How many days do you need in Medellin?

Capital of Colombia’s magnificently mountainous Antioquia province, Medellín is Colombia’s second biggest city after Bogota, and well worth in including in your Colombia itinerary. Known as “City of Eternal Spring” as a result of its year-round mild temperatures, the city is packed with cultural attractions, and also a great base from which to explore coffee fincas and charming villages. With all that in mind, here we cover the question of how many days in Medellin is enough, with suggested itineraries for how to spend 2, 3 and 4 days in the city. 

How many days do you need to see Medellin?

If you’re wondering how many days in Medellin is long enough to do it justice, we suggest keeping in mind 2-4 days as your target, depending on how long you’re planning to spend in Colombia as a whole, and what kind of vacation you’re looking for. 

In essence, having thrown off its turbulent past and transformed itself into a city of innovation, Medellin has much to keep culture vultures, in particular, well and truly satisfied. 

Think eco-friendly parks, cool cable cars connecting the city to the outlying hills, and innovative public art projects. And all this within reach of Colombia’s incredible coffee-growing culture, scenic lakes and nature reserves.

Still figuring out your big-picture Colombia itinerary? You could contact our Colombia travel experts for advice, or to have them curate and book your entire trip.

For a flavor of what you might get to experience, take a look at our suggested 10 days in Colombia itinerary.

2 days in Medellin, Colombia

With 2 days in Medellin, we suggest dividing your time between throwing yourself into the city’s cultural offerings, and enjoying a day trip to discover top attractions in the surrounding area. Namely, the colorful colonial town of Guatapé, El Peñol Rock, and visiting a local finca (farm).

Suggested itinerary

Covering key cultural attractions and experiences, along with some pretty special natural attractions, our recommended 2-day Medellin itinerary deliveries a lot in a short timeframe.

Day 1

Start your day early at Plaza Botero to see the city’s celebrated Botero sculptures.

Also known as Plaza de las Esculturas, this charming tree-shaded square plays host to 23 bronze sculptures created by Medellín’s most famous son, Fernando Botero.

On the west side of Plaza Botero, be sure to visit Medellín’s top art museum, the Museo de Antioquia. Housed in a 1937 art deco building, it features more remarkable work by Botero. 

Next, six blocks northeast of Plaza Botero, head to Catedral Metropolitana to see the largest church in the world built entirely of bricks. Apparently, there are 1.12 million of them.

Come early afternoon, ride the Metrocable to Santo Domingo for spectacular panoramic city views, and to spend time in Parque Arví nature reserve before heading down to do a deep dive into Comuna 13 — a hub of urban culture that’s undergone a huge transformation in recent years.

For example, Comuna 13’s Las Independencias I was once a violent gang-ridden neighborhood clinging to a hillside. Today, six flights of escalators (escaleras eléctricas) run up and down the hillside, along with slides and fountains for kids to enjoy.

Round off your first night in Medellin with a top-notch dinner. Into fine dining? Check-out Michelin-starred El Cielo.

Day 2

On day two, we suggest taking a trip to the old colonial town of Guatapé (2-hour drive from Medellin) via El Peñol, a giant rock that’s most likely familiar as a result of it being featured on many a postcard and guidebook cover.

Believe us, it’s well worth climbing the 740 steps to the top for splendid views of sparkling lakes and emerald islands.

Just before lunchtime, head to cobblestoned Guatapé to be dazzled by its colorful murals (zócalos) and pretty boutiques before lunching at a lakeside spot. Trucha (trout) is a specialty around these parts.

Come the afternoon, either linger longer in Guatapé (you could, for example, enjoy a boat ride on the lake), or else visit a local finca to learn about local coffee production.

3 days in Medellin, Colombia

With three days in Medellin, you have opportunities to soak up more of the city’s surrounding scenery and cultural highlights.

Suggested itinerary

After following the itinerary for days 1-2 outlined above, here’s how to spend an additional third day in Medellin. 

Day 3

Located a mere 45-minutes from Medellin, the town of Santa Elena is a top place to visit to discover local traditions, thanks to the flower farms that supply blooms for Medellín’s annual August Feria de las Flores.

Tours will see you meet the local flower growers (silleteros) who create stunning arrangements for this special local festival. 

Alongside exploring colourful gardens, many farms also offer opportunities for visitors to try their hand at making their own silleta (flower arrangement). For example, the family-run Finca La Lechuza offers a hands-on experience.

Come the afternoon, you could go horse riding in Santa Elena’s scenic rolling hills, traversing forests and open meadows on tours that typically include a stop at a traditional farmhouse.

While in town, don’t miss the chance to shop for handicrafts and local produce at the market. Weekends see the main square fill with local artisans selling handmade crafts (including ponchos and woven bags), jewelry and organic food, most notably coffee and honey.

Want to experience the Feria de las Flores? Read more on the weather in Medellin in August and other things to do during this month.

4 days in Medellin, Colombia

With four days in Colombia, take your pick from the additional suggestions shared right below.

Suggested itinerary

Depending on your mood and tastes, you could enjoy a spot of adventure, or else visit another nearby historic town.

Day 4

If adventure is on your mind, spend your fourth day going on a trip to Las Cascadas de Salto del Buey, a stunning waterfall near La Ceja.

Located around 2.5 hours from Medellin, the majestic fall cascades down some 70 meters, and is accessed via a forest trail that typically takes half an hour to ascend. 

Most tours include a stop at a coffee plantation and a hearty local lunch.

Alternatively, head to Santa Fe de Antioquia. Located 80km northwest of Medellín, with a travel time of around 1.5-hours each way, this charming town is 1000m lower in altitude that Medellin, which means it’s much warmer.

Boasting stacks of whitewashed houses that still have their original stucco doorways, strolling the historic center is a joy, with local market vendors selling fruit and artisan crafts against a backdrop of stunning architecture.

If you opt to visit Santa Fe de Antioquia, be sure to also head to Puente de Occidente — a celebrated historic 19^th-century suspension bridge that spans the Cauca River.

Best area to stay in Medellin, Colombia

When it comes to choosing accommodation in Medellin, we suggest focussing your search on a couple of key districts. Namely, vibrant tourist-oriented El Poblado, and relaxed, authentic Laureles.

For more context, read up on Colombia accommodation. 

Things to know before going to Medellin, Colombia

While you figure out how many how many days in Medellin might be long enough, read on for detail on a number of key practical factors, including what kind of daily budget you need, and how to get around.

Daily budget 

As is to be expected. the daily budget needed for a trip to Medellin depends on your style of travel. 

In good news if you’re on a tighter budget, it is an affordable city, while luxury-minded travelers can also find more upscale places to stay and dine.

With that in mind, here we share average daily costs of a mid-range 3-night stay in Medellin. 

Accommodation: expect to pay $50-$100 a night to stay in 3 or 4-star hotels. Note that Laureles is often cheaper and quieter than El Poblado.

Food and drink: budget to spend $25-$45 a day to eat out in a mix of casual cafes and higher-end restaurants.

Transport: factor in $7-$15 a day to use a mix of public transport and taxis.

Activities and tours: budget $25-$60 per day to enjoy the likes of city walking tours ($10–$20), a Comuna 13 tour ($20–$40) and day trip to Guatapé ($40–$80, including transport and food).

Miscellaneous: allow $12-$25 per day to cover souvenirs, snacks and tips.

Total estimated cost for a mid-range 3-night stay: $360-$750

How to get around Medellin

Boasting a modern metro, cable cars, buses and stacks of taxis, Medellín is one of the easiest cities to get around in South America.

By metro and cable car 

The city’s excellent metro system is super-clean and super-efficient, and also includes cable car rides in the price of a metro ride from Acevedo and San Javier metro stations. 

Operating from 4.30am–11:00am on Monday-Saturday, and 5:00am-10:00pm on Sunday, Metro Line A connects downtown with El Poblado and Laureles.

Line L (Metrocable to Parque Arví) should also be on your radar if you want to soak up scenic views and hike in the park.

Our tip is to buy a Cívica Card for discounted fares.

How to get to Medellin, Colombia

Medellin’s main airport is José María Córdova International Airport, with Olaya Herrera Airport mainly used for domestic and regional flights.

If you’re traveling from the US, you can take direct flights from Miami (3.5 hours), Fort Lauderdale (3.5 hours), New York (5.5 hours), Orlando (4 hours) and Houston (5 hours).

Meanwhile, as there are no direct flights from the UK, your best bet is to fly to Bogota or Miami and board a connecting flight, with a total travel time of 13-16 hours.

For more context, read up on how to get to Colombia.

Plan your trip with Rough Guides

While working up your itinerary, wise up with our guide to how to plan a trip to Colombia, and get yourself The Rough Guide to Colombia — it’s packed with information that’ll make planning your trip all the easier.

Not keen on planning? Make use of our customisable Colombia itineraries, including a satisfying expert-curated 10 days in Colombia itinerary.