The weekend journey from Bogotá to Medellín typically spans about 400 kilometers, taking roughly eight hours. While the road quality is average, the breathtaking views along the route make the trip unforgettable. Medellín’s climate is nothing short of perfect—maintaining a pleasant temperature between 19 and 25 degrees Celsius year-round.
It’s neither overly dry nor suffocatingly humid, creating an unparalleled sense of comfort. As my friend aptly put it, leaving such a delightful place would be a struggle.
On the following day, we ventured to Guatapé to conquer the world’s largest monolithic rock, a towering giant with over 700 steps that tested our endurance 🤪. A friend who made it to the summit remarked how it reminded him of Qiandao Lake in Zhejiang 🫢—a comparison I’ll have to explore upon returning to China.
On our second day, we drove approximately 20 minutes from Medellín to a renowned restaurant that lives up to its reputation. After waiting patiently for an hour, we were greeted with two glasses of local spirits to kick off the meal. The fried pork belly was extraordinary—larger than any other version we’d tried, cooked to perfection with a balance that avoided dryness or excessive grease.
The rice sausage and soup struck just the right chord, seasoned perfectly without being overly salty. Their homemade hot sauce added a delicious kick 😋. Paired with impeccable service, this dining experience was undeniably worth every moment.
On the third day, as we headed back, we planned to visit Pablo Escobar’s former estate, now transformed into a zoo and amusement park. Unfortunately, upon arrival, the ticket office was closed. We later learned it remains shut on Mondays and Tuesdays 😳. Perhaps next time will bring better luck.
The beauty of the landscape and the charm of the climate only deepened with each visit. Rolling green mountains, expansive plains, skies painted in hues of blue, clouds drifting lazily, and flowers blooming vibrantly at every turn—it all left me more enchanted with each passing moment.
