Medellin holidays
Medellin holidays at a glance
Medellín has undergone an extraordinary transformation. Once internationally associated with its troubled past, it’s now one of Colombia’s most dynamic urban centres, full of artistic energy, commercial innovation and youthful optimism.
Known as the City of Eternal Spring, Medellín enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. While it lacks the extensive colonial architecture found elsewhere in Colombia, the city’s embrace of modernisation has brought contemporary buildings, attractive parks, public sculptures and vibrant street art.
The city is also renowned for its cultural events, particularly the annual Medellín Flower Festival, which takes place each August and includes a spectacular parade of floral displays. Medellín’s restaurant scene, music, nightlife and cultural life make it one of Colombia’s most exciting destinations.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Medellin
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ for its reliable sunshine, Medellín is a vibrant city with plenty of leafy plazas and cultural events.
When to visit Medellin
Medellín is one of Colombia’s true year-round destinations thanks to its mild, spring-like climate.
These are the driest months of the year, though bursts of rain can be expected at any time. Temperatures are deliciously warm in the high 20°Cs. December – January are some of the busiest months for visitors, so expect a buzzing atmosphere and be sure to book far in advance.
While temperatures remain in the high 20°Cs, rainfall increases and you can expect regular short bursts of warm rain.
Temperatures are warm and pleasant in the high 20°Cs, with plenty of sunshine and sudden downpours on many days, although there is less rain in July. In August, locals show off their most impressive blooms in street parades of floral floats of the Feria de las Flores. This is a very popular event with many visitors, so plan well in advance.
Expect warm, pleasant sunshine and temperatures in the high 20°Cs during these months, with regular short downpours which keep the city lush and green.
Top Things to do in Medellin
Medellín combines culture, innovation, art and history with one of the most compelling urban regeneration stories in Latin America.
Renowned Medellin artist Fernando Botero’s works are proudly displayed in the city of his birth.
An exhilarating climb to the top of the extraordinary Piedra del Peñol close to Medellin.
Visit the flower plantations which supply the world’s most extravagant flower festival in Medellin..
Experience the uplifting turnaround in Colombia’s most dynamic city.
Accommodation in Medellin
We feature a range of accommodation within Medellín, giving convenient access to the city’s restaurants, cultural attractions and nightlife. Many of our travellers choose to stay close to the city’s dining and entertainment districts, while exploring Medellín’s cultural sights and surrounding attractions.
A delightful upmarket boutique hotel in a tranquil garden oasis in a smart Medellin neighbourhood.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Medellin
Group Medellin Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Chachalaca: Colombia’s Colonial and Coffee Culture
Places visited: Bogota · Villa de Leyva & Barichara · Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera) · Medellin · Cartagena
14 days from £4,476
Tailor-Made Medellin Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Magdalena River Cruise: Colombia’s Hidden Gems
Places visited: Cartagena · Caribbean coast and islands · Bogota · Medellin
13 days from £4,800
Signature Colombia: Culture and coffee
Places visited: Bogota · Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera) · Medellin · Caribbean coast and islands · Cartagena
15 days from £4,050
Signature Peru and Colombia – Andean Wonders to the Caribbean Coast
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Bogota · Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera) · Medellin · Cartagena · Caribbean coast and islands
20 days from £6,030
FAQs about visiting Medellin
Medellin is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit Medellin?
The region in which Medellin is situated is an all-year destination. It enjoys a pleasant, temperate climate with plenty of sun and enough rain to keep the landscape verdant, and Medellin is known as the city of Eternal Spring for good reason.
- What language is spoken in Medellin?
The main language spoken in Medellin is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in Medellin?
The Peso s the main currency used in Medellin. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in all major towns and cities, including Medellín, using a UK credit or debit card, though you may have to advise your bank first and amounts that can be withdrawn may be lower than in the UK. Be aware that some ATMs are often out of service but there should be a working one nearby. Banks will offer advances on a credit card, but with a lot of paperwork. Money exchanges (casas de cambio) change US dollars cash (very few accept euros or sterling and the rate will be poor).
- What is the time difference between Medellin and UK?
The time difference between Medellin and the UK is GMT -5 hrs
- What places combine well with Medellin?
Medellín has air links with major Colombian cites such as Bogotá, a contrasting city with a large colonial centre and the famous gold museum;. and Cartagena Colombia’s most graceful and atmospheric cities, on the Caribbean coast. You can easily drive from Medellin to the beautiful Zona Cafetera coffee country – self-drive or escorted; visit the upcoming resort Honda on the Magdalena river, or travel to Nuqui on the Pacific coast in the steamy tropical Chocó region.
- How do I get to Medellin?
You can fly direct to Medellín from New York, Miami, Lima, Mexico City, Panama City among other important cities. There are frequent domestic flights from Bogotá to Medellín, 1hr; several daily from Cartagena, also 1hr approx, adn from about 10 other Colombian cities. Colombia also has a good road network, though the mountianous terrain means journeys can be long.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.