Solo in Medellin

This magical city is everything and more and can not be missed when you visit Colombia!

Colombia has clocked in as my 23rd country and I couldn’t be more excited. Initially the trip was planned as a bachelorette party but I decided to add a few days ahead of the girls and go solo to Medellin!

Even with a few solo trips under my belt I can still get a bit nervous only because it is natural for your mind to run about what experiences lay ahead of you. Which in the end is the adventure of it all anyway right?

• Have you been to Colombia? What parts did you go to? Anything you would like to share? Leave a comment below!

The air was thick and heavy when I left the MDE airport, even at 10pm. I immediately could tell I was in a Caribbean country and I knew instantly I was in love. My Spanish is definitely a tad rusty but I had an awesome time with my taxi driver trying my hand at communicating, his smile on his face and his eagerness to tell me all about his country and he gave me some insider tips on the city I had to wait until morning to get to know.

Tips in planning your trip to Medellin

• Do not bother staying at GHL Hotel Portón Medellín. Friendly staff but the accommodations were less than sub par even though they state they are a 4* hotel – would have been better staying at a hostel
• DO take the free city walking tour with “Real City Tour” if you can get your guide to be Pablo you are in for a real view of the city
• DO wander around Parque Llaras; lots of amazing restaurants and bar options
• DO take a tour of Comuna 13 even more history on Medellin and her revitalization

Day 1: I know I always say this but what an amazing first day! Arrived 4 min before start time :p (@ least I wasn’t late like i usually am) As we started out the tour this guy said hi to me but whatever- but after the tour started he hung back to talk to me more – it was so crazy because he was from Germany traveling alone for 3 weeks in Colombia – we hit it off and hung out off and on throughout the tour and we had a really great time!

After the tour was over we decided to hang out and explore comuna 13 more on our own – what an amazing day we had, roaming the streets; getting lost, trying new local fruit juices – around 630p we decided we would go and clean up and meet together again for dinner in a few hours. Instead of taking a 15 min cab I decided to explore the city by opting for the 40 min walk instead.

• exploring your destination on foot is the best way to discover the true beauty of the city

I had time to relax and get ready for dinner and drinks with my newfound friend, Mattis from Germany! We sat down for dinner at Gato Resto Bar and never had a silent moment between us! Meeting new people and sharing experiences brings me such joy. It is a dinner I will soon never forget.

Day 2: Started the day with a 11a free city walking tour with Real City Tour of Medellin. All I have to say it was the best non money spent in such a long time! I wont go into all of the spirit and courage it took for the city to uprise and revitalize their city but just know your trip will not be complete without taking it! bring money for tip of course

Connected with Mattis again and spent another marvelous day together; after the tour we spent the afternoon sitting on park benches having ice cream letting the hustle and bustle of the city pass us by. Also visited the Museo D Antioquia to see more of Fernando Botero’s work – then wandered the city until dinner time and ate at the famous Mondongo’s definitely try to get a table outside – pre covid they had outdoor music; not sure if they still do

Met up some local paisas and ended up sharing a refajo drink together to end the night, it was truly the perfect time and a great way to end 48hours in Medellin “refajo” is translated in English as “slip.” This cool, crisp, drink is made with a mixture of Colombian soda and beer. The simple recipe is refreshingly delicious, it is most popular at cookouts in the back yard with friends and family around in the coastal areas of Colombia

it was a great way to say goodbye to Medellin – but the small sample makes this city and country very high on my return to list

explore the full medellin gallery here!

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