Day 1 in Medellin

Welcome to Medellin! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and head out to see the city! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the magical city of Medellin, begin by exploring the enchanting neighborhood of El Poblado, a maze of streets brimming with restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can enjoy some lunch and refreshments while taking in the vibrant atmosphere in the surrounding area.

There is a Free Walking Tour offered in Medellin that use knowledgeable local guides to take you around the downtown area of the city, providing informative commentary on the history and culture of Medellin.

Take in the sights and surroundings of El Centro (downtown), which is packed with parks, plazas, museums and more. You can spend the entire afternoon here and still not be able to see and do everything that the historical heart of the city has to offer. A few of the sights found in the heart of Medellin include the popular Plaza Botero decorated with 23 pudgy bronze sculptures designed by Fernando Botero, the famous Colombian artist; Parque de Las Luces (Park of Lights) where 300 giant light-up columns stand; Museo De Antioquia showcasing a large collection of Colombian art.

The Rafael Uribe Palace of Culture stands next to Botero Plaza, a gorgeous 1925 Gothic Revival building which is one of the most photographed in the city. Check out Avenida Carabobo, an area filled with bustling market stalls selling authentic souvenirs, shop around and find the perfect gifts to take home.

As evening time approaches, make your way to Parque Lleras, Medellin`s epicenter for nightlife. The upscale neighborhood of Poblado offers a dense collection of restaurants, bars, nightclubs that wrap around the popular tree lined park.

Pick from one of the many fine dining establishments and sit back and enjoy a delicious Colombian meal and some tasty mojitos. Afterward, stop into one of the many lively Cuban-themed salsa clubs and do some dancing. Enjoy the local`s favorite drink, `guaro` (the anise-flavored liquor) which is the favorite drink of the locals.

Day 2 in Medellin

A quality cup of coffee can be found on every corner in the city, the Juan Valdez Cafes are popular for a delicious cup of coffee and freshly baked pastries and free Wi-Fi.

After coffee and breakfast, it`s time for some museum hopping, up first is the Museo Casa de la Memoria, which is a historical museum dedicated to the memory of the victims of the armed conflict in Colombia. The museum is set in the heart of the city and features different rooms with photographs and documents on display.

Next stop is the Museum of Modern Art of Medellin or MAMM, a modern art museum found in the city that presents a valuable collection of contemporary art throughout its exhibitions. On display are 233 pieces of artwork by Debora Arango, a Medellin born artist. The five-story chic industrial steel building showcases some of Colombia`s stars of the contemporary art scene and is one of the city`s most popular museums.

After a busy morning, wander around the busy streets of Calle 52 and grab an empanada or arepa and fresh fruit juices from one of the tasty street food vendors here, continue walking and do some window shopping.

This afternoon, escape over the Medellin Valley on a magical cable car journey over the mountains, to the largest nature reserve in the city at Parque Arvi. Set in the Aburra Valley covering thousands of acres of land decorated with lush green forested areas with 54 miles of walking trails and beautiful wildflowers. You can continue the cable car journey over to Santo Domingo Savio, a vibrant town, home to the Biblioteca Espana.

Alternatively, head to Comuna 13 a hillside suburb which was once the most dangerous areas in the city, now a vibrant street art haven. There are Graffiti Tours offered in the town and it is still advised to take a guided tour of the neighborhood. Take in the views from the top of the hill and take some pictures of the amazing vibrant street art found here. The largest outdoor escalators lead up to Comuna 13 climbing 1,259 feet connecting the city below.

On your last evening in the city see the 30 giant 78-foot tall columns lit up in the Park of Lights, which offers an enchanting evening atmosphere. Stroll along the El Poblado Promenade also known as the `Golden Mile` this tree-lined stretch in the city is filled with colorful flowers and provides visitors with endless shopping and dining opportunities.

After dinner, check out Plaza Botero in the Old Quarter, this popular public plaza displays the 23 plump bronze sculptures designed by Fernando Botero the famous Colombian Artist. This plaza is a happening place in the evening time with many restaurants, cafes, bars and live entertainment found in the surrounding area.

Additional Days in Medellin

Should you be able to spend additional days in Medellin take part in the Pablo Escobar Tour, which takes visitors to three Escobar landmarks including the cemetery where he is buried, the rooftop of his final safe house, where he was shot by police snipers in 1993 and his 8 story penthouse apartment, where you can step inside his private safe.

Visit the mock Pueblito Paisa Antioquian village, at the top of Cerro Nutibarra Hill in the heart of the Medellin valley. There are breathtaking views offered from the hilltop along with a museum, stores, nature trails, a sculpture park and an open-air theatre.

Your Last Day in Medellin

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.