The route from Montería to Medellín is a scenic journey that connects Colombia’s Caribbean region with the country's mountainous interior. The trip, which takes approximately 8 to 10 hours by bus, offers stunning views of changing landscapes, from the warm, cattle-raising plains of Córdoba to the green, cool mountains of Antioquia. Along the way, travelers pass through small towns that stand out for their local culture and cuisine. It is a popular route for both business and tourism, as Medellín, with its urban development and pleasant climate, serves as an important hub connecting several regions of the country.
Hotels in Medellín
When visiting Medellín, you’ll find a wide variety of hotels and accommodations of all stars and prices. You can stay in hotels with pools that offer VIP services or more budget-friendly backpacker options.
Hotel Lares 70 Laureles
- Address: 46b28 Carrera 69, Laureles - Estadio, Medellín
- Prices: From COP 162,600
- Services: All rooms come with a desk and flat-screen TV, and some also offer a balcony. The rooms include bed linens and towels. Breakfast is included.
Blues Suites Medellín
- Address: Cra. 29c #1a sur 80, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
- Prices: From COP 436,840
- Services: The units at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safe, and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries, and a hairdryer. Breakfast is included.
Hotel Sixtina Plaza Medellín
- Address: Carrera 50 A #83 29, Medellín, Colombia
- Prices: From COP 132,000
- Services: The hotel features a spa and wellness center and offers free WiFi accommodations in Itagüí, Medellín. The hotel has a sun terrace, fitness center, and restaurant. Breakfast is included.
Wellcomm Spa & Hotel
- Address: Carrera 43E, El Poblado, Medellín, Colombia
- Prices: From COP 373,540
- Services: At the hotel, rooms include a wardrobe and flat-screen TV. All rooms come with a safe, and some also offer city views. Breakfast is included.
Restaurants and Bars in Medellín
Medellín offers a wide variety of food, and when visiting its restaurants, you must try dishes such as Bandeja Paisa, Calentao, Sancocho, Mondongo, Arepas, and more.
Medellín Burger Company
- Address: Circ. 4 Nro 70-12 Boulevard 70 Laureles, Medellín
- Services: Grills, American food.
Vintage Cereal Café
- Address: Calle 14 #43a-36, Medellín, Colombia
- Services: Vintage café, specializing in coffee, brunch, breakfast, lunch, and cereals in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.
Kampanas Cocinas del Mundo
- Address: Carrera 33 #8A-19, Medellín
- Services: You can find seven different cuisines in one place: Far Eastern cuisine, Lebanese cuisine, French cuisine, Italian cuisine, Peruvian cuisine, Colombian cuisine, and American cuisine.
Tourist Spots in Medellín
- El Castillo Museum in the El Poblado neighborhood: When visiting this museum, you can request a guided tour. As you enter, you’ll be transported to the past and learn more about history and decorative arts.
- Pueblito Paisa: This magical place is a replica of a typical 20th-century Antioquian town. Here, you can enjoy the best sweets in the region. Without a doubt, it’s a beautiful spot to learn about Medellín’s architecture and culture.
- Atanasio Girardot Stadium: This is the third largest stadium (in terms of capacity) in Colombia after Deportivo Cali's stadium and Barranquilla’s Metropolitano stadium. It is home to the city's two football clubs: Deportivo Independiente and Atlético Nacional.
- Medellín Botanical Garden: This beautiful garden spans 13.2 hectares and is located near the Universidad metro station in the North Zone of the city. It is considered a center for culture and environmental and botanical education.
- Juan Pablo II Aeroparque: It is the city’s largest water park. Its facilities include swimming pools, wave slides, a coliseum, and spaces for practicing wheel sports.
Important Dates in Medellín
- Flower Fair (August): One of the city's most representative festivals, with parades, music, dances, and displays of Medellín's famous flowers.
- International Poetry Festival (July): A cultural event that attracts poets from all over the world, celebrating literary arts.
- Independence Day (July 20): A patriotic celebration with various events and official ceremonies.
- Tango Festival (June): An annual event honoring tango music and dance, with concerts and milongas throughout the city.
Getting Around Medellín
Medellín has an efficient and diverse transportation system, making it easy to move around the city.
- Metro: The Medellín metro system is the most important, with two lines connecting key points across the city.
- Metrocable: A cable car system connecting peripheral areas with the center, offering spectacular views of the city.
- Buses: Several bus routes cover different areas of the city, complementing the metro.
- Taxis and ride-sharing apps: You can also use taxis or apps like Uber for faster and more direct trips.
How to get to Medellín?
Medellín is easily accessible from different points in Colombia.
- Bus: The bus journey from nearby cities like Bogotá or Cali takes between 7 and 10 hours.
- Airplane: The José María Córdova International Airport receives both domestic and international flights, just 35 minutes away from the city center.
Food in Medellín
Arepa de chócolo: A sweet arepa made with tender corn, a regional classic.
- Bandeja paisa: A traditional dish consisting of rice, beans, ground beef, chicharrón, blood sausage, fried egg, and more.
- Empanadas: Corn-based empanadas filled with meat, chicken, or potatoes.
- Ajiaco: A thick soup made with chicken, potatoes, and corn, typical in the region.
- Pandebono: A small cheese bread made with corn and starch, perfect to accompany any drink.
Things to Buy in Medellín
Wood crafts: Handcrafted items like carved figures and kitchenware made by local artisans.
- Vueltaos hats: Traditional regional hats, perfect for souvenirs or gifts.
- Wool textiles: Scarves, sweaters, and other garments made from high-quality wool.
- Silver jewelry: Beautiful silver jewelry pieces that represent the paisa culture.
- Local coffee: High-quality local coffee, internationally recognized.
Facts about Medellín
Medellín, Colombia's second-largest city, is known for its temperate climate year-round, economic development, and innovation. The city is located in the Aburrá Valley, surrounded by mountains, offering stunning landscapes. Medellín was recognized as one of the most innovative cities in the world by the World Economic Forum in 2013, positioning it as a hub for technology and social development.
Bus Operators to Medellín
- Rápido Ochoa
- Gómez Hernández
- Expreso Brasilia
In conclusion
Traveling to Medellín is a unique experience, where tradition and modernity blend. From its pleasant climate to its warm and welcoming people, the city has much to offer. It's an ideal destination for those looking to explore a city full of culture, delicious food, and a fascinating history. Medellín has reinvented itself, becoming a benchmark for innovation in Latin America.
