Medellin, is located in the Aburrá Valley, a central region of the Andes Mountains, in northwestern South America. The city's population was 2,508,452 at the 2018 census. The metro area of Medellín is the second-largest urban agglomeration in Colombia in terms of population and economy, with more than 4 million people.
Key - locations visited - activities:
- Botero Square
This is the place that houses the largest collection of outdoor sculptures by the master Fernando Botero, 23 monumental figures that contribute to the transformation process of this sector; the heart of the city of Medellin.
- Parque Explora
This is one Medellin's top interactive hub dedicated to everything science and technology. The museum, known for its Ferrari-red, vertebrae-like buildings, is home to more than 300 exhibits relating to Colombian biodiversity, neuroscience, relativity, thermodynamics, and physics.
- Christmas Lights
Each December, the city of Medellin lights up from 6 pm till midnight, with different designs that vary depending on the chosen themes. While decorations in countries in Europe and North America revolve around Santa and gifts, Medellin’s light displays include animals, plants, cultural characters and many more.
- The street art of Comuna 13
Taking the cableway uphill, enjoy a Dance Show, the famous mango biche paddle which is an icon of Comuna 13 and above all, learned in-depth, the history of a neighbourhood that went from being a very violent place in Medellín, to being one of the most visited.
Graffiti has been one of the main tools to transform this community, filling many young people with enthusiasm and bringing to light great artists, even world-class ones.
The gorgeous art scene - was admired whilst - climbing the neighbourhood's escalators (These escalators are open air), and have 6 stretches)
Video: Break Dancing in Communa 13 - Medellin
- Parque Arví
Arví Park is both an ecological nature preserve and Pre-Hispanic archeological site on the eastern slopes of Aburrá Valley, in the northeast area of Medellín, Colombia. The park covers several other municipalities of Antioquia, including Envigado, Bello, and Copacabana.
Movich Hotel Rooftop for sunset and 51 sky bar at night,
- The "Laureles" neighbourhood
This barrio is one of the best places to experience Medellín, as it offers lush, tree-lined streets in a sector crisscrossed by a few shady boulevards. Scattered along the streets, is a welcoming selection of cafés, restaurants, galleries, and shops.
- Coffee farm
This tour gave the opportunity to soak up the Colombian countryside – during a drive from Medellin through Envigado - and feast your senses on Colombia’s rich coffee.
The excursion afforded the chance to wander the farm and sample locally-grown and brewed coffee and discover how Colombian coffee goes from bean to cup at a local farm.
- La Piedra Del Penol, also known as ‘The Guatape Rock'
Another side of Colombia was this trip to Guatape. Just outside Medellin, this town is known for its colourful buildings and charming cobblestone streets. By climbing the 740 steps of the Piedra del Peñol you can obtain stunning views of the surrounding lakes and hills.
According to geologists, the rock is approximately 65 million years old. The indigenous Tahamí, former inhabitants of this region, worshiped the rock and called it in their language mojarrá or mujará (meaning 'rock' or 'stone').
Video: Climbing the Giant Rock in GUATAPÉ
- The Magical Lakes (GUATAPE)
Great time spent in the afternoon on a boat traversing some the lakes. The following video exemplifies this experience.
- Z Jazz-bar: Marquee Hotel, Medellin.
Enjoy my last night in Medellin at the Z Jazz Club. A place where the rhythms of Jazz, Soul, Blues, Latin Jazz, Cumbia, and Pacific Folklore merge. A unique repertoire in a unique place. Bit pricy, but very worth it. Url: https://marqueemedellin.com/z-jazz-bar/
