Holiday in Medellín

About Medellín

Medellín has perhaps undergone the most remarkable transformation of any city in the world: from a former cartel hotspot in the 1990s to the most innovative city in Latin America and one of the continent's most popular travel destinations. The second-largest city in Colombia is located in a fertile Andean valley at an altitude of 1,500 meters and is nicknamed Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera — City of Eternal Spring — due to its mild temperatures year-round around 22-28 °C. Comuna 13, once the most dangerous neighborhood in the city, has become a symbol of transformation: colorful graffiti artworks cover the facades of buildings, outdoor escalators connect the steep slopes, and young guides share the history of their neighborhood with a mix of pride and pain. The street art tours are among the most impressive experiences in all of South America. The Metrocable — a cable car that is part of the public transport system connecting the slums on the hillsides with the city center — is a masterpiece of social innovation. Lines K and J offer spectacular panoramas over the Aburrá Valley. Parque Arví, a high plateau with cloud forest, is accessible by Metrocable and offers hiking trails through misty forests and eucalyptus woods. Plaza Botero in the city center features 23 oversized bronze sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, who was born in Medellín. His plump, humorous figures are freely accessible in the square — the largest open-air sculpture museum in South America. The adjacent Museo de Antioquia showcases more works by Botero and contemporary Colombian art. El Poblado, the modern district with boutique hotels, rooftop bars, and international cuisine, is the starting point for most visitors. Parque Lleras is the nightlife center with dozens of open-air bars and clubs.