try delicious “Empanadas” and “Buñuelos” or “Arepa” filled with homemade cottage cheese and taste the sweetness of Colombian desserts. There are plenty of traditional options – some are fried, some are sweet, some are healthy – Medellin is foodies’ paradise. Stroll through a small local market area and enjoy mouth-watering exotic fruits and a fresh juice. This tour takes you deep into Colombia ́s culinary heart and provides an unforgettable foodie experience.
Accommodation: Hotel La Campana Boutique (Breakfast)
Your guide will take you today on an excursion outside of town. You will explore the fascinating landscape of the mountains of the Eastern Andes. The unique Nature Reserve Rio Claro has been voted one the most beautiful river sceneries in Colombia. Its crystal clear water and the riverbed of marble meander through the narrow canyon lush with tropical rain forest. Enjoy the nature of the beautiful canyons surrounding “Rio Claro”. Afterwards you have plenty of time to relax on the stunning beaches of the Claro River. In the afternoon you can enjoy zip-lining across the river. We will return to Medellin in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel La Campana Boutique (Breakfast)
Your driver will pick you up from the hotel and bring you to the airport in time for your flight.
Accommodation: none (Breakfast)
During this 4 day trip to Medellin you will visit some of the most popular places and learn more about Colombian culture and history. You will embark on a tour through the city and visit the botanical garden as well as the village Santa Fe de Antioquia.
See below for more information about the activities of each day. Starting price: 491 USD
Your English-speaking guide will pick you up from the airport and bring you to your hotel. On the way, your guide will give you some great recommendations for your stay in Medellin.
Accommodation: Hotel Park 10
After breakfast you will start your city tour which will take you to the most important touristic sights of the “City of Eternal Spring” in just 4 hours. You will explore downtown Medellín and the historical centre. Listen to local musicians and the traditional “Guasca” music while visiting the Parque Berrío. Stroll through the hustle and bustle of downtown Medellin to the famous Botero Plaza with an exhibition of the Colombian artist Fernando Botero, whose sculptures have become a landmark of the city. Take the Metro Cable up to Santo Domingo, which was once a notorious area of gang violence in Medellín. The cable car was constructed to make the inner city more accessible to people from the outskirts, and allows visitors a glimpse into the lives of the marginalized population. While enjoying the spectacular view you learn more about the transformation of Medellín from one of the most dangerous cities in the world into a fascinating melting pot of cultures with possibly the friendliest and warmest people in the world.
In the afternoon you will visit the Botanical Garden of Medellin located in the middle of the city. It is one of the few natural spots for local recreation within the city. It also provides a large amount of ecological projects and scientific investigations due to its strategic location next to the University of Antioquia. The area with a size of 14 ha is home to more than 4,500 different species of plants. It offers a large collection of orchids, the national flower of Colombia. Meet one of the biologists of the Botanical Garden and learn first hand about the ecological and social importance of this protected area within urban Medellin. Furthermore, get an insight into the fragile Colombian ecosystems exposed in the park.
Accommodation: Hotel Park 10 (Breakfast)
Today you will drive for two hours through the scenic mountainous landscapes of the Western Andean highlands from Medellín until you reach Santa Fé de Antioquia. The town was founded in 1541 on the Western bank of the Cauca River and became the first capital of Antioquia in 1584. It is declared a Cultural Heritage Village thanks to its colonial architecture with many historic churches, plazas and palaces. Furthermore, you will visit the famous Puente del Occidente across the Cauca River, which is one of the longest and oldest suspension bridges in Latin America.
You will be back in Medellin in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel Park 10 (Breakfast & Lunch)
Your driver will bring you to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Accommodation: none (Breakfast)
Contact us if you have any questions and let us know if you would like to book on of the tours or if you would like to arrange a bespoke tour that fits your wishes and needs better.
