Medellin Columbia Trip Report

wotwMedellin Colombia-Shhhh, don't tell anybody!

Medellin Facts: Antioquia department in northwestern Colombia is in the mountainous region between the Cordillera Occidental and the Cordillera Central . (See the map Colombia) Here, the temperate climate gives Medellín, the capital of the Antioquia, the names of "The Land of Eternal Spring" and "Capital of The Flowers". (See the map Medellin)

Medellín is Colombia 's second largest city, a principal manufacturing and industrial area, as well as a commercial flower growing region, particularly orchids, but for years was best known as the center of The Colombian Cartels.
With the death of Pablo Escobar, Medellín has slowly recovered, but is not yet a full-fledged tourist destination.
However, there is plenty to do and see in the city itself and the scenic surroundings.
Medellín is a beautiful city, modern and yet true to its regional characteristics.
It was founded in 1616 in the scenic Aburrá valley, but remained small until the coffee boom in 1675. It later became the center of a textile industry, and today is a modern, vibrant city.

See these Fotos of Medellin

Weather

Getting There
• The international José María Córdoba airport 30 km southeast of the city.
Regional flights use the old Olaya Herrera airport. There are shuttles into the city.
• Bus service to and from major Colombian cities from the Terminal del Norte or the Terminal del Sur.
• Medellín is the first Colombian city to have a metro serving the city in both north-south and to the west.
When to Go
• With a climate of perpetual spring, any time of the year is a good time, but perhaps early August, when the Fería de las Flores is scheduled, is the best time.
• Check today's weather in Medellin .
Things to Do and See
• Fería de las Flores begins with a cabalgata, a horseback parade through the city, either alone or in groups, for almost the entire day.
Music, dances and cultural events celebrate the Antioquiana customs, but the highlight is the Desfile de Silleteros, where campesinos come down from the mountains carrying flowers.
• Basilica de la Candelaria is one of the few colonial buildings left.
• The Basilica Metropolitana in the Parque de Bolivar was completed early in the 20th century and is thought to be the largest brick church in South America .


• Pueblito Paisa is a replica of a typical Antioquiana village, complete with handicraft shops.

• Plaza Botero displays a number of works by Fernando Botero, the internationally known Medellín sculptor who specializes in oversized human figures. More of his works are in the Museo de Antioquia.

• Plaza de Toros la Macarena

• The JardÍn Botánico JoaquÍn Antonio Uribe has an annual orchid exposition in the Orquideorama.

• Festival Internacional de Poesía de Medellín is an annual event which in 2005 will be held between June 14 - 21.

• Medellin la hermosa cuidad de las flores photos

• Things to do and see - in Spanish Shopping, Restaurants and Nightlife

• Mercado de San Alejo, held every month in the Parque de Bolír, is a good place for local produce, handicrafts and local color.
- Medellin is noted for its lovely climate, pleasant people and lively nightlife. Even though it is no longer the center of the cocaine industry, its still a big city and all the usual safety cautions apply:

• Stay out of lower class neighborhoods

• Don't flash money, jewelry, or electronic equipment

• Go out with groups at night, and don't go walking at night

• Don't accept cigarettes or drinks from strangers

For photos and videos from our travels, click here.

how are you