Medellín
Surprising and vibrant
Medellín, a metropolis of over 5 million inhabitants, has a turbulent past. After the death of drug lord Pablo Escobar – who had the city in his grip during the 1980s – and the dismantling of his drug gang, things slowly but surely began to change. Numerous initiatives were launched to make life in Medellín more appealing. The result? A fantastic, vibrant city that you simply must see!
Discover Medellín
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Fernando Botero
Fernando Botero is a Colombian painter and sculptor of international renown. His art has a highly recognisable style, also known as ‘Boterismo’. He often depicts contemporary Latin American life or the violence of the drug war in Colombia. Botero Park, a city park in the heart of Medellín, is home to 36 sculptures by this artist.
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Visit Comuna 13
Whereas until 2010 you really had to avoid Comuna 13, it is now considered a delightful neighbourhood. Numerous award-winning socio-cultural projects have been launched there, resulting in it becoming a veritable open-air museum. In almost every street or alleyway, you’ll find the most beautiful street art, enthusiastic street performers and stalls where you can buy the most delicious treats. You’ll experience a real explosion of positive energy there!
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Via Cocina Foodtrain
A fantastic project by Canadian entrepreneur Brian Johnston. Under his guidance, you can take part in a cookery workshop where you’ll learn to make traditional Colombian dishes. With the proceeds from this workshop, Brian teaches the local community how to cook healthier and more affordably by using local produce. They can use the skills they gain to set up their own food stalls and thus earn a living. Tip: be sure to take a walk through the neighbourhood with Brian!
City of Eternal Spring
The city of Medellín, the capital of the Antioquia region, lies in the fertile and mountainous Aburrá Valley. Surrounded by mountains and situated at an altitude of around 1,500 metres, the city enjoys a spring-like climate all year round with an average temperature of around 22°C, making it a pleasant destination to visit. There are many parks and the city boasts a vibrant cultural scene. There are libraries, the Museo de Arte Moderno (MAMM), other museums, and various cultural events take place in the city.
History of the world’s most innovative city
Medellín was founded on 2 November 1675 by Francisco Herrera Campuzano. Medellín has had many different names since its foundation. Since 2 November 1675, it has retained the name ‘Villa de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Medellín’, later shortened to Medellín. In the years that followed, the city continued to grow and gained renown for the trade that took place there. Unfortunately, this was not the only reason Medellín became known as a city; the drug-related violence of the 1980s and 1990s also put the city (in a negative light) on the map. The Medellín cartel had a major influence on the city and caused years of unrest and violence. In the 21st century, Medellín embarked on a massive transformation, investing heavily in infrastructure, public transport and various social projects. A metro system and the now-famous cable cars were built throughout the city. Old, derelict buildings in the city were renovated and given a new purpose. In 2013, the city gained international recognition, being named ‘City of the Year’ by The Wall Street Journal and Citi, and ‘Innovative City of the Year’ by the influential non-profit organisation Urban Land Institute. Medellín beat New York and Tel Aviv to these titles.
Excellent public transport
Medellín has a highly innovative public transport system, in which ultra-modern monorails connect seamlessly with trams, buses and cable cars.
Colombia’s only metro system is located in Medellín and consists of two main lines (A and B) that connect the city from north to south and east to west. The metro trains are safe and clean. In addition to the metro, Medellín also has cable car lines, which better connect the (outlying) neighbourhoods situated in the city’s hilly areas to the city centre. The construction of these cable cars has had a major social impact on the city.
Running through the city centre is the ‘Tranvía de Ayacucho’, a modern tram line that further improves connections with other forms of public transport.
Of course, there are also various buses operating in Medellín, some of which complement the metro and cable car services, with a combined fare applying. Other buses, on the other hand, are express services that take you from one side of the city to the other (these are orange in colour).
Neighbourhoods
Medellín, a city with a population of millions, comprises various neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character. We have highlighted a few interesting neighbourhoods for you:
El Poblabo
The El Poblado district is one of the city’s most affluent and also one of its most popular tourist areas. The neighbourhood is home to several (luxury) hotels, numerous restaurants and a range of bars and nightlife venues. The nightlife is particularly vibrant in ‘Parque Lleras’. You’ll also find shopping centres in this neighbourhood, the best known of which are Santa Fe and El Tesoro.
Comuna 13
Comuna 13 is renowned for the major transformation the neighbourhood has undergone. The neighbourhood’s history has been a turbulent one. Nowadays, the neighbourhood is known for its street art, featuring numerous murals, and the innovative escalators that have been installed to make the neighbourhood (which is situated on steep hills) more accessible.
La Candelaria (City Centre)
The city’s historic centre, also known as the La Candelaria district, is a chaotic yet vibrant neighbourhood. Here you’ll find many historic buildings and churches, as well as various museums and markets. The most famous sights in this neighbourhood are Plaza Botero and the Museo de Antioquia, which is situated on Plaza Botero.
San Javier
The San Javier neighbourhood borders Comuna 13 and, just like Comuna 13, is known for the transformation that the neighbourhood – and with it the city of Medellín – has undergone. Here too, various community projects and cultural initiatives form a major part of life in the neighbourhood. San Javier can be reached via the Metrocable, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city.
Places of interest
In the bustling city of Medellín, there are various interesting sights that are well worth a visit:
Plaza Botero
Plaza Botero is a central square in the heart of Medellín. The square takes its name from the large, unique sculptures by the Colombian artist Fernando Botero. The square is adjacent to the ‘Museo de Antioquia’, which houses an extensive collection of works by Botero and other artists.
Comuna 13
The neighbourhood that epitomises the transformation from an unsafe and violent past to the vibrant cultural hotspot it is today. The neighbourhood offers an insight into its history. Here you’ll find beautiful street art in the form of murals.
Pueblito Paisa
Perched atop Cerro Nutibara lies the replica of a traditional Antioquian village, ‘Pueblito Paisa’. Although the village itself isn’t particularly impressive, it offers a glimpse into rural life in the villages around Medellín. Another good reason to visit Pueblito Paisa is the panoramic view of the city that you can enjoy from Cerro Nutibara.
A ride on the Metrocable
Medellín’s cable cars are no longer just a means of transport to higher-lying neighbourhoods, but have also become one of the city’s tourist attractions. From the cable car, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city and the surrounding mountains. The Metrocable is also a fine example of Medellín’s innovative character.
Parque Explora
Parque Explora is a great place to visit, and it’s certainly well worth a visit with children. It’s an interactive science museum and aquarium. There are changing exhibitions on topics including biology, neuroscience and physics. Even if you don’t visit the museum, it’s a lovely place to stop off for a short while in the lively little park surrounding it.
Medellín Botanical Garden
The botanical garden is the ideal place to unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature. The garden itself is beautiful, with many different plant species, an impressive collection of orchids and butterfly gardens.
Places of interest outside Medellín
As well as the city of Medellín itself, there are also some interesting day trips you can take from the city:
El Peñol
El Peñol and the village of Guatapé are situated about 80 km east of Medellín. The name ‘El Peñol’ refers to a municipality, but also to the famous granite monolith for which El Peñol is renowned. This monolith is also known as ‘La Piedra del Peñol’ or ‘El Peñón de Guatapé’. This gigantic rock is around 200 metres high and can be climbed via the 740 steps that zigzag up the side of the rock. Once at the top, the view from the rock is stunning: a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding lakes and hills.
Guatapé
The village of Guatapé lies at the foot of El Peñol and on the shores of a beautiful, large reservoir. The village is best known for its brightly coloured houses and narrow streets. Most of the houses are decorated with bas-reliefs, known as ‘zócalos’, which depict unique and detailed images ranging from flowers and animals to scenes from everyday life.
The lake on which Guatapé is situated is an artificial reservoir created by the construction of a hydroelectric power station in the 1970s. A range of activities on the lake are available from Guatapé, such as boat trips, fishing and kayaking.
Events
Various events take place in Medellín every year; here is a brief overview of the two biggest ones:
Parade of Myths and Legends
The Parade of Myths and Legends takes place on 7 December, on the eve of Día de las Velitas. During this lively, colourful parade, the myths and legends of Colombian folklore are brought to life through traditional costumes, music and dance.
Feria de las Flores
Medellín’s best-known and most important cultural event is the annual ‘Feria de las Flores’ (Flower Festival). The festival has been held since 1957 and usually takes place in the first half of August, lasting a total of 10 days. During the festival, alongside the beauty of the flowers, the culture, traditions and history of the Antioquia region are also celebrated.
The most famous part of the festival is the ‘Desfile de Silletero’, or the parade of the silleteros. The silleteros are farmers from the region who carry large floral arrangements on their backs. This tradition dates back to the time when farmers had to carry the flowers from the mountains to the city to sell them. In addition to this parade of the silleteros, there is also a horse parade – a colourful procession of hundreds of horsemen winding their way through the streets of Medellín. During these 10 days, there are various traditional markets, concerts and performances, featuring a mix of traditional Colombian music and modern genres. A major orchid exhibition is organised at the Jardín Botánico during the festival.
Medellín International Poetry Festival
Every year in July, one of the world’s largest poetry festivals is held. During this festival, poets from all over the world come together to present their work and take part in workshops and readings.
Unique accommodation
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Quinta Ladera
The charming boutique hotel Quinta Ladera is situated in the lively El Poblado district. The rooms are stylishly and comfortably furnished and equipped with modern amenities. Quinta Ladera is an excellent choice for your visit to Medellín thanks to its personalised service and convenient location.
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Park 10
Hotel Park 10 is a luxury hotel offering spacious and elegant rooms and suites. Park 10 is also situated in the El Poblado district, an excellent location for your visit to Medellín. The hotel is renowned for its excellent service and high-quality restaurant, and is praised for its extensive, top-quality breakfast.
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Patio del Mundo
Patio del Mundo is Medellín’s first true boutique hotel. This charming villa has been beautifully restored by its French owners. The hotel has just seven rooms and a lovely tropical courtyard garden, and from your room you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the city. The hotel’s convenient location makes it one of the best bases from which to explore the city.
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Cannua Lodge
This luxurious, eco-friendly lodge is situated in the hills of Antioquia, about a 1.5-hour drive from Medellín. The hotel is set in beautiful, unspoilt and peaceful surroundings. From your room, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the mountains and forests surrounding the lodge. The rooms have been designed with a focus on sustainability and the use of natural materials. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the natural surroundings, and for extra relaxation, visit the spa.
Fancy a trip of Colombia?
Would you like to organise your own trip of Colombia, including a visit to Medellín, and are you curious about the options available? Then do take a look at the itineraries we’ve put together for inspiration. You can book these tours directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’ll be happy to help.