3 Days in Medellin | The Best Package of Medellin Trip 2019

 

This post contains a detailed trip itinerary for a stay in Medellín during Christmas for 3 days and 2 nights. It will share with you where to stay, where to eat, and what to do in Medellín during this holiday time. For more on visiting Colombia, click here to read about all the things you should know before traveling to Colombia. 

 

What is the weather in Medellín during the Christmas season?:

The climate in Medellín around christmas time is pleasant with moderate temperatures around ~60-80 degrees F

What is the terrain in Medellín like?:

Medellín is a metropolis situated in a massive valley–the Valle de Aburrá, as its known in local Spanish. Expect windy roads and lots of hillsides.

The Itinerary –  3 days, 3 nights: Medellín, Colombia

Day 1: Bogota → Medellín

9:03am – 10:02am: Flight to Medellín from Bogota

10:30am – 11:30am: Arrive in Medellín. Uber to Airbnb in El Poblado 

The distance from the Medellín Airport to El Poblado is about ~40minutes

Uber fare estimate: 53.546-64.079 pesos, ~ $25

Neighborhoods you want to stay in Medellín as a foreigner, for the most part:

• El Poblado (where we stayed)

• Laureles

• Envigado: for a more rustic/suburban experience

1:00pm – 4:00pm: Lunch at 37 Park Bistro in El Poblado

• Beautiful restaurant with outdoor and patio seating

• Located in El Poblado near several shops, restaurants, and bars to walk to

4:00pm – 7:00pm: You can choose from the following three activities

1. Visit El Publito Paisa

• This hill offers terrific, near-360-degree views of the city.

• There is a small village on top of this hill

• Main attraction are the views of Medellín’s, quaint restaurants and local food and shopping

• We ended up doing this during the evening but I think it would make for a better experience to visit during the day as the sunsets

2. Stop Along the Metro Cable 

• Take the Metro Cable up the hills of Medellín. See the rooftop graphiti and stop on the streets along the way

• We took line K – find more information here

3. “Hike” Cerro Volador 

• In quotes because it’s more of a walk than a hike

• Takes about 40 minutes round trip depending on where you get dropped off. Views from this hillside are great!

10:00pm: Envy Rooftop Bar

Calle 9A #37-16 (The Charlee Hotel), 17th floor; 5444 4968;

Open Wednesday – Friday 5 pm – 2 am, Saturdays noon – 2 am, Sundays noon – 8 pm

• Noted as one of the top two best rooftop bars in Medellín

• Views are breathtaking and the indoor swimming pool is nice swanky touch

• You can order food as well as cocktails at this bar

• How should you dress at Envy Rooftop? Sexy

 

Day 2: Day Trip to Guatapé

Today we will be spending time exploring Guatapé. Guatapé is roughly two hours from Medellín and a day trip you don’t want to miss out on. You will need to hire a driver. Do not rent and drive on your own unless you are experienced with driving in Colombia.

One great way to find a driver is by communicating with Uber drivers if they’d be willing to drive for the day. Find the driver, settle on a rate and BLAM! Trip is in motion. This approach proved to be helpful in Bogota as well.

You can also ask assistance at check-in at your hotel. We were able to hire a great driver for 350,000 COP ~$120 USD for the day.

9:00am – 11:30am: Head out on your drive to Guatapé.

11:30am – 1pm: Hike Piedra de Peñol

• This is the rock of Guatapé. The “hike” consists of a staircase leading to breathtaking views

• The walk up the stairs takes about 30 minutes and you’ll find beers with mangos waiting for you at the top.

 

1:30pm – 4:30pm: Enjoy the colorful abyss of Guatapé and lunch

 

  

5:00pm – 6:00pm: Ferry ride to watch the sunset

 

6:00pm – 7:00pm: Enjoy the rest of the evening as you please before heading back.

• Try an arepa from a local street vendor. This is a popular Colombian cheesy dish

Day 3: Medellín

 

9:00am – 12:00pm: Free Walking Tour of Downtown Medellín

Reservations for this tour must be made two days in advance.*

This walking tour is one of the best ways to understand and get a feel of the city of Medellín. The tour guides are highly educated on the history and politics of the city and you will witness their passion in their profession. You’ll find this tour to be informative and REAL.

Colombian’s don’t like to talk about the tragedies from the late 80’s/early 90’s. This tour will bring light to some of these more sensitive topics. Keep in mind that the tour guides are volunteers and many make a living off your tips. I encourage generosity when it comes to tipping if you find this worthwhile.

Other tour highlights: 

• Enjoy a walk through the Botero Plaza where you’ll find several sculptures made by Fernando Botero

  • Botero is one of Colombia’s most renowned artists. He is known for his signature style known as “Boterismo”

• If you’re interested in coping fake Adidas/Nike products, you’ll find an abundance of such contraband being sold by street vendors in downtown

12:30pm – 2:30pm: Lunch and shopping downtown

• We popped into a mall downtown where the tour ended to have a traditional Colombian lunch

• This photo here below shows a Bandeja Paisa – popular with the locals – recommend trying it!

• The mall and the food court isn’t anything glamorous, but if you’re looking for a new pair of sneaks for the low low, this is your spot

8:00pm: Dinner and bed to catch an early AM flight to Cali for Feria de Cali! 

Other recommendations for Medellín – 

Laurales Dining Recommendation:  Delirio Exquisito Restaurante

El Poblando Dining Recommendation: Regodeo

Nightlife: There are a couple streets where you’ll find a strip of bars. Check out Calle 33 and Calle 70. Check out Envy Rooftop Bar in El Poblando as well

Here are some day time excursions:

• Paragliding

• Pablo Escobar tour – be weary though, locals don’t like to encourage this

Please leave any comments, tips, suggestions in the comments below. Cheers to a memorable trip!

Planning a trip to cities in Colombia? Make sure to read ‘Things to Note Before Visiting Colombia.’ before diving into your planning.