14 Awesome Places to Visit Near Medellin
Medellín is one of my favorite cities in the world for so many reasons. It has mountains all around, kind people, green spaces, and so much more.
But one thing I love is that there are many great places to visit near Medellín. This city is full of fun things to do in the city itself and outside. You can’t get bored!
If you have extra days in the city of eternal spring, you can take time to explore the department of Antioquia. You’ll find many waterfalls, colorful towns, paramos, cities, rivers, nature, etc.
Most of these places are nearby, only 30 minutes to 3 hours to arrive. Thankfully, Colombia has an excellent transportation system that allows you to get to these places easily.
Whether you are exploring alone or with a friend, I assure you, you will enjoy and have fun in these places. So get planning and add them to your list.
Here are some of the awesome places to visit near Medellin.
Places to Visit Near Medellin
Table of Contents
1. Guatapé and Peñol
One of the most popular day trips from Medellin is Guatapé and Piedra de Peñol. I’ve been there four times myself because I joined friends who visited the city.
The truth is, Guatapé gets a lot of tourists, and for some, this may sound overwhelming. However, it’s popular for a reason. I can dare say this is the most colorful town I’ve seen in the world, and it’s worth visiting.
The cobblestone streets are gorgeous, and the houses are brightly painted and characterized by colorful zócalos (emblems). These zócalos tell a story about their home or business, and they are fun to admire. Just minutes away, you can visit a 200-meter monolith, Piedra del Peñol.
You can climb over 700 stairs on the side of the monolith to get the most incredible view of the lake below. Because it’s such a popular spot, I recommend visiting during the week if possible. However, there is a lot to do, so staying the night is not a bad idea.
How to Get There
This is a very accessible town because many tours head out daily. These tours include food, a boat tour, and a stop at Piedra de Peñol Rock and cost approximately 120,000 COP.
The other option is to go to window 9 or 14 at Terminal de Norte to catch the bus heading to Guatapé. The cost is approximately 14,000 COP each way and takes nearly 2 hours to arrive.
2. Jardín
Jardín is the perfect place to visit if you love colorful, charming towns. Mountains and beautiful landscapes surround this lovely little town just three hours away from Medellín.
This is where you can go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and instead trade your time for sitting at the plaza drinking some coffee and people-watching.
It’s one of my favorite escapes from the city. You can wander the cobblestone streets, explore beautiful waterfalls, go hiking, or sit down to drink coffee.
If you want to enjoy it, I recommend visiting during the week to avoid the weekend crowds. Because of the distance, I recommend staying the night to enjoy it properly.
How to Get There
You can easily reach Jardín from the Medellín bus Terminal del Sur in about 3.5 hours. The cost will be about 26,000 COP. If you prefer to make a road trip to visit Jardín and Jerico, you could rent a car for approximately $30 a day. I recommend downloading the Localiza App to get discounts on a car rental.
3. Jericó
Sitting north of Medellín is this authentic off-the-beaten-path destination, Jericó. You will also find colorful homes, cobblestone streets, and beautiful mountains in this small town.
It has one of the most laid-back feelings, and it’s a great town to admire the local vibe. My favorite part was going to the viewpoint to see the town and all the churches sitting down below. However, you can also explore nature, drink coffee, visit museums, and more.
The road to get there has many curves and is narrow, but I promise it’s worth taking the road there to visit the beautiful town. It’s not too far from Jardin, and you can visit on the same trip if you have the time.
However, please don’t shy away from dedicating time to visiting on its own to enjoy it even further. I also recommend staying the night here because of the distance.
How to Get There
Like Jardin, you can easily reach Jericó from Medellín from the Terminal del Sur. It will take about 3 hours. The cost will be about 26,000 COP.
However, if you prefer to make a road trip to visit Jardin and Jerico, you could rent a car for approximately $30 a day. I recommend downloading the Localiza App to get discounts on a car rental.
4. Santa Fe de Antioquia
Santa Fe de Antioquia quickly became one of my favorite places to visit near Medellin. This historic town is perfect for those who want a nearby getaway and warm weather.
This gorgeous town with cobblestone streets and white-washed houses has become a popular spot for lounging next to the pool. The weather tends to be hot, so it’s a great plan to book a hotel that has a pool.
In addition, it’s the perfect town for grabbing coffee, checking out some local markets, and visiting the Puente de Occidente, a historical bridge found near the city.
How to Get There
Santa Fe’s proximity to Medellín 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 16,000 COP. You can also take Uber for about 150,000 COP ($40) each way. If you are with friends, this can be a great option.
5. El Retiro
A lesser-known town near Medellín is El Retiro. This charming town is the perfect day getaway sitting just 40 minutes away. Like many other towns in Antioquia, you can find a coffee culture.
So go ready to drink coffee, wander lovely cobblestone streets, and sit down to enjoy a meal. You can also find nature nearby and explore Tequendamita Waterfall or go hiking in the mountains. Tourism isn’t as developed, and you experience the local way of living without the crowds.
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.
6. San Antonio de Pereira in Rionegro
If you fly into Medellín, you will most likely arrive at the airport in Rionegro and go straight to Medellín. I had no idea that visiting Rionegro was worth stopping at too.
Recently I discovered San Antonio de Pereira, a neighborhood in Rionegro. It has become very well-known for two things, its desserts and its nightlife.
Locals from Medellín specifically go to San Antonio to fulfill their cravings for sweets. The neighborhood has become regionally famous for it.
You will find many sweet dessert options to taste if you walk around. I recommend visiting Postres San Antonio. Not just that, but if you spend the night, you can also experience San Antonio’s lively nightlife.
How to Get There
Getting to San Antonio in Rionegro is easy. You can get there by bus, Uber or taxi. If you go by bus, go to Terminal Del Sur in Medellin, which goes to the Rionegro Terminal.
Bus tickets are approximately 6,000 COP. Once in Rionegro, take the 15-minute bus or taxi to the San Antonio de Pereira neighborhood.
Your other option is to take an Uber or a taxi directly there for approximately 82,000 COP. If you go with a group of friends, you can split the cost.
7. Salto del Buey Waterfall in La Ceja
Salto del Buey is one of Colombia’s most spectacular waterfalls I visited. It’s only one hour and a half from Medellín in the municipality of La Ceja. The force of the waterfall is what makes it so incredible.
However, it’s also surrounded by mountains and lots of nature. If you visit the waterfall, not only can you view it, but you can also visit Los Saltos Ecoparque, rappel, hike, zipline, or sleep in a hammock 300 meters above the river and find about ten other waterfalls nearby.
How to Get There
Getting to Salto del Buey isn’t as straightforward. A large portion of the path is a dirt road, and there are no direct buses to the waterfall. However, you still have options on how to arrive.
You can take the only bus that heads towards Abejorral at 6:20 am. That same bus passes by La Ceja and will pass Vereda el Guaico. Ask the driver to drop you off at La Aguacatala. You’ll then need to walk approximately 25 minutes to Ecopark.
Take the same route back at 4 pm. A bus from Medellin leaves for Abejorral at 3 pm and La Ceja at 4 pm, but this option is best if you plan to sleep in one of these towns.
You also can take a taxi to Ecopark from La Ceja or Abejorral and ask them to drop you off at Fatima path.
If you drive there, head towards La Ceja. Once in La Ceja, take the road that connects to Abejorral. It will be about 10 km off the paved road towards Verda Piedras, where you will turn.
From there, you will drive another 10km but on a dirt road where you must head to La Agacatala. Take the small road to the right and look for the sign toward Ecopark.
I highly recommend you use GPS since getting there isn’t as simple because of the dirt roads and lack of arrival signs.
Best Places to Visit Near Medellin
8. Sabaneta
Although Sabaneta seems like it’s part of the city of Medellín, it’s not. Sabaneta is actually a municipality of Colombia in the Aburrá Valley that is also in the Antioquia department.
It’s the closest place to explore if you’re looking to take a day trip, and it can take as little as 25 minutes to get there.
Despite Sabaneta being so close to the city of Medellín, it still has that small-town charm where people still know and run into each other. The town is known for its traditional street food and the huge Buñelos you can find.
However, it’s also an excellent place for living, and even expats are heading there as an option for safe and cheap living in Medellín.
It’s a great place to explore near Medellín, and I recommend you check out the town square and grab some Buñelos as a snack.
How to Get There
Sabaneta is exceptionally close to Medellín. You can get there by Metro, Bus, Uber, or Taxi. If you get a Civica card, you can ride the metro there to the Sabaneta stop and avoid the car traffic. However, an Uber ride will cost you about $5.
9. Cascada Las Perlas in Cocorná
Just 5 kilometers from Cocorná, a Municipality, you find this giant 120-meter waterfall. It isn’t well-known, so if you ask about it in the city, locals might not be familiar with it.
However, if you are a nature lover and waterfall chaser, I highly recommend visiting. The waterfall can be seen from the road. You can stop at the restaurant with a viewpoint of it to eat breakfast and then start the short 30-40 minute hike there.
The hike starts at a bridge, and the trail isn’t too hard to follow. However, I recommend downloading a hiking App.
Once you arrive at the top of the fall, you can swim in the pool of water and enjoy the surrounding nature. At the viewpoint along the road, a company next door offers paragliding over the waterfall.
The area of Cocorná is for adventure and nature lovers and thrill-seekers. There is paragliding, hiking, canyoneering, water rafting, horseback riding, and more.
How to Get There
This waterfall is a perfect place to visit on a day trip since it’s only one hour and a half from the city by bus. From Terminal del Norte, go to window 15 to take the bus to Cocorná.
From the town of Cocorná, you can get a taxi directly to the viewpoint in front of the waterfall. You can also drive there on the route that goes towards Bogota.
10. San Felix Paragliding
No matter where you go in Medellín, you will find lovely city views. However, imagine viewing the city from above. The village of San Felix has become a popular place to paraglide.
And although that might sound a bit scary, believe me, it’s an enjoyable experience.
So if you’re an adventure seeker or want to be more adventurous, don’t doubt to head to San Felix for the experience. I promise the views are worth it. I went with Parapente Volando en Medellín for my experience.
How to Get There
San Felix is about 40 minutes outside the city. You can take an Uber or taxi there for about 40,000 COP. However, be aware that taking a cab or Uber back into the city will be a challenge.
You might need to take the bus. The other option for arriving is to take the metro to the Aurora Station and then take the taxi from there. You can also take the bus.
A cheaper option is to take the bus that goes towards Belmira from Terminal del Norte. Then, you can be dropped off in San Felix. The cost will be about 11,000 COP.
Lastly, you can hire a shuttle if you book with certain paragliding companies. From Aurora Station, shuttle service may cost 24,000 COP, and prices go up from there.
11. Belmira
Belmira is a lovely tiny town north of Medellín. Why visit if it’s so tiny? Belmira is home to a páramo. A páramo is a primary source of water territory, and Colombia accounts for 50% of those found in the world.
At the Belmira Páramo, you can find fauna, flora, waterfalls, etc. Visiting is the perfect plan if you like to get out in nature and enjoy hiking.
Hiking this parámo isn’t too hard, but it does have some strenuous parts. Therefore, having some level of fitness is recommended.
How to Get There
You can get there by going to Terminal del Norte to catch the bus going to Belmira. The ticket cost 11,000 COP and takes about 3 hours to arrive in the town.
I booked the hike ahead of time with Guias Belmira, a small tour company operating in the town. Your other option is to go with Trekking San Cristobal, a tour company that leaves from Medellín and picks you up at Floresta Station in Medellín at 6 am.
12. Santa Elena and Parque Arví
Santa Elena is easily one of the most accessible tows to visit near Medellín. It’s in the mountains, only 10 miles from the city’s center. Visitors head to Santa Elena to enjoy the abundant nature and incredible views. This town is most well known for the popular park tourists visit, Parque Arví.
Parque Arví is a large park filled with nature and activities. Visiting is mostly an all-day plan if you want to enjoy it properly. There is hiking, waterfalls, lakes, lagoons, picnicking, and even camping.
In addition, there is usually a market at the entrance where you can enjoy local handmade crafts and snacks. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature. Plus, getting there by cable car is fun!
Aside from Parque Arví, Santa Elena is an excellent spot for glamping or renting an Airbnbs. It’s a place to disconnect from the city and enjoy the local slower life and the nature that it’s surrounded by. I would have gladly stayed a week to disconnect from the city.
How to Get There
Getting there is easy. The best way is to arrive by cable car. First, get the metro using your Civica card to get to the Santo Domingo station.
At the Santo Doming station, you have to buy a separate ticket for the cable car to Parque Arví for 11,000 COP each way. This cable car is not part of the Medellín Metro Station.
Paying for this cable car is worth it because you get incredible views of the city and the forest below. Only pay round trip if you plan to go back down on the cable car.
However, an option is to take the bus back to the city when you arrive at the picnic area at Parque Arví.
The bus will stop along the villages of Santa Elena to pick up and drop people off. You can take advantage of this and get off to explore, or simply head back to the city and enjoy the view and long ride.
The cost will be about 6,000 COP, and it will drop you off at the city center. This is the same bus you can use to get to Parque Arví, but I highly recommend using the cable car to arrive and leave on the bus. Or, you can take the cable car both ways.
You also take a taxi or Uber for about 60,000 COP, but it will be harder to find one going back to the city.
13. Concepción
Concepción is another breathtaking town in the department of Antioquia. The village was declared the “cultural and historical heritage of the nation” in 1999 for its stone streets and state of conservation.
Without a doubt, it’s one of the most beautiful towns in the department of Antioquia and less-known. You won’t find many tourists around. Therefore you can truly observe the local town life.
There isn’t much to do in the town, but it’s well worth a visit and one of the towns I most loved for its authenticity.
Once there, you can visit Jose Maria Cordoba Park, the beautiful main square, the General Cordoba House Museum, and the viewpoint. If you enjoy nature, you can find rivers and waterfalls nearby.
How to Get There
Go to window 14 at Terminal del Norte to catch a bus going directly to the town. The duration of the trip is about three hours and costs approximately 15,000 COP.
It’s the route that goes to San Vicente. Make sure to ask about the bus going back to the city as soon as you buy your ticket. Because of the distance, I recommend staying the night to enjoy it properly.
14. Chorro de las Campanas in Envigado
Envigado is another municipality in Medellín that is basically part of the city. However, you can explore Envigado and discover that it has some great things to do.
One example is visiting waterfalls such as Salto del Angel and Chorro de las Campanas. The hike begins in Arenales, where you will go down the canyon. When you arrive at the canyon, you follow the stream.
It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to arrive at the waterfall, and although the path is easy, there are a few rocks you’ll have to climb.
I recommend going early to avoid crowds. At some points, it might be confusing, so I recommend using a trail app if you go during the week.
On the weekend, there will be many people you can ask and follow. Salto del Angel is another waterfall you can get to if you continue the trail, but it requires more physical capabilities.
How to Get There
Take the metro using your Civica card and get off at the Envigado station. From there, you can get a taxi to Arenales. Another option is to get a taxi or Uber from Medellín directly to Arenales. You can also book a tour with a company that takes you on this hike.
14 Awesome Places to Visit Near Medellin
There is no shortage of places to visit near Medellín. Staying a few extra days to explore its surroundings is a great idea. There is something for everyone.
Whether it is exploring towns or hiking waterfalls, there is something for everyone. I’ve enjoyed every single place I’ve visited and was left wanting to see more.
The number of waterfalls you could explore is endless, and you only need to ask a local to find out which other ones to explore. You can also check out Airbnb Experiences to look for tours of places near the city that you can explore.
Which of these places to visit near Medellín would you pick? Let me know in the comments.
What to Pack
Here are some things to pack on your trip to Colombia.
Places to Visit Near Medellin
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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