For those of you who love the idea of a holiday that’s out of the ordinary, then Colombia is definitely a recommended location for your next vacation. More specifically though, the valley town of Medellín. Medellín is situated in the center of the Aburrá Valley a central region of the Andes Mountains and is considered to be the second largest city in Colombia. For a long time, few tourists dared to enter the city due to warring gangs.
In more recent years though, significant changes in the city have helped to reduce the crime rate below that of places like Baltimore or Detroit. The city also spent a lot of time ensuring that their citizens did their best to keep it clean, which has led to an increased number of tourists visiting annually.
Due to the fact that Medellín is situated in the remote valleys of the Andes, ‘Paisa’ culture has become the style on which the city and surrounding towns are based on. ‘Paisa’, in Spanish, simply means someone from the countryside, so you can expect lot’s of rustic South American buildings and old cobble roads mixed in with modern buildings and hotels. The local Antioqueños, derived from the province that the city is situated in (Antioquia Province), believe that open hospitality is part of their culture, which makes the locals incredibly friendly and helpful – great new for foreigners!
When you get tired of sightseeing around the city, we highly recommend that you visit Pueblito Paisa. This small town situated on a hill known as Cerro Nutibarra just outside the city offers a glimpse into old-world Colombia. There are plenty of restaurants and shops that sell authentic Colombian food and goods – a real treat!
While you might think that quaint valley villages are all that there is to offer, then you’re in for a nice surprise! Parque Explora Aquarium is the biggest freshwater aquarium on the continent and you’ll be able to see some of the most exotic freshwater fish from the Amazon River – something you won’t find at home! The Museum of Antioquia is also definitely worth visiting as it hosts over a thousand pieces by the famous figurative artist, Fernando Botero. Medellín is a definite must for young travelers, couples or honeymooners as the sense of escape and natural beauty you encounter here will stay with you forever.