Medellin is one of the most modern and safest cities in Colombia that you must know. Although it was once known to be a drug cartel epicenter, this is now in the past. Medellín residents are proud of what the city has become over the years and don’t want to get hold of that troubled history.
So feel free to research about the city’s past if you want before going there, but don’t make your trip to Medellín all about that. After all, this amazing city offers various interesting attractions to see and do. Check it out!
Comuna 13
Comuna 13 is the most famous marginalized community in Colombia. It is where you can find the most marvellous and symbolic graffiti art. Graffiti artists from all over the world have filled Comuna 13 walls with colours, joy, and hope.
Another interesting attraction of Comuna 13 is las escaleras electricas, which means “escalators”. The escalators are placed outdoors to help residents and visitors go up the community levels.
You’ll be amazed by the stunning view!
Plaza Botero
Fernando Botero is a famous and renowned Colombian painter and sculptor. Colombians are very proud of his contribution to the art world, and you can find some of his artwork around various cities.
Besides the museum in Bogota; in Medellín, there’s a square in Botero’s honour, called Plaza Botero. There you’ll see some of his signature-style sculptures that are very distinctive!
Parque Arví
Medellín has the top transportation system in Colombia, with metro, bus, and even a cable car praised not only in the country but worldwide. You’ll probably hear about the metro cable when researching or arriving there.
And one way to know this transportation and add more adventure to your trip to Medellín is by visiting Parque Arví. This is a gorgeous park in the mountains where you can unwind and enjoy nature, or go hiking or biking.
Also, the metro cable ride there is totally breathtaking… You can’t miss having this experience when you go to Medellin!
Guatapé + Piedra del Peñol
If you’re amazed by Medellín already, you’ll be even more if you add Guatapé + Piedra del Peñol to your itinerary.
Guatapé is a small historical town near Medellin that is worth seeing. Like other amazing cities in Colombia, Guatapé has a colored and old architecture style and a lot of craftwork stores where you can buy local gifts!
Right next to Guatapé is Piedra del peñol, a gigantic rock that can be climbed by stairs. It’s an amazing adventure and getting up the rock is rewarding not only to brag yourself for being able to climb 740 steps but also to see the stunning view of the city. It’s one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen!
You can see Guatapé + Piedra del Peñol on a guided tour from Medellín that will cost you from 150,000 to 250,000 COP.
Hacienda Napoles
Finally, if you have enough time, don’t miss going to Hacienda Napoles. The farm located in Puerto Triunfo, near Medellín, that was before a luxurious mansion built by Pablo Escobar now is an estate’s theme park and a good one!
It has one of the major zoos in Latin America and a fun waterpark. You’ll also find a museum that tells the story of the drug lord.
To visit Hacienda Napoles you can buy entrance tickets that cost from 51,000 to 133,500 COP, depending on what attractions you want to see.
If you want to learn more about the history of the place, you should hire a tuk-tuk tour from transporters outside the park. The official tours won’t tell you anything about the past since they are not proud of this history.
Anyways, there is a tone of adventures to explore in the park apart from this that you’ll certainly love!
So, what did you think about this Medellín travel guide? Any other attractions you would recommend going to? Let me know in the comments below!