A Week in Medellin, Colombia (FREE)
Day 1
You've just landed, and you cannot wait to explore, and I got you covered!
OPTION 1: If you land early enough, or have the energy, stop by "El Retiro" (you can spend the night if you'd like) or "Arvi Park" before nightfall (rental car suggested).
- "Retiro" is a small town about an hour from central Medellin, or 30 minutes from the airport. Most of the architecture and homes take after the French, and there's countless parks and restaurants to see. (See map for attached recommendations)
- "Arvi Park", is also 1 hour from the city and 30 min from the airport, although a rental is recommended in this case. Note that it is FREE to enter.
OPTION 2: For those who don't really want to do anything crazy right after landing, spend the day to relax, acclimate and discover!
Grab some food and drink, "Restaurante Flores y Sabores" is an ideal location for price, information, and is in right in the center of Medellin's lifestyle.
Specializing in Mexican cuisine, you won't be disappointed. I love my simple food, I stuck to my usual chicken and rice, and it was so delicious! If you are looking for a good drink, "The Corner Bar" is very welcoming. With a great selection of craft beers and artisanal cocktails, you will be surrounded with a great crowd. Don't be up too late, day 2 will be very adventurous.
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Day 2
Be sure to be up nice and early, because you'll be heading to Guatape! A colorful, vibrant village less than 2 hours from Medellin and located in Antioquia, it is mostly known for the giant granite rock, "La Piedra del Penol". With over 700 steps to reach the top, it can be a challenge but it is self paced, so bring a water bottle and prepare for the stunning view up top, it's worth it!
BUT, before all that, you will have a few hours of exploring to do! The tour (linked below) consists of multiple stops, in total lasting 8-10 hours.
First, the bus drives for an hour to "El Alto del Chocho", a family-friendly restaurant with an additional small farm included. Many varying animals reside here and are very well maintained; horses, cows, piggies and more!
After around 45 minutes, hop back on the bus for a quick 15 minute ride to Peñol, a small town in the province of Antioquia. A tour going over the towns history and seeing a few landmarks lasts about an hour, then moving forward to Guatape that is located 30 minutes away. Here, you'll take an hour cruise on the "Embalse del Peñol", a reservoir and one of the largest lakes in the country!
Once you return, you'll have 60-90 minutes to freely eat, drink and explore. I found "El Bacchanal" to be the perfect spot, recommended by the tour guides themselves. They have some interesting drinks (pictured), but nonetheless it was tasty and strong! From Guatape, you'll head the "El Peñol" just 15 minutes away. You'll have 90 minutes to explore, you can go up the 725+ steps or just go to the base that is 650 steps instead, or just hang around before heading back to the city!
Day 3
Prepare for a hike, as you're going to see Pablo Escobar's old estate! Heading 25 minutes southeast of Envigado, a southern area of Medellin, this hike is intermediate and includes walking through some shin-to-knee high waters. Your assigned tour guide will fill you in on the forests' natural life, and just know Mother Nature is referred to "Mama Parcha" here. It should take around 60-75 minutes to reach the waterfall, feel free to jump in!
Keep in mind you do have to hike back, make sure you bring plenty of water and bug spray! It will be another 60-75 minute hike to the starting point, before heading back to the city. Altogether, this activity will last around 5 hours.
You should be hungry, after some down time and getting cleaned up, try some traditional Colombian food at either of these delicious locations; "Tipicos Parce", "Pícaro las Palmas" or "La Tienda de la 70". Highly rated and inexpensive, you'll feel one with Colombia after one bite.
Day 4
OPTION 1: During the day, check out "La estacion de las empanadas" and hop on the metro train, it's less than $1USD!
Once you reach "Estación Acevedo", hop off and right onto the metro cable car and ride over the city. The view is just as amazing at night, with elevated lights and nightlife. Hop off at "Poblado Station", and walk to Park Uva, an enormous hilltop park with skyline views, exhibitions and many hangout/play areas.
((If you want a more local touch, freetour.com (linked below) offers free guided walking tours in Medellin, some include riding in the metro cable car!))
OPTION 2: For an even more immersive experience, visit the Atanasio Stadium for game of football! (NOTE: games are by schedule, check link below for any available games, you MUST register to buy tickets through their site or app, both links are found after opening attached link)
Seat prices vary, costing between $5-$15. IF there's no upcoming games, there are free slots for the pool and track field, you do have to call and find out the times. You can also do a city bike tour, and see the huge stadium from the outside, along with the rest of the city. (linked below)
AFTER choosing your day activity, it's time for a fun night out. Medellin knows how to party, and you wont be disappointed with how they go all out with their clubs & bars!
"La Octava" bar stood out to me because it has a ball pit! And yes, you can hop right in it. "Bar Chiquita" is a vibrant, themed bar with occasional drag performances, you can check their site (linked) if interested! Both places have strong drinks, no worries. Pick your poison and enjoy your night!
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Day 5
Today, you'll be visiting what used to be one of the most violent neighborhoods in the WORLD, "Commune 13". Unrecognizable today from its dark past, Escobars cartels ran the area in the 80-90's, until a series of community projects and improved public transportation majorly assisted in its modern abundance. Filled with art, parks, street performances and food, its become a very popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
It is very easy to get lost, I recommend finding an assigned tour guide. The link will provide a list of current "Commune 13" tours, check it out! You'll be shown so much, such as famous pieces of art (like the Pura Vida" mural), taste some street food, and interactive free-stylers who'll include you into their flow.
Upon returning, you may be hungry or perhaps down to relax. "360 Rooftop Bar" and "The Up Garden Rooftop" are in the heart of Medellin, with couches/booths, food and drink with surrounding panoramic views of Medellins' exquisite terrain. If you want to dial it down even further, "Solárium Rooftop' is a literal rooftop with a bunch of picnic tables that also provide food and drink! Relax in a very well-maintained space with lovely music.
Day 6
Today, venture out a bit to Santa Fe! A perfect day trip, it is 1.5 hrs away from Medellin.
OPTION 1: Book a private tour (linked below) for a more in-depth historical experience.
OPTION 2: Do your own thing a book a roundtrip bus ticket (linked) for less than $10. Once there, check out the Juan del Corral Museum (free), and after take a quick stroll on the famous suspension bridge "Puente de Occidente" (free). I suggest getting a Moto-taxi for $5 to take you there.
Don't forget to grab a bite to eat!
Bonus: There is a waterpark here! Kanaloa Waterpark is only $13 to enter, and you'll find wildlife like parrots and ostriches wandering. There are a bunch of rides & stays well-maintained.
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Day 7
It's your last day, so let's make it memorable! (Keep in mind you can pick whatever you'd like to do from the list) Medellin has much more than food, bars and parks, so let's dive into it's historical side. "Museum of Antioquia" is a base for historic art, it's so old, founded in 1881, its the second museum established in Colombia! Entry is only $6USD, hours are Mon-Sat 10A-5:30p.
Next, if you are more of a plant parent and love nature like I do, the Botanical Garden in Medellin will not disappoint. Opening in 1972, there are more than 2 million visitors a year. With scientific collections of living plants, learn, care and explore nature! Entry is FREE, open Tues-Sun from 9am-4p.
If you'd like more doses of museums, "El Castillo" museum specializes in glass and porcelain exhibitions, as well as stained glass, antiques, paintings and much more. Tickets have 2 tiers, just the museum and the other for both the museum and garden (it's only a .60 cent difference). Cost is $4-5USD, hours being 9a-5p.
Lastly, let us get a little fancy, it is your last day after all! "Palace of Culture Rafael Uribe" was originally a government building turned gothic-style cultural center in the 80's. Over 300 rooms, a library and a museum that focuses on the life of Rafael and the construction of the historical building. Admission is FREE, but you may have to leave your ID at the entrance.
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