Guest post by Danielle Russo
If one only listened to what we hear on the news, A good old cup of Colombian coffee is the closest many of us would come to visiting colombia. In reality, Colombia is really quite safe for tourists, with the exception of a few regions that are easily avoidable.
Medellin is a large city tucked inside the middle of a mountain range in Northern Colombia. Two million people call Medellin home, not to mention the thousands who commute in and out each day to conduct business. Everyone in Medellin is an entrepreneur, whether they are selling million-dollar machinery or packs of chicklets on the street. Once a violent and dangerous city, modern Medellin is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable cities in South America. If you have the chance to go, be sure to take in these 5 attractions.
1. Museo de Antioquia is one of the finest museums in Colombia. The Museo de Antioquia exhibits various pre-Columbian, colonial and modern artworks and a vast selection of paintings and sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, lover of all things voluminous.
2. Parque de los Pies Descalzos (Barefoot park). Medellin is warm city, so this park is a great place to roll up the pants and cool off! Cold water shoots up from fountains in the park, and children have a blast (literally) jumping in and out of the water. Adults sit in the shade in surrounding areas and watch the spectacle.
3. Shopping at El Hueco. The shopping centers in Medellin are truly extraordinary. Take a taxi (they are very cheap in Medellin) to Calle 48, 53 – 53, and spend a few hours exploring the various shopping centers. Be prepared to be bombarded by vendors calling out to you, and if you do decide to buy something, haggling is obligatory here.
4. El Alumbrado. If your visit coincides with the holidays, a special treat awaits you. Not only are nearly all the locals on holiday for the month, but there is just about ALWAYS a party going on. Nativity scenes and Christmas decorations galore, especially the Alumbrado, a display of characters made from lights that lines the entire city along its river, the Rio Medellin.
5. La Feria de Las Flores. A Seasonal festival takes place in Medellin every August called La Feria de las Flores (Flower festival). The city is full of flower shows, bull fights, and men known as Silleteros who parade through the streets showing off the brilliant local flowers.
Danielle Russo is a coordinator of Rome and Vatican Tours. She lives in Rome, Italy and writes about travel for MNUI travel insurance as well as WhenInRomeTours.com.
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