Medellin Travel Brief: What to Know Before You Go Chris Caggiano April 1, 2025 Travel Briefs Medellin is a lively city nestled in Colombia’s mountainous Aburrá Valley, known for its welcoming locals, innovative public transportation, and colorful neighborhoods. Once marked by a turbulent past, it has grown into a popular destination offering a unique mix of tradition, creativity, and modern urban life. Whether you’re interested in street art, coffee culture, outdoor adventures, or exploring one-of-a-kind neighborhoods, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your Medellin visit. Botanical Garden, Medellin What’s the Best Time to Visit Medellin? Medellín is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” thanks to its mild, pleasant weather year-round. That makes it a great destination in any season. However, many travelers find the best time to visit is between December and March or in July, when the weather is driest. These times also coincide with major local festivals like the Feria de las Flores in August and the Christmas light displays in December, which add a cultural sparkle to any trip. Just keep in mind that these periods can be more crowded and expensive. What’s the Cheapest Month to Fly to Medellin? The cheapest month to fly to Medellín can vary depending on a number of factors. Generally speaking, flights tend to be less expensive during the low season, which is typically between April and early June, and again from late August through November. However, actual prices can fluctuate greatly based on how far in advance you book, the airline, your departure city, and whether you’re traveling midweek or on weekends. Signing up for fare alerts and using flight comparison tools can help you track deals and determine the best time for your budget. Palacio de la Cultura, Botero Square, Medellin How Far in Advance Should I Book a Flight to Medellin? For the best rates on flights to Medellín, try to book at least two to three months in advance. Prices tend to rise as your travel date nears, especially during peak travel seasons like December or mid-summer. If you’re planning to travel during holidays or for local festivals, booking three to six months ahead is even better to ensure affordability and availability. How Many Days in Medellin Is Enough? A 4- to 5-day trip is a good amount of time to get a meaningful experience in Medellín. This allows for exploring major sights like Comuna 13, the Medellín Metrocable, Plaza Botero, and the Museum of Antioquia, as well as taking a day trip to nearby Guatapé or Santa Fe de Antioquia. If you have more time, you can dive deeper into the city’s art, food, and history scenes, or venture further afield into Colombia’s coffee region. Medellin from the Metro Cable station How Can I Save Money on a Trip to Medellin? There are several ways to keep your budget in check while visiting Medellín. Public transportation is affordable and efficient—take advantage of the Metro and cable cars instead of taxis. Enjoy local meals, known as menu del día, which offer generous portions at low prices. Look for accommodations in up-and-coming neighborhoods like Laureles, which can be less expensive than Poblado but still safe and comfortable. Booking tours through local agencies or directly at your hostel can also save money compared to booking from abroad. Lastly, plan your visit during the low season for better deals on flights and hotels. What Are the Cheapest Airports to Fly into in Medellin? Medellín is served primarily by two airports: José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) and the smaller Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH). MDE is located in Rionegro about 45 minutes outside the city, and is the main international gateway and typically offers the lowest airfare options from most international destinations. It has more flights and carriers, which generally helps drive prices down. EOH, located within Medellín, handles mainly domestic flights — great for short hops within Colombia, but not usually the cheapest option for international travelers. You May Also Enjoy: Bogotá Travel Brief: What to Know Before You Go El Peñol FAQs: Q: What are the must-see attractions and activities in Medellin? A: Medellin offers a mix of cultural, historical, and modern attractions. Highlights include riding the Metrocable for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains, exploring Comuna 13 to see its vibrant street art and hear stories of transformation, and visiting Plaza Botero to admire oversized sculptures by local artist Fernando Botero. The Museo de Antioquia and the Museum of Memory provide insight into the city’s artistic and social history. Don’t miss a stroll through the Botanical Garden or a coffee at one of El Poblado’s many cafés. Q: What are some great family-friendly attractions in Medellin? A: Families traveling with kids will find plenty to do in Medellin. Parque Explora is a favorite — it’s an interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits and one of Latin America’s largest aquariums. The nearby Planetarium del Medellín explores outer space in a fun and educational way. For outdoor fun, try Parque Norte amusement park or the lush Botanical Garden. Riding the Metrocable is also a fun and inexpensive way for the whole family to see the city from above. Q: Which local dishes should I try in Medellin? A: Medellin is located in the heart of Colombia’s Antioquia region, and its cuisine reflects that. The must-try dish is bandeja paisa, a hearty plate usually featuring beans, rice, ground beef, chicharrón (fried pork belly), chorizo, plantain, arepa, avocado, and a fried egg. Arepas are a daily staple—grilled corn cakes often filled or topped with cheese. Other local favorites include mondongo (a savory tripe soup), buñuelos (fried cheese balls), and empanadas. Don’t forget to try fresh tropical fruit and juices like guanábana, maracuyá, or lulo. Q: What are the visa requirements or entry rules for Medellin? A: Travelers entering Colombia, including those flying into Medellin, typically do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days if they are citizens of countries such as the United States, Canada, most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. A valid passport is required and must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay. Officials may ask for proof of onward travel. Entry requirements may change, so it’s best to check with your country’s embassy or Colombia’s immigration authority closer to your travel date. Q: What are the best day trips from Medellin? A: Guatapé is the most popular day trip from Medellin, known for its colorful buildings and El Peñol, a massive granite rock that you can climb for spectacular views. Another great option is Santa Fe de Antioquia, a well-preserved colonial town with cobblestone streets and historic churches. Jardín, though slightly farther, offers a picturesque small-town experience in the coffee region with waterfalls, horseback riding, and charming plazas. You might also consider visiting nearby coffee farms or natural reserves for a glimpse of rural Colombian life. Q: What are some safety tips for travelers in Medellin? A: While Medellin is much safer than in the past, it’s still important to stay aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-traveled areas, especially at night, and avoid flashing valuables like jewelry or expensive electronics. Use rideshare apps like Uber or DiDi rather than hailing taxis off the street. Be cautious in busy areas such as markets or public transport where pickpocketing can occur. It’s a good idea to ask your hotel or local hosts about current safety conditions in specific neighborhoods before visiting. Q: What are the best seasonal events or festivals in Medellin? A: Medellin hosts vibrant festivals throughout the year, but the biggest event is the Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival) held every August. It features parades, concerts, horse shows, and the traditional “silleteros” flower carriers who display elaborate floral arrangements. December is also a magical time to visit, when the city lights up with elaborate Alumbrados Navideños (Christmas Light displays), especially along the Medellin River. Other notable events include Colombia Moda (a major fashion industry event in July) and the International Poetry Festival held each year in July. Did we leave out your favorite part of Medellin? Tell us about it in the comments below!
