4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
10hrs by bus from Bogota
When to go
From December to March
Minimum stay
3 to 5 days
Medellín (Colombia)
©
Laure Alvarez
Practical information about Medellín
Reviews of Medellín
Medellín, the capital of the Colombian department of Antioquia, is a city entirely surrounded by close-lying mountains and scattered with red-brick buildings. It is also the country's second main economic centre after Bogotá. Medellín is definitely one of the essential places to visit and explore!
My suggestion:
Climb up to the heights above Medellín for a bird's eye view out over the whole city. The locals tend to congregate and meet up along the road leading to the airport in the evenings.
Summary:
Medellín is Colombia's second largest city and was unfortunately notorious for being one of the world's most dangerous around twenty years ago (the biggest network of drug traffickers in the world was based here at the time). Medellín has been considerably transformed since those days and its economy continues to grow constantly. It is also a city with a great deal of cultural heritage to offer.
Medellín is said to be the "City of Eternal Spring", and with good reason: temperatures here vary only between 16 and 30°C all year round, which means it should be very pleasant when you come here during your tour of Colombia. There is, however, less rainfall between December and February.
I spent several days in this city of red brick buildings, attractive shopping streets and warm, friendly people. Medellín lies in the Aburrá Valley surrounded by the mountains of the Cordillera Occidental and Cordillera Central ranges.
©
Laure Alvarez
©
Laure Alvarez
Situated at an altitude above 1,500m , it's the second largest town in Colombia.
My suggestion:
Don't miss out the stunning Medellin Botanical Garden, particularly its incredible orchidarium.
Summary:
It's been a while since Medellin was considered to be a scary place, where violent drug cartels ruled the streets. Today Medellin is a pleasant town, situated in the mountains of the Colombian Cordillera, with an efficient cable car service that links the different hillside neighbourhoods.
I found its cultural and artistic side particularly dynamic and buzzing, with numerous museums, art galleries, concerts and exhibitions dotted around town. This is one place you must visit during a holiday in Colombia.
The nightlifein Medellin is particularly vibrant. The numerous bars spread around the student areas of town fill up after sunset; you'll love the delicious, local rum that you can wash down whilst watching samba dancers hit the floor.
©
Nina Montagné
89 travellers' photos
