Medellin, Colombia-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of El Poblado

  • Morning: Arrive in Medellín and check-in at your hotel. We recommend the Hotel Poblado Plaza or a similar 4-star option.
  • 10:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at Café Zoraya, a popular spot for coffee and pastries.
  • 11:30 AM: Visit the famous El Poblado neighborhood, known for its trendy restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Take a stroll along Calle 10 and explore the local shops and street art.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at La Casa de la Abuela, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Colombian cuisine.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the nearby Botero Plaza, a public square featuring six of Fernando Botero’s sculptures. Take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at El Olivo, a renowned restaurant for its grilled meats and seafood.

Day 2: Museo de Antioquia and Parque Arví

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the iconic Museo de Antioquia, featuring an impressive collection of Colombian art. Be sure to see Fernando Botero’s sculptures and paintings.
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the nearby Parque Arví, a nature reserve with stunning views of the city. Take a hike or simply enjoy the scenery.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at La Abuela Pola, a local eatery serving delicious traditional dishes.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the trendy neighborhood of El Centro, known for its shops and street art. Explore the Mercado Minorista, a bustling marketplace.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Macarena, a restaurant serving creative Colombian cuisine.

Day 3: Comuna 13 and Parque Lleras

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the infamous Comuna 13 neighborhood, known for its street art and community projects. Take a guided tour to learn more about this vibrant area.
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the trendy Parque Lleras, a popular spot for food trucks, bars, and live music. Enjoy lunch at one of the local eateries.
  • 1:00 PM: Visit the nearby El Tesoro, a shopping center with a variety of restaurants and shops.
  • 3:00 PM: Explore the charming neighborhood of La Macarena, known for its boutiques and galleries.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Casona de la Abuela, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Colombian cuisine.

Day 4: Guatapé

  • 8:00 AM: Take an excursion to the picturesque town of Guatapé, located on the shores of Lake Zapatosa. (Approximately 2 hours from Medellín)
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the iconic El Peñón de Guatapé, a massive rock formation with stunning views.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at one of the local eateries in Guatapé.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the colorful streets and alleys of Guatapé, taking in the charming atmosphere.

Day 5: Pueblito Paisa

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Pueblito Paisa, a miniature town that offers panoramic views of Medellín. (Located on the top of Cerro Nutibara)
  • 11:30 AM: Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants in the Pueblito Paisa.
  • 1:00 PM: Explore the nearby Parque Bolivar, a public square featuring the iconic El Duque sculpture.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the trendy neighborhood of La Llanura, known for its boutiques and galleries.

Transportation

Medellín has a comprehensive metro system (Metro de Medellín) that is efficient and affordable. We recommend purchasing a rechargeable Transbordo card for easy travel. Taxis are widely available, but be sure to use licensed cabs or ride-hailing services like Uber. Walking is also a great way to explore the city, especially in neighborhoods like El Poblado.

Tips

  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions, including rain and sun exposure. Bring sunscreen and an umbrella!
  • Medellín has a vibrant nightlife scene; be sure to check out some of the local bars and clubs.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick with bottled or filtered water instead.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting cultural attractions.

Accommodation

We recommend staying in the trendy neighborhood of El Poblado, which offers a range of hotels, hostels, and Airbnb options. Some popular choices include:

  • Hotel Poblado Plaza
  • Hotel Dann Carlton Medellín
  • Hostel La Macarena
  • Airbnb options in El Poblado or nearby neighborhoods.

Getting Around

Medellín has a comprehensive public transportation system that includes buses, metro lines, and Transbordo cards. We recommend using these services to get around the city. Taxis are also widely available, but be sure to use licensed cabs or ride-hailing services like Uber. Walking is a great way to explore neighborhoods like El Poblado and La Macarena.

Other Tips

  • Don’t forget to try some of the local street food and snacks, such as empanadas and arepas!
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions during peak season.
  • Consider purchasing a tourist card, which offers discounts on attractions and transportation.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting cultural attractions.

Additional Information

Medellín has a rich history and culture, with many museums, galleries, and cultural centers to explore. Some popular attractions include:

  • Museo de Antioquia (Museum of Antioquia)
  • Parque Arví (Arví Park)
  • El Pueblito Paisa (Miniature town on top of Cerro Nutibara)

We recommend taking a guided tour or using online resources to plan your itinerary and make the most of your time in Medellín.