Planning a trip to Medellín is undoubtedly a fascinating adventure, but it can also be somewhat overwhelming due to the diversity of activities this amazing city has to offer, as well as things to organise. From deciding when to visit to selecting the ideal accommodation and exploring its countless attractions, there are many things to consider. For these reasons, having a tool that makes travel planning easy is crucial to making the most of your stay in this vibrant metropolis.
In this article, we’re here to help you with all these decisions and more. We’ll offer you valuable practical advice to ensure you get the most out of your trip to Medellín and to help you organise it effectively. In addition, we’ll introduce you to our travel tool, Passporter, designed to help you create a personalised itinerary, discover unique experiences and connect with other travellers. With Passporter, planning a trip to Medellín will be easier and more exciting than ever, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the rich cultural and natural beauty that this city has to offer.
1. Keep your Medellin travel documents handy at all times
One of the first steps in planning a trip to Medellín is to know what documents are required to enter the country so you can prepare them in advance. The first thing you should know is that you don’t need a visa if you’re going to be a tourist for less than 90 days. What you do need is a valid passport for at least six months after your arrival in the country. You will also be asked for your return tickets on arrival, as well as the Check Mig form. This is an online document that collects information about your health and recent movements before you enter the country. This form must be completed before your trip and presented to the immigration authorities upon arrival in Colombia.
Other travel recommendations are to carry copies of your passport and other important documents and to take out travel insurance, as detailed below. Remember to carry all your documents organised on your mobile phone so that you always have them available: photocopies of your documents, your reservations, boarding passes…
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Medellin
One of the most important steps in planning a trip, to Medellín or any other destination, is choosing the date of your trip. Therefore, here we explain the best time to travel to Medellin to enjoy your trip. Medellín, known as the “City of Eternal Spring”, has a mild climate all year round, making it an attractive place to visit at any time of year.
However, the best time to travel to Medellín is during the months of December to March and June to August, which coincide with the dry season. During these months, the city experiences less rainfall and cooler temperatures, providing ideal conditions for exploring the various attractions in and around the city. In addition, between late July and early August is the famous ‘Feria de las Flores’ – the Flower Fair. It is one of Medellín’s most important events, which attracts visitors from all over the world with colourful parades, concerts and cultural activities. If, on the other hand, you’re looking to avoid the tourist crowds, April to May and September to November are also good options, although there may be more rainfall during these periods.
Medellín Flower Fair
3. Compare and find accommodation
Medellin offers a wide variety of accommodation to suit all budgets, which you can find on websites such as Booking. From budget hostels with beds in shared dorms starting from €7 per night, to mid-range hotels with rates between €35 and €70, you’ll find the option you’re looking for. There are also luxurious boutique and high-end hotels with rates over 115 euros, with exclusive services. In addition, flats and accommodation can be found on various platforms that also offer many options, from budget studios to luxury penthouses, adapting to any traveller’s preferences.
4. How to get to and around Medellin
To get to Medellín, you can use José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), which recieves a number of national and international airlines. Airlines operating out of this airport include Avianca, Viva Air, LATAM Airlines, and Copa Airlines, offering connections from major cities in North America, Latin America and Europe. You may also consider Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH), which offers domestic flights to destinations within Colombia. On the other hand, if you are travelling from other cities in Colombia, you can also reach Medellín by land using the bus services that connect the city with different destinations within the country.
Once in Medellín, getting around the city is easy thanks to its integrated public transport system. You can use the Metro, Tramway, Metrocable and buses to move efficiently around different areas of the city. In addition, taxi and mobile app transport services are available for your convenience. When planning your trip to Medellín, it is important to keep these transportation options in mind to explore the city conveniently and safely.
5. What places to visit in Medellin
Medellín, Colombia’s second largest city, is known for its vibrant culture and stunning mountain scenery. On your trip to Medellín, you can explore its fascinating history at iconic landmarks such as Plaza Botero and the Antioquia Museum. The second is home to a collection of works by Fernando Botero, one of the country’s most renowned artists. The city also offers the unique experience of being able to observe the city from above on its famous Metrocable, a cable car that provides panoramic views of the city and access to hillside communities.
On the other hand, you’ll enjoy visiting Medellin’s Comuna 13, once known as a conflict-ridden area. Which now has been transformed into a vibrant cultural and artistic centre, where colourful murals tell the story of the community. Arví Park, located on the outskirts of the city, is a popular destination for nature lovers, with hiking trails, views and outdoor activities. Finally, the charming Pueblito Paisa is an example of a typical Antioquian village with colonial architecture and local handicrafts. These are just a few of the many places that make Medellín an unforgettable destination.
6. Find the best restaurants
The typical cuisine of Medellín is a delicious sample of Paisa gastronomy, famous for rich flavours and hearty dishes. Among the dishes you can’t miss is the bandeja paisa, a generous combination of rice, beans, ground beef, chicharron, chorizo, fried egg, ripe plantain, avocado and arepa. Other must-tries are the arepas antioqueñas, made from white corn, and the morcilla, a sausage stuffed with rice and meat. For a sweet touch, try buñuelos and natilla, especially popular during the Christmas holidays. These dishes reflect the culinary richness and tradition of the region, offering an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
We recommend that you look for and book in advance the restaurants that interest you most, so that you don’t miss out on the best dishes of Medellín’s gastronomy.
7. Is Medellin safe for tourists?
Medellín has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades and has improved considerably in terms of security. However, as in any big city, it is important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe experience. It is recommended to avoid areas considered dangerous, especially at night, and to be aware of your belongings in crowded places. In addition, it is advisable to check the latest safety recommendations before you travel and follow the advice of local guides during your stay. Overall, with common sense and caution, you should be able to enjoy your trip to Medellín safely and without problems.
8. Take out travel insurance: cover yourself against unforeseen events
If you’re planning a trip to Medellín, you’re probably considering travel insurance, and in our opinion it’s a good idea for several reasons. First, it will provide you with medical coverage in case of illness or injury during your stay, ensuring that you get the care you need without worrying about medical expenses. In addition, travel insurance can include coverage for flight cancellations, lost luggage and other unforeseen events that may arise during your trip. It also provides assistance in emergency situations, such as repatriation in the event of a serious medical emergency. In short, buying an insurance will ensure that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest without any worries.
Before taking out insurance, it is important to carefully review the terms and conditions, making sure you understand all the clauses. Comparing different options will allow you to choose the insurance that best suits your needs and your planned activities during your trip.
9. How to plan a trip with friends to Medellin
Travelling with friends is one of the best experiences in the world, especially to a destination like Colombia and its amazing cities like Medellin, Cartagena, Bogota… but planning a trip with many people can be a complicated process. Agreeing, keeping the whole group informed, establishing a budget that fits all participants… sometimes it can be more difficult than we expected.
With the Passporter App organising this type of trip is easier as you can plan your travel itinerary from start to finish taking into account everyone’s opinion. Add your friends, get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and create the route together. After the trip you can share your experience through the photos you take during the adventure. We have also prepared this post where we leave you some useful tips for travelling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.
Comuna 13, Medellín
10. How to plan a travel itinerary to Medellin
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries
- Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
- Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
- Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
- Add the stops that most interest you, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
- Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
- Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
- Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
- Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your own tips on how to plan your trip to Medellín.
- Enjoy your trip to Medellín!
If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
11. Frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Medellín
The climate of Medellín, known as the “City of Eternal Spring”, is temperate and pleasant all year round, with average temperatures between 16°C and 28°C. The city has two main seasons: the rainy season (April-May and September-November) with brief showers, and the dry season (December-March and June-August) with less rainfall and more sunny days, making it ideal for year-round outdoor activities.
The best time to travel to Medellín is in December, February, June and August, as these months coincide with the dry season, offering less rainfall and more sunny days, ideal for outdoor activities. In December, the city lights up with the impressive ‘Alumbrado Navideño’, and in August there is the vibrant Flower Fair. These events, along with the favourable weather, make these months especially attractive to visitors.
To get to Medellín from abroad, the most convenient way is to fly into José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), located about 35 kilometres from the city. This airport receives direct and connecting flights from several major cities in North America, Latin America and Europe. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a private shuttle service, or a bus to get to the centre of Medellín.
To get around Medellín you can use the public transport system, which includes Metro, Tramway, Metrocable and buses, as well as taxi services and mobile app transportation for convenience.
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