Medellín, Colombia: Sample Itinerary
Medellín, Colombia, once infamous for its association with cocaine, Pablo Escobar, and violence, has undergone a remarkable transformation. This captivating city has risen from the shadows of narcoterrorism to become a vibrant hub of life and culture. My personal experience in Medellín was truly unforgettable as it was filled with hikes, bike rides, dances, cultural tours, and so much more. This detailed guide aims to elevate your stress and make your visit to Medellín as enriching as possible.
I highly recommend first reading my article titled "Things to Know Before Traveling to Medellin,"
** No prices are included because inflation a b**** 😊
Day 1
Arrival to Medellín.
Upon your arrival in a new city, I STRONGLY advise keeping the first day somewhat open-ended. This offers flexibility to accommodate potential transportation delays, preventing any disappointment from disrupting the initial excitement of the journey. Thank God I followed that rule when planning this trip because my flight was delayed by 12 hours. 🙃
Transportation:
· Private airport shuttle via Viator. (I choose this option to eliminate the need for arranging transportation when I arrived since I was unsure how accessible Uber was in Colombia)
· Uber is available.
Hotel: Sites (A very affordable hotel with a breakfast included option.)
Day 2
Walk Around Medellín.
Following a taxing 12-hour plane delay, my friend and I decided to embrace a serene morning and early afternoon with a leisurely stroll through Medellin. We were staying in the quiet and peaceful neighborhood of El Poblado.
Tour Medellín on an Electric Bike (4 hours).
This adventure is not only an invigorating way to discover the city but also a fantastic workout! The tour guide shares a plethora of entertaining facts about the various sites we visit, and the tour includes amazing samplings of different food and drinks. It's worth noting that the bike route winds through the main city and involves riding uphill. (Who did I think I was?!) Despite not being an expert cyclist myself, I did have so much fun exploring the city on the electric bike!
Transportation:
· 15 min Uber drive to meeting point from my hotel.
· Public transportation is available for all activities, but why use it when Uber is so cheap.
Day 3
Tour the Pablo Escobar sites and Comuna 13 (4-5 hours).
A captivating tour that takes you to various significant sites linked to Pablo Escobar, including his "prison," tombstone, and the location of his demise—locations brought to life in the acclaimed Netflix series, Narcos. Throughout the tour, you'll gain insights into Escobar's life and the reign of terror he imposed on Medellín from the 1970s to the 1990s.
Following the exploration of the Pablo Escobar sites, the journey leads to Comuna 13, a neighborhood that once ranked among Medellín's most dangerous areas. Through community initiatives and an innovative network of outdoor escalators, this once-deprived district has blossomed into one of the city's most vibrant communities.
As a final highlight, you'll glide across the city aboard a cable car, adding a breathtaking aerial perspective to your Medellín experience.
Transportation:
· Hotel pickup is included for this tour.
Day 4
Climb the Rock of Guatupé and Explore Guatupé (10 hours).
This tour brings you to a town outside of Medellín and treats you to some great views from the highest point on the Rock of Guatupé. But reaching the top is quite a journey as you'll need to climb 740 steps. (Every day of my Colombian trip was a workout!!)
After the climb, you'll also explore the charming town of Guatupé and find lots of picturesque moments. The tour wraps up with a relaxing boat ride, which is a beautiful way to end the experience. Keep in mind that this is a really long day, so be sure to get a good night's sleep before – I was TIRED from both the climb and the sun when it came time for the boat tour.
Transportation:
· Hotel pickup is included for this tour.
Day 5
Hike and Whitewater Raft at Rio Verde (14 hours).
This hike is no joke and not for the faint of heart. Only those who are really into outdoor adventures should give this a shot, and it's smart to wear shoes that offer good traction. Before the hike kicks off, you'll need to take a van ride to the mountaintop on super narrow and winding roads – and there are no seat belts. When you're hiking down, keep an eye out for horses that might be sharing the path with you. This hike is definitely memorable!
Oddly enough, the whitewater rafting turned out to be the most relaxing part of the whole experience.
Transportation:
· Hotel pickup is included for this tour.
Day 6
Dance Colombian Salsa.
Dancing is a fun way to connect with the local culture, especially when it comes to salsa. Salsa takes on different variations, and Colombia has its own unique style. Learning a few moves before you go out partying in Medellín can help you immerse yourself in the vibrant dance scene.
Party on a School Bus.
The Chiva Party Bus in Medellín is a school bus transformed into a fun-filled experience, complete with DJs and unlimited drinks. As the night unfolds, you'll be hopping between clubs, spending around 30 minutes to an hour at each place, depending on how much everyone is enjoying the vibe. It is definitely a safe way to party in another country since you are in a big group.
The Chiva Party Bus keeps the celebration going until around 6 in the morning, but your girl happily ended her night early because 6am is way too late!
Transportation:
· 10-15 min Uber drive from my hotel.
