Of the three cities on this unforgettable trip to Colombia, Medellín stole my heart. This vibrant yet not overly large city perfectly captured the zest and warmth of Colombian culture.
The following content has been condensed for brevity; please refer to the subsequent images for the full version.
**Arrival in Medellín:** We touched down at night, and the journey from the airport to the city center took around 40 minutes by taxi. Nestled in a valley of the Andes Mountains, Medellín’s hilly terrain gives it an almost Chongqing-like charm.
The descent into the city is breathtaking, especially as you drive through a long tunnel (with a toll of about $5). Once you emerge from the tunnel, the city lights of Medellín stretch out before you, glowing warmly in the valley below.
**Accommodation:** Our stay was in El Poblado, a neighborhood renowned for its safety, cosmopolitan vibe, and abundance of English speakers. It’s an ideal base for exploring the city.
**Sightseeing Adventures:**
– **Comuna 13 – A Former Drug Lord’s Stronghold:** For a safe and enriching experience, we opted for a guided tour of Comuna 13. I cannot recommend this enough—it offers a fascinating glimpse into the community’s transformation. Without understanding its history, it might just seem like a bustling urban area.
The tour begins near a metro station and culminates on the hills overlooking Comuna 13. Our guide narrated the district’s journey from a hub of gang violence to a symbol of resilience and governance, now embraced as a must-visit spot. He passionately urged us to see Medellín as more than just a place marred by its past—instead, as a city brimming with hope and progress.
– **Old Town, Plaza Botero, and Surroundings:** After our Comuna 13 excursion, we ventured into the city for dinner. Due to heavy traffic, we alighted about a kilometer from our destination (a tip: take the metro when leaving Comuna 13, as taxis can be scarce and the city notoriously congested). This detour led us to what felt like Medellín’s answer to “Qipu Road” or “Dongpi”—a bustling commercial hub.
Plaza Botero, however, is the crown jewel of Medellín. My visit to Colombia was largely inspired by Botero’s art, and seeing his sculptures come to life in the square was surreal. The plump figures extend beyond humans to include cats and dogs—everything here seems to embody a playful roundness.
– **Salsa Night at Social Club:** In the evening, we headed to Social Club, a lively bar offering daily salsa lessons from 8-9 PM. Located in our neighborhood, it initially puzzled us when our car stopped at a roundabout, pointing to a spot under a bridge. Yet, beneath that unassuming exterior lay a vibrant scene filled with Latin American passion. Whether you’re a dancer or just a spectator, the energy is infectious. Locals are incredibly welcoming, often inviting visitors to join in the dance.
– **Favela Cable Car Experience:** The next morning, we visited San Javier station to ride the iconic cable car. Tickets involve purchasing a reusable card (around 10,000 pesos, shareable) and paying a fare of about 3,000 pesos per person. The round trip lasts approximately 40 minutes and offers stunning views of the sprawling favela below, home to roughly 200,000 residents.
This cable car system has revolutionized daily life for the community, connecting them to the city with ease and efficiency.
Riding the cable car was an exhilarating adventure, but let’s be honest—it wasn’t for the faint of heart. The rapid speed combined with those steep ascents and descents had my stomach doing flips more than once. Still, I’d encourage anyone to give it a try. Would I repeat the experience? Probably not, but that’s just me.
After our adrenaline-pumping ride, we hopped on the metro to meet up with our city cycling tour. Lunch awaited us at the start, and from there, we pedaled through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and lush parks. Along the way, we indulged in local snacks that offered a delightful taste of the region’s flavors. To cap off the day, we climbed a hill for breathtaking views of the cityscape lit up under the night sky.
I’ll dedicate a separate post to the culinary highlights—there’s so much to say!
This vibrant city, once infamous as a drug lord’s stronghold, has transformed into a must-visit destination bursting with stories and charm. It’s truly unforgettable! [Smiling Face]
