Why Visit Medellin?
Medellin is the second-largest city in Colombia, and the Capital of the Department of Antioquia. With its former notorious reputation gone, the city of Medellin has become renowned for its art, and has become a popular tourist destination.
Best Time to Visit Medellin
Medellin is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its year-round, warm, tropical climate. Temperature in the city remains fairly consistent, averaging at 72°F, the lowest nighttime temperature drops to is 59°F, with minimal temperature differences. Medellin experiences its wettest seasons from April to May, and September to November.
Fun Fact: The city is covered with millions of fairy lights in December, and is listed as one of the ten most beautiful Christmas lights in the world.
Getting Around Medellin
Leaving the Airports
Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) is located in the city of Medellin, serving regional and domestic flights only. Domestic travelers often find themselves landing at Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH), just under 2 miles from the city center. Taxis and ridesharing apps such as Beat and DiDi are like to cost between US$3–US$5 to reach your destination within the city. Bus fares from the airport to downtown Medellin cost US$0.60–US$0.70, making it the cheapest way to leave Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH).
Hotels near Olaya Herrea Airport (EOH) include: Aparta Hotel Portal del Rodeo and 3-star Ibis Medellin.
Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) is located in Rionegro, approximately 21 miles east of Medellin. It’s the 2nd largest airport in Colombia, serving international travelers visiting Medellin.
The opening of the Tunel de Oriente has reduced the driving time to and from Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) by nearly half. The white and yellow airport taxis leaving Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) to the city of Medellin operate on fixed fares. Taxi fares taking the tunnel route cost around US$22, while the old route cost around US$20. The taxi journey takes around 25–40 minutes from Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) to downtown Medellin. DiDi and Beat are also available.
The cheapest way to travel from Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) to downtown Medellin is via the airport’s official Aeropuerto-Combuses airport buses. Fares cost US$3.60, and only 2 drop-off points are available: San Diego Mall or behind Nuibara Hotel in El Centro.
Medellin’s Public Transport
Medellin’s Metro system consists of 5 lines: A, B, J, K, L. Line L is a tourist-oriented line, with stops around touristic sites. The bus service, MetroPlus has 2 lines of transport, with at least one stop connected to a line of the Metro.
The Ayacucho Tram serves Aburra Valley in Medellin, and operates only on one route. Itis integrated with Medellin’s Metro and MetroPlus services.
Things to Do in Medellin
No visit to Medellin is complete without taking the sights at Botero Plaza, located at the “Old Quarter”. 23 bronze sculptures by Medellin-native, Fernando Botero, are erected throughout the park. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Antioquia Museum, the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture and the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica. Hotels closest to Plaza Botero include: 4-star Gran Hotel
Fun fact: “Botero legend” has it that rubbing the bronze sculptures being love and good fortune.
Explore El Poblado, the southeastern commune in Medellin. Visit Parque Lleras for their street market and live music, the striking Medellin Modern Art Museum, and the historic Museo el Castillo. Hotels in El Poblado include: 4-star Hotel Dann Carlton Medellin, 4-star The Click Clack Hotel Medellin, 4-star Hotel Poblado Plaza
Parque Arvi in Aburra Valley is one for the nature enthusiasts. Take the Metrocable from the Arvi metro station to the park’s entrance to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Guided tours are required for the trails, and cost between US$1.50 – US$2.25.
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