The ultimate list of things to do in Medellin

The ultimate list of things to do in Medellin -

One of my major goals for 2014 is finally to get to Colombia. It was on the "list" for a long time. Many of you have asked for information about the country, so today I turn the blog to my friend Dave from Medellin life. He exchanged his backpack for an apartment in the city. Dave gives us the ultimate list of things to one of the most popular destinations in Colombia.

Once called "The Most Dangerous City in the World" of time magazine due do to the drug-fueled violence by Pablo Escobar, in the last 20 years Medellín has undergone a transformation , In addition to major improvements in public safety, there is a huge increase in urban development projects, including Colombia, the first subway system and trains poorer neighborhoods service on the mountain slopes is high, and new parks and libraries.

[1945001Nun], Medellin is one of the "it" cities in the world, here with tons of tourists and foreigners settling and retirement.

Medellín is one of the few cities that I fell in love with at first glance. Beautiful mountains, warm weather, friendly locals and a vibrant culture are some of the reasons why I have more than two years living in Medellín. And I'm here to show everybody that it do to keep busy more than enough to have things for every visitor.

Plus Travel in Colombia still an excellent bargain compared to other countries in South America. While it is not as cheap as Ecuador or Bolivia, your money will go much further than it does in Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.

Explore the numerous parks and plazas

The natural beauty and unique climate of Medellín is something to see. Set 405 feet (1495 meters) above sea level in a surrounded by towering green mountains valley, its proximity to the equator, makes the whole year for constant spring-like temperatures.

The pleasant weather is good for the dozens of enjoying parks and squares in and around the city can be found. , Each room has its own unique style and personality, to be excellent places with all of them to grab a seat and watch the locals go about their daily lives go

My favorite places are:

• Plaza Botero - home to 23 by Fernando Botero larger-than-life sculptures, can this place be reached via the Parque Berrio metro station. Make sure the inside of the Museum of Antioquia to the step, which faces the square. Admission is free, and you can paintings of Botero and other Latin artists see
• Parque Berrio -. Across the street from the Plaza Botero, this small park is always filled with juice vendors and local artists to play street traditional Colombian music
• Jardin Botanico -. Easily accessible from the Universidad metro station, the botanical gardens of the city with numerous events, concerts and festivals throughout the year. Go here if you want a break from the city noise
• Parque Explora -. Across the street from Jardin Botanico, this complex of Latin America's largest freshwater aquarium and an outdoor park with interactive games, the laws of physics
• Pueblito Paisa demonstrated. - A mock pueblo built on top of Cerro Nutibarra, a small hill in the middle of the valley. The hill offers great, near-360-degree views of the city. It is about a 20-minute from the metro station Industriales, or you can take a taxi
• El Castillo Museo y Jardines -. Inspired by the castles of the French Loire Valley, El Castillo in 1930 entry built into the property, which includes the gardens and a guided tour of the interior of the castle, will cost 8,000 pesos ($ 4 USD). The easiest way to get there is by taxi
• Parque Arvi -. Eastern Escaping over the mountains in one of the largest nature reserves in the region is as easy as jumping on the metro system. A regular ticket will take you as far as Santo Domingo. Once you exit the metro, a new ticket for the separate underground cable that runs to Parque Arvi of Santo Domingo. The cost is 4,0 pesos ($ 2.20 USD).

Get your adrenaline

Medellin offers visitors a number of ways, adrenaline want release, many of which offer get a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains

• paragliding -. This is one of the most popular tourist activities, especially with backpackers, thanks in part to reliable thermals and incredibly low prices. You will be hard pressed to beat 80,000 pesos ($ 41.50 $) for a 15- to 20-minute tandem flight elsewhere in South America. The action takes place in the mountains north of the city, about one hour by bus from the bus station Caribe. Flights are subject to weather conditions, but otherwise available every day of the week from different companies
• mountain biking and ATVs -. Given the rugged topography, no surprise there, should that there is plenty of opportunity to go to ride in and around the city. Whether mountain biking or ATVs prefer, there are ways more and more tour companies like adventure for foreign tourists and catering Colombians
• Games -. South America has a reputation for rambunctious fans, football make games between Medellín two local teams, Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín a real spectacle. Supporters for each of the teams occupy opposite grandstands at the ends of the stadium. They shout, sing and unfurl massive banners throughout the 0 minutes. Admission fees are well below 40,000 pesos ($ 20.75 USD), and even if you are not a big football fan, the experience can be cold chills down your spine.

Pablo Escobar Tours

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is still a cause for division among residents of Medellín to see with some people the man in a positive light, while others do their best to the violence of the 80s and early 0s banish the history books.

has

out of curiosity of foreign tourists, many of whom know nothing of Medellín before as its connection come with Escobar Medellin cartel, to a boom in Pablo Escobar tours.

a typical half-day tour are visits to Monaco include that eight-story apartment building where the Cali Cartel placed a car bomb in an assassination attempt to detonate, to the building adjoining his last safe house where he eventually killed and his family grave in the city Itagüí, south of Medellin.

tours for as little as 42,000 pesos ($ 21.75 USD) per person by Zorba. All three sites can also independently be visited with a combination of the subway and taxis.

Take Salsa Lessons

Cali may be the salsa capital of Colombia, but there are a lot of dance studios in Medellín, where you can dance salsa and other Latin styles, including can learn the Bachata and Tango.

Santo Baile specializes in Cali-Style Salsa and is led by Mayra Cutiva, a Cali native dancing already and teaching salsa for 15 years. Under the guidance of her and the other teachers, you can from wallflower to So you go think you can dance in a few weeks.

Academia Baila Latino is another popular dance studio specializing in LA and Cuban-style salsa, including Salsa Casino.

The cost for one hour private tuition has risen in recent years, but it's still a bargain by Western standards. Expect 40000-50000 pesos ($ 20.75 to 25.95 USD) to pay per hour, with discounts on at a time, buy four or 8 hours. If you want to spend less money, sign up for group lessons.

Both studios Dance Events for Students hosts and their friends and partners so that they show a different location outside the city, bars and dance clubs considering their new moves regularly.

, the world's top coffee sample

Colombia is one of the best coffee producers in the world, therefore it is the duty of every visitor is to sit and enjoy a cup.

Oddly, for a country as for his highly regarded coffee, Colombians do not seem to have a huge coffee culture. Sure, you are widely available to see it being sold by sellers small cups on the road to small shops and restaurants, but for the most part, they are not for sale, the higher quality of the country, export-grade coffee.

To ensure quality from a cup, there are some places that you go. Primarily, the Juan Valdez Cafes Colombian version of Starbucks. They offer great coffee, pastries and free Wi-Fi. In 2014, Starbucks will eventually makes its way into the Colombian market to begin to start in Bogota and finally to 50 cafes expanded nationwide.

If you prefer indie coffee shops, head to Cafe Pergamino in Parque Lleras. Since opening in 2012, it has received rave reviews and traveler expats from, and has also attracted a strong Colombian clientele. Pergamino Fi has, and she recently completed an expansion.

Colombian food discover

I like to stick to his lack of spices enjoy Colombian food, but the truth is, I have quite a few meals that I enjoy here discovered.

More importantly, I have tried to find the best restaurants in Medellin, where you can taste authentic Colombian dishes. Behind the food, these places have all excellent atmosphere and service as well as

• Brasarepa -. It is located in Envigado, a town south of Medellín, serves Brasarepa typical Colombian dishes up in a simple ambiance. The restaurant was in Anthony Bourdain, 08 by Columbia sequence of No Reservations ( Update: is blocked from 30/11/15 the video in the US ) in. Lunch is here run about 10,000 pesos ($ 5 USD)
• Hato Viejo -. This restaurant started with a downtown location over 30 years ago and is still going strong. Try bandeja paisa , a flagship for the region that includes spicy minced, cracklings, fried egg, fried plantains, refried beans, rice, avocado and a small salad. Entrees average of 20,000 pesos ($ 10.40 USD)
• Ajiacos y Mondongos -. ajiaco is a potato-based soup with shredded white meat chicken, corn, capers, avocado, and cream. It is originally from Bogotá, but throughout Colombia available. The cost here is 15,0 pesos ($ 7.0 USD). For the adventurous, try the mondongo (tripe soup)
• Marmoleo -. (Imported from the USA) for a unique dining experience and some of the best steak in the city, visit Marmoleo. Entrees from 30,000 to 50,000 pesos run ($ 15.50 to 25.0 USD), is to make it the most expensive restaurant on the list. They also hold special events, including horse parades and fashion shows
• Queareparenamorarte -. Designated also in the 08 Columbia sequence of No Reservations The restaurant is actually located about an hour outside of Medellin in Rio Negro. At 28,000 pesos ($ 14.55 USD), the average cost of a main course is on the expensive side, but the food is well worth the pilgrimage. I recommend cazuela de pescado , a fish fillet served on rice with a sour orange sauce, onions, peppers, tomatoes, Limoncillo (Spanish lime) and coriander.

as they say in Colombia, ¡buen provecho !

How Like a Local

Medellín balances the feeling of a small pueblo party in the mountains with the liveliness of a large Latin American city. The entertainment is limited at the beginning of the week, but the activity in bars and dance clubs starts slow pace on Thursday night thanks to a few popular Ladies Nights pick. Friday is large, and from Saturday all hops.

The local firewater and favorite drink is called among the locals, aguardiente or guaro shortly. It is clear, aniseed-flavored liquor traditionally consumed as income, but do not be surprised if you see locals drinking directly from the bottle. It is often with water or soda.

Another locally produced liquor is Ron Medellín Añejo hunted. This rum is widespread and taken straight, on the rocks, or with ginger ale or Sprite. just Colombians prefer their aguardiente and rum, it does not produce as large a hangover the next day to say, if you skip the soda.

There are tons of places at night to go, but the epicenter of the nightlife in Medellin is Parque Lleras, a dense collection of restaurants, bars and dance clubs grouped around a small tree-lined park in the upscale Poblado neighborhood. Within a few minutes walk from most of the city hostels and many hotels and apartments, it could not be easier to find a restaurant or to your liking a bar.

Moreover, Parque Lleras, there are many other are Ask to kick your heels up. Here are just a few of my favorites to get you started:

• El Eslabon prendido - In the city center, El Eslabon a salsa bar for its live music on Tuesday night is known. The cover charge is only a few thousand pesos (a dollar or two)
• Dulce Jesús million -. This is a typical Fonda Club who say it is a caricature of the typical found in rural pueblos bars. On weekends, the cover charge is 15,000 pesos ($ 7.80 USD). If you are a man, you can not enter if you are accompanied by a girl
• luxury -. Looking for a place that plays only Reggaeton? A 10,000 peso cover ($ 5.20 USD) brings you to this popular club access
• Patio del Tango -. One of the city's few remaining milongas to grab (tango bars) and a great place for dinner and a show on the weekends. There is no charge, but they have a 30,000 peso ($ 15.55 USD) minimum for food and drinks per person
• Sixt Tina -. Located on the seventh floor of the Rio Sur Mall, Sixt Tina plays crossover music and often live shows with top reggaeton singer. Cover is 20,000 pesos ($ 10.40 USD), but for only 5,000 pesos ($ 2.60 USD) more, your ticket is also good for the neighboring Kukaramakara Club, the live music.
• Son Havana - Currently the best salsa bar in the city. Go on Thursday and Saturday for live music. Admission is free on Wednesdays; otherwise the cover charge is between 5,000 and 10,000 pesos ($ 2.60- $ 5.20).

near Pueblos Visit

No trip to Medellín is complete without a visit at least one or two pueblos. These small towns offer the mid- to upper-income Colombians a chance every weekend to escape the city noise and madness. Many locals own or rent fincas (country houses) in Pueblos and the surrounding countryside.

Guatape is a colorful pueblo about two hours away by bus from Medellín. It can be easily visited as a long day trip, either independently (it's safe) or as part of an organized tour. A one-way bus ticket costs about 8,000 pesos ($ 4.15 USD).

Guatape located at the edge of a lake, and it is possible to take trips to the surroundings boat speedboat or party. You will see more of the former, including the remains of a former of Pablo Escobar houses.

A 15-minute rickshaw ride from Guatape is El Peñol, a granite monolith with more than 700 concrete in his side etched stairs. For a few thousand pesos (a few dollars), visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking 360 degree views of the area. Climbing is also an option, if you prefer a challenge.

Santa Fe de Antioquia was the first capital of Antioquia all the way back in 1584. Santa Fe can be reached within an hour by bus, and because of its lower height, it is noticeably warmer.

and as if this list is not long enough to keep you busy, there are a dozen or so festival in Medellín annually celebrate everything from Christmas lights and flowers to salsa, tango, jazz and poetry.

Backpackers and budget travelers who take advantage of the local transportation service, like a local to eat, and do not go overboard with their party can for as little town experience $ 40 per day. Add a couple of nicer restaurants, salsa lessons, or a tour or two, and budgets should be increased to $ 55-60 USD per day.

Medellín, large attractions is missing, as you will find in Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires, but spend a little time here, and you can use the spring weather, the mountains, difficult to leave helpful locals and relaxed pace of life. In combination with the low cost of travel and accommodation, it is no wonder that more and more foreigners decide not only to visit Medellin, but also to live here and retire.

David Lee, the editor and founder of Medellín's life. He is also the author of Medellín travel guide. Insider tips from an American Expat in Colombia and co-creator of Medellin Guide iPhone App

For more travel tips for Colombia, read out in this detailed planning aid.

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