Medellin Reborn

Formerly one of the most dangerous cities in the world, Medellin is now recognized as one of the most innovative metropolises in the world and is really a must for any visitor to Colombia looking to really understand the country’s remarkable progress in the last 2 decades. Both the summer Festival of Flowers and the Christmas lights festival (Alumbrado) are unique times to visit Medellin, but with its beautifully mild climate (average 72 F) there really is not a bad time to visit what’s known as the “City of Eternal Spring”.

Upon arrival (flight not included), you’ll meet your Exeter Latin America driver and English-speaking guide just outside baggage claim (holding a sign with your name on it).

En route to your hotel, you’ll have a stop in the small village of Santa Elena, in the mountains of Antioquia (over 6500 feet ASL). It is home to a great variety of traditional flower farmers. The flower arrangements of the annual Flower Festival, called silletas, have an impressive history, and are today a cultural symbol of Medellin. You’ll visit an organic flower farm, where you meet a traditional silletero and learn how the flower arrangements are made. While in Santa Elena, you’ll of course get to snap a few shots of the breathtaking views over the valley of Medellin before continuing on to Medellin to check in at your luxury boutique hotel.

This morning, you’ll meet your guide to begin your transformation tour of Medellin with a visit to Comuna 13, formerly the city’s most dangerous neighborhood. Your guide will tell you about how innovative projects such as the escalator system and the use of street art helped revitalize and provide a better future for this neighborhood. You’ll be joined by part of the tour by a Comuna 13 graffiti artist for first-hand insight into the local street art movement.

At some point today, you’ll also have the opportunity to ride the cable car to see how transportation innovation changed the city. The cable car was constructed to make the inner city more accessible to people on the outskirts (one of many reasons why Medellin is known as an innovative city), and allows visitors a glimpse into the everyday life of the city. Riding these cable cars is also a fantastic way to get panoramic views of Medellin and the entire Aburra Valley.

You’ll then continue on to the historic downtown including Parque Bolivar as well as Botero Plaza, with an exhibition of famed Colombian artist Fernando Botero, whose sculptures have become a landmark of the city center.  If interested, your guide will take you to either the Antioquia Museum, which has an exhibition of work by the famous Colombian artist (and Medellin native) Fernando Botero, or House of Memory, a somber but fascinating museum that is a must for those seeking to better understand the city’s violent past and appreciate the recent progress.

Finally, for those interested your guide can take you for a look at some of the Pablo Escobar-related sites and history. (If you have a strong interest in this chapter of the city’s history, this can be extended into a half-day tour all to itself. Please let your Exeter travel designer know.)

Meet your driver and English-speaking guide for your private transfer to the airport, for your journey onward.

Every visit is tailored to your interests, and there are other terrific cultural and nature options that, with more time, we can include for you. Here’s a few ideas to consider:

• Half-day hike to the La Miel waterfall just outside Medellin
• Explore the city’s Jewish heritage in neighboring Bello
• Private visit to the home gallery of a top art collector, and chance to discuss art & contemporary Colombia over brunch
• Visit to the charming village of Carmen de Viboral, known for its high-quality pottery, and visit the home studio of our favorite artisan.
• Full-day visit to the Peñol boulder and the neighboring village of Guatapé