The best experiences in Medellin
Medellin rewards travelers who mix city culture with mountain adventure. The list below ranks the experiences most visitors love, with rough prices so you can plan a budget. You can do the top five in three or four days.
1. Comuna 13 graffiti tour
The number one thing to do in Medellin. Walk the famous outdoor escalators, see world class murals, and hear the story of the neighborhood from a local guide. Tours start from $20 and last about 3 hours.
2. Guatape and El Penol day trip
Climb the 740 steps of El Penol rock for a view over a lake full of green islands, then wander the colorful streets of Guatape. A full day trip from Medellin starts at $40.
3. Paragliding over the Andes
Launch from the mountains around the city and glide above the green valleys with a certified pilot. No experience needed. Tandem flights start from $108.
4. Coffee farm tour
Visit a working farm in the hills near the city, learn how coffee goes from cherry to cup, and taste the result. A guided coffee tour runs from about $90.
More top experiences
| Experience | From | Why do it |
|---|---|---|
| Metrocable city ride | $2 | See the city from the cable cars over the hills |
| Pablo Escobar history tour | $35 | Understand the city dark past and recovery |
| Food and nightlife tour | $45 | Taste local dishes and explore Poblado bars |
| Santa Fe de Antioquia | $50 | Colonial town day trip with a famous bridge |
| Jardin day trip | $60 | One of Colombia most charming coffee towns |
How to plan your time
- Day 1, Comuna 13 in the morning and a metrocable ride in the afternoon
- Day 2, a full day trip to Guatape and El Penol
- Day 3, paragliding or a coffee farm tour, then food and nightlife at night
- Day 4, a colonial day trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia or Jardin
Start planning your Medellin trip
Browse the best rated tours and experiences. Free cancellation on most options.
Frequently asked questions
Medellin is known for its mild spring like climate year round, its dramatic mountain setting, the transformation of Comuna 13 from a violent barrio into an open air art gallery, the nearby town of Guatape, and a strong coffee and nightlife culture. It is also famous for its modern metro and metrocable system.
Three to four days is ideal for a first visit. That gives you time for a Comuna 13 tour, a full day trip to Guatape, a coffee farm or paragliding experience, and a day to explore the city neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles at a relaxed pace.
Medellin is pleasant all year thanks to its altitude, which keeps temperatures around 22 to 28 degrees Celsius. The driest months are December to March and July to August, which are the most comfortable for tours and day trips, though brief afternoon rain is common in any season.
