In the 90s, Colombia was the last place anyone wanted to visit. It was dangerous and chaotic, with political infighting and cartel activity turning the entire country upside down. Pablo Escobar was at the height of his power, and even regular civilians were at risk of being involved in gang-related violence. These days, however, it’s a completely different story. This is especially true for Medellin, which was once the center of Escobar’s operations. Rather than being a hotbed of drug-related activity, it’s now known for being a center of innovation in Colombia. The country always had a lot to offer tourists, from its rich culture to its magical landscapes; the problem was that traveling in Colombia was simply too dangerous. Now that the main risks are gone, there’s no reason for people to avoid Medellin anymore.
Medellin is one of the top tourism destinations in the country, and it has enough attractions and activities to keep any tourist busy for days. Everyone has their favorites, but these are what many visitors say they enjoyed the most.
#1: Plaza Botero
If you haven’t heard of Fernando Botero or seen his work, that will quickly change once you get to Medellin. Botero is arguably Colombia’s most beloved artist, and is known worldwide for his unique style and prolific output. We offer excellent museum tours and have translators available in many languages if necessary! Medellin is his birthplace, and the artist has gifted many of his works (both sculptures and paintings) to the city.
Although you can see Botero’s artistry throughout various museums and parks in Medellin, one of the best places to view his sculptures would be Plaza Botero. Here you can view 23 bronze sculptures, which were donated to the city of Medellin in the early 2000s. Before then, they were in museums located around the globe; now they’ve returned home to reside in Medellin. According to local legend, you can rub one of these statues for love and luck.
Botero’s style is characterized by oversized figures that look almost comical. Many people describe them as “fat”, but Botero himself viewed them as a study in proportion. While the limbs, torsos, and heads are oversized, the facial features are often small and delicate, producing a unique balance to the overall heavy feeling of the statues. You can see the same effect in many of his paintings, some of which are located in the Museum of Antioquia (which happens to be right next to Plaza Botero, if you’re interested).
Plaza Botero is easy to reach, as it’s located in the city center – if you’re taking the metro, get off at the Parque Berrio station. Best of all, it’s free to visit! There are plenty of benches where you can sit down to take it all in, and the city’s perpetual sunny weather will provide the perfect conditions for photos.
#2: Bandeja Paisa
This isn’t so much “something to do” as it is “something to eat” – specifically, Medellin’s most iconic dish. You will experience it if you are lucky enough to join our Colombian street food tour! The name loosely translates to “tray of the countryman”, and it does generally include enough food to cover a whole tray. If you’ve been served a Bandeja Paisa that isn’t piled high with food, you aren’t getting the authentic experience.
What does this famous dish include? A little bit of everything. The essentials of a Bandeja Paisa include:
- Grilled steak
- Chorizo
- Fried pork belly
- Blood sausage (called morcilla)
- White rice
- A fried egg
- Pinto beans
- Baked or fried plantains
There are often also some extras, which aren’t necessarily central to the dish, but are usually added anyway. These can include:
- Arepas
- Lime wedges
- Onions and garlic
- Salsa
- A salad of avocado, tomato, and lettuce
As you can imagine, this dish is usually shared because of its sheer size. If push comes to shove, you can always take the leftovers back with you for later. Regardless, make sure you give yourself a little time for a nap afterwards – you’ll probably need it!
#3: Pablo Escobar Museum and tour
Fernando Botero isn’t the only famous person to originate in Medellin; this city was also the birthplace of the world’s most powerful and well-known drug lord. Most people were already aware of Pablo Escobar, but the hit show Narcos brought his story to life again. This renewed the worldwide interest in the life and death of Escobar, and has even given rise to something known as “narco tourism”, or tourism that’s centered around Medellin’s history with cartels.
The Casa Museo Pablo Escobar is owned and operated by Escobar’s family members; his oldest nephew shares personal stories of his memories of the drug lord during each tour. You may also get a chance to meet Roberto Escobar, who at one time was one of the top bosses of Pablo’s cartel. Speaking of which, the our Pablo Escobar history tour covers quite a lot of ground. Over the course of 3.5 hours, you’ll tour Pablo’s ex-primary residence (now demolished and turned into a peaceful park in contrary to the violence he reigned over the city), one of his escape routes, and the Montesacro Cemetery where Escobar and many of his men are buried.
#4: A free walking tour
No matter what city you’re in, a free walking tour is a great way to get acquainted with the area. In Medellin, walking tours are organized around the city’s main landmarks, and are led by guides who introduce participants to the city’s culture and history.
Aside from the enjoyment of seeing some of Medellin’s most iconic spots, you’ll get all kinds of insider tips from the guide. These could include recommendations for the best local restaurants, free days for attractions like museums, and tips on how to navigate public transportation in Medellin.
Free walking tours usually start in the morning, early afternoon, or early evening. They typically last around 3 hours, and you should expect to spend most of that time walking. While you’ll briefly stop to admire various attractions, make sure you take notes on the places you want to revisit for a closer look. Also, bring some cash to tip your guide with – it isn’t exactly necessary, but it is customary.
Medellin has a ton of options for any tourist; these are just a few of the most popular. If you decide to visit this vibrant city, make sure you keep your plans open; you never know what opportunities will come up!
