Medellin, Colombia 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Medellin, Colombia

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

Places to Go:

  1. El Jardín Botánico de Medellín (Botanical Garden of Medellín) - A peaceful urban oasis with diverse flora and fauna.
  2. Parque Berrio - The heart of Medellin, filled with restaurants, shops, and street performers.
  3. Metrocable - Take a cable car ride to the barrios (neighborhoods) on the hillsides like Comuna 13, San Javier, or Santo Domingo for breathtaking views and unique cultural experiences.

Where to Eat:

  • El Ejido - Traditional Colombian food in a vibrant setting.
  • Burger House - For those who crave a good burger with a Colombian twist.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Nutibara - Located in the heart of the city, this historic hotel offers comfortable rooms and great views.
  • Casa Medina - A boutique hotel set within the lush grounds of a private park, featuring modern rooms and suites.

Things to Know:

  • Medellin is known as “The City of Eternal Spring” due to its pleasant year-round climate.
  • Spanish is the primary language spoken in Medellin, but many people understand basic English.

Day 2: Art & Culture Exploration

Places to Go:

  1. Museo de Antioquia - Home to a vast collection of Colombian art, including works by Fernando Botero and other renowned artists from the region.
  2. Parque Arví - A vast natural reserve with hiking trails, zip-lining, and cultural experiences with local communities.
  3. Casa de la Memoria - A museum dedicated to the history of violence in Colombia and the search for peace.

Where to Eat:

  • La Puerta Falsa - Try the traditional Bandejada dish, which includes rice, red beans, avocado, ground meat, fried egg, and arepa.
  • El Cangrejo Loco - Delicious seafood options in a lively atmosphere.

Day 3: Nature & Outdoor Activities

Places to Go:

  1. Salento & Valle de Cocora - Visit this picturesque town and explore the towering wax palms of the Cocora Valley by horseback or hiking.
  2. Piedras Blancas Natural Park - A unique ecosystem with limestone formations, crystal-clear rivers, and a variety of wildlife.

Where to Eat:

  • Donde Jaime - Try traditional Colombian dishes like Bandeja Paisa in Salento.

Day 4: Day Trip to Guatapé & El Peñol

Places to Go:

  1. El Peñol - Climb the famous stone hill for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  2. Guatapé - Explore this colorful town, visit the zocalos (murals) on the houses, and take a boat ride on Lake Guatapé.

Where to Eat:

  • La Gallinita - Delicious food with a view of the lake in Guatapé.

Day 5: Relax & Farewell

Places to Go:

  1. Poblado - Spend your last day shopping, dining, and relaxing in this trendy neighborhood.
  2. Parque Explora - An interactive science center with exhibits on various ecosystems, as well as a planetarium and an aquarium.
  3. Plaza Lourdes - A peaceful outdoor space to reflect on your trip and enjoy some local street food.

Things to Know:

  • Medellin has a safe and efficient metro system that connects many popular tourist destinations.
  • Colombian coffee is world-renowned, so don’t miss the opportunity to sample it at a local café or coffee shop.
  • Tipping in Colombia is not expected, but it is appreciated for good service.

Transportation:

  • Metro (Metro de Medellín) - The easiest and most affordable way to get around the city.
  • Transmetrocable - A cable car system that connects certain metro stations with the barrios on the hillsides.
  • Taxis - Taxis are plentiful in Medellin, but make sure to use a reputable company or app for safety reasons.
  • Uber - Available in Medellin and can be a convenient option for transportation.