Day Trips from Medellin
Ah, Medellin! The city that never fails to surprise, filled with charm, culture, and a dash of Colombian sass. It’s also the perfect launching spot for a bunch of awesome day trips that reveal the often overlooked gems of Colombia. Buckle up as we explore six must-visit spots that’ll take your Medellin adventure up a notch.
Guatapé Excursion
Just a breezy two-hour drive from Medellin, Guatapé is like stepping into a color-splashed wonderland. This town’s buildings are so bright and eye-catching, they put rainbows to shame. But the real showstopper? El Peñól de Guatapé, a colossal rock that’ll challenge you to climb its 650 steps (We Seek Travel). You could hop on a tour via GetYourGuide or catch a quick bus from Medellin’s Terminal Norte, obviously you can get an uber too. The bus ride is easy on the wallet, costing around COP 15000 (about $4.5) for a journey that’s just shy of two hours. Pro tip: Chat with your bus driver to stop near the big rock.
San Rafael Serenity
Keep heading east from Guatapé and you’ll find San Rafael, tucked among lush mountains. it is a 45 minutes from Guatapé by bus approximately.This quaint town by the Guatapé River invites you to unwind with its waterfall hikes and chill swim spots. It’s perfect for anyone needing a calm day surrounded by pure nature’s goodness.
Jardin Escape
Head three hours south of Medellin, and you’ll stumble upon Jardin’s irresistible charm. This town’s colorful houses and friendly vibes are hard to resist. Popular activities include hiking to Cuerva del Esplendor, paragliding, and birdwatching, where you might spot the snazzy Andean Cock-of-the-rock. With warm-hearted locals and stunning views, Jardin delivers an authentic taste of Colombia.
Jerico Adventure
Jerico steals the spotlight with its vibrant culture and thrilling activities. Known for Madre Laura, Colombia’s first patron saint, and the iconic carriel bag, it’s rich in tradition. Explore the countryside on horseback, see family-run coffee farms, or get misty-eyed at the Rainbow waterfall (Cultures Traveled). Jerico is a delightful mix of spirit, culture, and adventure.
Rio Claro Oasis
About four hours southeast, Rio Claro is a natural playground with a stunning blue-green river slicing through a marble canyon, enveloped by tropical greenery. The nature reserve offers everything from camping to treehouse cabins, where you can soak up the view and watch the wildlife. It’s nature therapy at its best.
Comuna 8 Discovery
Once a tough neighborhood, Comuna 8 has undergone a heartening renaissance, thanks to a gondola that connects it to downtown. Tours by La Sierra offer an inside look into its past, and let you dive into a lesser-known slice of Medellin’s culture and spirit. Visit, and witness the incredible transformation and resilience of Medellin’s vibrant communities.
Each trip from Medellin offers a unique slice of Colombia, and they’re too good to pass up! Curious about more Medellin magic? Peek at our guides on [top things to do in Medellin](https://medellinparce.com/Day trips in Medellin/travel/top-things-to-do-in-medellin) and [medellin travel guide](https://medellinparce.com/Day trips in Medellin/travel/medellin-travel-guide).
