Medellin
“a story about transformation”
Medellín was regarded as one of the most dangerous cities in the world in the early 90’s. Today it ranks third in World’s Best Cities to visit by Time Out Magazine due its attractive tourist features, food and drink culture, energetic nightlife and partying scenes, and community spirit.
Everything changes
This square’s name comes from the artist whose sculptures are spread all around it. Botero is well-known for depicting people and figures in large, exaggerated volume.
Plaza de Botero
Designed by Agustín Goovaerts and built in 1933, it was used for public offices and works as a shopping mall since 1993. It was declared Historical and Artistic Heritage in Colombia.
Shopping in a palace
The Museo de Antioquia located at the Plaza Botero houses a large collection of works from Botero. He included himself in this painting of the arrest of Jesus as a spectator.
Botero
This monument is a symbol of the Antioquia culture, its agriculture, and mythological gods.
Monumento a la Raza
Japanese inspired park in the city center, it is made up of bamboo trees, a sand area, and water fountains. It was created at the end of the 90’s as a place for families to come and relax.
Zen Park
Ranked 15th in the list of the 33 coolest streets in the world in 2022 by Time Out Magazine for its friendly and energetic spirit, music, and laughter.
Coolest street ever
So what’s so special about the nightlife in Medellin? Maybe it has something to do with the music, reggaeton can be heard all around, but it’s not the only type of music here. Maybe it has something to do with the vibe, the energy of the people, the clubs, or the restaurants. Maybe it’s just the perfect combination of everything in the same spot.
Party time
Perreo is slang for dancing reggaeton. Medellin is the main city when it comes to reggaeton in Colombia, and is perhaps the second epicenter worldwide after Puerto Rico. Important reggaeton artists from Medellin include J Balvin, Karol G, Maluma, and Feid.
Dale hasta abajo
Ever had a smoked cocktail from a lantern or a cocktail with a decanter mixed with flower petals? Teatro Victoria offers the coolest premium cocktails ever.
Next level cocktails
The neon sign doesn’t lie.
That’s the dream!
This is a typical Colombian desayuno (breakfast) with huevos pericos (scrambled eggs mixed with sautéed diced spring onions, bell pepper, and tomatoes), bread, a slab of cheese, and coffee and orange juice.
The name huevos pericos (loosely “parakeet eggs”) comes from its bright colors.
Breakfast time!
Tucked away from the busy city, the Arvi Park is the perfect place to connect with nature and hike. It can be reached with public transportation using the Metro Cable (cable car).
In contact with nature
Colloquially known as “la piedra de El Peñol”, this rock formation is located one hour and a half from Medellin, perfect for a day trip.
Rock on
There are exactly 702 steps to climb up to the top. I managed to make it in 12 minutes, think you can beat that?
It’s a long way to the top
From the top, you will be able to see the Guatapé Reservoir of a hydroelectric project. Other uses include water sports and boat rides.
Water-mode on
Located next to the rock is the colorful little town of Guatapé, with its picturesque streets, good coffee, and vibrant energy.
Under my umbrella
The facade of every house in Guatapé has a zócalo, i.e., tiles along the lower walls in bright colors representing the family who lives there or products sold by shops. This one for example is a bike shop.
Facades
This iconic regional dish includes fríjoles (beans), arroz (rice), carne molida (groud beef), chorizo, chicharrón (pork belly), plátano (plantain), arepa, morcilla (black pudding), aguacate (avocado), and (yes, there’s more) a fried egg.
Hungry?
Isn’t that a bit too much food for one dish though? Yes, it is! Back in the days, the arrieros (person who transports goods using pack animals, such as mules) of the Antioquia Region would get up early in the morning for work and would be out all day long. The bandeja paisa was, therefore, a mix of breakfast and lunch with a high protein-content to give the arrieros the required energy.
Hard work
Paisa refers to a person from the departments of Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío and are characterized by the arriero outfit: poncho, sombrero, sandals, and satchel.