Medellin

Medellin, with a population approaching 3 million residents, is the second largest of Colombia's cities. Located in the Aburra Valley, in the central region of Colombia's portion of the Andes mountain range, it has an endearingly pleasant year-round climate and daytime temperatures averaging 24 °C. After a troubled past, Medellin is now emerging as a genuine “must-go” destination. Its warm hospitality and forward thinking outlook are allowing Medellin to forge a really bright future for itself.

Medellin is a city surrounded by seven Andes foothills, which serve as natural viewpoints and are sites for healthy leisure recreation, enjoyment, research, sport, culture, education and ecotourism. In these natural public spaces one can find viewpoints, pre-Hispanic roads, religious icons, cultural and Antioquian traditions, bird watching, the most complete herbal living of Aburra Valley and the remains of early settlers and natives of Medellin.

Highlights

The Main Parks to feature include Berrio Park in the center of the city; Bolivar Park, a little further north, framed by the Metropolitan Cathedral; with others such as Bethlehem Park, El Poblado Park, and Laureles Park, in more residential areas.

Avri Ecotourism Park - one of the most visited sites in Medellin, the Avri Ecotourism Park virtually covers the entire village of Santa Elena between the towns of Bello, Copacabana and Envigado. Within it there are trails, lakes, forests and streams, ideal for outdoor pursuits such as trekking, kayaking, biking, camping, fishing, swimming, sailing, rowing, horseback riding, and pausing to relax. This prominent position over Medellin offers amazing natural vistas overlooking the entire city.

Communa 13 - monuments to murals, the public art scene sweeping Medellin is stunning in its scope and ingenuity. Nowhere is this exemplified better than in the previously marginalised neighbourhood of Communa 13, which is part residential community, part outdoor art gallery. Elaborate murals grace wall after wall, a series of vivid canvases brought to life by passionate and dedicated artists. What was once the city's toughest neighbourhoods has evolved into its most colourful; a true celebration of rebirth, a brave determination and for visitors, it is photogenic Instagram gold.

Being a major international city, there is an array of fine accommodation and exquisite fine dining restaurants, cafes, bars and nightlife in Medellin, which revolves around the music and dance fraternity, especially so dancing to the pulse and beat of Salsa. Medellin is a city we can highly recommend to visit and to use as a launching pad for onwards travel in Colombia.