Explore the spectacular natural surroundings and vibrant culture of this innovative city in the Andes.
Located in the Aburrá Valley, Medellín is surrounded by soaring Andean peaks. This mountainous city is nicknamed “La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera”, or the City of the Eternal Spring, because of its year-round temperate climate. The city is rather isolated from the rest of the country and over the years it has developed a unique local culture.
The highlight of Medellín’s world-renowned public transportation network is the system of gondolas, called the metro cablés, which ascend into the surrounding mountains. Take a gondola from the eastern part of the city and take a trip up the mountainside. During your journey, you will pass over the series of gigantic, boulder-like structures that make up the Parque Biblioteca España (Spain Library Park). Further south is a nature preserve, covering over 800 hectares (2,000 acres), called Parque Arví, which contains farms, hiking trails and an archaeological dig site.
Head back downtown and explore some of the more than 400 boutiques, bars and cafés in the Palacio Nacional (National Palace) commercial centre. Take a short walk over to the Antioquia Museum to see artwork from local artists Pedro Nel Goméz and Fernando Botero. As you discover the city, keep an eye out for their colourful murals painted by graffiti artists during the November Street Skills festival.
Visit the northern part of the city and relax in the Járdin Botánico (Botanical Garden). Unwind as you sit by the picturesque pond or wander through the beautiful collection of flowering plants. Afterwards, visit the adjacent Parque Explora. This science museum will keep kids and adults entertained with its more than 300 interactive exhibits that explain various scientific phenomena.
While in Medellín, sample the local cuisine, such as bendeja paisa, which is a bean, egg, rice and beef dish mondongo, a cassava and tripe stew or sancocho, a plantain and chicken stew.
Visit Medellín’s wealthy Poblado district to see El Castillo Museo y Jardines (The Castle Musuem and Gardens). This former home of a Colombian humanitarian is full of fascinating items from all over Europe. Sit in the gorgeous gardens and take in a breathtaking view of Medellín.
The nearest major airport to Medellín is José María Córdova International Airport, which is a 45-minute drive from the city. There are also buses that connect Medellín to other Colombian cities. These buses weave through the Andes on their way to Medellín and offer wonderful views of the dramatic landscape.
