Santa Fe de Antioquia is no ordinary town; it’s one of the 18 towns declared a Heritage Site of Colombia. And for good reason. Besides its undeniable beauty, Santa Fe de Antioquia holds some of the most important architectural treasures from the colonial and independence eras. It is, therefore, a favourite destination for lovers of historical and cultural travel.
If you’re planning your trip to Colombia and you know you want Santa Fe de Antioquia on your itinerary, take note because below we’ll tell you everything you need to know to make the most of this destination. And if you’re still not quite sure, we recommend you keep reading anyway.
We’re sure we’ll eventually convince you why you have to visit Santa Fe de Antioquia at least once in your life.
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Why is Santa Fe de Antioquia a must-do day trip from Medellín?
If you visit Medellín during your trip through Colombia, which we highly recommend, one of the best day trips you can take from the city is to Santa Fe de Antioquia, as they are only an hour and fifteen minutes away by car. Being so close, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the opportunity to see this wonderful and important town. In fact, it’s one of the most popular excursions for travellers visiting Medellín.
Furthermore, it’s the perfect getaway if you want to escape the chaos of Medellín and enjoy a day or two of complete tranquillity, since in Santa Fe de Antioquia, the slow pace of life is practically a religion.
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Best time to visit Santa Fe de Antioquia and what the weather is like
Colombia is a country with a wide variety of climates. However, Santa Fe de Antioquia can be visited year-round thanks to its stable temperatures. May, September, and October are perhaps the least recommended months due to the abundance of rain, but the rest of the year you can visit without problems, especially between December and March, when the weather is warmer and there is very little rainfall. Although, be warned, the heat is intense.
What to see in Santa Fe de Antioquia in 1 day
In just one day, you can easily see the most important sights of Santa Fe de Antioquia in Colombia and then return to Medellín, making it the perfect getaway. There are many organized tours you can join, but if you prefer to go on your own, the best option is the bus, which leaves from the North Terminal in Medellín and is very affordable.
Below, we tell you about the highlights and things you can’t miss if you spend a day in this town.
Plaza Mayor Simón Bolívar and the Cathedral Basilica in the heart of Santa Fe de Antioquia
In the heart of the historic centre, we find two of this town’s crown jewels. First, the Plaza Mayor, where we can witness the rhythm of life of the locals and enjoy a pleasant stroll through its gardens and tree-lined streets.
One of its highlights is the fountain, which is over 450 years old, along with the bronze statue of Juan del Corral, one of the heroes of Colombian independence and, in particular, of the province of Antioquia.
You’ll explore the plaza quickly, so my recommendation is that afterward, you visit the surrounding markets, terraces, and restaurants and buy something to drink to enjoy on one of the benches while taking in the views at your leisure. Oh! And there are also several craft stalls where you can buy souvenirs, as well as shops selling typical Colombian fruits.
Next, I suggest you visit another gem: the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, located on one side of the plaza. It’s the most important church in the town.
Built between the 18th and 19th centuries, its most beautiful feature awaits you inside: its central altar.
Cobblestone streets, white houses, and colonial plazas of Santa Fe de Antioquia
The colonial cobblestone streets lined with the famous white houses (also from the colonial era) are the main attractions of Santa Fe de Antioquia and the reason why tourists take this day trip from Medellín. The key here is to stroll leisurely through these alleyways and experience their true Antioquian essence. The real reason this Colombian town is considered a national heritage site is the excellent state of preservation of its architecture from that era.
But believe it or not, the true beauty of the white houses of Santa Fe de Antioquia isn’t found on the outside. In some of them, you can peek inside and see their beautiful patios, where wonderful gardens are preserved.
Besides Plaza Simón Bolívar, there are other parks, such as Parque Santa Bárbara, Plaza Jesús Nazareno, and Plazuela Nuestra Señora del Carmen. They are ideal for taking a break while continuing to observe the beautiful architecture of the town, which is everywhere.
Most Beautiful Churches and Temples of Santa Fe de Antioquia
Unlike other tourist destinations in Colombia, Santa Fe de Antioquia doesn’t have grand walls, fortresses, monuments, or churches. But it’s the simplicity and preservation of its heritage that attracts travellers from all over the world every day, as well as the kindness and friendliness of its people.
Nevertheless, it has around seven churches, most of which are exactly as they were when they were built. Besides the aforementioned Metropolitan Cathedral, you can visit: the Church of Jesus of Nazareth, the Church of Saint Peter Claver, the Church of Saint John Nepomucene, the Church of Saint Barbara, the Church of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá, and the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Western Bridge: the icon over the Cauca River near Santa Fe de Antioquia
Besides its cobblestone streets and white houses, the Western Bridge is the other most important tourist attraction in this town. It’s located on the outskirts of town and is a large suspension bridge built in the 19th century, measuring a whopping 291 meters in length. Its purpose is to connect Santa Fe de Antioquia with the municipality of Olaya across the Cauca River that separates them.
The bridge is absolutely spectacular and will leave you speechless the moment you see it. That’s why it has been declared a National Historic Monument. And there’s another secret: the engineer in charge of the project had previously collaborated on the construction of the famous Brooklyn Bridge in New York. It’s no wonder it’s such a spectacular structure. In fact, it is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful suspension bridges in the world.
If you are visiting Santa Fe de Antioquia in Colombia on your own, there are different ways to get to the bridge: by tuk-tuk, where the drivers wait about 15 minutes for you to explore the bridge freely and then take you back to town; by bus, where from the bus terminal you must take the bus to Liborna, which stops at the bridge, making the journey about 20 minutes; or by hiking through dry tropical forests on a trek that takes about an hour.
On the contrary, if you visit the town on an organized tour from Medellín, it will most likely include a stop at this point.
What to do in Santa Fe de Antioquia if you stay 2–3 days
Although you can easily see the entire town in a day, many travellers prefer to stay one or two nights to discover its hidden corners and enjoy the surroundings at a leisurely pace. If this is how you want to enjoy Santa Fe de Antioquia, in addition to including all the places we’ve already mentioned in your itinerary, in this section I recommend a few more to complete your two- or three-day route.
Museums, History, and Local Culture in Santa Fe de Antioquia
To learn more about the history of the town of Santa Fe de Antioquia in Colombia, you can visit one of its museums. The Juan del Corral Museum displays priceless historical artifacts, pieces, and documents that offer insights into its history and culture. If you’re interested in religious topics, you can visit the Francisco Cristóbal Toro Museum of Religious Art, where you’ll find a wide collection.
Farms, spas, and relaxation plans in the surrounding area
We’ve already mentioned that Santa Fe de Antioquia is a peaceful place that invites relaxation and a slower pace; and this becomes even more evident if you visit some of its farm-spa resorts, such as the Hotel Spa Santa Fe Colonial. In addition to lodging, the Florida Tropical Inn offers a wide variety of relaxing activities, such as fishing in the lake or birdwatching in the surrounding area. It’s even equipped with lounge chairs and a swimming pool for enjoying the outdoors.
Santa Fe de Antioquia with Friends: Ideas for a Group Trip
Santa Fe de Antioquia isn’t just for history buffs and cultural travellers. All types of travellers fall in love with this destination. Book trips and exploring this corner of Colombia with friends is also a great way to experience Santa Fe de Antioquia.
For example, you’ll find adventure activities like boat trips, kayaking, hiking, and bike tours… There’s even a water park for a whole day of fun and laughter.
But that’s not all, we’ll tell you about more group activities you can do in this location.
Group plans in the historic centre: guided tours, photos, and Paisa cuisine
Tours of the entire town and historic center are the most popular, as they offer the best way to learn about its history, guided by experts in an entertaining and engaging way. There are tours that include round-trip transportation from Medellín to Santa Fe de Antioquia, as well as tours that begin in the town itself.
Another must-do is sampling Colombian cuisine in its more than 50 restaurants. Here you can try nationally recognized dishes like patacones, coffee, or cazuela de frijoles (bean stew). You’ll also have the opportunity to try flavors specific to the Antioquia region, such as sancocho (a hearty stew), empanadas de iglesia (church-style pastries), or quesito antioqueño (a type of cheese).
Country houses and cottages in Santa Fe, Antioquia for groups of friends
Although Santa Fe de Antioquia isn’t a large town, its surroundings offer a wide range of Airbnb rentals and houses perfect for groups of friends traveling together and looking to stay on the same property. Many even have a pool where you can cool off on the hottest days after exploring the town.
Need to complete your itinerary for Colombia? We give you some ideas:
- Things to do on a trip to Bucaramanga
- Things to do on a trip to Villavicencio
- How to plan a trip to Medellin
Where to stay in Santa Santa Fe de Antioquia: Neighborhoods, Farms, and Charming Hotels
If what you’re really interested in experiencing in Santa Fe de Antioquia is its historical and cultural side, the historic centre is the best area to stay. You’ll be close to all the points of interest and can walk to museums, churches, and parks. The same is true if you highly value culinary experiences during your travels, as you’ll have the best restaurants nearby.
Furthermore, if you stay in the historic center, you can stay in a colonial-style house and explore its interior in detail, as well as the gardens that some of them house. Specifically, the area around the Plaza Mayor is one of the most popular areas for tourists to stay.
Where to eat in Santa Fe de Antioquia: restaurants and typical Paisa dishes
- La Malsentada: although its prices are higher than average, the quality of its food is excellent. You can’t leave without trying one of their cocktails.
- Piel Roja Restaurant: an ideal place to try some typical Colombian dishes. Founded in 1942, it’s a true institution in town.
- Portón del Parque Restaurant: another perfect spot to sample typical Antioquian cuisine. Those who have visited recommend asking the waiters for suggestions when ordering.
Is Santa Fe de Antioquia worth visiting?
Absolutely! Especially if you’re interested in colonial architecture, as it’s one of the towns in Colombia where it can be best appreciated. The historic center is beautiful, and its appearance is quite unique and different from other towns of its kind. Furthermore, its proximity to Medellín makes it the perfect getaway from this city.
- Keep discovering with us unique places in Colombia like the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and Things to do on a trip to Capurgana Colombia. And complete your journey!
Practical tips for visiting Santa Fe de Antioquia
What to pack, safety, and how to get around Santa Fe de Antioquia
You can easily get around Santa Fe de Antioquia on foot, as it’s not a very big town. But if your accommodation is on the outskirts and/or you want to visit nearby places like the Puente de Occidente (Western Bridge), it’s best to opt for tuk-tuks or motorcycle taxis.
Regarding the climate, the town tends to have higher temperatures and humidity than other surrounding areas. Therefore, it is recommended to wear light and cool clothing made of cotton or linen.
On the other hand, since Santa Fe de Antioquia is a place best explored on foot, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes with good grip, as the streets are often uneven.
Finally, don’t forget to bring some cash to pay in small shops or street vendors. And if you want to visit it in peace and quiet, we at Passporter, your travel planner recommend doing so during the week, especially on Tuesdays or Thursdays, when there are fewer tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Fe de Antioquia
Yes, Santa Fe de Antioquia has a very peaceful atmosphere and is a very tourist-oriented destination. Even at night, in the historic center, tourists feel very safe walking the streets.
Sí, en Santa Fe de Antioquia se respira un ambiente muy tranquilo y es un destino muy orientado al turismo. Incluso por la noche, en la zona del centro histórico, los turistas se sienten muy seguros paseando por las calles.
Absolutely! Seniors will find a place rich in history and culture where everything is close by and they can stay in central areas. As for children, you can combine a tour of the historic center with a visit to the water park. And they’ll love the Western Bridge!
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