This fun four-day jaunt spotlights one of Latin America's most exciting cities—perfect for travelers who love urban energy and culture. Set against the Andes mountain range, Medellín is a scenic metropolis fast on the rise with walkable neighborhoods, a free gondola, and year-round spring weather. After a few days exploring the city, you'll drive into the lush green countryside and visit an authentic coffee finca (farm) before returning to Medellín's fantastic bars and restaurants.

Highlights

  • Take a ride on Medellín's network of gondola cars that soar high above the city
  • Visit a coffee finca and taste the latest harvest
  • Explore Medellín's dangerous past and innovative future with local guides

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Medellín Medellín
Day 2 Medellín City Tour Medellín
Day 3 Day Trip to a Coffee Finca Medellín
Day 4 Depart Medellín  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Medellín

Uribe Palace of culture in downtown Medellín
Uribe Palace of culture in downtown Medellín

Welcome to Colombia and the "city of the eternal spring!" Despite its turbulent past, Medellín today is charming with its beautiful mountain setting, friendly locals, and vibrant culture. A car will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to a nearby hotel. You're now free to spend the remainder of the day exploring.

Start by visiting Parque Lleras, in the heart of the trendy El Poblado district, where most of the city's tourism is centered. Some of the best dining, nightlife, and hotels are located here. Perhaps take a ride on the city's gondola (Metrocable) system to see the views, or walk around the various parks, plazas, and museums near the downtown area. Either way, enjoy the weather—due to its elevation, the Medellín has year-round spring temperatures.

Depending on the time of your flight, you can sightsee with an English-speaking guide and learn more about this thriving, modern city from a local perspective.

Day 2: Medellín City Tour

Medellín
See distinctive Fernando Botero sculptures in Medellín's Plaza Botero

After breakfast at your hotel, spend a fun day exploring Medellín on a walking tour with a local guide. This excursion includes a mix of sightseeing by foot and taking the Metrocable lift system through a neighborhood that represents one of the city's most successful urban projects.

The guide will pick you up from your hotel, and you'll transfer downtown, visiting Plaza Botero, which features works by Colombia's foremost sculptor, Fernando Botero. You'll then ride on the city's iconic Metrocable and enjoy the panoramic views of Medellín below. Next, stop at the Botanical Garden, which features more than 4,500 flowers. After visiting some parks and landmarks in the downtown area, you'll eventually return to your hotel by public transport.

The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Plan your trip to Colombia
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Day 3: Day Trip to a Coffee Finca

Coffee plantation
Visit a coffee plantation outside of Medellín

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll transfer by car for 1.5 hours to a picturesque coffee finca (farm) located in the mountains outside of Medellín. From here, you'll embark on a walking tour with a coffee farmer who will explain the growing process and the steps it takes for the coffee bean to reach the cup. You'll also learn about the daily life of these farmers and how this vital trade is linked to many Colombian families, making it a source of pride for locals.

Return to Medellín in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day on your own.

Day 4: Depart Medellín

The Metrocable, Medellín
The Metrocable, Medellín

It's time to say farewell to Colombia! Enjoy your last moments in the beautiful city of Medellín with a leisurely breakfast, city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping. A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home.

More Great Colombia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Colombia? Check out these other Colombia itineraries, explore different ways to spend four days in Colombia, or discover the best time to visit Colombia.

Map

Map of Medellín & the Andes - 4 Days
Map of Medellín & the Andes - 4 Days