Best Tours of Medellin

Medellín is, after Bogotá, the most visited city in Colombia and also one of the most popular destinations due to the large number of attractions it has to offer. Many of these sites can be visited on your own, but you can also choose to visit them with the assistance of an expert local guide, so here are some of the best guided experiences you'll find during your trip.

Some of the best things to do in Medellín include taking a street art tour of Comuna 13, going on a Pablo Escobar tour of the main sites that link the city to the life and work of the famous drug lord, exploring the Colombian Andes on horseback, discovering the most popular pubs and seeing the most picturesque places in Medellín on a bike tour.

The Comuna 13 street art tour in Medellin will take you on a journey through the history and culture of one of the city's most colourful neighbourhoods. Once known as one of the most dangerous areas of this destination due to its association with drug trafficker Pablo Escobar and armed groups, Comuna 13 has undergone a transformation in recent decades and is now one of the most visited tourist spots.

In the 1990s, Comuna 13 was the scene of a violent struggle between criminal gangs and government forces, leaving physical and emotional scars on the community. However, as Medellín was pacified, the residents of Comuna 13 found in street art a way to express their resistance. The colourful murals and street art became symbols of the community's resilience and determination to overcome its turbulent past.

The relationship between Comuna 13 and Pablo Escobar is a crucial aspect of its history. For years, this area was controlled by the Medellín cartel. However, after Escobar's death and the cartel's decline, the community struggled to free itself from the violence and associated stigma. Street art then became a powerful tool to change the perception of the neighbourhood and promote peace and reconciliation.

Today, Comuna 13 is one of the most popular destinations for street art lovers in Medellín. Guided tours offer visitors the opportunity to explore the narrow streets filled with colourful murals and graffiti, while learning about the history and culture of the community.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 26 euros per person.
• Duration of these tours: about 4.5 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know one of the most popular places in Medellín and also a place that a few years ago was the epicentre of violence in the city, in safe experiences with expert local guides.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: they are very intense experiences and involve extensive walking, so they are not recommended for older people or those with mobility problems.

If you want to discover one of the main topics of Medellín, you can't miss a Pablo Escobar tour through the streets of the city. These experiences will give you a fascinating insight into the life and legacy of the Colombian drug lord and leader of the Medellín cartel.

Among the emblematic sites of this tour is the Jardines Montesacro Cemetery, where Pablo Escobar lies next to some of his family, friends and collaborators. You can also visit the Parque Memorial Inflexión, a public space dedicated to the victims of drug trafficking, who are remembered with commemorative plaques.

These tours also often include a stop at the monolith of the Virgen Rosa Mística, a small shrine where Escobar is believed to have prayed. This place offers a unique insight into the spiritual and personal side of the Medellín cartel leader, showing a part of his life that is often overlooked in accounts of his criminal reign.

Finally, these tours will also take you to Barrio Pablo Escobar, an area that the drug trafficker built up to win the support of the population during his political career. Originally known as Medellín sin Tugurios, this neighbourhood was an initiative to provide housing for the inhabitants of the Moravia slum. This place offers an insight into the complex relationship between Escobar and the community, as well as the long-term consequences of his influence on the city.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 26 euros per person.
• Duration of these tours: between 3 and 4 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know one of the most famous profiles of Medellín, which is the one that has to do with its past related to drug trafficking and the recovery of the city by the civil society.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: optionally you can also visit the Pablo Escobar Museum, although entrance fees are not included in the price of these experiences.

If you want to experience an alternative and adventurous excursion in Medellin, you can choose to tour the city on a horseback riding tour, which will allow you to explore the wild nature of the Andes Mountains, just a few kilometres from the city. This region, with its lush tropical vegetation, offers picturesque landscapes that will turn your tour into an unforgettable experience.

These activities usually last approximately 4 hours and include both the pick-up and return to the hotel, which guarantees comfort and ease for the participants. Furthermore, it is suitable for all levels, as beginners will receive docile and easy to handle horses, while more experienced riders will be able to opt for more challenging animals.

Keep in mind that the Colombian Andes is one of the most beautiful areas of the city, largely due to its variable climate and panoramic views of the region, including some of the main attractions around this destination, such as the Peñón de Guatapé and other fascinating sites that you can discover on the best excursions from Medellín.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 104 euros per person.
• Duration of these excursions: about 4 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know the Colombian Andes in an adventurous experience suitable for all levels.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: they are not recommended for winter, when the Andean wind is usually very strong.

One of the best alternatives to discover the vibrant nightlife of Medellín is to participate in a pub crawl, which is centred in the neighbourhood of El Poblado. This district is home to a wide variety of restaurants, bars, terraces and nightclubs, especially concentrated in Lleras Park. With the accompaniment of an expert local guide, you will have the opportunity to explore the best venues in the area.

These tours last approximately 4 hours and are designed to offer a diverse and entertaining experience, on tours that include visits to four different bars, where you can enjoy alcoholic drinks, as well as entry to a nightclub to continue the party until the early hours of the morning.

In addition, buying a pub crawl in Medellín will allow you to taste Colombian rum, a drink that is a protagonist of the country in the same way that coffee is. During the tours you can do tastings and learn about the different types of distillates that make this product one of the most famous in and around the Caribbean.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 14 euros per person.
• Duration of these excursions: between 3 and 4 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the night scene of Medellín on a guided tour and participate in a Colombian rum tasting.
• Disadvantages of these tours: many of the tastings are not included in the price of the experience and you will have to pay for them separately.

If you want to discover some of the emblematic sites of the city while enjoying an entertaining tour, you can opt for the bike tours of Medellín. These experiences will allow you to discover some of the most representative places in the city, such as the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, the third largest stadium in Colombia and home to important football teams such as Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín.

These tours will also usually take you to the Parque de los Pies Descalzos, an urban oasis where you can get to know the natural profile of this destination and escape, if only for a moment, from the hustle and bustle of the city.

On the other hand, the city's cycle paths will also take you to the Parque de la Luz, also known as Plaza de Cisneros, where you will be amazed by the more than 300 lampposts in the shape of columns that illuminate this green space. You will also have the opportunity to explore the River Parks, the largest green area on the banks of the Medellín River.

Finally, these excursions will culminate at the iconic Plaza Botero, an urban space adorned with 23 sculptures donated to the city by the artist Fernando Botero, one of Medellín's prodigal sons.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 24 euros per person.
• Duration of these tours: between 3 and 4 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to combine an effective and fun tour with a visit to the main sites of the city.
• Disadvantages of these tours: although you will visit several parks, you will have little free time to relax at these sites or to participate in a picnic or similar activities.

You can book Medellin tours online in advance or book them once you are in the city, although you should be aware that if you plan to visit during the summer or seasonal months, the sites may sell out or the rates, which are dynamic, may increase.

Also, if you book any of these tours in advance , you can put together an itinerary that will allow you to make the most of your time in the city and also see the city's best museums or other nearby attractions. This will also be useful if you are planning a short stay in Medellin.

As a first step, I advise you to do your research and plan your itinerary in advance. Medellin is a very large city and offers a wide range of attractions and activities, from exploring its best museums to experiencing the surrounding nature. Identifying your interests and priorities to make the most of your time in Medellín can be one of the best decisions you can make.

Also, once you have your itinerary set, be sure to bring everything you need for a successful day of exploration. This includes water, sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable shoes. Even if you plan to participate in guided tours that will support you in case of any inconvenience, it is important that you are prepared beforehand. On the other hand, keep in mind that the weather in Medellín is very variable, so I advise you to always check the forecast.

During your excursion, keep an eye on your belongings at all times and follow the usual safety precautions. If you are using public transport or walking in crowded areas, keep a watchful eye and pay attention to your surroundings. Guided tours, which are often led by local experts, can reduce the risks on each tour.

Finally, don't forget to enjoy your trip and make the most of every moment. Medellín is a vibrant and lively city with a rich culture, delicious food and friendly people. Take the time to immerse yourself in the experience, interact with the locals and discover the lesser-known corners of this fascinating Colombian city.

Guided tours offer an organised and structured experience, allowing you to maximise your time and make the most of every moment of your visit. Local guides know the best places to visit, the most efficient routes and the history behind each site, providing you with an enriching perspective that can significantly enhance your experience.

In addition, guided tours offer comfort and peace of mind. By joining one of these experiences, you won't have to worry about planning routes, transporting yourself from place to place or dealing with local codes. The guides will be there to take care of all the logistical details, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your time in Medellín without unnecessary stress and worry.

Also, keep in mind that while Medellín is a relatively safe city, it is a destination that still carries risks. This is why taking part in the tours with a local guide will allow you to keep yourself safe from threats. This advice will also be useful during the best excursions from Medellín, which will take you around Antioquia.

Finally, an important advantage of organised tours is that they will give you privileged access to exclusive places and experiences. Many experiences offer entrance to sites that may be difficult to find or access on your own, as well as special activities such as food tastings or cooking classes that will allow you to soak up the local culture.