The rapid transformation that has taken place in Colombia's second largest city is one like no other! Having spent the 1980's and 90's with international reputation of one of the world's most dangerous cities, Medellín has certainly turned itself around.
With the infamous Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel holding the largest drug-trafficing base here for decades, the city suffered a seriously damaged reputation amongst international travellers and has only recently become a popular destination amongst backpackers. Despite the damage of the city's past, the Paisas (as people from Medellin are known) have certainly turned things around. Although still shaking off it's reputation worldwide, almost nothing of those former days can be seen in the character of the city today and visitors can comfortably enjoy the beautiful architecture, excellent facilities and all round well developed city!
Set amid the rolling green hills of the Aburrá valley and with a warm climate and comfortable altitude of 1538 metres, Medellín has seen more and more travellers flocking to the city in the past few years. With some of the country's finest museums, parks and most impressive architecture as well as a much safer and comfortable atmosphere, its easy to see why.
Medellín is also one of Colombia's easiest cities to get around with the immaculate and convenient metro system passing all the main points of interest. The city's Teléferico (cable car) is also included in your pass so you can experience stunning views over the city without the usual price tag.
Hostels...
The Black Sheep
Transversal 5a No. 45-133
Tel: (4) 311 1589
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Palm Tree
Carrera 67 No. 48D - 63
Tel:(4) 260 28 05
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Casa Mayde
Calle 10 No. 37-39
Tel:(4) 312 0254
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Way Point
Carrera 48B #10 Sur-08
Tel:(4) 312 52 94
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El Arupo Hostel
Carrera 33#7-135
(4) 311 8213
Sitio Web >>>
The Wandering Paisa
Calle 44A No. 68 A 76
0(34) 436 6759
Sitio Web >>>
Hostal Casa del Sol
Calle 49 No. 81A - 24
Tel:(4) 422 0531
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Sunshine Hostel
Calle 9 No. 43C-36
(4) 582 0305
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Casa Habitat
Carrera 81A # 49-5
Tel:(4) 264 6821
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Yellow House
Carrera 81a N 47a-48
Tel:(4) 411 28 73
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HostelTamarindo
Calle 7 #35-44
Tel:(4) 268 9825
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Geo Hostel
Carrera 35 N° 8A-58
Tel:(4) 354 2945
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Tours...
LandVenture Travel
Tel: 321 795 9555
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Zona de Vuelo
Via San Pedro de Los Milagros
Tel:(4) 388 15 56
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Su Casa Colombia Tours
Medellin
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You might need...
Supermarkets - The two names to keep in mind are EXITO and Carrefour. Both chains have a number of branches across the city and produce some great fresh bread too!
Internet - Cafe's are located in most streets around the centre of town and some of the Metro stations even provide this service. Broadband internet is pretty much standard and you'll expect to pay around 1,500 Pesos per hour.
Banks - Medellín, like most big cities in Colombia, has a plethora of banks around the areas that you'll most likely be spending your pennies. Only the Davivienda ATM machines will allow you to withdraw 500,000 Pesos at a time however.
Don't miss...
Museo de Antioquia (metro stop Parque Berrio) - This extensive museum combines pre-colombian exhibits with displays by several of Colombia's best known artists including a collection by the famous Fernando Botero.
Pablo Escobar's Grave - Take the metro to the southern end 'Itagui' and it's another 20 minutes walk to 'Jardines Montesacro' where he is buried.
Teléferico (metro stop Acevedo) - This is included on your metro ticket and gives you a great view of the city. Be prepared to queue for up to an hour though!
Catedral Metropolitana (metro stop Prado) - this massive building completed in the early 1930's is an impressive brick structure well worth a visit!
Guatapé - From the southern bus terminal take a bus from stance 15 which should take 1.5 hours. You'll be rewarded with some beautiful scenery!
Santa Fe de Antioquia - This charming colonial town is by far the region's finest! Only 1.5 hours from Medellín, this makes a great day trip.
