8-Day Itinerary for Medellin, Colombia

  • Day 1: El Poblado
    20 minutes (5.8 km) from Jose Maria Cordova International Airport

    Start your trip by exploring the vibrant neighborhood of El Poblado. Walk around Parque Lleras and enjoy the colorful houses, street art, and cafes. Visit the Museo El Castillo, a mansion-turned-museum with stunning architecture and gardens. End the day with dinner and drinks at one of the many restaurants in the area.

  • Day 2: Comuna 13
    30 minutes (9.8 km) from El Poblado

    Take a tour of Comuna 13, a neighborhood that has transformed from a dangerous area to a vibrant and colorful one with the help of street art and community projects. Visit the famous outdoor escalators and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city. Try some local street food and shop for souvenirs at the local markets.

  • Day 3: Botero Plaza
    20 minutes (7.2 km) from Comuna 13

    Spend the day exploring the historic district of La Candelaria. Start with a visit to Botero Plaza and see the famous sculptures by Fernando Botero. Continue with a tour of the Museo de Antioquia and learn about the city's history and art. End the day with a cup of coffee and some people-watching at Plaza Bolivar.

  • Day 4: Arvi Park
    1 hour (22.4 km) from Botero Plaza

    Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a trip to Arvi Park. Take the Metrocable to reach the park and enjoy the scenic views of the city along the way. Explore the park's trails, lakes, and forests, and try some local snacks at the food market. End the day with a sunset view from the viewpoint.

  • Day 5: Guatape
    2 hours (79.7 km) from Arvi Park

    Take a day trip to the picturesque town of Guatape. Climb the 740 steps of the Piedra del Penol for breathtaking views of the surrounding reservoirs and mountains. Explore the colorful streets of the town and visit the famous waterfront attraction, La Zocala.

  • Day 6: Jardin
    3 hours (133.8 km) from Guatape

    Visit Jardin, a charming town known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and zocalos. Take a coffee tour and learn about the coffee-making process from bean to cup. Go on a hike to the impressive Cascada del Amor waterfall, and end the day with a stroll around the town's colorful zocalos.

  • Day 7: Parque Explora
    2 hours (75.8 km) from Jardin

    Visit Parque Explora, a science and technology museum that features interactive exhibits and a vivarium. Check out the planetarium and the 3D cinema, and take a stroll in the nearby Botanical Gardens. End the day with a bit of shopping and a meal at the nearby mall, Santafe.

  • Day 8: Envigado
    30 minutes (7.8 km) from Parque Explora

    Spend your last day in Envigado, a tranquil town known for its parks and colonial architecture. Visit Parque Ecologico El Salado for a peaceful nature walk, and explore the town's vibrant markets and shops. End your trip with a traditional Colombian meal at one of the town's many restaurants.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Parque Lleras (1-2 hours, free)
  • Museo El Castillo (1-2 hours, 20,000 COP)
  • Comuna 13 Tour (2-3 hours, 50,000 COP)
  • Botero Plaza (1-2 hours, free)
  • Museo de Antioquia (2-3 hours, 18,000 COP)
  • Arvi Park (4-5 hours, 10,000 COP)
  • Piedra del Penol (2-3 hours, 18,000 COP)
  • Parque Explora (2-3 hours, 25,000 COP)
  • Parque Ecologico El Salado (2-3 hours, 5,000 COP)

  • Total Estimated Costs: 146,000 COP ($40 USD)

Transportation

Medellin has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, metro trains, and metro cable cars. The metro cable car is an excellent way to reach some of the city's attractions, including Arvi Park and Comuna 13. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also available, but be sure to negotiate the fare before getting in. Travel costs will depend on the mode of transportation and distance traveled.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider a day trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia, a colonial town with beautiful architecture and cobblestone streets. For a cultural experience, visit the Teatro Metropolitano and catch a performance by some of Colombia's most renowned artists. If you have less time, consider skipping Jardin and spending more time in Medellin exploring the city's many museums, parks, and markets.

Airports

Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) is the main airport in Medellin, located in the nearby town of Rionegro. The airport is 45 minutes (29.9 km) from Medellin city center and offers flights to several international destinations in North America, South America, and Europe. Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) is a smaller airport located in the city center and offers domestic flights within Colombia.

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