Up Inna Dem Town: DDR Takes Medellín!

Colombia has been on my travel list for a while and let me tell you—it was a trip for the books! 

I spent 7 nights with friends in the vibrant city of Medellín, and this vacation was filled to the brim with adventure, culture, and, let’s be honest, a LOT of food (if you know me, you know I take my belly with me everywhere). 

From the colourful streets of Comuna 13 to the breathtaking views of Guatapé, every day was an adventure that left me feeling so grateful that I was able to have that experience. Our hotel was right in the middle of the city so we were able to get access to a little bit of everything. 

Before The Trip/Day 1

• First things first, you’ll want to change any currency you’re taking with you to Colombian Pesos. It’s a lot easier to pay in local currency and in some instances, cheaper. 

• Check the weather. The forecast had rain when I checked so I used that to pack accordingly. The last thing you want is to be in a foreign country and you’re not dressed for it!

• If you don't want to worry about waiting until you get on WiFi to communicate, you can get yourself an e-SIM from a local network through the Airalo app. That’s going to be useful for when you need to call Ubers!

Here’s a rundown of the whirlwind trip—packed with history, fun and quite a few drinky drinks!

Exploring Downtown Medellín

After a night’s rest, we started the first day exploring downtown Medellín with Real City Tours - Julie, big up yuhself. El Centro is a vibrant mix of modern life and historical charm, and we were able to discover some of Medellin’s most traditional parks, squares and streets. One of the best things about this spot for me was the vertical garden, which was their way of promoting cleaner air and a better planet. The garden is on the side of their District Administrative Building (so the government is very involved), is the second largest garden of its kind in LatAm and has over 96,000 plants!

We walked through the local market and visited Plaza Botero, home to the famous oversized sculptures of Fernando Botero. The plaza is a buzzing hub, surrounded by street vendors, local musicians, and food stalls selling arepas, juices, clothes, shoes, handbags, YOU NAME IT!

But it’s not all art and tasty food. Medellín has a complex history—this was once one of the most dangerous cities in the world during the height of the drug cartels in the 80s and 90s. Walking through the city today, it’s hard to believe how much it's changed. The energy there is magnetic, and I couldn’t wait to dive deeper into Medellín’s rich history and culture.

A Journey Through the Streets of Comuna 13

Comuna 13 was a must-see on our list, and for good reason. Shout out to Stiven from Zippy Tour for taking us around. Once known as one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Medellín, it has now transformed into a vibrant community filled with art, music and hope. The streets are lined with stunning murals that tell stories of the neighbourhood’s resilience and rebirth.

Walking through Comuna 13, I learned how the installation of outdoor escalators in 2011 gave the community new access to opportunities beyond its steep and narrow hillside road. The only way to get in and out is on foot or using bikes, no cars can get up there, so if you’re planning to visit, you will definitely need to bring your walking shoes. We spent hours wandering through the narrow streets, snapping photos of the incredible street art and learning how far the neighbourhood has come. The best part? The local guides who grew up in the area add personal stories to the tour so you can get an idea of what life was and is like in this vibrant neighbourhood.

Guatapé & The Rock of El Peñon

While doing research, we learned that no trip to Medellín is complete without Guatapé. It’s about two hours outside the city and it’s best to go with a tour group, but trust me, it’s worth every minute of the drive. The main attraction is El Peñon, a HUGE rock towering over the landscape. It’s a cool tourist attraction and cost about $35 COP to climb. I probably shouldn't have climbed 700+ steps just after eating but me? Determined. When I got to the top I didn’t even care that I had just climbed so far because it was absolutely breathtaking. You get panoramic views of the surrounding lakes, islands and mountains that look like something straight out of a postcard.

Guatapé itself is one of the most colorful towns I’ve ever seen. Every building is painted in bright, eye-popping colors, and the streets are decorated with intricate zócalos (colorful panels) that tell stories of the town’s history and culture. We spent the afternoon wandering the cobbled streets, grabbing coffee, sweet treats and—surprise, surprise—more food. They say calories don’t count on vacation, right? Right. 

The Food: No Holding Back

Okay, let’s talk about the food. Colombia is a foodie’s dream, and I dove right in, no second thoughts about what the scale would say after this trip. We tried a new place almost every day and really tried to explore their gastronomy because everything looked so good! From their national dish of bandeja paisa (a platter of beans, rice, pork, sausage, fried egg, avocado, and plantain) to 24k gold coffee, KFC and tuna tartare, I didn’t hold back. Honestly, I lost count of how many times I said, “I could eat,” knowing full well that I'd have to double up my gym sessions when I got back home. But you know what? Totally worth it.

Food spots you have to try if you’re in Medellin 

• Mojitos

• Palma Piton

• Cafe Noir 

• Bread Factory

The Company: Friends Who Make the Trip

As much as the sights and food were incredible, what really made this trip special was sharing it with friends. Whether we were climbing El Peñol, navigating the colorful streets of Comuna 13, or just laughing over late-night drinks, the company made everything 100 times better. Traveling with friends adds a whole new layer of fun, especially in a place like Medellín where every corner offers something exciting to experience together. This was a 9-person trip and everything flowed seamlessly from one activity to another. The key to traveling with friends is remembering that everyone has different interests so opting out of certain activities might happen from time to time. Try not to take this personally!

Final Thoughts: A City of Transformation

Medellín has an undeniable magic. The way the city has reinvented itself—from a past marked by violence to a future brimming with hope and creativity—is nothing short of inspiring. Every day in Medellín was filled with something new to discover so, if you’re looking for a destination with rich history, beautiful scenery, and so much good food, book that ticket to Medellín. And don’t worry about the gym—you’ll have plenty of steps to take care of that (just go to El Peñon!).