Days 303 to 306 of my journey brought me to Medellín, the city of eternal spring. 🍠 While there’s no shortage of travel guides for this vibrant destination, I still managed to stumble into a few unexpected surprises and uncover some hidden gems. Here’s a summary of my experience to share with you.
👀 How to Explore (See detailed notes on P2)
**Day 1: The Northwest Charm (Classic Tourist Trail)**
📍 **Comuna 13**: Once a symbol of violence, this neighborhood has transformed into an artistic haven, perfect for snapping stunning photos.
📍 **J Line Cable Car**: Glide through the skies to explore serene suburban residential areas.
📍 **National Palace Mall**: A fascinating fusion of history and modernity—originally a judicial palace from the early 20th century, now reimagined as a bustling shopping center.
📍 **Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture**: Discover thought-provoking temporary exhibitions—all free of charge!
📍 **Plaza Botero**: Marvel at Fernando Botero’s iconic collection of sculptures scattered across the square.
📍 **Museum of Antioquia**: Dive into one of Colombia’s finest art museums.
📍 **Casa Museo Pedro Nel Gómez**: Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to visit this one.
💡 After exploring Antioquia, I ventured further to these spots—but they’re not worth your time:
📍 **Metropolitan Cathedral of Medellín**: Known for its rumored ties to Pablo Escobar’s money-laundering schemes.
📍 **Plaza Minorista José María Villa**: A bustling local market, but nothing extraordinary.
📍 **Acevedo Station**: Take the cable car here for nighttime views of the city.
⚠️ **Cautionary Notes**: Avoid the stretch between the cathedral and the market—it’s overrun with mentally unstable homeless individuals and feels like stepping into chaos. In Comuna 13, stick to the tourist-friendly areas; stray dogs and drug users are common. For the cable car, opt for the J line—it’s convenient and offers breathtaking scenery (see details on P18).
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**Day 2: The Southeast Side (Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure)**
📍 **Montesacro Cemetery**: Pay respects at Pablo Escobar’s final resting place.
📍 **Monasterio Santa Gertrudis La Magna**: Originally constructed as a prison by none other than Pablo himself.
📍 **El Poblado**: Indulge in the culinary delights of this upscale district, filled with trendy restaurants and cozy cafes.
📍 **Medellín Modern Art Museum**: Immerse yourself in contemporary Colombian creativity.
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**Day 3: El Peñol Rock & Guatapé (A Classic Day Trip)**
Escape the city and marvel at the towering granite monolith of El Peñol Rock, surrounded by the colorful houses of Guatapé—a photographer’s paradise.
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🍴 Where to Dine
While Mondongo’s is undeniably delicious, it comes with a hefty price tag. Instead, try authentic local dishes like Bandeja Paisa—a hearty platter featuring minced meat, sausage, blood sausage, roasted pork belly, and rice—or an Ajiaco set, a comforting chicken-and-potato soup. When it comes to ice cream, I found Amor-Acuya Gelato underwhelming compared to the delightful Crepes&Waffles.
🏠 Where to Stay
Both Laureles and El Poblado offer safe, clean accommodations with plenty of dining and nightlife options. Personally, I favored Laureles, where I stayed in a charming spot that even had hot showers—a must-have after long days of exploration!
Let me know if you’d like any additional tips or recommendations!
