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Medellin has undergone a transformation over the last fifteen years that has made it one of the most modern cities in Colombia. The city has become a lot safer; there is an impeccable metro and cable car system, parks, current and historic buildings, libraries, and restaurants. This is a cosmopolitan and vibrant city that has so much to offer.
Explore its Parks, Museums, and Plazas
Medellin has terrific weather year-round, so it makes it easy to explore the city. Start your sightseeing tour at Plaza Botero. Fernando Botero is a Colombian artist known for creating oversized and voluminous depictions of people, animals, and elements of the natural world with an explosive color palette. This plaza is home to 23 Botero sculptures and a popular spot where people are always taking photos. Located in the Old Quarter, you’ll find a couple of museums in the square too. Visit the Antioquia Museum, established in 1881; it is home to many pre-Colombian works and national and international works by famous artists, including numerous Boteros.
Day Trip to Guatape
This is by far the most popular day-trip destination from Medellin is Guatape. A colorful, magical town located on the edge of a lake and a two-hour drive from the city. This picturesque town is a beautiful spot that you must include in your trip. The main attraction is to visit El Peñol, this 200-meter high granite monolith with almost 700 steps etched on its side. Visitors can climb to the top for a magnificent view of the stunning landscape. Guatape is a top-rated tour and a long day trip from Medellin, so book it ahead of time, and if you can, stay at least one night so you are not rushed and can relax and enjoy the area.
Comuna 13
Comuna 13 was once the most violent part of Medellin and the most notorious neighborhood. If you didn’t live here, you were not allowed to enter. Drugs, murder, and violent crime were widespread. However, in the past years, this area reinvented itself; thanks to its street art, they have had an incredible transformation that attracts tourism. It is now a safe area with a booming business, urban art, and vibrant ambiance. This community has changed, and even locals are frequent visitors. A place of optimism becoming a livable, vibrant, and growing city, that you will fall in love with. Hire a guided tour, so you get a complete historical background of this neighborhood and all its artists.
Arvi Park
Arvi Park is an open public park with a sustainable tourism offer, conserving environmental, cultural, and archeological wealth. This park is located in the mountains near the city; you can take the gondola from the metro to the park’s entrance. It’s a beautiful ride through the hills and offers some incredible views of the valley and city. There are trails dating back over 1,500 years on this park of over 16,000 hectares. At the park entrance, you’ll find a small market as well as trails for hiking. To visit, you now have to take a guided tour.
Botanical Garden
The Medellin Botanical Garden is a top-rated attraction with many sights and activities to enjoy. Set in 34 acres of land, it houses more than 1,000 different living plant and animal species. There is a museum that displays living plants and is considered one of the best in the country. The botanical gardens are a quiet retreat from the noise and chaos of the city. They also host numerous events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. The botanical gardens are free to enter. It is home to a tropical forest, a small lake, a desert garden, a butterfly farm, and bird watching. If you want to stay longer, there is a lovely restaurant in the center where you can dine and take in the scenery.
Medellin is an ever-changing city and is also an affordable place to travel. There is much to see and discover in this modern and vibrant city. Plan your next vacation to this incredible city and find out for yourself what all the hype is about.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Elisa
Tuesday 29th of June 2021
Definitely worth a visit, beautiful country!