Photo by Juan Saravia on Unsplash
The 4-day plan, rearranged for 3 days: the best-ranked places stay, and each day keeps to one part of town.
How much walking? On foot, about 1.9 kilometers a day, and 70.5 kilometers by car in all across 3 days. Distances are straight-line estimates, so allow extra for the streets.
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
A library and community park of three dark stone blocks on a hillside, reached by the cable car from the metro. A symbol of the way the city invested in its poorest neighbourhoods. Take the cable car up for the view of the roofs.
Go when Morning, for the clear light over the valley.
Local tip The ride up is part of the trip. It is a working neighbourhood, so be a quiet guest and ask before photographing people.
A forested park above the city, reached by a second cable car that rises over the trees. Walk a trail in the cool air, and look back at the city in the valley below. Cooler than the city, so bring a layer.
Go when Midday, with time to walk a trail.
Local tip It is cooler and often misty, so bring a layer and shoes with grip. Check ahead on which trails are open.
Cheese, bread, fruit and a simple soup or a fried snack from the stalls near the park.
Local tip Carry a layer, since it cools quickly in the shade.
A large garden of trees, ponds and flower beds, with a lacy wooden structure for orchids. A calm, green rest in the middle of the day, and the home of the flower displays in August.
Go when Midday, in the shade of the trees.
Local tip Look for the wooden structure for orchids, and the pond with turtles. A calm rest after the walk in the morning.
A huge cathedral in pale brick, said to be among the largest brick churches in the world, on the square beside the old centre. Inside it is calm and tall. Dress modestly, and stay quiet during services.
Go when Afternoon, outside the hours of services.
Local tip It is a working church, so stay quiet and cover your shoulders. Look up at the brick vaults.
Fried corn pastries filled with meat and potato, with a dipping sauce and a mug of hot chocolate with cheese.
Local tip Dipping cheese into hot chocolate is local. Try one bite before you judge it.
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
A square filled with the round, humorous bronze sculptures of the Medellín-born artist Fernando Botero, who gave them to the city. Walk among them, and notice how people touch and sit on them.
Go when Morning, before the heat and the crowds.
Local tip Walk slowly and look at each figure. Keep your bag in front of you, and say no politely to anyone selling a guided tour on the spot.
A hillside neighbourhood on the western side of the city with a hard recent history, now known for its murals, outdoor escalators and music. Join a walk led by someone from the area, stay with the group, ask before photographing people and buy from local vendors.
Go when Morning, with a walk led by someone from the area.
Local tip This neighbourhood has a hard history, and many guides grew up here. Stay with the group, ask before taking photos of people and buy from local sellers.
Fresh fruit juice, empanadas and ice cream from sellers on the streets of the hill.
Local tip Buying from local vendors helps the neighbourhood, so spend a little here.
The art museum beside the plaza, in a grand old town hall, with a large collection of Botero's paintings and sculptures and the work of other Colombian artists. A cool, indoor rest in the middle of the day.
Go when Midday, in the cool of the galleries.
Local tip Start with the floor of Botero, then choose what else interests you. Check ahead on the opening and on any combined visit.
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
A vast granite rock rising from the plain beside a reservoir, with a stair of several hundred steps built into a crack in its side. The climb is steep, and the view over the lakes and islands at the top is the reward. Go early before the crowds.
Go when Morning, as early as you can.
Local tip The stair is steep and has no shade, so take water and a hat. Take your time on the way down, since the steps are narrow.
A lakeside town known for its painted bas-relief friezes along the base of the houses, called zocalos, each telling a story of the family inside. Walk the lanes and the waterfront, and look closely at the pictures.
Go when Midday, for lunch and a stroll.
Local tip Look at the painted friezes at the foot of the houses, and walk down to the water. Weekends are very busy.
Fried or grilled fish from the reservoir, with patacones, which are flattened fried plantains, and a salad.
Local tip Eat on a terrace by the water, and wait a little for it to arrive fresh.
It covers 3 days in Medellín, planned for december to March, or July to August. Each day is built around a small number of stops, with room to rest.
It was planned for most travelers. The pace and the places reflect that, so check it fits how you travel.
No. Places marked "book ahead" need a reservation. Hours, prices and availability change, so confirm before you go.
Yes. Archie drafts a day by day plan for your dates and takes your pace, the weather and who is travelling into account. You can start one from the Archie app.
Yes. It is a starting point you can change to fit your own trip: swap a place, add a day or move the pace.
On foot, about 1.9 kilometers a day, and 70.5 kilometers by car in all across 3 days. Distances are straight-line estimates, so allow extra for the streets.
Make it yours in a minute, then move days around and add what you want.
A trip idea · Updated November 2026
Want your own days planned like this? Plan your own trip on the web or get the Archie app.
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