Medellin Colombia 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

  • Arrival at José María Córdova International Airport (RIO)

    • Taxi/Uber is readily available outside the airport. The average fare to downtown Medellin is around $35,000 COP (10-12 USD).

  • Check-in & Rest

    • Recommended hotels: Hotel Charlee, Patio del Mundo, and Casa Medina Antioquia. These hotels offer a great location, comfort, and a taste of Colombian hospitality.

  • Lunch

    • Try traditional dishes at Parque Berrio’s “Comidas Rapidas” (Fast Food area), such as Bandeja Paisa, Sancocho or Empanadas.

  • City Orientation & Comuna 13

    • Visit Parque Bolivar and the Metropolitan Cathedral for a glimpse of Medellin’s history and architecture.
    • Take a cable car ride to Comuna 13, a once dangerous neighborhood transformed into a vibrant tourist destination with colorful murals and graffiti art.

  • Dinner

    • Dine at El Ermito, a cozy restaurant offering delicious Colombian cuisine in an old-fashioned setting.

Day 2: Exploring the City & Botanical Garden

  • Breakfast

    • Start your day with a breakfast of Arepas or Chocolate con Pan (bread with hot chocolate) at Perro Caliente, located near Parque Lleras.

  • Jardín Botánico de Medellín

    • Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Medellin Botanical Garden and learning about Colombia’s diverse flora and fauna.

  • Lunch

    • Savor local dishes at El Huequito, a popular restaurant serving traditional Antioqueño food in a relaxed setting.

  • Afternoon: Parque Arví & Poblado

    • Take the metrocable (metro cable car) to Parque Arvi and enjoy hiking or horseback riding through the lush forests.
    • Return to El Poblado neighborhood, where you can shop, grab a drink, or relax at one of its numerous bars and cafes.

  • Dinner

    • Dine at Fonda La Ciceria for a taste of traditional Colombian food in a casual, friendly atmosphere.

Day 3: Guatapé & Peñol Rock

  • Early Breakfast

    • Start your day early with a breakfast at the hotel or grab something quick before heading out.

  • Guatapé & Peñol Rock

    • Take a day trip to Guatapé, a colorful town famous for its “Zocalos” (colored patterns on houses) and the impressive La Piedra (Peñol Rock). Climb the 650 steps to reach the top for breathtaking views of the region.
    • Return to Medellin in the evening.

  • Dinner

    • Enjoy a farewell dinner at El Corral, one of Medellin’s finest restaurants, offering gourmet Colombian cuisine with an innovative twist.

Day 4: Relax & Departure

  • Breakfast

    • Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or try one last delicious dish in Parque Berrio.

  • Free Time/Relax

    • Spend the morning exploring any remaining sights or shopping for souvenirs before checking out of the hotel and heading to the airport.

  • Departure

    • Take a taxi/Uber to José María Córdova International Airport (RIO) for your flight home, or onwards to another adventure in Colombia.