The 'City of Eternal Spring'

Medellín is a captivating city, not only because of its pleasant climate (around 19 °C throughout the year); also for the kindness of its people, its delicious food and that paisa charm that visitors fall in love with.

The peasant humor of the inhabitants of Medellín, which is reflected in the Antioquian trovas, the typical dances and in general in the Paisa culture, mixes with the hectic life of the metropolis. There are no mountains or rivers that can intimidate these people, who have one of the most prolific territories in the country, with large companies and growth in all sectors.

In fact, witty is a characteristic of Antioquians, so it is not surprising that in 2013 Medellin was named the Most Innovative City in the World in the Wall Street Journal’s City of the Year contest.

The capital of the department of Antioquia, which rests in the Aburrá Valley, is protected by mountains and is an industrial, commercial and financial center that has undergone an urban transformation in recent years thanks to large social investments in culture and art.

What to do in Medellin?

Medellin’s weather, its mountainous landscape, its spectacular panoramic views and its green spaces make tours of the city a seductive experience.

Places like the Botanical Garden, the Pies Descalzos Park, the Berrío Park and the Lleras Park are places that you cannot miss.

The same happens with the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Antioquia, devoted in large part to the work of Colombian artist Fernando Botero, whose sculptures adorn many areas of the city.

In addition, Medellín has Parque Explora, an interactive museum of science and technology where children and adults can learn and do a large number of activities. Nearby are the Planetarium and the Park of Desires.

In Medellín there are also many shopping centers, such as El Tesoro or Santafé, where you can buy all kinds of items and enjoy a wide gastronomic offer, because another great plan is to enjoy the typical food of the region, which is made up of preparations such as fritters, tripe and the mythical “bandeja paisa”.

And if the plan is to enjoy the night, the El Poblado area has a wide range of bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Can't miss activities

If you are looking for what to do in Medellin, you can choose from many plans: family, adventure. Families, and all travelers in general, find many fun and entertainment options throughout the city.

Likewise, it is a great plan to go to places like Pueblito Paisa, which is a replica of a typical town in the region and is located on Cerro Nutibara.

It is also worth enjoying the Arvi Park, and places that are on the outskirts, such as Guatapé, where the famous Piedra del Peñol is located.

Recommendations

Medellín is known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ for the pleasant weather that it presents all year round. So, in general, you can wear spring-summer clothes and add a light jacket. Of course, do not forget to use sunscreen constantly, even on rainy days.

 

Keep in mind the typical recommendations of big cities: take with you only the amount of money you will need during the day, preferably pay in local currency, know the routes of the city’s developed integrated transport system, which has a metro, and, in if you order a taxi, do so by calling recognized companies or using their apps.

 

Medellín, being surrounded by mountains and beautiful landscapes, has many activities for excursion and cross-country tourism, so do not forget to wear comfortable clothes and shoes to enjoy all the alternatives offered by the capital of Antioquia and its surroundings.

 

These tips will be enough for you to enjoy the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, a place full of charms that you will like from start to finish.


Electricity

In Colombia, you’ll find the following power outlets: flat 2-prong sockets or sockets with a third, round prong. But don’t worry; it’s easy to find power adapters and voltage regulators at any hardware store or department store.

Bear in mind that the domestic power supply in Colombia is 110 volts of alternating current or 60 hertz (110V AC, 60Hz).


Local currency

The Colombian peso is the country’s legal tender. It is generally identified with the abbreviation COP, and you’ll find that the official peso symbol ($) is used locally.


Weather

One of the most surprising things about Colombia for foreign visitors is the unchanging nature of its climate all year round. This is because the country is located on the Equator, which means the sun rises and sets at the same time all year round and the season stays the same, unlike almost every other country in the world. There are just the dry seasons (from December to January and July to August) and the rainy seasons (from April to May and October to November).

However, this doesn’t mean that the whole country gets the same weather. In fact, the topographical diversity of Colombia provides a huge variety of landscapes, biodiversity and thermal floors.

Medellín

Temperate climates

In these regions, temperatures range between 17 °C and 24 °C.


Before traveling

Citizens of certain countries need to present a tourist visa to gain entry. These can be processed at the Colombian embassies and consulates abroad. You can check if you need a visa or not in the link below.

Check countries requiring visas at
https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/procedures_services/visa/requirements

You can also consult Resolution 1128 of 2019:
https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/sites/default/files/resolucion_1128_de_2018.pdf