There are plenty of reasons to choose eco-friendly options, like helping out the environment or saving money. But did you know that you can have an entire eco-friendly vacation in Medellin, Colombia? This city, known as the “city of eternal spring”, has been working on going green figuratively as well as literally. Not only are there countless public parks and other green spaces, but things like public transport, wildlife shelters, and even restaurants are helping this city become more eco-friendly.
Part of the momentum for this new direction comes from Colombia’s first left-leaning president, who’s promised to enact various green measures in the country. Medellin is working at the municipal level as well, with plans to transform itself even further into the first Eco-City in Latin America. This plan includes the electrification of public transport by 2030, doubling public transportation routes and bike lanes, and reducing carbon emissions by at least 20%.
As far as tourism is concerned, this is great news. Medellin is already a choose-your-own-adventure type of place, and having more eco-friendly options will only attract more visitors in the future. There are already plenty to choose from; these include everything from glamping, to artisanal coffee tastings, to cable cars that give passengers a bird’s-eye view of the city. If you’re interested in learning about the best eco-friendly activities in Medellin, just keep reading!
Book the perfect home base
There are all kinds of ways to experience Medellin. Maybe you want to travel light, or maybe you want to pamper yourself. You could be there for the parties, or for the natural surroundings. Whatever the case, you can find a hotel, glamping site, or hostel that’s a perfect fit for your needs.
If glamping is your thing, you barely have to leave the city – check out our glamping packages, with locations in Rio Negro, La Ceja, El Retiro and Guatape. You’ll find open courtyards and canopied beds, which are ideal for backpackers who want something a bit nicer than the standard hostel. If you’re looking for something swankier, Factory Loft (located in Laureles) offers some of the softest beds in the city. For the visitors who are looking for the final word in eco-conscious accommodations, the Cannua Lodge offers sustainable boutique quarters. You’ll also be able to enjoy epic mountain views, and tastings of chocolate, rum, or coffee.
Eat at the city’s top restaurants
You might not associate botanical gardens with top-tier restaurants, but that could change in Medellin. The city’s 35-acre park is full of gorgeous flowers and birds, and is also home to one of the city’s best restaurants, In Situ. This fine dining experience includes an open-air construction, and offers steak and lamb, seasonally inspired pastas, and more.
If you’re in the mood for a less intense dining experience, the Colombian chain Crepes y Waffles is a quintessential part of visiting Medellin. You can get both crepes and waffles that are accompanied by an array of international toppings or fillings.
What if you want the absolute best of the best? In that case, head to El Cielo Restaurant for a meal prepared by a Michelin Star chef. Just make sure you’ve booked a reservation well in advance; this restaurant is in high demand! You’ll get over 20 courses, which are designed to appeal to multiple senses. As an example, one of their courses involves bathing your hands in chocolate, and then delicately consuming it as you enjoy the intense flavors and aromas.
Enjoy biodiversity
Medellin attracts plenty of party animals, but it also is home to real animals – some of which live in local sanctuaries. One such place is the Tortugario Estacion Cocorna: Centro de Conservacion de Tortuga, where Isabel Romero rehabilitates turtles and educates people about caring for their local ecosystems. If you want to visit this charming spot, you may want to plan an overnight trip, since getting to the sanctuary takes a few hours.
Visit a sustainable farm
Medellin is located in the Antioquia region of Colombia, which is known for various forms of agriculture. For example, nearby Santa Elena is where millions of flowers are grown each year for Medellin’s Festival of the Flowers. There are also local coffee farmers, and farms where various fruits and vegetables are grown.
Many of these spots offer tours, where you can learn about the growing process, the history of the land, and the traditions of the farming communities. One farm, known as SiembraViva, is located in Santa Elena and gives tours every Sunday. Visitors can participate in planting or harvesting, do a blind vegetable tasting, and enjoy a gourmet meal at the farm’s Herbario restaurant. You should make sure you’re ready to identify a wide range of fresh produce, since the blind tasting could include things like zucchini, carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, or any number of other fruits and veggies.
Explore the city via public transport
Medellin has an excellent network of public transportation, and it includes a lot more than just buses. You can also take outdoor escalators, metros, and cable cars to outlying neighborhoods like our tours in Comuna 13. This particular neighborhood is a popular destination for Medellin tours, since it’s a colorful place with tons of graffiti and hip-hop culture. Plus, these forms of public transportation can actually be a lot faster than driving a rental car or taking a taxi. Medellin roads tend to be pretty congested, so finding an alternative to driving is ideal. You could even rent a bike if you’re feeling adventurous. Although you’d still have to watch out for flamboyant Colombian drivers, you could spend a lot of each trip on dedicated bike trails that cross the city.
Medellin is a top destination for eco-conscious travelers
If you appreciate being able to maintain your eco-friendly preferences while on vacation, Medellin could be a great option. Plus, it offers a lot more than just green restaurants and farm tours; it’s also simply a great place to have fun, pamper yourself, and experience an entirely new culture.
