
7 Days Medellin Itinerary – In this guide, we share a fully-packed 7-day Medellin itinerary that you can follow when you visit the city of Medellin. Medellin or the City of Eternal Spring, as everyone calls it, has its tourism growing by the day and we got you covered.
We also include alternatives to how many days in Medellin in this guide: How to spend 48 hours in Medellin, How to spend 3 – 5 days in Medellin, and even 10 Days in Medellin.
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Medellin, despite not having the best history in the last decades, has seen a lot of growth and rejuvenation tourism-wise and it definitely is one of the most sought out destinations in Colombia right now.
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Where to Stay in Medellin
El Poblado
This upscale neighborhood is located in the southern part of the city and is known for its modern buildings, shopping centers, and nightlife. It’s a popular area for tourists and expats, and there are many hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals available.
El Prado – Our Choice of Where to Stay in Medellin
El Prado is a neighborhood in Medellin that is known for its tree-lined streets and leafy parks. It’s a popular area for families and professionals, and there are many hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals available.
El Prado is located in the northwest part of the city and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and excellent public transportation. It’s a convenient area to stay if you want to be close to the city center and the major attractions. There are also many restaurants, bars, and shopping centers in the area.
El Prado is a good choice for travelers who want to stay in a safe and convenient neighborhood with easy access to the rest of the city. It’s a bit more upscale than some of the other neighborhoods in Medellin, but you can still find budget-friendly accommodation options.
Laureles
This neighborhood is located in the northwest part of the city and is known for its tree-lined streets and leafy parks. It’s a popular area for students and young professionals, and there are many hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals available.
Envigado
This town is located just south of Medellin and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and colonial-style houses. It’s a popular area for travelers who want a more authentic experience, and there are many hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals available.
La Candelaria
This neighborhood is located in the city center and is known for its historic landmarks and cultural attractions. It’s a popular area for budget travelers, and there are many budget hotels and hostels available.
Getting Around in Medellin
There are several ways to get around in Medellin:
Metro
Medellin has an extensive metro system that is fast, reliable, and affordable. The metro is a convenient way to get around the city, especially if you are staying in one of the neighborhoods along the metro line.
Bus
Medellin has a large network of bus routes that cover the city and the surrounding areas. Buses are a cheap and convenient way to get around, but they can be crowded and may not always be the most comfortable option.
Taxis
Taxis are widely available in Medellin and are a convenient way to get around. You can hail a taxi on the street or call a taxi company to pick you up. It’s a good idea to agree on a price before starting your journey to avoid any misunderstandings.
Car rentals
If you want to explore the surrounding areas of Medellin, you can rent a car. This is a convenient option, but it’s important to be aware of the local traffic laws and driving conditions.
See a Medellin itinerary for 7 days or a full week Medellin Itinerary below.
Cost of Travel – How Many Days in Medellin
The cost of traveling in Medellin will depend on several factors such as the type of accommodation you choose, the activities you plan to do, and your daily expenses. Here is an estimate of what you might expect to spend for a 7-day trip to Medellin for one person:
Accommodation: Budget accommodation can cost around $10-20 per night, while mid-range accommodation can cost around $30-50 per night. High-end accommodation can cost around $50-100 or more per night.
Transportation: The metro system in Medellin is very affordable, and a single ride is around $0.8 cents. Taxis are also reasonably priced, but it’s good to agree on a fare before starting your journey to avoid misunderstandings.
Food: Eating out in Medellin can be quite affordable. A meal at a local restaurant will cost around $3-8. If you’re on a tight budget you can find street vendors selling food like arepas, empanadas and fruit bowls for around $2.
Activities: Entrance fees to popular attractions, like museums, theme parks, and other activities, vary greatly in price, but can generally be visited for less than $20. Many of the popular street art tours in Comuna 13 can be visited for free.
All in all, a budget traveler can expect to spend around $50 – 100 per day depending on their preferences, but you could easily spend more if you want to stay in a more upscale accommodation and do more activities.
A 7-day trip to Medellin for one person could cost around $350 – 700.
If you opt for budget accommodation at $15 per night, then your accommodation cost will be $105.
Transportation will be around $5-10 for 7 days.
Food cost of $3-8 per meal, for 7 days total cost of around $70.
Activities will cost around $20 – $60, depending on how many activities you plan to do.
7 Days Medellin Itinerary
Here is a 7-day itinerary for Medellin that includes Comuna 13, El Poblado, a visit to Guatape, a visit to Jardin, and Poblado Paisa:
Day 1:
1. Arrival in Medellin
2. Check in to your accommodation in El Poblado
3. Explore the neighborhood and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant
4. Visit the Plaza de Mercado de Santo Domingo to shop for souvenirs and try local foods
El Poblado is one of the upscale areas in Medellin, and this helps a lot with safety in the city. Also, here you’ll get a lot of options whether you’re looking for good food, party, meet new friends and people, with its huge foreign and digital nomad scene.
Day 2:
1. Take a guided tour of the city to learn about its history and culture
2. Visit the Museo de Antioquia to see the works of Medellin’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero
3. Walk along the Pueblito Paisa, a traditional Antioquian village located on the top of a hill with a panoramic view of the city.
Day 3:
1. Head to Comuna 13, a neighborhood known for its street art and colorful murals. Take a guided tour of the neighborhood to learn about its history and culture. To reach Comuna 13, you’ll experience Medellin’s cable car system which is one of the most extensive in the whole of Latin America
2. Visit the open-air museum, Escaleras Electricas, to see more of the amazing street art and learn about the transformation of the neighborhood
3. Try some traditional dishes like bandeja paisa (a hearty platter of rice, beans, meat, avocado, and plantains) and arepas (corn cakes)
Day 4:
Head to the nearby town of Guatape to see the colorful rock formations and take a boat ride on the lake
Visit the Zocalo, a historic square in the center of town with charming colonial-style buildings
Try some traditional dishes like sancocho (a hearty soup made with meat, vegetables, and herbs) and empanadas (pastries filled with meat and vegetables).
Day Trip itinerary in Guatape from Medellin
Here is a day trip itinerary from Medellin to Guatape:
Depart from Medellin in the morning and head to Guatape, located about an hour and a half away.
Once you arrive in Guatape, visit the colorful rock formations, known as the Piedra del Peñol. You can climb to the top of the rock for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
After visiting the rock formations, take a boat ride on the lake to see more of the beautiful scenery.
In the afternoon, visit the Zocalo, a historic square in the center of town with charming colonial-style buildings.
Try some traditional dishes like sancocho (a hearty soup made with meat, vegetables, and herbs) and empanadas (pastries filled with meat and vegetables).
In the evening, head back to Medellin.
Alternatively, you could spend the night in Guatape and visit the nearby town of El Penol the next day. There are also a number of hiking and biking trails in the area for those who are interested in outdoor activities.
Day 5:
1. Take a trip to the scenic town of Jardin, located about three hours from Medellin
2. Walk through the beautiful gardens and visit the local artisan shops
3. Try some of the delicious fruits grown in the region, such as lulo (a small, orange fruit with a tart flavor) and feijoa (a tropical fruit with a sweet, fragrant flavor)
Day Trip Itinerary To Jardin from Medellin
Here is a day trip itinerary from Medellin to Jardin:
Depart from Medellin in the morning and head to Jardin, located about three hours away.
Once you arrive in Jardin, spend the morning exploring the beautiful gardens and visiting the local artisan shops.
In the afternoon, try some of the delicious fruits grown in the region, such as lulo (a small, orange fruit with a tart flavor) and feijoa (a tropical fruit with a sweet, fragrant flavor).
Take a walk through the charming streets of Jardin and visit the local churches and houses.
In the evening, head back to Medellin.
Alternatively, you could spend the night in Jardin and visit the nearby town of Salento and Armenia the next day. There are also a number of hiking and biking trails in the area for those who are interested in outdoor activities.
Day 6:
1. Visit the Poblado Paisa, a traditional Antioquian village located on the top of a hill with a panoramic view of the city. Spending an extra day to see it and really experience it is definitely worth it.
2. Walk along the cobblestone streets and visit the charming houses and churches
3. Try some local sweets like bocadillo (a soft, spongy cake) and natillas (a creamy dessert made with milk, sugar, and cornstarch)
Day 7:
End the day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sampling some of the best dishes the region has to offer.
Alternative Trips in Medellin: How Many Days in Medellin (1 Day, 48 Hours, 3 Days, 5 Days, 10 Days)
Medellin Itinerary 5 Days
Day 1:
Arrival in Medellin
Check in to your accommodation
Explore the neighborhood and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant
Visit the Plaza de Mercado de Santo Domingo to shop for souvenirs and try local foods
Day 2:
Take a guided tour of the city to learn about its history and culture
Visit the Museo de Antioquia to see the works of Medellin’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero
Walk along the Pueblito Paisa, a traditional Antioquian village located on the top of a hill with a panoramic view of the city
Day 3:
Head to the nearby town of Guatape to see the colorful rock formations and take a boat ride on the lake
Visit the Zocalo, a historic square in the center of town with charming colonial-style buildings
Try some traditional dishes like bandeja paisa (a hearty platter of rice, beans, meat, avocado, and plantains) and arepas (corn cakes)
Day 4:
Take a trip to the scenic town of Jardin, located about three hours from Medellin
Walk through the beautiful gardens and visit the local artisan shops
Try some of the delicious fruits grown in the region, such as lulo (a small, orange fruit with a tart flavor) and feijoa (a tropical fruit with a sweet, fragrant flavor)
Day 5:
Visit the Parque Arvi, a beautiful natural reserve located on the outskirts of Medellin
Take a hike through the forests and visit the quaint village of San Felix
End the day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sampling some of the best dishes the region has to offer.
Medellin Itinerary – 3 Days
Here is a 3-day itinerary for Medellin:
Day 1:
Arrival in Medellin
Check in to your accommodation
Explore the neighborhood and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant
Visit the Plaza de Mercado de Santo Domingo to shop for souvenirs and try local foods
Day 2:
Take a guided tour of the city to learn about its history and culture
Visit the Museo de Antioquia to see the works of Medellin’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero
Walk along the Pueblito Paisa, a traditional Antioquian village located on the top of a hill with a panoramic view of the city
Day 3:
Head to the nearby town of Guatape to see the colorful rock formations and take a boat ride on the lake
Visit the Zocalo, a historic square in the center of town with charming colonial-style buildings
Try some traditional dishes like bandeja paisa (a hearty platter of rice, beans, meat, avocado, and plantains) and arepas (corn cakes)
End the day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sampling some of the best dishes the region has to offer.
Medellin itinerary – 48 hours
If you only have 48 hours for, check this Medellin itinerary.
Day 1:
Arrival in Medellin
Check in to your accommodation
Explore the neighborhood and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant
Visit the Plaza de Mercado de Santo Domingo to shop for souvenirs and try local foods
Take a stroll through Parque Lleras, a popular park in the Poblado neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere and nightlife
Day 2:
Take a guided tour of the city to learn about its history and culture
Visit the Museo de Antioquia to see the works of Medellin’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero
Walk along the Pueblito Paisa, a traditional Antioquian village located on the top of a hill with a panoramic view of the city
Head to the nearby town of Envigado to try some of the best street food in the region and explore the artisan market
End the day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sampling some of the best dishes the region has to offer.
Safety in Medellin – What Areas of Medellin to Avoid
It’s generally safe to travel around Medellin, but like any city, there are some areas that are safer than others. Here are a few areas that you may want to avoid, mostly at night. Just letting you know, we’ve been to places like La Candelaria and Comuna 13 as their some of the best of Medellin, just visit them with others, during day time or with a tour guide.
La Candelaria: This neighborhood is located in the city center and is known for its high crime rate. It’s best to avoid walking around alone at night in this area.
Comuna 13: While this neighborhood has undergone a transformation in recent years and is now a popular tourist destination, it’s still advisable to be cautious when visiting, especially at night.
San Antonio: This neighborhood is located in the northwest part of the city and has a high crime rate. It’s best to avoid walking around alone at night in this area.
It’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to trust your instincts when traveling. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a particular area, it’s best to leave and go somewhere else.
Top Things to do inside El Poblado
El Poblado is an upscale neighborhood in Medellin that is popular with tourists and locals alike. Here are some top places to see and things to do in El Poblado:
Parque Lleras: This popular park is known for its lively atmosphere and nightlife. It’s a great place to grab a drink or a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and bars.
Plaza Mayor: This shopping mall is one of the largest in Latin America and has a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Parque de los Deseos: This beautiful park is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It features a lake, walking trails, and a playground for children.
Iglesia de la Veracruz: This beautiful church is a popular tourist destination in El Poblado. It’s known for its stunning architecture and intricate details.
Cerro Nutibara: This hill is located in the heart of El Poblado and offers panoramic views of the city. It’s a great place to go for a hike or to enjoy a picnic.
Pueblito Paisa: This traditional Antioquian village is located on the top of a hill and offers panoramic views of the city. It’s a great place to learn about the history and culture of Medellin.
Plaza de Mercado de Santo Domingo: This market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and try local foods. It’s known for its colorful stalls and lively atmosphere.
Popular Day Trips and Weekend Trips from Medellin
There are many popular day trips and weekend trips from Medellin, depending on your interests. Here are a few suggestions:
Guatape
This colorful town is located about an hour and a half from Medellin and is known for its rock formations and beautiful lake. You can visit the Piedra del Peñol, take a boat ride on the lake, and explore the charming streets of the town.
Jardin
This picturesque town is located about three hours from Medellin and is known for its beautiful gardens and artisan shops. You can walk through the charming streets, visit the local farms, and try some of the delicious fruits grown in the region.
Salento
This charming town is located in the coffee region of Colombia and is known for its coffee plantations and outdoor activities. You can visit one or more of the coffee plantations and take a tour to learn about the process of growing and harvesting coffee, or you can go hiking or horseback riding in the beautiful surroundings.
El Penol
This small town is located near Guatape and is known for its beautiful rock formations. You can visit the Piedra del Penol and take in the stunning views from the top.
Best Time to Visit Medellin
The best time to visit Medellin depends on what you’re looking to do and what kind of weather you prefer. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Weather
Medellin has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The rainy season typically runs from April to May, and from September to November, but heavy rain is sporadic and showers tend to be short-lived. The rest of the year, the weather is mild and sunny, with temperatures averaging in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 24 Celsius).
Check the updated weather here in Medellin
Festivals
Medellin is known for its lively cultural scene, and there are several festivals and events that take place throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals include the Medellin Flower Fair (August) and the Medellin International Poetry Festival (April).
Crowds
Medellin can be quite crowded during peak tourist season, which runs from December to February, especially during the Christmas and New Year holidays. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider visiting outside of peak season.
Weather and Festivals considered, many people consider the best time to visit Medellin is during the months of December and January where the weather is mild, and you can still enjoy the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Overall, a 7 Days Medellin Itinerary is perfect for experiencing Medellin’s local scenery, with chances for day trips to other towns that are worth adding to your trip like Guatape and Jardin. Let us know what you decide to do in Medellin and if you have any questions!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.
Arthur
Monday 11th of December 2023
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