Tips for the multi-day hike to Ciudad Perdida in Colombia
March 15, 2023
Content
What can you do in Medellín? The answer to this question is: an awful lot. And that's because of the tremendous transformation the city has gone through in recent years. Medellín has turned from the most dangerous place on earth - when Pablo Escobar's drug wars were daily fare - into a very pleasant and vibrant city. Fortunately, because a visit to this metropolis is not something you want to miss during your tour of Colombia. You'll find cool sights, hip cafes and a vibrant nightlife. These are the best things to do in Medellín!
What to do in Medellín?
Medellín is a city with a special history, a city where you can bring out the party animal or the adrenaline junk in you, but above all, Medellín is also a city where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Here's what to do in Medellín:
1. Join a Free Walking Tour
A fun and informative way to explore a lot of interesting places in downtown Medellín is to join a free walking tour. We walked with the tour of Real City Tours, this is highly recommended. You will walk with a local guide for 3.5 hours who will tell you a lot about the sights, but also go deeper into the city's turbulent past.
The guide we had during this free walking tour of Medellín also shared her personal story with us. What it was like to grow up in an environment where violence was the rule rather than the exception. A gripping story, but also very special to see and experience how positive and future-oriented the Colombian people now are in life.
As a tip, we want to pass along to you not to drop the name Pablo Escobar too much. People do not like to talk about the period when Pablo Escobar dominated city and country. It evokes unpleasant and painful memories, the reason why they prefer to set their sights on the future and prefer to talk about what they have achieved in the meantime. Talk about that of which they are proud!
2. Take a ride on the cable car
Although the city of Medellín has undergone a huge transformation, you will still find slums on the outskirts of the city. These neighborhoods were formed on the edges of the valley in the years when Medellín was still in the hands of the drug cartels. Back then, locals had to pay the cartels money to leave the neighborhood. Since the government installed cable cars, locals can safely travel from the slums to the city center.
There are 6 cable cars in Medellín and it sure is fun to take a ride in one of them. The most popular route is from Acevedo to Santo Domingo. From the cable car you have a particularly beautiful view of the city. It is a special experience where the contrast between rich and poor in Medellín comes close. You can get off at Santo Domingo and walk around near the station, but it is recommended not to go further into the neighborhood.
If you travel to the cable car by subway, you can use the same ticket (as long as you don't leave the station). From Santo Domingo station you can take the cable car further with line L to Parque Arvi. This is a beautiful national park that you can walk through.
3. Visit the neighborhood of Comuna 13
One of the most interesting neighborhoods to visit in Medellín is Comuna 13. For years, this neighborhood was run by violent gangs and guerrillas. Not surprisingly, Comuna 13 was considered the most dangerous neighborhood in the world. But why specifically the Comuna 13 district? It is because this district was ideally located on a hill, on the outskirts of the city and along the highway with a connection to the West Coast. The perfect location for drug gangs.
Locals could not walk the streets freely. They were too afraid of flying blanks. Battles and attacks were most intense from 1997 to 2002. In 2002, the then president invaded Comuna 13, this attack lasted no less than 4 days and is considered the first step of transformation.
Nowadays, Comuna 13 is a place for creatives and you can see it everywhere. Wherever you walk you will see colorful street art brightening up the neighborhood, happy children playing together in the streets and huge numbers of street artists who are happy to show you their dance skills. In Comuna 13 you can join the walks of Free Tours, these are definitely recommended. Check here other fun tours in Comuna 13.
4. Go paragliding over Medellín
Are you an adrenaline junkie and up for some action? Then you should go paragliding in Medellín. From the air you have amazing views over the city. And so you also see what a special location the city has. Medellín lies in a valley and is surrounded by mountains.
You can at Zona de Vuelo, a well-regarded organization, book a flight of 15, 20 or 30 minutes. For us, 15 minutes was more than enough. We paid for this 140,000 COP (in 2019), which converts to about €30 per person. This price included the use of a GoPro with which to record your paragliding adventure.
5. Discover the nightlife in Medellín
Medellín has a vibrant nightlife. As far as we're concerned, a night out is totally part of it when you visit this metropolis. And the place to be? That is the neighborhood of El Poblado. It buzzes with cozy bars and clubs. These are our tips:
El Social: a cozy bar where you can drink tasty cocktails. The bar consists of three floors and from the rooftop you have a nice view of Medellín's bustling nightlife on the streets.
Vintrash: a cool club that also consists of several floors. The music genre varies by floor so you will definitely have fun here.
6. Eating out at Alambique restaurant
If there is one restaurant in Medellín where you absolutely must eat, it is at Alambique. The concept here is shared-dining, so you share all kinds of delicious dishes with each other. The decor is very cozy and the cocktails and local beers taste great. It is a very popular hotspot in Medellín so be sure to reserve a table on time.
7. Where to stay in Medellín?
The district where you can best stay in Medellín is El Poblado. For tourists, this is the safest, but also the most pleasant neighborhood. You will find nice restaurants, cozy bars and nice accommodations. You can easily explore the rest of Medellín from El Poblado by public transport or by cab. But but also definitely time to discover the El Poblado neighborhood, it is a beautiful area with nice parks.
There are an awful lot of hostels and hotels in El Poblado. The hotel we stayed at is The Somos. The hotel is very centrally located, has an industrial look with spacious rooms and incredibly nice beds. Perhaps the best beds we have ever slept on. Downstairs the hotel you will find a nice hotspot where you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Then be sure to check availability at Los Patios. There is a very cozy atmosphere here and in the evening there is often live music as well.
8. Visit Guatapé: a day trip from Medellín
Guatapé is a very colorful and cute village found about a 2-hour drive from Medellín. The village consists of cobblestone streets full of cheerfully painted houses. Some are even more beautifully painted than others. Keep your camera handy because it's sure to be working overtime here. Stroll through the streets of Gautapé and be sure to stroll through Plazoleta Square, this is without a doubt our favorite spot.
You can rent a jet ski, kayak or boat in Guatapé to explore the lake area. We rented a boat for 120.00 COP in total (4 people + skipper) to sail past beautiful places. Along the water you will find, among others, the vacation homes of famous Colombians such as James Rodrigues, David Ospina and also Pablo Escobar's dilapidated retreat.
By bus to Guatapé
To get to Guatapé, catch a local bus from the bus station "Terminal de Transporte Norte" in Medellín. You can buy a ticket for the bus at one of the counters on the ground floor for 15,000 COP per person. Upon arrival in Guatapé, buy a ticket for the bus back to Medellín right away, even if you spend a night in this quaint village. View here all nice hotels in Guatapé.
9. Climb to the top of Piedra el Peñol
One of the reasons you travel to Guatapé is to climb the giant rock Piedra el Peñol. According to archaeologists, the rock is at least 65 million years old. The most logical explanation for the formation of Piedra el Peñol is the collision of two tectonic plates. To enjoy a panoramic view of Guatapé and the lake district, you must first overcome 649 steps. Good luck, it's a tough climb!
The bus from Medellín passes Piedra el Peñol first, and it is recommended that you get off here immediately. Climb the rock first and then take a tuktuk to Guatapé. A tuktuk ride takes about 10 minutes and costs 10,000 COP.
Transportation to and from Medellín
Follow your our itinerary through Colombia then you will arrive in this metropolis from Salento by night bus, but of course that is not the only option to get to Medellín. Of course, this city also has an airport, so you can also easily get to Medellín from Bogota, Cartagena or Santa Marta. From the bus station and the airport, the best option is to take a cab into the center, which can take 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic congestion. A cheaper option is the subway to La Estrella, which stops in the El Poblado neighborhood. Just keep in mind that you still have to walk a bit to get to the center of the neighborhood. Otherwise, exploring Medellín is fine by subway or, of course, by cab.
How many days will you spend in Medellín?
Medellín is a very cozy city and if you want to follow all the above tips, it is recommended to spend 4 full days in Medellín. And believe us, you won't be the only one who wants to stay even longer after 4 days in Medellín. There is so much to discover!
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
Tips for Bogota, the capital of Colombia
March 7, 2023
What to do in Salento: 10x the best tips
March 6, 2023
The 7 Best Beaches in Aruba: Our Favorite Beaches & Hidden Gems
August 13, 2026
7 Best Things to Do in Tirana, Albania
July 22, 2026
