My beautiful motherland and my happy place, of course, I am a little biased — but seriously, let me tell you why Medellín, Colombia should be your next destination.
Colombia has everything anyone could ever hope and dream for in one beautiful country. We have islands, mountains, rainforests and more. It might be hard to narrow down which part of the country you’d like to visit, whether it’s the capital of Bogota to the Amazon — the diversity is real. Therefore, I’ll be sharing my experience in the enchanting city I know best, Medallo.
Medellín
“La eterna primavera” which translates to endless spring is Medellín’s nickname. This city is filled with such heavenly weather, beautiful flowers and ecological wonders that will certainly make it feel like a spring dream come true. It is also a city in the department of Antioquia, in the Northwest of the country, full of people with high spirits and the most beautiful women (seriously, do not let your boyfriend spring break here without you). Everywhere you look you’re surrounded by mountains yet, in a huge city. Filled with happy people and in recent years, the best food, Medellín is a must-see. With colored houses, open windows, balconies on almost every home and the best mangoes on every street corner, it’s the place to be. Although, the most anticipated time of the year for Medellín tourists is the annual flower festival.
La feria de las flores represents the end of slavery, during the time when enslaved men and women went on each other’s backs, trudging up the steep hills. The optimistic, spirited people of Santa Elena honor them with flower arrangement decorations on their own backs like the ones in the photos above, every year the first week of August. At this point in time, there are around 500 every year. The city of Medellín is graciously decorated and the malls and light displays don’t disappoint. In recent years it has been more embraced as people are either fascinated with Narcos or because the danger level has dropped and The Wall Street Journal even called it the most innovative city.
Photos by Ashley Garcia Lezcano
Guatapé
Surrounding Medellín are plenty of pueblitos to go chill out and see the mountains and enjoy nature to the fullest. Above is one of my family’s favorites, Guatapé, where you can climb 740 steps up the rock displayed above formally named, “La Piedra Del Peñol” and get that gorgeous view!
When you climb down you can enjoy un mango con sal y limón and even ride a jet ski or boat around the area.
Photos by Ashley Garcia Lezcano
If you like adrenaline kicks like me you’ll love the idea of paragliding above the mountains of Antioquia. There are many Groupon offers you can take advantage of if you make Medellín your next travel destination. This is a photo I took from above, I woke up from a road trip nap and next thing I knew I was paragliding. I was on my way to my grandma’s birth town for Christmas and ended up in the air feeling so free with the mountains surrounding me.
These are just some of the few things there are to do in the city. There are eateries all around in places like Laureles and El Poblado, which are truly gastronomical wonders. But before you get fancy, do not forget to eat the typical dishes and snacks like buñuelos, empanadas, pan de bonos, arepas and more. The overall good thing about Colombia is that you’ll never go hungry because there are hardworking civilians selling food or drinks on any street you may go to. Lastly, such an agriculturally rich region allows for the cultivation of exotic fruits. Make sure you drink your natural passion fruit juices which are my personal favorite!
Photos by Ashley Garcia Lezcano
Medellín will make you never want to go back to the states. Once you fall in love with the views, the food, and the warmth and hospitality of the people, there is no turning back. Seriously go book your trip, and make sure you ride a horse through the mountains! All photos in this article were provided by me except the ones of the flower arrangements “silleteros” backs.