Colombia Travel Guide
Antioquia
Colombia
The Antioquia department lies between the western and central segments of the Andes range in Colombia. Famous for Medellín and Guatapé, this region is rich in hidden gems, including charming colonial towns and spectacular locations like paramos and crystal-clear rivers for lovers of outdoor adventures.
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VISITING ANTIOQUIA, COLOMBIA
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GENERAL OVERVIEW
Antioquia is a department that holds numerous tourist secrets.
Antioquia is one of Colombia’s 32 departments. Its lush, hilly landscapes are primarily part of the Andes natural region.
Among the 7,000,000 residents (known as Paisa and famous for their friendliness) living here, half are in the Aburrá Valley (home to Medellín).
With an area of more than 63,000 km² (larger than Costa Rica), it lies between the Pacific coast, the coffee region, and the Cordoba department.
Antioquia is more than just Medellin (its capital) and Guatapé.
Over time, I’ve uncovered beautiful colonial villages, enjoyed canyoning and rafting on gorgeous rivers, participated in delightful coffee and chocolate tours, traversed stunning landscapes like the paramos, and stayed in incredible lodgings.
It’s a well-rounded destination perfect for experiencing Colombia’s highlights while keeping travel time to a minimum.
In Colombia, temperatures vary with altitude.
Medellín (1500m) is known for its ideal climate. In Antioquia, it rains regularly (short but intense showers) except during the dry season, from December to March.
I advise against visiting the most touristy sites during the high season—like Guatapé, Comuna 13, and Jardin.
The main event of the department is the Feria de las Flores, which takes place in August in Medellín.
I recommend staying for at least a week.
Spend 2 or 3 nights in Medellín, then explore the surroundings by heading either to Jerico (south), Belmira (north), or Guatapé (east).
Believe me, you could stay for a month and not be bored for a second.
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CULTURE & HISTORY
The ideal department to chat with the locals.
- In Medellín, visit Comuna 13 and the city center with a local guide for a deeper insight into the country’s dynamics.
- The most fascinating museum is the Museo de la Memoria (Medellín)—featuring poignant testimonies about Colombia’s civil war. Also, be sure to say hello to Mr. Botero in the square named after him.
- There are charming small museums in Sonsón and Santa Fe de Antioquia (in Spanish).
Did you know that Antioquia is the largest coffee producer in Colombia?
Besides the excellent coffee shops in Medellín, you can arrange a coffee-tasting experience (to distinguish between good and bad coffee) and a visit to a coffee plantation. Some of them are spectacular!
So, you don’t necessarily need to go to the coffee region.
San Rafael is among the top chocolate producers in Antioquia.
I enjoyed our stroll through the cacao plantation, tasting the sweet flesh around the beans, getting a chocolate scrub (baby-soft skin guaranteed), making our own chocolate, and savoring exotic fruits in a chocolate fountain.
If San Rafael isn’t on your itinerary, you can have a similar experience (in English) by visiting a cacao finca near San Francisco (starting from Medellín).
The colonial towns of Antioquia are beautiful, with colorful streets, friendly locals, and majestic churches.
I enjoy staying there for a few days to soak in the simple, authentic, and peaceful ambiance.
My recommendations:
- Jardin: ideal for a mix of hiking and relaxation.
- Jerico is my favorite colonial town in Antioquia, with a visit to Colombia’s most beautiful coffee finca.
- Santa Fe de Antioquia: for unwinding in a boutique hotel with a pool.
- Concepción: to avoid encountering foreign tourists.
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ANTIOQUIA LANDSCAPES
The countryside around Medellín is spectacular.
The paramos are crucial ecosystems in Colombia (they are the source of the country’s rivers), and exploring them is truly enjoyable—they offer stunning scenery.
In Antioquia, you can visit the Paramo de Belmira (the easiest to access), the Paramo del Sol (the highest), and the Paramo de Sonsón.
The locals of Venecia call it the highest natural pyramid in the world. I have to admit that it does look impressive.
The climb is short if you are in good physical shape (it took us 1 hour), but the slope is impressive (at least 40%). At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view.
Antioquia has some of the most beautiful rivers in Colombia.
The water is so crystal clear that it’s worth bringing your diving mask! They are mainly located east of Medellín, towards:
- San Rafael: various rivers with many trails.
- San Carlos: perfect for combining with water activities.
- San Francisco: to explore the famous Melcocho Reserve.
- Rio Claro: a stunning natural reserve where you can stay overnight.
Waterfalls go hand in hand with rivers. And Antioquia has no shortage!
I especially enjoyed Jardín because many waterfalls surround this village, some easier to access than others (with the help of a local agency):
- Cueva del Esplendor (the most well-known)
- Chorro Blanco (you must pass through a cave behind the waterfall to get there)
- Taparto: the most stunning waterfall in the region
Another great option (especially if you like canyoning) is San Carlos. El Chispero and La Chorrera captivated me from the first splash.
Lastly, you can arrange a trip to Salto del Buey near La Ceja. It’s a nature reserve offering various outdoor activities (ziplining, rappelling), and one of the trails leads you to the base of a spectacular 90-meter-high waterfall. Beware, you’ll get wet!
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NATURE
Antioquia is home to 30% of Colombia’s plant species, 30.6% of amphibians, 49% of butterflies, 51% of mammals, and 52% of known birds.
Birdwatchers will be thrilled to seek out the Cacique Candela (near Alto de San Miguel), as well as the Cock-of-the-Rock and the Yellow-eared Parrot (near Jardín).
There are also lesser-known bird sanctuaries: Las Tangaras ProAves and BIOCONSERVANCY (hummingbirds).
The department of Antioquia has 159 protected areas and only one national park (Las Orquídeas), which is closed to the public.
It’s one of Colombia’s most famous attractions.
La Piedra del Peñol is a gigantic granite monolith standing 220 meters high. Its staircase (740 steps in total) leads to the top. It’s a real leg-breaker, but the view is worth it.
Head to Guatapé for this excursion.
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OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Get your adrenalin pumping in Antioquia.
From Medellín, you can easily organize various rafting and kayaking activities on beautiful rivers surrounded by lush vegetation rarely seen by the public. Trust me, the landscapes are breathtaking.
The most well-known routes are the Rio Verde, the Rio Calderas, and the Rio Samana, with class 3 and 4 rapids.
You can even go on multi-day rafting trips and camp on the riverbanks. It’s one of my favorite experiences in Antioquia. Adrien, can we go back, please?
There’s nothing like paragliding to admire the rolling landscapes of Antioquia.
The best spots are:
- Cocorná: to fly over a stunning waterfall and combine this activity with rafting.
- San Félix: to see Medellín from the sky.
- Jericó: to discover the impressive Cauca Canyon.
San Carlos is the ultimate canyoning paradise, offering routes for every skill level. You should contact Manuel.
Horses are still widely used for getting around in the Colombian countryside.
I loved my horseback rides starting from Jardín and Jericó.
It’s also possible to arrange excursions around Medellín.
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WHERE TO STAY
Antioquia offers a wide range of unique accommodations.
Glamping has become very popular in Colombia. Often romantic, it’s a fantastic and comfortable alternative to traditional camping.
In Guatapé, the most luxurious glamping spot is Bosko, but there are also more budget-friendly options like Levit Glamping and Domus Glamping.
Another great option is a night of glamping in the hills of Medellín. The views are stunning, particularly at night. It’s an ideal location to celebrate a special occasion—Colombians are very romantic and love decorating with hearts, petals, and balloons. I recommend El Ojo Glamping and Glamping Suculenta.
Immersing in the local culture is best done through coffee. Over 500,000 families in Colombia make a living from coffee.
In the south of Medellín, there are excellent coffee plantations where the morning bird songs wake you up to enjoy a traditional breakfast: wood-fired arepa, scrambled eggs with tomato and onion, farm cheese, and a fine cup of coffee.
One of the most luxurious fincas is Finca El Diamante in Salgar. Another great option is La Sierra in Fredonia. These charming traditional fincas offer numerous on-site activities and serve delicious meals. You won’t want to leave.
For a simpler (and more budget-friendly) yet authentic experience, you should check out Jardin. I especially recommend Finca Margus and Finca Café y Historias.
Typically, it involves waking up in wooden cabins seamlessly integrated into the dense vegetation.
The best-known nature reserve in Antioquia is Rio Claro.
Extraordinary hotels aren’t only found in Medellín.
There are beautiful boutique hotels in some colonial villages and amazing hotels where the staff takes care of everything on-site, from transport to meals and activities.
My top picks for boutique hotels are El Despertar (Jerico), Hotel Bixa (Santa Fe de Antioquia), Casa Passiflora (Jardin), and Casa Jacaranda (Cauca Viejo).
For an extraordinary experience, look at Cannua Lodge and Rio de Oro.
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EATING AND DRINKING
Some specialties from Antioquia.
The bandeja paisa is the emblem of Antioquian cuisine, offering a delicious feast of beans, meats, avocados, fried plantains, and arepas. It’s a huge dish. It’s best enjoyed at lunchtime, as you won’t be able to get up from your seat—you can even share one between two 😉
The most famous restaurants are in downtown Medellin: Hacienda Junin and Hato Viejo.
Rum Medellin is a commercial rum that often competes with Rum Caldas (which is better). Avoid the 3-year-old rum (the 5 or 8-year-old rums are more pleasant to drink). In Colombia, it is usually consumed as a shot.
You can also plan a Colombian rum tasting in Medellin at the Marquee Hotel.
Panela is a natural sugar made from sugarcane.
Traditionally produced in trapiches, it forms the basis of many traditional beverages and dishes and is valued in haute cuisine for its nutritional benefits and rich history.
You can visit trapiches in the Medellín area.
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TRANSPORTATION
Getting around in Antioquia.
The Chiva is a vibrant and very wide bus (around 3 meters) that links the small villages of Antioquia through narrow dirt roads. I’m always amazed when they pass each other on these routes.
Although departures are rare and it’s not the most comfortable mode of transport, it’s a great way to optimize your itinerary.
Andes is renowned as the Chiva capital.
Starting from Medellin, you can travel to many of the villages in Antioquia.
Depending on your destination, you can choose between large, comfortable buses or smaller buses that make frequent stops.
The main airport in Antioquia is José Maria Cordova, located 30 minutes from Medellin. There is also a small airport in the city (Olaya Herrera), which offers flights on smaller planes to the Pacific coast and other destinations not served by conventional airlines.
It’s my favorite mode of transport. It’s widely used in the small villages of Antioquia—it replaces the traditional taxi.
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Favorite experiences in Antioquia, Colombia
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Medellin: Rafting, bivouac and adventure on the Rio Verde 2d
Colombia
2 Days
1 place
Discover an unforgettable experience that combines adrenalin, wonder and sharing in an untouched natural environment.
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Medellin: Comuna 13 and old town guided tour 1 day
Colombia
1 Day
1 place
Discover the exciting story of Medellin, a resilient and innovative city that intrigues and fascinates.
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Medellin: Visit Gustavo's traditional coffee farm 1d
Colombia
1 Day
1 place
Discover the secrets behind coffee, one of the world's best-known beverages.
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Medellin: Guatapé colourful village and the piedra del peñol 1d
Colombia
1 Day
1 place
Stroll through the colorful streets of the colonial village and marvel at the view from the Belvedere.
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Medellin: All about chocolate on a cacao farm 1d
Colombia
1 Day
1 place
Learn the secrets of making chocolate, a delicacy that leaves no one indifferent.
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Medellin: Adrenalin rush rafting on the rio calderas 1d
Colombia
1 Day
1 place
Feel the thrill as you approach a rapid and share those emotions with your crew.
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Tom & Adrien
