Chapter II
Experiences
Things to do & where to dine
II, The Itinerary
Things to Do
A few of the experiences we love most. Arrive a day or two early and make a holiday of it.
01 · Street Art & Story
Comuna 13
Once the city's most troubled neighborhood, now its most uplifting. Outdoor escalators, murals telling its transformation, music, street art, the best paletas in town. Best with a local guide. Half day.
02 · Day Trip
Guatapé & La Piedra
Two hours east. Climb the 740 steps of El Peñol for a panorama over an emerald maze of islands and water, then wander Guatapé, a town dressed in color. Best as a guided day trip with a boat ride and lunch. Full day.
03 · Above the Valley
The Metrocable to Parque Arví
The cable cars are public transit and an attraction in one. Glide over the rooftops, then float across the forest canopy to a cool green nature reserve with trails and a weekend market. Half day, bring a light layer.
04 · Art in the Open
Plaza Botero & the Museo de Antioquia
Twenty-three voluptuous bronzes by Fernando Botero stand free in a leafy downtown plaza, with the city's finest museum behind them. Quick, free, very photogenic. 1 to 2 hours.
05 · Slow Mornings
Colombian Coffee & Café Culture
You are in the heart of coffee country. Start at a specialty café like Pergamino in El Poblado, or visit a working finca to see the cherry-to-cup journey. Half day.
06 · For the Bold
Paragliding & Sunset Rooftops
Tandem paraglide over the valley, or chase golden hour from a rooftop bar with a salsa lesson to follow. Weather permitting.
III, The Table
Where to Dine
Medellín punches far above its price. Most of these are in or beside El Poblado. Book ahead, Thursday through Sunday especially.
Carmen
$$$Contemporary Colombian
The benchmark of fine dining. Refined, warm, never stiff. Chef Carmen Angel's tasting of Colombian biodiversity.
El Poblado, reserve early
El Cielo
$$$$Sensory tasting menu
Theatrical, playful, technically dazzling. Eat with your hands. The team's restaurants abroad hold Michelin stars; lunch is the insider's value.
El Poblado
OCI.mde
$$$Modern, Provenza
Paris-trained precision with a Colombian heart. A serious dinner without a full tasting menu. Books out fast.
Provenza
X.O.
$$$$Tasting, Biodiversity
The Carmen team's newest concept, a multi-course journey through Colombia's coasts, mountains, and Amazon.
El Poblado, special occasion
Moshi
$$$Asian-inspired
Sushi and small plates from the Carmen family, next door. Sustainable and beautifully sourced.
El Poblado
Alambique
$$$Atmosphere & design
Where mood, room, and plate come together. Memorable setting and cocktails.
El Poblado
Next Chapter
Travel & Stay
Flights, hotels, and everything you need for the journey to Medellín.
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