Medellín, known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, offers visitors a unique blend of urban energy and natural beauty. When exploring this dynamic city, there’s no better way to experience its true essence than with a local guide who is not only knowledgeable but also deeply committed to responsible tourism.
We are proud to collaborate with a trusted local agency that upholds the principles of ethical travel. By choosing their tours and activities, you’ll not only discover Medellín’s hidden gems but also support sustainable initiatives that benefit local communities and protect Colombia’s diverse environment and cultural heritage.
Let’s explore Medellín in a way that makes a positive impact!
Disclaimer: we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.
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City tours of Medellin
Tour guide to discover Medellin and its region
For the past 10 years, Medellín has been a city in the throes of change, whose transformation is in itself an inexhaustible source of discovery for travelers. Our local partner offers guided tours of Medellin and its surrounding in english to discover the city, the region, its culture and its people.
Alternative Medellin City Tour
In 4 hours, visit Medellín’s top attractions, including the historic downtown and Botero Plaza, featuring sculptures by Fernando Botero. Take the Metro Cable to Santo Domingo, once known for gang violence, and learn about the city’s transformation from a dangerous place to a vibrant, welcoming cultural hub.
Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour
Meet a local Hip Hop movement formed by several Graffiti, Rap, and Breakdance artists. Get exclusive background on Street Art and Hip Hop in Medellín. This tour through the iconic Comuna 13 will immerse you in the deep meaning of street art and its role as the voice of the community and a driving force of identity. A unique experience that will connect you with the soul of Medellín.
Medellin’s historic transformation Tour
This tour covers Medellín’s transformation from the dangerous city controlled by Pablo Escobar to a symbol of social change. Visit the “Parque Conmemorativo Inflexión,” honoring Escobar’s victims, and the “Memory House Museum” an urban conflict center. Gain insights into the city’s remarkable history and ongoing transformation.
Moravia: transformation and community gardens
Immersion in the Moravia district, around a former open-air landfill that has now been rehabilitated into community gardens. A fascinating visit where we meet the people behind the gardeners’ guild project, described in detail in our post Moravia and the Sowers of Life.
Barrio Santo Domingo, the Urban Memory Gallery
In the Santo Domingo neighborhood of northern Medellín lies Latin America’s only “Urban Museum of Memory,” an open-air gallery of murals reflecting the area’s history. Created by local artists, the project highlights migration, poverty, and the community’s resilience. Meet locals and artists while supporting this impactful initiative!
Food Tour
Experience the diverse flavors of Colombian street food. Explore Medellín’s downtown from a local’s perspective and eat like a true Medellín resident. Savor unique tastes and dive deeper into the city’s food scene. Discover the wide range of exotic tropical fruits Colombia has to offer!
Food Market Tour
Experience the hustle and bustle of the local “Minorista” market. Have an awesome Gourmet lunch at the best restaurant of the market using fresh, regional ingredients. Discover the vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings of this cultural market hub.
Urban Coffee Culture in Medellin
Visit a traditional coffee farm in Medellín’s hills, learning about coffee cultivation and the daily life of local farmers. Afterward, savor Colombian gourmet coffee at exclusive city coffee shops, sampling various brews made from high-quality, locally sourced beans. Support local farmers while immersing in Colombia’s rich coffee culture.$
Traditional nightlife experience
Enjoy two authentic local activities: the traditional Colombian game of “Tejo,” where players throw metal discs at gunpowder-filled targets, followed by a visit to Medellín’s “Fondas,” lively bars offering traditional food, drinks, and music. This tour immerses you in the vibrant local culture and Paisa traditions.
Day Tour to discover Medellin’s surroundings
Guided tours of Medellin surroundings in english
Maria Alejandra also offers tours of the region around Medellin, always with an eye to responsible tourism. Each experience is an opportunity to participate, meet locals and discover great local initiatives.
Guatape
Embark on a scenic day trip from Medellín to the Peñol Piedra and Guatapé. Climb 740 steps to stunning views of lush mountains and lakes. Explore the colorful village of Guatapé, with its vibrant painted houses and charming squares. Enjoy a boat ride on the reservoir before returning to Medellín.
From Coca to Cacao
Experience a unique day-trip to the Eastern highlands of Antioquia, where you’ll visit a community-run cacao project supported by the UN. Learn about sustainable farming, cacao production, and the region’s recovery from Colombia’s internal conflict. Meet local farmers and support their transition to legal agriculture while gaining insight into their history.
Coffee tour
Drive to a coffee-producing finca 1h30 from Medellín. The family is developing organic production based on permaculture. It’s an opportunity to discover the cultivation of coffee, Colombia’s national heritage, and another way of producing the black gold!
Santa Elena
Mentioned in our post on things to do around Medellín, Santa Elena is the village of the silleteros! This ancient tradition of floral art culminates each year in the Ferria de las Flores de Medellín parade. An opportunity to discover the entire production process at a local flower farm and share a meal with the family.
Santa Fe de Antioquia
Discover the charm of Santa Fé de Antioquia on this city tour, just two hours from Medellín. Explore its colonial architecture, historic churches, and scenic streets. Visit local jewelry workshops to see the unique Filigree technique in action, and enjoy stunning views from the famous “Puente del Occidente” bridge.
Reserva Rio Claro
The East of Antioquia is known for its rivers, waterfalls, and caves. Visit local communities growing organic cacao, supporting small-scale farmers. Swim in crystal-clear rivers, zip-line through Río Claro nature reserve, and enjoy the scenic beauty of one of Colombia’s most beautiful rivers.
2 or 3-day stays in a beautiful village
Discover the Medellin area in english
Finally, the local travel agency also offers 2 or 3-day trips to villages a little further from Medellín, for a deeper immersion in the rural culture of the coffee region. Each of these trips is also an opportunity to support interesting and hopeful local projects.
Tamesis
Travel to Tamesis, a colonial mountain village offering stunning views of the Cauca Valley. Hike ancient “Camino real” through cloud forests, discovering petroglyphs, waterfalls, and exotic wildlife. Visit traditional coffee plantations and experience the warmth of local hospitality in Southwest Antioquia. An totally off the beaten path tour!
Jerico
Jerico was one of the highlights of our 2018 trip! It’s a sublime village lost in the mountains, where you can gently feel the days go by in an authentic local atmosphere. We recommend to spend at least 2 days and 1 night there and discover all its secrets.
Jardin
Visit the charming village of Jardín, nestled in Antioquia’s coffee region, surrounded by mountains and coffee plantations. Wander through colorful streets and admire traditional architecture. Start at the Clara Rojas museum to learn about the region’s history, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty and warm coffee culture of this beautiful village.
Concepcion
Concepción, a charming Antioquia town, is known for its colonial architecture, rich history, and stunning landscapes. Surrounded by crystal-clear rivers and waterfalls, it was the birthplace of independence hero José María Córdova. Wander its picturesque streets and experience authentic Colombian campesino culture in a peaceful, historic setting. Another hidden-gem you need to visit!
