Things to Do in Medellín

Medellins famous cable car system transformed city by connecting hillside comunas to metro. Engineering marvel offers stunning aerial views of urban landscape and mountains. Take Line K to Santo Domingo to see social transformation firsthand, then Line L continues to Parque Arví. System runs on regular metro ticket (~1 dollar). Essential Medellin experience showing citys innovative urban planning.

Massive 16,000-hectare ecological nature reserve reached by stunning Metrocable ride. Over 54km of hiking trails through pine and eucalyptus forests, lakes, and pre-Hispanic archaeological sites. Cable car journey offers breathtaking views of city and mountains. Market at entrance sells local crafts and produce. Butterfly house and guided nature tours available. Perfect escape from city into pristine Colombian cloud forest.

Peaceful 14-hectare botanical garden in heart of city. Over 1,000 plant species including spectacular Orquideorama - massive wooden canopy providing shade for orchid collection. Beautiful lagoon with turtles, iguanas, and water birds. Butterfly house (mariposario) requires small additional fee. Free entrance! Perfect escape for picnics, reading, or afternoon stroll. Adjacent to Parque Explora and Universidad metro station.

Open-air museum featuring 23 sculptures by Fernando Botero

Once worlds most dangerous neighborhood, now symbol of Medellins incredible transformation. Vibrant street art tells stories of resilience, peace, and hope. Famous outdoor escalators (electric stairs) cut commute from 40 minutes to 6 for residents. Hip-hop performances, breakdancers, and local street food. Essential to understand Medellins remarkable social change. Tours with local guides bring history alive.

Premier art museum featuring 100+ works by Medellin-born Fernando Botero, Colombias most famous artist. Three floors of pre-Columbian, colonial, and contemporary art. Outside in Plaza Botero, 23 massive bronze Boterismo sculptures (rotund figures) free to enjoy. Located in renovated 1937 Municipal Palace in El Centro. Easy metro access from Parque Berrío station.

Charming replica of traditional Antioquian village atop Cerro Nutibara, 80m above city. Built in 1978 using materials from flooded town of El Peñol. Colorful colonial architecture includes church, plaza, shops, and restaurants serving bandeja paisa. Best panoramic views of entire Medellin valley. Free entrance! Small museum shows city history with scale model. Perfect sunset spot.