7 Things to do In El Retiro Antioquia
If you’re in Medellin and searching for a short and easy day trip from the city, look no further than the small town of El Retiro.
This little town in the department of Antioquia is only 45 minutes from the city and is the perfect place to spend a full or a half day. El Retiro doesn’t have a long list of things. But instead, it’s a place to get away from the busy city to enjoy the small-town feel. It’s a place to relax, sit back to enjoy people-watching, or hang out drinking coffee or eating lunch.
Like many small towns near Medellin, what I loved most about the town was its colorful homes and cobblestone streets. I spent time wandering around with my friends, taking pictures of the beautiful doors, grabbing a tasty meal, and enjoying a great coffee.
I recommend visiting this town if you need a day away from the big city. Here are some things you can do in El Retiro, Antioquia.
7 Things to do In El Retiro, Antioquia
Table of Contents
1. Wander the Streets
Like most popular towns Colombia is known for, El Retiro has cobblestone streets and colorful homes. It’s another enchanting town to visit. I fell in love with the doors and spent time taking pictures of them.
2. Drink Coffee
While wandering the streets of El Retiro, we passed many coffee shops. I wanted to go into all of them because they were decorated very cutely. As you may know, Colombia is known for its coffee. So make sure you stop by one or two or three of them to enjoy the taste. Also, if you visit Cafe Retiro, they can teach you about the process of Colombian coffee.
3. Visit the Church and Townsquare
You’ll notice that towns in Colombia all have a town square with a church in front of it. El Retiro has one too. So make sure to wander the square, grab lunch, and check out the church.
4. Salto de Tequendamita
Not too far from the town, you can check out Salto de Tequendamita. This waterfall is 20 meters tall and is named after Tequendama Waterfall near Bogota. If you’re a nature lover and a waterfall chaser, this is a great way to spend the day outdoors. Just pack your bathing suit and a towel, and you’re ready.
5. Check out the Small Shops
The town doesn’t have any big commercial stores, but it does have small shops to walk into to check out. Supporting small businesses in towns is always helpful for the community, so I encourage you to check out what they have and grab some small gifts.
6. Have Lunch
Since the town isn’t too far from Medellin, you can visit the town to enjoy a typical Colombian meal. In locally-owned restaurants, you can ask for “el plato del dia,” (plate of the day), which is the daily special. In Colombia, a typical dish usually starts with a soup and drink at no extra charge. So say yes, and wait for your main meal to be served.
7. Explore Nature
Parque Ecologico Los Salados is near the town if you enjoy being outdoors. You can enjoy nature, a lake, the fresh air, and trees, as well as see the fauna and flora in the park. It’s a great place to take your family and have a picnic, plus it’s pet friendly. You can take your own food and grill, although you can also get one at the park. It’s open from 9 am to 5 pm.
How To Get There
El Retiro’s proximity to Medellín also makes it easy to get there. You can take a bus, Uber, or taxi to arrive in the town. The most affordable way is to arrive by bus from Terminal del Norte for approximately 7,500 COP. You can also take Uber for about 65,000 COP and arrive in 45 minutes. If you go with friends, you can split the cost.
Where to Stay
As mentioned, El Retiro is very close to Medellin so that you can go on a day trip. However, if you prefer to stay in the town for one night, there are a few hotels. If you like nature, you can also check out some nearby glamping spots or cabins. Just FYI to backpackers, these hotels are not budget-friendly. Therefore, Medellin will be a better choice for spending the night.
Is it Safe?
Yes. Safety is the biggest concern for many when visiting Colombia. But after spending nearly ten months exploring the country, I only had great experiences and seldomly felt unsafe. The towns are where I felt the safest. Walking around El Retiro will feel safe. The town is small, and staying out late is no problem. However, anything can happen anywhere, so always be aware as you would be anywhere in the world.
What to Pack
Here are some items to bring along while visiting El Retiro.
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in.
Things to do in El Retiro Antioquia
If this Guide to El Retiro Antioquia was helpful, here are some more Colombia guides you can check out:
