A GUIDE TO CONCEPCION ANTIOQUIA
Not too far from Medellin, Colombia, is the gorgeous town of Concepción. Found in the department of Antioquia, you can enjoy the scenic backdrop of the mountains, the cobblestone streets, and the colorful homes. It is one of the most beautiful towns I visited while living in Medellin.
One of the main things I loved about Concepción Antioquia is how untouched it is by tourism, unlike some other popular towns in the department of Antioquia, such as Guatape. When you visit Concepción, you get the most authentic experience. I loved seeing what daily life is like and how the local people live.
Although it’s a small town and there aren’t loads of things to do, it is worth visiting. Here is a guide to Concepción, Antioquia, to help you plan a visit.
Table of Contents
History About Concepción
The government of Colombia declared Concepción Antioquia as significant to the “cultural and historical heritage of the nation” in 1999, despite not being designated a Pueblo Matrimonio (Heritage Town). It was given this significance due to the lovely cobblestone streets and well-preserved colonial architecture. As a result, visiting the town almost feels like going back in time.
La Concha (nickname for the name Concepción) is an underdeveloped town where you mainly find a few local family restaurants and coffee shops. Grocery shopping is done at small markets in people’s homes who only sell snacks, small items, and some fruite and vegetables. You won’t find big supermarkets or large stores. That’s what makes it such an excellent experience. You get to see what simple life is like without the hustle and bustle of a city.
Things To Do In Concepción
Wander the Streets
Like most popular towns that Colombia is known for, Concepción has cobblestone streets and colorful homes. It’s truly enchanting and I was in awe as I walked around the town. I enjoyed seeing all the colors and watching the local life go by.
Drink Coffee
There are a couple of coffee shops at the town plaza where you can sit down to have a drink and watch life pass by. This is one of the most relaxing things to do in the town and you can strike up a chat with a local. Colombians are very easy to befriend. If you want a lovely balcony view, visit Balcon del Cafe and La Cabaña.
Visit the Church
No town in Colombia would be complete without a church. Every plaza has one and each one has distinct features. If you’re a person who enjoys looking at architecture and checking out churches, make sure to walk in to admire La Immaculada Concepción church.
Charco de los Payasos
A charco is a swimming hole, and you can find one just a short walk from the center of town. When you arrive at the charco, part of the attraction is the bridge. You can cross it, take some pictures, or jump into the water to cool off.
Walk to the Viewpoint
I love a good viewpoint because it’s the best way to admire a town. If you walk to El Alto de La Virgen Maria Immaculada (the shrine to the Virgen), you can enjoy the best view of Concepción. It was one of my favorite spots. Getting there requires walking a few stairs but is worth it. At the top, you can sit on the grass to enjoy the view.
Explore Nature
There is no shortage of nature in Colombia, so no matter what town you visit, you will find something nearby to explore. Concepción’s countryside has waterfalls, rivers, streams, lakes, swimming holes, and lush green hills. One known waterfall and water hole is Charco el Aguacate. At the hotel, Finca Los Abuelitos, you can check out Cascada de la Olla.
Guide to Concepcion Antioquia
How To Get There
You can get to Concepción by going to Terminal del Norte in Medellin and taking the route that goes towards San Vicente. If you’re driving there, the road is scenic and paved. It only takes less than two hours to arrive.
It Is 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, especially in such as Concepción. 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.
Where To Stay?
While visiting the town through a local tour some friends invited me to, we got to visit two hotels. I didn’t stay at them, but we got tours and enjoyed their charm.
The first one is La Pascuala Concepción. We toured the hotel and it has incredible views of the town from the second floor. This antique hotel is historic and has been in the town for over 150 years.
The second hotel we toured was Finca Los Abuelos. Finca Los Abuelos is surrounded by nature and has a small waterfall and stream of water where you can jump in to swim. We spent time swimming in Cascada la Olla and I highly recommend staying here if you love nature.
My Favorites to Pack
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!
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