Your Ultimate Guide to Medellín
Upgraded “Viva Cartagena! Tour” Now Includes Medellín
Our upgraded Viva Cartagena! tour now has Medellín on the itinerary, so you can listen to the local accents to learn how the locals refer to the second largest city in Colombia. Hint: my Spanish teacher in high school spoke Mexican Spanish, so he taught me that “ll=y” sound, but the people from this “city of eternal spring” say, “Med-e-jeen”.
About
In October 2023, Medellín was awarded the title of “Coolest Neighborhood in the World” by Time Out magazine. Writer Liv Kelly described it as “the laid-back but still quintessentially Colombian patch of this animated city is a renowned nightlife hotspot – but also a place to flock to for great parks, coffee, and yoga studios.”
As the only Latin American city to make the Top 10 list, Medellín offers plenty of reasons to fall in love. From innovative public transportation and neighborhood revitalization projects to beautiful areas just outside the city, there's something special here for everyone. Of course, the local food is not to be missed. We’ve scoped out the best local cuisine and restaurants for you!
Read on for great information, or check out this short video for a preview of what you’ll experience in Medellín.
Accessible Transportation
Medellín was awarded the “2019 City Award” for improving urban well-being through initiatives like the Medellín Metro. These metrocables (cable cars) provide a scenic view of the city from the sky and essential access for people in low-income housing on the mountainsides.
Medellín is also one of the only cities in the world to rely on escalators as a form of public transportation. In 2011, the government invested over $7 million USD to install a giant escalator (broken up into six parts) in the infamous Comuna 13 - historically one of the poorest neighborhoods surrounding Medellín. Previously, it would take residents 30 minutes to walk to the city center from this neighborhood, and if they were returning home, they had to climb the equivalent of up to a 30-story building. Talk about steep! With the escalator, this same trek takes five minutes.
Neighborhood Revitalization in Comuna 13
During the 1980s and 1990s, Comuna 13 was one of the most dangerous areas in Medellín, plagued by drug cartels and guerrilla groups. 30 years later, it is now famous for its vibrant street art, with murals that tell the stories of the community's struggles and triumphs. The escalator was just the start of a transformation for this city!
Many locals operate restaurants and galleries from their homes in this neighborhood which is a top tourist attraction. Our Viva Cartagena! itinerary includes Medellín, where we’ll get an insider's tour of the neighborhood with a guide who grew up there and hear firsthand how this area has turned its fate around.
Exploring Guatapé
If you’re like us, you can’t wait to leave a big city for open spaces. Two hours from Medellín lies Guatapé, a small town renowned for its vibrant architecture and stunning natural landscapes.
Guatapé is not a Spanish word. This is a word from the indigenous people of the area before the Spaniard's arrival in the sixteenth century. The leader of these indigenous people was called a Guatapé, which literally translates to “stones and water” in Quechua.
Stroll along the cobblestone streets and admire the vibrant zócalos (painted murals) and the business they represent. For example, zócalos showcase bread loaves outside a bakery, and sewing machines outside a clothing store.
Outside of town, you can go on a lovely boat ride around the reservoir that was built in the 1970s. This was part of a large hydroelectric complex, including the Punchiná Dam, which helped Guatapé develop and led to the formation of its stunning scenery.
On the casual boat ride you'll enjoy stunning views and experience a bit of history, including a bombed-out home that once belonged to Pablo Escobar (who died in 1993). Bombed-out buildings are often left standing as a reminder of the past that Colombians do not want to relive. You can read more about this on the ProColombia website.
Your Guide to Food in Medellín
There are tons of great things to see and do in this region, but you can’t miss the food scene here. Put aside the assumption that Spanish-speaking countries always serve spicy food. Instead, you can expect flavor-packed soups and fresh produce that is perfect for the 75-degree weather most days in this area.
Food that is authentic to this part of Colombia is Antioqueño cuisine. Some of the most iconic dishes from this cuisine include:
Bandeja Paisa: A hearty platter typically featuring beans, rice, ground beef or steak, chicharrón (fried pork belly), chorizo, a fried egg, avocado, arepa, and plantain.
Arepas: Thick corn cakes that can be eaten plain or stuffed with various fillings such as cheese, meat, or eggs.
Mondongo: A rich soup made from tripe (cow stomach), vegetables, and potatoes, often served with rice and avocado.
Sancocho: A traditional soup made with meat (such as chicken, beef, or fish), potatoes, yucca, plantains, and corn, usually served with rice and avocado.
Empanadas: Fried or baked pastries filled with meat, potatoes, and spices.
Ajiaco: A soup made with chicken, three types of potatoes, corn, and a local herb called guasca, often garnished with capers, cream, and avocado.
These dishes reflect the rich culinary heritage of Medellín and Antioquia, characterized by hearty and flavorful ingredients.
Where to Eat in Medellín
Medellín is quickly becoming one of the hottest destinations for tourism in Latin America. This means its burgeoning foodie scene is not to be missed! If you’re on tour with us, your guide will have plenty of nearby restaurant recommendations. However, if you want to explore on your own or stay a couple of days after the tour, we’ve got you covered!
Traditional Colombian Food: Hacienda Junin - La Candelaria District
Haven’t had enough traditional Colombian food yet? Come here to scratch that itch! With staples like chicharrones and pastel de pollo, set within a quaint hacienda-style dining experience, you will surely get an upscale taste of traditional Colombian food.
Tasting Menu: Restaurante Idílico
Want to spoil yourself with a 7-course tasting menu? This is your spot. The dinner service at Idílico incorporates local produce to showcase the best of Medellín’s vibrant foodie scene - at a fraction of the price of a tasting menu at a restaurant in the US. If you’re going to do a tasting menu, it’s hard to beat the starting price here of $60 USD per person.
For a Taste of the Amazon: Restaurante La Chagra
35% of Colombia is covered by jungle region: the Amazon. You can experience the jungle through taste (while avoiding the risk of mosquitos) at La Chagra, featuring some of the most exotic fare from the Amazon. You’ll find everything from bullet ants to pirarucu (a giant Amazon river fish that tastes similar to swordfish) on the menu here. Plus, enjoy one of their extensive drink selections, featuring special distillations from native Amazonia plants. This restaurant won a Travelers' Choice Award in 2023 - if this is on your list, we’d recommend making reservations several days in advance. Ask your guide for time suggestions.
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Happy Exploring!
