10 Things to Know Before You Go to Medellin, Colombia

 

10 Things to Know Before You Go to Medellín, Colombia

 

Are you planning a trip to Medellín, Colombia? Then you'll definitely find these travel tips helpful!

To make your trip to Medellín as easy as possible, we've put together this handy travel guide with tips and information we think you should know before you go.

 

1.       Take a walk to the House of Memory Museum (Museo Casa de la Memoria)

The solemn stories and experiences from the armed conflict in Medellín are vividly and respectfully captured in this museum. It is useful to note that per Colombian culture, people like to look ahead to brighter futures rather than dwell on the troubles of the past, making it difficult to comprehend what the area has been through. This enlightening museum helps see through the curtains of time and create an appreciation for the struggles and growth this city has gone through.

The House of Memory Museum tells real-life stories and visiting will give you a glimpse into the constant endeavor of progressing past the wounds left by the urban conflict in Medellín.

2.       Pay a visit to the Paisa Pueblito

The Paisa Pueblito, located at the el Cerro Nutibarra in Medellín, Antioquia, is a re-creation of a traditional Antioquia town from the turn of the century, and it's a fascinating look at the root of Colombia's culture and history. The best part, entry is free!

The area is situated on a hill in the middle of the Aburrá valley and provides a sweeping view of Medellín and the surrounding area.

3.       Pay a visit to the Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno)

The Museum of Modern Art, located in a repurposed factory, is a work of art in and of itself. It's a huge concrete and metal structure and sits within the city's barrios, which climb beautifully up into the hillsides.

Modern art can be a bit polarizing, but I think any and all would enjoy a visit to the museum. The collection is minimal, but on the bottom floor, there is a lovely photography section.

4.       Go on a coffee farm trip

If you aren't planning a trip to Colombia's coffee zone, hopefully this section of the article will convince you otherwise! Medellín has a variety of coffee farms within an hour's drive. The vast majority of the tour farms are small, family-run coffee operations that rely on tours to augment their profits.

The tours start at 206,376 Colombian pesos ($60 USD). The Medellín Coffee Tour and the Medellín Coffee Farm Tour offered by Toucan Café are two notable options.

5.       Take a tour of a cacao farm

The Cacao farm tours are similar to coffee farms in that you can learn about the process of making chocolate all the way from seed to name-brand chocolate bar. During the tours you'll also be given an opportunity read about the farmers' experiences with cacao cultivation.

The tours cost about 92,558 pesos ($27 USD) and are done exceptionally well by Toucan Cafe and Tours.

6.       Eat your way around the city—try the Mercado Del Rio.

The Mercado Del Rio is a gastronomic store where you can sample some of the city's finest cuisine. The market has a laid-back feel to it, with good wine and beer from all over the country, as well as a variety of restaurants serving small plates to share. The relaxing vibes in addition to great food and drink make for a lovely break in pace from heavy travel.

The Mercado Del Rio is on the more expensive side but the quality of the food and drink makes it absolutely worthwhile.

7.       Attend a soccer match

Soccer (fútbol) in many places is more a religion than just a sport and in Colombia this is definitely the case. If there are any games scheduled while you're here, you should definitely attend one. Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín are the two teams in Medellín.

Things may start to get rowdy when rival teams compete so to mitigate interactions with eachother they occupy bleachers at opposite ends of the arena. The cost of a ticket is less than 40,000 COP ($12.50 USD).

8.       Pay a visit to a microbrewery

Colombia has a thriving craft beer community, with over 30 breweries and microbreweries in Medellín alone, there are plenty of enticing options to choose from. Among my favorites are 3 Cordilleras, Medellín Beer Factory, and 20 Mission Cerveza.

Visiting a brewery is always a wonderful addition to any vacation!

9.       Take the cable car to Parque Arví

A gondola ride awaits those who travel to Parque Arví. The park occupies a space just outside of the city and it's a breathtaking journey with beautiful city views that only costs 4,850 COP ($1.40 USD) round-trip.

The park has hiking trails through the eucalyptus forest, beaches, and great spots to view the surrounding landscape, as well as a grocery store at the summit.

10   La Sierra Tour

In this informational tour you will get a chance to learn about the history of the La Sierra region. The tour itself takes you through the barrio (neighborhood) on walking tour and eventually up into the hills of Medellín.

The expense of a bus trip with La Sierra Tours is 70,000 COP ($23 USD), with all proceeds going to a local soup kitchen.