Medellin has captivated the attention of people from around the world. As the second biggest city in Colombia, Medellin is known for the many activities that are available for all types of travelers. Since it’s gained its popularity thanks to its incredible transformation, rich paisa culture, beautiful views, and outdoor activities, many people come with the hopes of experiencing all they can in this lively city. In order to have the best experience in the capital of Antioquia, we’ve put together a guide of must-do activities so that you don’t miss out on some of the best things this city has to offer.
Must-Do Activities in Medellin
Graffiti Tour in Medellin
There’s no better way to learn about the transformation of Medellin than by going on a graffiti tour in Comuna 13. This tour takes you on a walk through history where you’ll learn about how one of the most dangerous barrios in Medellin turned into an attraction for tourists and Colombians alike.
Aside from learning about the history, you’ll also view some of the best art in the city from local graffiti artists. The artwork is far from amateur, but rather incredible paintings that help tell a story of transformation. On your Comuna 13 Medellin tour, you’ll also enjoy authentic snacks, watch street dancers, and ride Medellin’s famous Metrocable.
Go to Ciclovia on Sunday
Ciclovia occurs every Sunday from around 7am to 1pm. During this time, certain major roads throughout the city are closed down to let pedestrians use the road. The purpose is to encourage health and fitness, but you don’t have to be a runner to participate! Many people get together with friends and family to enjoy the car-free roads. There are vendors along the road to offer snacks and refreshments.
Avenida Poblado is a common route that starts at Premium Plaza and ends at La Frontera. However, there are other routes in the city with various schedules, including nighttime ciclovia. You can learn more about the schedule here or you can ask one of the locals and they’ll gladly tell you more about where you can join in on the fun.
Coffee Tour in Medellin
Coffee is more than just a delicious beverage; it’s an important aspect of Colombian culture. What better way to get to know a country than by learning about something that has a big impact on the locals’ lives? On your Colombian coffee tour in Medellin, you’ll travel to the countryside and learn about the whole process of coffee production to better understand why Colombian coffee is the best in the world.
On your tour you’ll go horseback riding, hike paths, dress in traditional outfits, walk through a real coffee farm, and most importantly – enjoy a cup of carefully crafted coffee. When you take this tour, you’re helping to support local farmers and keep the tradition alive. Bags of fresh Colombian coffee also make for great gifts for your loved ones back home.
Participate in Festivals and Celebrations
Paisas are always looking for an excuse to get together and share food, music and fun moments with their loved ones. Depending on when you travel to Medellin, you may have the opportunity to experience one of these celebrations. For instance, December is a magical time in Medellin, with Christmas lights everywhere, traditional Christmas time dishes, Dia de las Velitas (Candle Day), and an excuse to celebrate all month long.
December isn’t the only month worth visiting, though. Other celebrations include Festival de Las Flores (Flower Festival), Medellin Book and Cultural Festival, International Tango Festival, and more. During your trip, do your research or ask locals if there are any festivals that you should know about.
Guatapé Medellin Tour
Guatapé is a small town located about 50 miles away from Medellin. There are two main attractions here: the town and El Peñol. El Peñol is a giant rock that is seen as a national monument in Colombia. Many people start the day by climbing the famous staircase that consists of 740 steps. Once at the top, you can enjoy some of the best views of Colombia while refreshing with a local snack or drink.
The town, which is the second attraction, is filled with colorful buildings and hand painted decorations. Among the many things to do in Guatapé, walking around town, eating local trout, going zip lining, and enjoying a boat ride are among the top things that tourists enjoy doing. When you take a tour of Guatapé and El Peñol, you’ll get a unique experience of the town.
Eat Like a Local
Food is also another important part of Colombian culture. Every city has different local cuisine, and Medellin is no different. By trying a variety of authentic dishes, you get a glimpse of the typical foods, spices, and produce that are available in Antioquia. Some of the must-try dishes include: bandeja paisa, chicharrón, empanadas, mondongo, arepa, mazamorra, bocadillo, and sancocho. You may find that some meals have exotic flavor combinations, such as bocadillo con queso, which is a sweet guava jelly with cheese. In order to get a true paisa experience, we encourage you to be open to new and delicious meals and desserts.
You can also try a variety of local fruits that you may have never tried before. As the second most biodiverse country in the world, there are many exotic produce that fruit-lovers will appreciate. This includes granadilla, guanabana, lulo, maracuyá, pitaya, curuba, and more.
ATV Tour in Medellin
If you’re looking for adrenaline during your trip, then an ATV tour may spark your interest. On this tour you’ll get the opportunity to explore Medellin in a completely different way by escaping the city for a little fun in the countryside. Go off-road and explore new and exciting territories.
Medellin has activities for every type of traveler. Whether you’re going on a family vacation or a trip with your friends, you’ll surely find something that excites you. Since Medellin is a huge city with many things to do, the trick is filling your schedule with tours and activities that you enjoy. That way you can look back on your trip and say that you made the most of your experience in Colombia.
