Medellin

From Wikitravel

Colombia : Antioquia : Medellin
Jump to: navigation, search

Medellín is a city in Colombia. It has over 2 million people and is the capital of the department of Antioquia. It's set in a valley running south to north just one hour by plane from Bogotá.

[edit] Understand

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Medellín was considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world for its size, and had a highly disproportional homicide and kidnapping rate. It was the home of the drug lord Pablo Escobar and the so-called Medellín Cartel, who virtually took over the city in the late 1980's and early 1990's. Since his demise in the mid-1990's, the cartel was disbanded and the city has returned to normalcy. For example, the number of homicides 1991 was greater than 4,000. As of June 2005, there were only 386 homicides, making Medellin one of the most secure cities in Latin America. Medellín is a vast city built north to south in the Aburrá valley and surrounded on either side by majestic mountain ranges. The wealthier classes live in the well-protected hillside neighborhood of El Poblado, and the more traditional suburban neighborhoods, Laureles and Envigado. This is far removed from the action and commotion which are found in the city's center. There are the busy markets and a thriving street life that make up much of the city's charm. The city is home to a half-dozen universities, accounting for a vibrant cultural and nightlife scene fueled by thousands of young adults from all over the country. Medellin is also Colombia's largest industrial center, and home to factories making everything from designer clothing to Toyota SUVs. Ironically, the city's northern hills are flooded with rural refugees from the ongoing civil war and their ingenuity in making a living is impressive. People sell anything from crayons to guinea pigs to garden earth in the bars in order to make a living.

For international travelers, Medelin is perhaps most famous for its Botero Museum, whose namesake is arguably the most famous modern artist alive today. It is also known for its perfect climate, as witnessed by its nickname "city of the eternal spring".

Traveler be aware: The best advice is to use common sense. Remember, common sense is the least common of all senses. As modern and picturesque as it may seem listen to advice from the locals as to neighborhoods to stay out of. city safety report

[edit] Get in

Medellín is served by José María Córdoba International Airport (IATA: MDE), located in the city of Rionegro. Flights arrive here from Caracas, Bogotá, Miami, and New York City (among other places.) There are usually taxis that can take you down to the city. As of July 15, 2008, a taxi from Rionegro to the city is 48.000 Colombian Pesos (close to 26 dollars). The minibus to Medellín downtown is at 5.800 Pesos and takes approximately one hour.

Medellin has two bus terminals (north and south) and one local airport Olaya Herrera (IATA: EOH) where only small airplanes arrive.

[edit] Get around

Traveling trough the city is easy and quick, with the Metro System, you can go to anywhere in the city with The Metroplús (Bus extension to the Metro) and the Metrocable, a sky train that has revolutionized transport in the city.

All taxis have meters, make sure they use them. Minimal fee costs about 3.200$ (1.6 USD).

There is also the TuriBus, a modern bus that goes around the city showing its parks, attractive neighborhoods, and historical parts; it only costs 10.000$ (about 5 US$)

If you want to go around downtown or neighborhoods near the downtown area without using Taxis, try using the Circular Coonatra (there are various routes).

Renting a car in Medellin, Colombia can enhance your visit, so it´s definitely worth considering. Take a day trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia, Santa Helena, El Peñol or Llano Grande in Rionegro. Driving from Medellin allows for spectacular views as you climb up and out of the city into the surrounding mountains that lead to your day trip destination. Now you can rent a car for the day, week, or longer from an English speaking company, http://www.medellinautorentals.com

[edit][add listing] See

  • Pueblito Paisa is a reconstruction of a typical Antioquia village. It's located on top of el Cerro Nutibara and has a breathtaking view over the city. It's within walking distance from the metrostation "Industriales".
  • Museo de Antioquia [1], Cra 52 #52-43, displays a collection of contemporary art including work of Botero. Open: Mon through Fri 9:30am-5:00pm and Sun and Hollidays 10am-4pm. Entrance COP$8 000 and students COP$4 000.
  • Prado neighborhood, formerly it was the wealthy neigbourhood of the city so many huge houses were built there, it still has some of these beautiful old houses, though it should be visited with caution as it's near the center of the city.
  • The Boston Park is an attractive area that leads down to the main promenade La Playa where people can be found gathering at night to see street acts.
  • The "Parque de los Deseos" (Dream Park) near Antioquia's University, has an Indian context, beautifully enmarqued with the planetarium, and science experiements.
  • The "Plaza de Cisneros" is in the heart of the city, it borders some beautiful buildings from the 20's, the EPM library, and a sector that was full of drug and poverty many years ago, but is now a place to visit and have a great time.
  • The Metropolitan cathedral, which holds the record as one of the building on the world with more bricks, located along the Bolivar park in the city heart.
  • The Parque Periodista is a parque (square) right in the center of the city. It is where the 'bohemian' and 'alternative' people meet. The bars play music varying from reggae and old salsa to alternative rock. You will find the majority of the people on the street, instead of in the bars though.
  • Los Alumbrados, the christmas lights decorating Medellin, make it the most beautiful Latin American city in December. The lights stay put from the beginning of December to the beginning of January. The most impressive parts are centered around the Rio Medellin at the 'puente de Guayaquil'. Large statues made of lights can be found throughout the city.

[edit][add listing] Do

  • Watch a football game at one of the two teams based in Medellin, Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín. Attending a home game at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium is recommended for any football fans, or those wanting to experience the famed South American passion for futbol! Games generally take place on Saturday, and tickets can usually be purchased at the stadium.
  • Take the metro to Acevedo station and from there take the Metrocable up to Santo Domingo for a nice view over the city. The cablecar is included in your metroticket. Go during the day and walk around to see what working class people live like. The area at the top sees tourists so there are little stands set up and people selling empanadas and other things. You can stop at a little bar and have a beer. Don't stray too far or off the beaten path in this neighborhood, though. For those so inclined, there were young people that give tours waiting at the top wearing t-shirts that said "guia" (guide).
  • Learn Spanish at Medellin Spanish School [2] Unlike most of the schools in town, this one offers the best flexibility and quality at a price that does not aim to rip off the "rich foreigner".
  • Learn Spanish at Loquella ( www.loquella.co.uk ). All levels of students are welcome, overseas students can also find accommodation at different levels from cheap hotels to apartments. They also offer cultural learning and courses online.
  • Learn Spanish with the Language Institute Medellín, +57 316 4039 305, [3]. They offer cheap courses with great accommodation!
  • Visit the city the first days on August for the local festival "Feria de las flores" (Flowers fair). There are all kind of events during one week including the "Desfile de Silleteros" (Parade of flower carriers).
  • Medellin also has a very active cultural life, so be aware of the Metropolitan Theatre and Pablo Tobon Theatre program, because they offer very well known concerts, Opera pieces, Theater, and other International events. There are also several minors good quiality theaters as Matacandelas, Horas 25, Pequeño teatro, Oficina Central de los Sueños, Teatro Popular de Medellin.
  • Of course there are many museums, as the World wide known Museo de Antioquia which holds the most important paintings and sculptures of Fernando Botero (One of the most important artist in the world). Among other museums you can find Museo Universidad de Antioquia, Casa Museo Fernando Gonzalez (Envigado), Museo Pedro Nel Gomez, Museo Interactivo EPM, MAMM (Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellin), Museo Etnológico, etc.
  • Medellin is also known for its parks, where the cultural life is extremely active, especially in the Parque de los pies Descalzos, Parque Cisneros (o de la luz) and Parque de los deseos (where you can find free open air movies and discussions with film directors Saturdays at 7PM)
  • Turibus is a good option to get a general overview of the city. You can take it in the main touristic places and for around 5 dollars. There are two Turibus tours a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, you must return to the same bus after each stop, it is not a hop-on/hop-off service.
  • Medellin also has one of the most important Poetry festivals in the World. Every year poets from all around the world (including Nobel Prices)come to this amaizing event. Check the dates and events in: http://www.festivaldepoesiademedellin.org/
  • Guatape Tour. Guatape is located approximately 90 minutes outside of Medellin and is becoming a recreational destination for many Colombian's and foreign travellers. Half the fun of traveling to Guatape is driving through the Colombian countryside lined with beautiful rolling hills, small towns, farms and friendly people. Once you arrive in Guatape you will notice that the town borders a reservoir built for a hydroelectric damn. The lake covers thousands of acers and can be explored and enjoyed by renting a boat or taking one of the large party boats available on weekends. Pablo Escobar, the famous druglord, once called Guatape his home and built several big Casas on its lakeshores. His presence made Guatape a dangerous place for both foreign visitors and local Colombians. After his death Guatape transformed into a quiet town that's growing as a tourist destination. Escobar's main home is now a bombed out shell that is easily viewed from the lake. Guatape has new resort hotels, restaurants, homes, and recreational rentals (boats and water skis) bordering the lake. The huge Rock that borders the lake is an unexplained geological phenomenon. With 2/3 of its height below ground, the exposed vertical face is over 200 feet high and visible from throughout the surrounding countryside. Anyone can scale the rock via a staircase built into one side. On the top of the rock, a restaurant offers outdoor tables overlooking views that stretch to the horizon in every direction.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Colombia is famous for its coffee and Medellin is only a few hours from the coffee growing centers of Colombia. You can find coffee flavors of everything you can imagine, from ice-cream to arequipe (sweetened milk). The ‘Starbucks’ coffee culture is growing, with the most prominent brand being Juan Valdez coffee shops. The Juan Valdez chain is owned by the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia, and sells a variety of Colombian coffees.

Aguardiente Antioqueño: Schnaps with a special flavor, much like black licorice.

Ron de Medellin: The local Rum, excellent!

Despite the claim of being the textile capital of Colombia, Medellin is not a shopper’s paradise for clothes. The main malls sell a limited variety of clothes, (especially men’s clothes), at only slightly discounted prices from the US, although there are always bargains to be found if you look hard enough. The style of clothes for women in Medellin is very revealing and sexy, so it perhaps more suited for gift buying than shopping for yourself.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Colombian cuisine is varied and regional. The more typical dishes are referred to as comida criolla.

Some examples are: sancocho de gallina (chicken soup), carne en polvo (ground beef), arepas de choclo (fresh corn tortillas), empanadas (meat-filled turnovers), ají (hot sauce), ajiaco (bogota's chicken and potato soup), bandeja paisa, natilla, buñuelos (fried cheese puffs), hojuelas (fried puff squares), rice with coconut, Antioquian beans, sobrebarriga (flank steak) mantecada (bun made with lard), papas chorreadas, pandeyuca (yucca bread), and carne desmechada.

Colombia also has an incredible variety of tasty fruits. A few of these are: guanábana, lulo, zapote, mamoncillo, uchuva, feijoa, granadilla, maracuyá, tomate de árbol, borojó, mamey and tamarindo.

Colombia is well known for its coffee, and Medellin is no exception. As with any large city, there are the usual chain restaurants, however the American "fast-food culture" has not made a huge splash in the country.

One treat that will leave anyone stuffed is the "Tipico Antioqueño"; arepa con queso (small flatbreads with cheese on top), beans, chicken, rice, eggs, chicharron (salted meat), and patacon (deep-fried plantain pancakes). Topping that off with a Colombian beer and a cup of "chocolate" (pronounced the Spanish way - it's milky, sweet hot chocolate) makes for an excellent meal. An excellent place to eat typical food is Hatoviejo.

There is a large variety of restaurants all throughout Medellin, especially concentrated around the ‘Zona Rosa’ or social zone, which is located in Poblado between Parque Poblado and Parque Lleras. You can find more or less what ever food you desire in these areas and at good quality for comparatively cheap prices to the US, although there is a shortage of authentic Greek, Indian and Thai restaurants. Sushi is increasingly popular and may be found at the larger malls or supermarkets that are more "international."

[edit][add listing] Drink

Thursday, Friday and Saturday are the main days to party in Medellín, the rest of the week the mainstream nightlife isn't really exciting. Most bars and clubs close at 3am.

  • Babylon is best known for its Thursday night all you can drink, 20,000 pesos to enter, open until 4am popular with semi pro girls, Las Palmas
  • El Blue is a popular place with cross-over muic (a mix of rock and local music). It's popular with gringos and 'gringo hunters'. 'gringo hunter' a phrase created by Tad, simply refers to girls hunting for gringos to date. Thursday´s the night to go.
  • Republica opposite of El Blue offers electronic music and local music.
  • Mangos is the most famous of clubs here in Medellín and has a reputation of being visited by rich mafia-related Colombians but is also usually full of incredibly hot women (proceed with caution, some women are paid for). Also it is very very expensive at about $5 per beer and $25 for a small bottle of rum, Auto Pista Sur
  • Universal is a relatively new club which rivals Mangos for size and popularity but generally has a much younger clientele, Auto Pista Sur
  • Palmaia is the newest, biggest and arguably best club in Medellin and has a capacity of 3000 people. Standard crossover music with a boxing ring for girl-fights! Auto Pista Sur
  • B-Lounge is an electronic disco with rich, beautiful women as is...
  • La Kasa which are both good on Thursday nights as it's Ladies Night.
  • Circus is a new venue with great views over Medellin. Very popular with the beautiful, in-crowd and normally plays cross-over music.
  • Es La Bon is a great place to watch, or if you can, dance salsa. It's located in the centre so some precaution is necessary.
  • Vinacure An incredibly trippy place - expensive to get in but definitely worth seeing once. The entire club is designed by a noted Colombian sculptor. Try to go when German, the owner is about, so you can check out The Naked Room, an interactive art exhibition that must be experienced naked.

The area around Parque Lleras, (la Zona Rosa), has a concentration of restaurants and bars and great people watching. It is active on most nights and a must visit for those looking for Colombian night life. The major restaurants on the corner, El Rojo and Basilica are great for food, drinks and people watching. Occasionally they have live music or big screens when important football matches are played.

Parque Lleras is interesting any night of the week although admitedly Thursday, Friday and Saturday are far more lively. There are places, mostly electronic music venues open till 6 or 7am outside of the city limits as the laws forbid any bar to remain open after 3pm. People however gather around Parque Poblado until dawn drinking, smoking and chating. You can buy cigarettes, alcohol and anything else you could wish for from the street vendors until the last man standing.

Just outside of Medellin, there are many venues in Sabaneta, and a very interesting, unusual and fun art-museum/bar called Vinacure in Caldas. It's truly unique. Entry is about US$4. To get there, take a taxi to the beginning of Caldas (carrera 50 No 100D Sur 07, Caldas). Or you can take a bus.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

For Apartment acccommodation and whenever possible, you should try to rent for a month. Prices in El Centro range from 200,000 pesos, in Laureles from 400,000 pesos and in El Poblado from 500,000 pesos per month.

[edit] Apartments

  • Medellin Apartments (Medellin Apartments and Rooms), Calle 11B Zona Rosa, El Poblado, ☎ USA 415-240-4698 COL 313-390-7109 (, fax: USA 415-520-0114), [4]. Check out: 3PM. 3 different rooms to choose from, B&B style, fully furnished, Color Cable TV (with CNN, Fox, & movie pack), High Speed Internet, Free Computer Use, Free Use of Laundry Machine, Free Local Calls, All Rooms have New Queen Beds, Large Balconies, In the Zona Rosa From $23 USD (40,000 Pesos) per night.  edit

  • The Apartment Medellin (Luxury Apartment Rental), Carrera 42 # 7A-Sur - 92, Los Balsos de Oviedo, El Poblado, Apartment 1708, ☎ +57 4 321 2837 (), [5]. Check in: 4PM; Check out: 12PM. 12 different luxury apartments to choose from, all fully furnished and serviced, including a free mobile phone! From $65 per night.  edit

  • Apartments-Medellin (Luxury Apartments in Poblado, Medellin), Calle 5 sur, 37 - 128, El Poblado, ☎ 301 286 9409 (). From $37 to 90 per night.  edit

[edit] Hostels

  • Blacksheep Hostel, Transversal 5A #45-133 (Patio Bonito), ☎ 4 311 1589 (), [6]. On-site Spanish lessons, BBQ every Sunday. Operated by a helpful a Kiwi expat named Kelvin. Two metre long European sized beds, gourmet mattresses, en-suite bathrooms, hot power showers, airy rooms, fully equipped kitchen, high speed internet access (COP$ 2000/h), a tv room with cable, free DVDs and a hammock filled balcony. Dorm beds COP$17.000, doubles from COP$ 35000..  edit

  • Tiger Paw Hostel, Car 36 No. 10-49 (Across the street from Parque Lleras in Poblado), ☎ US 843-564-5585 and international +57 (4) 311-6079 (), [7]. Brand new hostel which is steps away from the main night-life in Medellin, Parque Lleras. Good location, extra large compartmentalized private bunk beds with lights and power outlet, and sports bar. US TV programming, laundry service, bilingual staff, pool table, free internet, WiFi, private lockers, night security, 24 hour reception, events, tour information, kitchen, hot water, XBOX360 / DVD room with flatscreen. Owner is American with plenty of experience in Medellin.  edit

  • Casa Kiwi, Cra 36 #7-10, ☎ 4 268 2668 (). Take the Metro to the Poblado station for 1300 Pesos. Then walk uphill until you get to Carrera 36 and take a right. Go about 3 blocks until you get to the address 7-10 on the left side of the road. Casa Kiwi can be categorized as a "party hostel" (ie: loud). Dorm beds 17,000 pesos..  edit

  • Palm Tree Hostel, Cra 67 #48D-63 (Near town centre.), ☎ 4 260 2805, [8].  edit

[edit] Hotels

  • Four Points by Sheraton Medellín, Cra 43C No.6Sur-100.
  • Hotel Belfort, Calle 17 No.40B-30.
  • Hotel Casa Laureles, Calle 35 No.78-66.
  • Hotel Dann Carlton Medellín, Cra 43A No.7-50 Av. El Poblado.
  • Hotel Intercontinental Medellín, Calle 16 No.28-51.
  • Hotel Las Lomas, Route: Medellín - Airport José María Córdoba Km. 26.
  • Hotel Laureles 70 , Circular 5a No.70-15.
  • Hotel Park 10, Cra 36B No.11-12.
  • Hotel Portón Medellín, Cra 43A No.9Sur-51 Av.El Poblado.

Medellin Executive Suites Hotel, 011 57 3 313-582-6237 The Medellin Executive Suites Email: medellinexecutivehotel@gmail.com, http://www.medellinexecutivehotel.com. An exclusive hotel with exemplary service, modern amenities, and idyllic surroundings. Located in one of the most beautiful areas of Medellin, Colombia. The Medellin Executive Hotel is located at Calle 11A No. 31A-208 and is a short walk, or 2 minute taxi ride, to Parque Lleras! The Executive is located next to the "Zona Rosa" area featuring the best night life, entertainment, single women, non-stop fun, and open-air restaurants. The Hotel was designed with the executive in mind who desires refined accommodations while staying in the best area of Medellin. The modern, multi-layered, Executive Hotel has 6 Executive Suites, 2 Master Suites, and 2 Executive Rooms, all with private bath, King Size beds, luxurious bedding, fine linens, cable TV and microwaves. Refrigerators and DVD players will be added to all suites in the near future. Bring your laptop because the entire hotel is outfitted with the best WiFi available. Your key to fun in the sun begins at the executive pool and recreation deck. This area of the hotel is in a class all its own. Relax and enjoy a cool swim in our pool that is always in operation for your enjoyment. Adjacent to the pool is a barbeque, bar area, chaise lounges, chairs and tables for entertaining and relaxing in the sun. The tropical recreation deck is the perfect place to relax. The deck is furnished with large comfortable chairs, wide screen TV, DVD player, stereo, computer for guest use, and of course WiFi.

  • Hotel La Casa Medellin, [9] is a Boutique Hotel located in the most exclusive area of Medellin known as Los Balsos el Poblado. We are walking distance to popular attractions such as Oviedo Shopping center and a five minute taxi drive to Medellin’s exciting Zona Rosa and Parque LLeras. U.S. Number: 310-728-6301 Medellin Number: 4 268-6010

Medellin VIP Hotel, Calle 5 No. 43D-26 Poblado, email: medellinviphotel@gmail.com, http://www.medellinviphotel.com The Medellin VIP Hotel is a small boutique hotel with exemplary service, modern amenities, and idyllic surroundings. Located in one of the most beautiful areas of Medellin, Colombia. The finest Restaurants, Entertainment, Casinos, Shopping and Health Care can be found close by.

  • Hotel VIP, Cra. 41 No. 21 Sur 161 (Take Avenida Poblado to Centro Comercial Frontera, go east to a roundpoint, turn right and its on the right hand side), ☎ U.S. (305)394-8939, local 313-7009 (). Check in: 2 p.m.; Check out: 12 p.m.. $60 U.S.D.  edit

  • Poblado Plaza Hotel, Cra 43A No.4Sur-75. Similar standard as major chain hotels, has a pleasant garden where meals can be taken and free Wi-Fi in rooms. edit

  • Sauces del Estadio, Cra 69 No.49A-30..  edit

  • Hotel San Fernando Plaza, Poblado, Carrera 42 A 1 - 15. Teléfono +574-444 53 33. Current price about 200,000 pesos a night (~110 USD). Very fancy and elegant for the price, excellent service.

[edit] Stay safe

Staying safe in Medellin comes down to common sense.

Women and Men shouldn't travel alone after dark. If you must, travel with a few friends. As Colombia is still a country with a "macho man" mindset, women might be the subject of lewd comments, cat-calling, or whistling. Women shouldn't take this personally - although women have the same rights as women in the US and elsewhere, it's just the culture.

Do not, under any circumstances, make any jokes about the use of cocaine or bombs. The Colombian police take jokes as threats, and you may find yourself in a police station explaining yourself to unsympathetic police officers. Under normal circumstances, police officers are usually kind and helpful towards tourists.

The age of an adult in Colombia is 18. Minors are not allowed to be in possession of alcohol at any time, and they may not enter night clubs of any kind. If a minor is found to be in a night club, the entire club will be immediately closed for violating a national law. (enforced more in nicer neighborhoods)

Always change your money at a bank (Bancolombia is the largest national bank, is based in Medellín and has ATM's almost everywhere) or at "Moneygramm".- "street changers" offer tempting rates for your dollar, but be on guard. "Street Changers" palm several of the biggest bills for themselves. Do not flaunt large amounts of money around. ATM machines are your best bet for dealing with the complexities of various money changers.

When using an ATM machine it is wise to use machines in a MALL (centro commercial), then take your time walking around a bit. Don't rush out the door. If someone is watching people at the ATM, they will wait for you to leave, and possibly rob you on the street down the road. Using ATMs on the street is not advisable in Colombia. During Christmas time in Medellin, the National Police puts up stickers warning people not to use ATMs on the street if you value your life.

[edit] Get out

  • Visit Guatape to see La Piedra del Peñol (a.k.a. Peñon de Guatape) is a 200m high rock dominating the landscape. A climb to the top will cost you a few thousand pesos, but the view is breathtaking. There are busses going about every hour from the Medellín north bus terminal.
  • Santa Fe de Antioquia, a tropical town with beautiful colonial architecture. An annual film festival draws the national elite and cinema lovers to this charmign spot.

Retrieved from "http://wikitravel.org/en/Medellin"