If you were one of the many people who was riveted by “Narcos” on Neflix, you must have also fallen into a rabbit hole researching all you could learn about Pablo Escobar, Colombia, and, particularly, Medellin.
What you’ll most likely find is that while the city itself has a troubled history, it is now enjoying a moment of modern Renaissance, as the experts are saying. What was once a city riddled with crime is fast becoming the destination of choice for many vacationers.
In this article, Medellin VIP shares some of the top places to visit and things to do to fully enjoy a trip to Medellin, Colombia.
1. Marvel at the graffiti in Comuna 13
If there’s one place to visit to truly see how much the city has changed, a graffiti tour of Comuna 13 is one thing you must do. Formerly a shantytown, Comuna 13, or San Javier, has successfully transformed itself from a crime-riddled town in the 80s and 90s to one of the must-see tours in Medellin. While graffiti and street art in general often gets a bad reputation, the ones in Comuna 13 tell the story of the residents’ struggles and is now the pride and joy of locals.
Book a graffiti tour with Medellin VIP and learn the fascinating history behind Comuna 13.
2. Go on a city tour of Medellin
Apart from Communa 13, there are other places within Medellin that warrant a tour on its own. Join our city tour and allow our guides to walk you through the city’s storied past and vibrant present. Our four-hour Medellin city tour is your crash course to this “City of Eternal Spring.”
From a visit to Botero Square where you can gaze in wonder at the larger-than-life sculptures made and personally donated by Colombia’s celebrated sculptor, Francisco Botero, to a ride in the city’s metro, our knowledgeable local guides can give you valuable insights into the city’s growth and urban renewal.
3. Take a day trip to Guatape
Imagine being a resident of a small Medellin town called Guatape before 1978. You would’ve enjoyed walking the town square and having a tete-a-tete with the town drunks. Now imagine having the whole town flooded in 1978 to make way for a hydroelectric dam. Residents were permanently relocated and the old town goes underwater.
In the middle of the town now sits a 7,000-foot monolith, and the views from the summit are spectacular. Our tour to Guatape includes transportation, a tour of the old town, and a hike up the 712 steps to the top of the monolith. You’re sure to end the day knowing you’ve just had an epic adventure!
4. Go barefoot at Parque de los Pies Descalzos
The name itself is translated into English as Barefoot Park. It is a zen-inspired park in the heart of the city that is more than just a place where you can sit and enjoy nature; it’s a sensorial experience that encourages you to fully commune with nature by walking barefoot on sand and in water.
The park was envisioned as a place for local families and groups of friends to unwind, but the park is now touted as one of most Instragammable spots in the city, making it a must visit for most tourists.
5. Go on a food tour
South American cuisine in general is bursting with flavor, but each country in this continent has its own local and regional twist. Colombia is no exception. When going on a tour of Medellin, make sure you indulge in some of the local specialities.
Try the not-so-humble arepa to start. It may seem like any regular flatbread, but Colombia’s version is made with fresh cornmeal. You can eat it on its own, topped with butter or stuffed with different meats and vegetables.
If you want something more filling, don’t miss out on the bandeja paisa. A meal often touted as not for the faint-hearted, the bandeja paisa includes various dishes on one plate. That’s right. You can get meat, beans, rice, eggs, avocados and so much more on one plate. Each household or restaurant would have their own version of this dish, so make sure you start on an empty stomach before digging into the many variations.
See Medellin With an Expert Eye
Medellin is a city you should put on your travel bucket list. Whether it’s because of your fascination borne out of watching a show or as part of a South American tour, Medellin, Colombia will provide you with extraordinary and memorable experiences.
See the city through the expert eyes of a local guide. Medellin VIP tours will take you to many places in the city and offer you insights into this City of Eternal Spring.
Book a tour with us today.
