Top Things to do in Medellin
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Medellin, Antioquia Department
Once infamous for dangerous gangs and drug activity, Medellin has been transformed. It’s now a vibrant destination for travelers seeking a culturally rich vacation. Medellin rises proudly from the belly of the Aburrá Valley, and its natural beauty makes a perfect setting for hiking, zip lining and horseback riding. Travel through lush jungle to Piedra de Penol, then climb the 740 steps to the top—a journey within a journey that rewards you with unforgettable views.
Restaurants in Medellin
1. Laguna de Guatape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,567 reviews
Reviewed By sergioruiz5 - Monterrey, Mexico
This tour is a must if you visit Medellin, given that is at a 1hr distance and is a different type of town with an incredible view when you go to the top of the rock (650 steps approximately). I’ve never seen anything like this and with no doubts I’ll go back if I visit Colonia again.
2. La Casa Grande Coffee Hacienda
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
In La Casa Grande Coffee Hacienda you will learn the process of the coffee from the bean to the cup all while birdwatching and being surrounded by nature. Enjoy a delicious meal with the family in an 1800's coffee Hacienda and at the end have a coffee tasting and learn the qualities of world famous Colombian Coffee.
Reviewed By CwazyG - Hong Kong, China
La Casa Grande has recently opened up the Hacienda for short stays and my friends and I were lucky enough to book the two biggest rooms while we were there. Our rooms (the principal and media) each had a queen sized bed, desk, and their own private bathroom. These rooms are also connected by a common room that serves as sort of a study with bookcases and desks. The media room also has a connecting door to another room with two single beds. The rooms were not originally built to be bedrooms (as it was a coffee house), so there are many doors and windows, the rooms. If you are someone who requires blackout curtains or complete darkness to sleep, no fear! The wooden windows and doors pretty much block out most, if not all the light. Great for hibernating. The beds are pretty comfortable, and they provide extra blankets as it can get a little cold at night. The bathrooms are pretty basic, and the hot water for the shower can get be a little tricky, but it was fine in fulfilling its intended purpose. I got the impression that toilet paper isn't typically flushed in South America, so something to take note of. In terms of meals, breakfast is included in your stay, and it is typically cooked by the lovely Marina, who always manages to surprise. Every meal was truly delicious, especially when you know that many of the ingredients (in particular the vegetables) are grown on the property or neighboring farms. Do not forget to try Don Pablo's 'secret' oil concoction that can be used at literally every meal! I have tried since to replicate it, but unfortunately I cannot seem to get the exact flavors. Lunch can be included at a small cost, and although dinner is not available, you have the option of using the kitchen to cook your own!. As the hacienda is up on Mt Elena, I would recommend doing a trip down into the city (or perhaps on your way back from a day trip in the city) to grab some groceries for the length of your stay so you are able to cook a meal when needed. Our hosts on the property have owned the hacienda for generations and the history shows. Everyone is very friendly, and the head of the house, Don Pablo, is always happy to talk about the history of the house. The family also live on the property, so in the event you have any issues or questions, they are easily and quickly addressed. Elizabeth was also great at providing recommendations and addressing all our logistical concerns. She effectively manages the coffee tours and touristy aspect of the house, and was our guide on the coffee tour - as you can imagine, she has great insight about the process, beans, and everything to do with the house as well. One night we even had a little dominoes party with the requisite Aguardiente! Anyone who stays here should expect to be treated like one of the family. What else? Well, those planning to stay should also be aware that the property has a bunch of pets - 4-5 dogs, 1 cat, a couple cows, pigs, and chickens! The farm animals are mostly out of sight, but the dogs and cats have reign of the property. In particular, Lola, the cutest little puppy runs about wherever she pleases. If you have allergies, you should be wary and be sure to have your antihistamines at hand, and be sure to give lots of love to the pups. The only downside of the hacienda were the mosquitoes or sandflies. They really come out at night, and the way the bites have stuck around I'm not convinced they're your average mosquitoes. There's plenty of bug spray around, but be warned! Between the view, fresh air, amazing hospitality, food, and relaxation, there's not too much more you could want. Love this place and can't wait to come back for another relaxing stay.
3. Museo del Agua EPM
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Museo del Agua EPM is a space where science, technology and art come together through an interactive and scenic proposal that transcend the traditional tours by close and sensorial experiences around water.
4. Planetario de Medellin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 457 reviews
5. Jardin Botanico de Medellin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,483 reviews
Reviewed By erichA9957PH
This is a good place to enjoy nature in the center of Medellin. The gardens have beautiful flora, and lots of wildlife also - really enjoyed watching the turtles in the lake. Also, the restaurant at the Jardin Botanico is quite good and is a great place for a lunch.
6. Parque Explora
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,254 reviews
Reviewed By Noha11 - Medellin, Colombia
Great place to learn, have fun and spend a full day with the family. Yo can learn about science, latest scientific discoveries, Physics, music and even an aquarium! There are some fast food restaurants around if you want to make a quick stop to reload your energies and keep visiting!
7. Medellin Metrocable
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,632 reviews
Reviewed By bcnjd
Taking the metro cable to the Arvi park is a wonderful way to get a different view of the city and at the same time a nature experience out side the city riding above the trees Takes about 2-3 hours round trip depending on how much time you stay in the park Well worth the effort
8. El Castillo Museo y Jardines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 758 reviews
Valor ingreso: Adultos $12.000 COP Niños entre 3 y 11 años: $8.000 COP Estudiantes, presentando un carnet válido y vigente: $8.000 COP Parqueadero: Carros $6.000 Motos $3.000
Reviewed By offthecuff2010
Our favorite tourist destination in Medellin! An enchanting castle/ home, filled with antique treasures, baccarat chandeliers, Meissen vases, Ecuadorian and Colombian antique paintings! Beautiful grounds and overhead scarlet macaws and screeching parrots ! Entrance on the hour; no photography inside exhibits; breathtaking views! Highly recommend!
9. Rio Claro Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 311 reviews
Reviewed By 676alexj
SERVICE: I don´t know why so many people complain about the service.... I was very satisfied with the staff, especially David from reception is a super helpful, patient and polite guy who helped with every question I had (speaks very good english) FOOD: Not high class, but absolutely ok. I am vegetarian and for each meal I got a veggie soup and an extra little side dish like cooked eggplants, fried zuccinis, mushrooms, etc. Plus they have a really great variety of salads (one of the bests I have seen in Colombia) and you can go to the buffet a second time and get more :-) ROOMS: I was super happy with my room. I stayed in the El refugio, which I can absolutely recommand to people who don`t mind having a few little animals like insects or bugs in the room. After dinner, I loved sitting at the "open" = no window and listening to the sounds of the nature, reading a book at candle light and then falling asleep. I had no towels in the room, I asked the housekeeping ladies and I got them. At the entrance I was able to pick my room (I didn`t have a reservation), the lady showed me a map and all possibilities including rates. I chose a room at the very end (casa 1, room 9). I wanted to be as far away as possible from the restaurant and acitvity area. I didn't mind the 10 minute walk from the restaurant and the stairs at all. I paid 140.000 COP, which after all, is an acceptable price for a room with a very great view, private bathroom, all meals included. ACTIVITIES (in my opinion, rates are quite cheap for what you get): I did the cave, which was very intersting and exciting. Be prepared to get wet. You will have to swim at some parts. And bring a flashlight, it is dark! I skipped the rafting, it looked quiet boring, the river is slow and not very deep. I did rafting and canyoning in Europe (I think this can not be compared). Instead I rented a tube and walked up the river for about an hour and then I enjoyed a quiet and relaxing 1,5 hour ride with sounds of birds :-), I absolutely loved it! --> I went directly after breakfast before the day visitors arrive and my 2 companions and I had the river almost to ourselves. I skipped Ziplining as well. Much better and longer lines f.ex. in Costa Rica WHAT ELSE: I took the bus from Guatape to Rio Claro. You don't have to go back all the way to Medellin. Take the bus direction Medellin (leaves Guatape at least every hour) and change to one of the big buses in Marinilla. On the road from Medellin to Bogota (road 60) there is a small bus terminal with 3 offices (one is Coonorte) where you can buy your ticket (20.000 COP). From there it takes about 2 hours. Tell the driver to stop at reserva natural rio claro. Do not forget to mention the complete name, otherwise they might let you out further on the street and you have to walk back.... I left my big backpack at the check-in office at the entrance and just took my small one with things for 2 nights (you don't need much, its warm all the time. In case you have forgotten something you can always go back, its only 15 minutes from the restaurant). In total it is about half an hour to walk to the rooms of El Refugio, so I wouldn't want to carry all my stuff there.... AVOID weekends and puentes! I think it can get really crowded with Colombians from Medellin with kids. I was there Monday to Wednesday and there were not many people. The bus to Bogota took a lot more than 5 hours.... 7,5 hour...the road is ok, but only one lane and a lot of big and slow trucks plus some road construction....usual colombian problem.... AFTER ALL: I loved this place! It is great to have a few days very close to nature, birds, swim (the river has just the right temperature), relax, read, walk along the river (the further you go the less people you meet, at the end we were all by ourselves, sooo peaceful), enjoy the sounds of the woods, no WIFI....
10. Centro Comercial Santafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 468 reviews
¡More than a Shopping Center, we want to be your world! You can find all you are looking for about entertainment, food court, stores and service.
Reviewed By 609ronw - Wilton Manors, United States
Santafe is located on Poblado Avenue. With its four floors (five if you consider the lower level, mostly of cars and parking) you are sure to find almost anything you may possibly want and all at a very good price. During our visit we also visited Centro Comercial Tesoro, which has more "designer" stores and higher prices. We preferred Santafe as it has many mid-level clothing and accessories that we are more customed to. If the walk is too much to reach Santafe (and to Tesoro it is 10 times higher) take a taxi which are very inexpensive in Medellin - I think our most expensive taxi fare was $4.
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