Long associated with its tumultuous past, Medellín is now one of Colombia’s most dynamic and attractive cities. Modern, creative and welcoming, the country’s second-largest city is attracting visitors with its spectacular transformation, intense cultural life and inspiring community projects.
An exemplary metamorphosis
Located in the Aburrá Valley, Medellín has a population of over 3 million. Once plagued by violence and drug trafficking, the city has reinvented itself to become a model of urban innovation. In 2013, it was voted ‘most innovative city in the world’ by the Wall Street Journal and the Urban Land Institute. Thanks to rethought urban planning, a modern transport network (metro, metro-cable, public escalators) and numerous social projects, Medellín has become an example of resilience and transformation.
A vibrant cultural scene
Medellín is now the fashion capital of Latin America, and hosts Colombia Fashion Week every year, the region’s most important fashion event. It’s also a hotbed of the music scene, particularly reggaeton – home to many famous artists, including J Balvin and Karol G.
Medellín is also the setting for the hit series ‘La Reina del Flow’, available on Netflix, which showcases the city’s energy and artistic talent.
Urban art at the heart of the city
While comuna 13 is well known to tourists, comuna 3 Manrique is a more authentic and less frequented alternative. Here you can discover the Constellation Tour, a fascinating journey through more than 500 carefully painted and decorated houses in the Brisas del Jardín and Saint Joseph du Pic II neighbourhoods. This ambitious artistic project is a perfect illustration of the role of art in revitalising neighbourhoods and strengthening the community fabric.
Things to do in Medellín
As well as its museums and galleries, Medellín offers a host of immersive experiences:
- Cooking classes in the comunas: an original way to discover local gastronomy based on healthy ingredients, in the heart of working-class neighbourhoods.
- Picnics at the Botanical Gardens: a natural interlude in one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces.
- Parc Arví: accessible by metro cable, this large nature park offers the chance to hike and discover Andean biodiversity just a few minutes from the city centre.
Must-sees around Medellín
Medellín is also an excellent base for exploring the Antioquia region and its traditional villages:
- Santa Fe de Antioquia: once the regional capital, this colonial town is a listed national monument. Its cobbled streets, well-preserved architecture and famous Pont de l’Occident (built between 1887 and 1895) make it an unmissable cultural getaway.
- Santa Elena: at the heart of the tradition of silletas, the floral arrangements carried on the back during the famous Feria de las Flores. The region is also renowned for its flower farms and peaceful atmosphere.
- Villages of Jardín and Jericó: nestling in the mountains, these villages offer an immersion in authentic Colombia, with their lively squares, colourful houses and preserved traditions. Both villages are on the list of Colombia’s most beautiful villages.
A unique encounter with the Karmata Rúa community
In Jardín, you can visit the Karmata Rúa indigenous reserve, home to an Embera Chamí community. Welcomed by a Jaibaná, a traditional doctor and guardian of ancestral knowledge, you will learn about the use of medicinal plants and take part in ceramics and body painting workshops. It’s an experience full of emotion and cultural sharing.
Nature and adventure in Rio Claro
Finally, for nature lovers and thrill-seekers, the Rio Claro nature reserve is a jewel not to be missed. Considered one of the most beautiful fluvial landscapes in Colombia, this marble canyon with its crystal-clear river offers activities such as hiking, kayaking and zip-lining in a spectacular tropical setting.
Want to discover Medellín in a different way?
Magelia Colombia, a local travel agency based in Medellín, designs tailor-made itineraries to help you discover Medellín and the surrounding area according to your desires: culture, nature, encounters, gastronomy… We will help you create a trip that suits you, at the right pace, with authentic experiences that respect the local communities. Contact us to start planning your adventure in Medellín.
