A Day in Medellin Colombia

Here’s a short-list of things to do in Medellin, Colombia.  You could accomplish the whole list in day if you apply yourself.  Better yet take a few days and enjoy your time here.  There is plenty to savor in this city with a fascinating past and a bright future.

Take a free walking tour. This is a fantastic introduction to Medellin because you walk through most of the best known sights in the city, and the guide will provide an overview of the complex history of Medellin.

Many visitors will associate Medellin with the drug cartel headed by infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar.

While Escobar had an unmistakable mark on the city, there are many more reasons why Medellin has risen and established itself as “the most innovative city in the world” according to the Wall Street Journal in 2013.

The tour guides from Real City Tours (http://www.realcitytours.com/), which we highly recommend, help explain this transformation in the context of history.

Medellin Colombia

Stroll through the Plaza de Botero. Experience the unique vision of artist Fernando Botero in this square, home to twenty-three bronze sculptures exemplifying his style of exaggerated proportions.

See more statues and Botero painted works, as well as pieces from artists throughout the region, at the Museum of Antioquia on one side of the square. Admission to the museum is $5.

Botero Park

Tuck into a bandeja paisa. This huge local dish (“bandeja” translates to “platter”), lives up to its name.

The dish typically contains grilled beef, chorizo, blood sausage, chicharron (pork cracklins), rice topped with an egg, beans, arepa (local starch similar to a thick corn tortilla), fried plantain and often served with a thick soup to start.

You can find this dish both in the tourist areas as well as small “almuerzo” or lunch spots throughout the city. Cost varies from about $6 – $12 US. Not to be missed!

Bandeja Paisa

Ride the Metro and the Cable Cars. See most of the city and experience some of the best views from a public transportation system in the world. Construction began on the metro system in the 1990s during the midst of drug and political struggles, and for many Colombians is a symbol of hope and resilience.

The public pride is evidenced by the lack of graffiti and overall cleanliness of the cars. The unique cable car section of the metro was constructed in order to connect those citizens living in the hilly, more remote and less affluent areas of the city with the inner community.

You can ride the cable cars above old barrios in order to reach some tourist destinations, potentially sharing your ride with children coming home from school or mothers carrying home groceries.

It is a testament to both the city’s past and its future. All that and some great views of the city, all for about 2 bucks.

Medellin Cable Car

Take in the sights around Arvi Park. The park is located at the top of K line of the cable car system.

The fifteen minute journey takes you high above the city, through a pine forest leading to an ecological preserve with hiking trails and vendors selling all sorts of local goodies.

You can find woven hats and scarves, handmade jewelry along with fruits, empanadas, sandwiches and fresh fruit juice at the many small markets on the top. Vendors will call out “a la orden” translating to “at your service” good naturedly as you stroll along.

Arvi Park Medellin

 Indulge in a hilltop BBQ with a view. Each night several outdoor picnic spots come alive at El Mirador De Los Palmas. Sample some amazing local BBQ while taking in stunning views of the evening lights of Medellin below.

Lots of families along with local young couples enjoying the romantic scenery and drinking a local favorite “chocolatico” — a hot drink similar to hot chocolate.

The local patrons will add in a dollop of soft salty melted cheese to the chocolate drink. A steak dinner with arepa covered in melted cheese, side salad and a little grilled chorizo to top it off costs about $4 US.

BBQ with a view

Related Articles about travel in Colombia:

5 Reasons to Visit Cartagena, Colombia

Paragliding in Medellin

Parque El Salado – Medellin Off The Beaten Track

Medellin Colombia Botanical Gardens