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Travelers from all over the world come to Medellin to experience a new adventure. The great thing about this metropolitan city is that it caters to every type of traveler. Whether you want to go to the best restaurants in the city, have a relaxing family vacation, or indulge in the culture, Medellin has it all. What many travelers don’t realize, though, is that Medellin is only one of the many great places to visit in Antioquia. While it may be the biggest city in Antioquia (and the second biggest in Colombia), there are so many amazing things to see nearby.
For those of you who want to experience different parts of Antioquia on your next trip to Medellin, you may be interested in a road trip. Since this department has so many amazing things to see and do, we’re going to start by focusing on Eastern Antioquia. But before we dive into the top destinations, let’s take a look at how safe this option is.
Is It Safe to Road Trip in Antioquia?
Many years ago, Colombia was not a common tourist destination because of its violence and war. Over the past 30 years, however, Colombia has transformed into a safe travel destination. Today, tourists from all over the world come to Antioquia and other regions to explore the amazing culture and indulge in all of the amazing things Colombia has to offer. This transformation should be celebrated, as it has improved the lives of many locals and opened the door for a new sector of tourism.
Having said that, road trips through Antioquia are safe, fun, and offer a different perspective of the region. As with any road trip, certain precautions should be taken into consideration.
- Get familiar with local traffic laws: Traffic laws may vary depending on what country you’re driving in. It’s better to be familiar with the laws so that you don’t run into any unexpected trouble while you’re on the road.
- Plan your route ahead of time: Although it may sound fun to be spontaneous, many tourists aren’t familiar with the roads and towns in Antioquia, which is why it’s recommended to plan your route beforehand. This helps guarantee that you know where you can get gas, which cities are worth visiting, and where you can find good hotels to sleep in at the end of the day.
- Know common safety tips: No matter where you travel, you should always take certain precautions. This doesn’t only apply to road trips, but traveling in general. This includes being aware of your surroundings, saving emergency numbers, and enjoying nightlife responsibly. To learn more about staying safe in Colombia, check out this article.
Best Places to Visit in Eastern Antioquia
Guatapé
Guatapé is one of the most visited towns in Antiquia. It’s known for its famous staircase, El Peñón, which consists of 740 steps. When you climb this giant rock, you’ll get some of the best views in Colombia (and the best pics). Once you get to the top, you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and sip on a michelada before heading to town.
Although this town gained popularity because of El Peñón, many people stay for the charming town nearby. Guatapé is known for its colorful buildings, hand painted decorations, and Instagram-worthy pictures. While you’re here, make sure to do some of the popular activities, which includes eating local trout and ziplining.
El Carmen de Viboral
El Carmen de Viboral is famous for its artisanal ceramics. Whether you spend the day window shopping or purchasing fun souvenirs for friends and family, the craftsmanship in this town makes it worth a visit. In fact, one of their main attractions is their ceramic street, or Calle de la Ceramica, which is just south of the plaza. Here you can find buildings made with ceramic plates and tiles and carefully decorated mosaics.
La Ceja, Antioquia
La Ceja del Tambo, or La Ceja for short, is a town located just outside of Medellin. This town is traditionally known for its agriculture and livestock, but many of the population also work as flower growers and exporters. This town, however, goes beyond what they produce; it also has many shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, entertainment centers, and more.
Among the many things to see is the Buey river waterfall (otherwise known as Salto del Buey), which is recognized as one of the must-see waterfalls outside of Medellin. Some of the other attractions include: Pantanillo river, Juan de Dios Aranzazu Theater, and the Gregorio Gutiérrez González House of Culture.
San Antonio de Pereira
San Antonio de Pereira is part of the municipality of Rionegro, Antoquia. While it may just look like another small town, it’s actually known for its amazing cuisine; more specifically, their desserts. When you walk through the town center, you’ll find many different places to buy a variety of sweets.
Since this town is known for their desserts, you can find unique and traditional flavors that you can’t find anywhere else. Anyone who loves sweets should visit San Antonio de Pereira and help keep the tradition alive.
Antioquia Colombia Map
These towns are just some of our favorites, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other great destinations in Eastern Antiquia. Don’t be afraid to explore, try new foods, and indulge in the culture. No matter where your map takes you, remember to travel safely by keeping in mind the tips from this article.
