No matter how long you’re visiting Medellin, there’s always something new to discover. However, most tourists only have a certain amount of time in the city before they have to move on. This being the case, booking some tours could be the best way to see the city’s highlights. There are practically countless options, from city tours to exotic fruit tours. Some of them are relaxing, while others will definitely get your adrenaline going.
Medellin city tour
There’s no better way to get a feel for Medellin in a single day. The Medellin City Tour tour will introduce you to key destinations across the city; you’ll spend more time on some, like museums, while others may just get a brief introduction as you walk through them, like parks. Popular destinations included in a Medellin city tour are:
- Plaza de Botero
Located in front of the Museum of Antioquia, this plaza contains 23 sculptures by one of Colombia’s most iconic artists, Fernando Botero. He donated them to the city of Medellin in 2002, and now they’re enjoyed by both residents and tourists.
- El Centro
As Medellin’s central district, El Centro is always buzzing with activity. It’s full of music, markets, and Paisa culture. Just make sure you keep a close eye on your valuables; pickpockets love this area almost as much as tourists do!
- Comuna 13
This was originally one of Medellin’s most dangerous neighborhoods, but it’s since been transformed. These days, tourists can visit this spot to see street art performances, vibrantly colored houses, and creative graffiti.
Medellin bike tour
Most tour companies have options for both traditional and electric bikes, so even if you aren’t up to several hours of cycling around Medellin, you can still participate in this tour. Medellin bike tours usually hit most of the same spots as a typical city tour, but with the added flexibility of traveling without a car. The city has miles upon miles of bike paths, which make it easy to view the city without having to deal with traffic. That being said, some parts of the tour will involve sharing roadways with vehicles, so this is best reserved for people who already have cycling experience.
Medellin exotic fruit tour
Colombia offers plenty of well-known fruits like bananas, strawberries, and apples. However, you can also find a bounty of unfamiliar fruits at the La Minorista market, as well as other spots across the city. Depending on what’s available or in season, you may end up trying fruits like:
- Gulupa, a cousin of passionfruit
- Golden berries, which are both sweet and tart at the same time
- Sapota, which is popular to eat with a bit of sugar sprinkled on top
- Dragon fruit, which tastes similar to a kiwi
- Mangosteen, which has a tangy, sweet flavor
- Lulo, a citrus-like fruit
- Loquat, which has flavors of apricot and cherry with floral overtones
Medellin food tour
Medellin is the center of Paisa culture, which makes it one of the best spots to experience authentic Paisa food. It’s certainly possible to order a Bandeja Paisa or Calentado Paisa from hundreds of restaurants across the city, but a guided tour will introduce you to the best that the city has to offer. You won’t have to worry about reheated food, dry arepas, or inflated prices, since the tour guide will know exactly where to go for the best food in the city.
Medellin paragliding tour
Medellin is full of hills, from which you can get 360-degree views of the city. However, that’s nothing compared to the views you’ll get on a paragliding tour! These tours are managed by highly trained paragliders; all you’ll have to do is follow instructions, wear the provided safety equipment, and enjoy the view. If you don’t speak Spanish, make sure you book a tour with a bilingual guide. There will be detailed safety instructions to go over before taking off, and it’s essential that you understand all of them.
Medellin helicopter tour
There are several different routes to choose from with a Medellin helicopter tour. This type of experience is ideal for smaller groups who are interested in a truly VIP experience; there won’t be any time wasted in traffic, and the views are thrilling. Plus, photography buffs will be able to take some pretty epic photos during the ride. The most popular routes for helicopter tours include:
- The city of Medellin
- Medellin and Santa Elena flower farms
- A trip from Medellin to Guatape (can be one-way or round-trip)
Just like with the paragliding tour, there will be several safety instructions to follow, such as not wearing loose clothing or jewelry.
Comuna 13 tour
This neighborhood is usually included in Medellin city tours, but it’s also worth a tour for its own sake. The area was heavily affected by gang activity in the 80s and 90s, and was one of the most violent parts of the city. However, thanks to efforts by both the government and the community, the tourist areas are now safe and tours in Comuna 13 are becoming increasingly popular. In fact, it’s considered to be one of the most colorful parts of the city, with many tourists visiting just to see the graffiti. This tour usually involves grabbing some snacks as well; various local vendors sell fresh fruit, ice cream, empanadas, and more.
Medellin museum tour
The city of Medellin has several museums to tour that are definitely worth seeing. Some of them have English-language content (such as informational signs or videos), but others are only in Spanish. Many museum tours are led by bilingual guides, which makes every display in every museum accessible. The typical highlights include:
- Museum of Antioquia
- House of Memory Museum
- El Castillo Museum and Gardens
- Museum of Modern Art
Book a tour of Medellin to discover the coolest parts of the city
Whether you only have a couple of days in Medellin, or you’ve given yourself plenty of time to relax and explore the city, a guided tour is one of the best ways to connect with the local culture and top destinations. Whatever tour you decide to book, you’re sure to have a great time!
