Exploring Medellin Colombia
We descend to the majestic city of Medellin, la ciudad de la eterna primavera, the home of world renowned artist, Fernando Botero. A short flight from mainland USA (Miami 3 hours, DMV 5 hours) Medellin is a must for curious travelers that love great gastronomy, arts and culture. You will be given a warm welcome by the hosts "paisas", name of the local Colombians of Antioquia.
Explore VICHE, ancestral Colombian rum from the Pacific Coast.
When arriving at Rionegro Airport you are 30 minutes away as you transition into the city-valley of Medellin. Bring comfortable shoes as walking and dancing are a must. If you are looking for fun, the Poblado neighborhood is the place to stay full of thriving bars, clubs, restaurants with plenty of options for everyone. If you are looking for a more relaxed environment consider the Manila neighborhood, more low-key, bohemian and local vibe.
Most of the year in Medellin the sun is always shining, perfect for walking the city center, planning outdoor activities such as visiting La Comuna 13, Pueblito Paisa, watching a local soccer match at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, and of course exploring the city parks. If you are a foodie, the local restaurant scene will keep you coming back. Full of creative chefs, places like top 50 in Latin America restaurants such as Carmen deserve your attention, please make a reservation in advance.
The Medallo vibe is fueled by local artists such as Karol G, J Balvin, Maluma, salsa, merengue, cumbia and vallenato keeping the streets full of life. Explore delicious Colombian street food such as Empanadas, Pan de Bono, Chicharron and Buñuelo that will keep you full of energy to continue your bar hopping experience. Metro train service is clean, secured and can get you around the city with connecting street carts and teleferic public transportation.
For accomodations, the Poblado area is full of boutique choices, most of them offer breakfast and rooftop bar vibes. For the bar-hopping experience make sure you go to Alambique and Bar 7 pulgadas where the cocktail scene is as good as it gets. Get your regular caffeine fix by visiting the Pergamino coffee shops and then make sure you visit El Museo de Antioquia for a personalized tour of the artwork of famous "exaggerated in volume" art and sculptures of the great Fernando Botero.
Touring, Eating and Drinking:
El Poblado (party town, full of bars, clubs and restaurants)
Provenza (day time shopping, then high energy nightlife: restaurants, bars and clubs)
Museo de Antioquia (a must for art enthusiast)
Pueblito Paisa (if traveling with children, nice spot to spend an afternoon and have lunch)
Comuna 13 (urban art, graffiti, local hip-hop, reggaeton heaven)
Barrio Manila (full of exquisite restaurants, bars and cozy hotels)
Bar 7 Pulgadas (a must for cocktail enthusiasts)
Alambique (storytelling Colombian food menu and local inspired cocktails)
Andrés Carne De Res (a Colombian dining experience like no other)
The Somos Hotel (cool boutique hotel if you are looking for 24/7 action)
Click-Clack Hotel (upscale boutique hotel with amazing concept restaurants)
Rooftop Bar - Mosquito (city views and cocktails)
Carmen Restaurante (Top 50 restaurant in Latin America)
Elcielo (a must for a foodie experience)
Idilico Restaurant (mar-tierra regional cuisine with a creative approach)
Vinissimo Wine Shop (solid selections from Latin America, Spain and Italy)
El Tesoro Mall (shopping all day)
Pergamino Coffee Shop (daily caffeine fix)