Medellin
From World travel guide
Medellín is a city in Colombia. It has 3.5 million people and is the capital of the state of Antioquia. It's set in a valley running south to north just one hour by plane from Bogota.
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Understand
Medellin was considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world for its size and has highly disproportional homicide rates. It was the home of the drug lord, Pablo Escobar, who virtually took over the city in the late 80's and early 90's. Since his demise the city has recovered a good deal of its stability and prosperity.For example, the city homicides rate in 1991, was 4000; By June 2005, there were only 386 homicides, it makes Medellin one of the most secure cities in Latin America.
The wealthier classes live out in the well-policed suburbs of Laureles and El Poblado, whilst the action and commotion are to be found in the centre. There are the busy markets and thriving street life that make up much of the city's charm. The city is flooded with refugees from the ongoing civil war and the ingenuity applied to make a living is breathtaking. People sell anything from crayons to guinea pigs to garden earth in the bars to make a living.
With travellers Medellín is famous for its beautiful women, that is why it is mainly frequented by young male travellers; in fact Medellín is the numbre one exporter of Female Models in Colombia; there are many examples, like Natalia Paris, Ana Sofia Henao and Paola Turbay.
Get in
The bus terminal has connection to all mayor destinations in the country.
From the bus terminal it is easy to get into town with the metro.
Get around
Travelling trough the city is easy and quick, with the Metro System, you can go to anywhere in the city with The Metroplús (Bus extension to the Metro). The Metro is a sky train that has revolutionised transport in the city. All taxis have meters, make sure they use them. There is also the TuriBus, a modern bus, that goes around the city showing it's parks, beautiful sectors and historical parts; it only cost 10.000$ (5 US$)
See
- Pueblito Paisa is a reconstruction of a typical Antioquia village. It settled on the top of Cerro de Nutibara and has a breathtaking view over the city. It's on walking distance from metrostation Industriales
- Museo de Antioquia [1], Cra 52 #52-43, displays a collection of contemporary art including work of Botero. Open: Mo till Fr 9:30am-5pm and Su and Hollidays 10am-4pm. Entrance COP$8 000 and students COP$4 000.
- Prado neigbourhood, formerly it was the wealthy neigbourhood of the city so many huge houses were built there, it still has some of this beautiful old houses, though it should be visited with caution as it's near the centre of the city.
- The Boston Park is an attractive area that leads down to the main promenade La Playa and here people can be found gathering at night to see street acts.
- The "Parque de los Sueños" (Dream Park) near the Antioquia's University, has an Indian context, beautifully enmarqued with the planetarium, and science experiements.
- The "parque de las luces" Is in the heart of the city, it limits with beautiful 20's years buildings, the EPM bibliothec and a sector, that years before was full of drug and poorness, now is a place to visit and have a great time.
Do
- Take the metro to Acevedo station and from there take the Metrocable up to Santa Domingo for a nice view over the city. The cablecar is included in your metroticket.
Buy
Coffee: Medellin is known for it's proximity to the zone where coffee cultives are; you can find from Coffee Ice Cream to Arequipe de Cafe; everything you want in coffee. Aguardiente Antioqueño: Schnaps with a special flavor.
Eat
Coffee, and Arepa.
Drink
Thursday, Friday and Saturday are the main days to party in Medellín, the rest of the week the nightlive isn't really exciting. Most bars and clubs close at 3am.
- El Blue popular place with a mix of rock and local music.
- Republica opposite of El Blue offers electronic music and local music.
- Mangos has a reputation of being visited by rich Colombians.
Sleep
Although there is no Hilton in Medellin, you can find hotels such as the Intercontinental, Sheraton and the Dann.
There are several hostels in Medellín. The folliwing two are located in El Poblado, the safe upscale residential area, close to the nightlive.
- Blacksheep hostel [2], Transversal 50 #45-133 (Patio Bonito), Tel 4 311 1586, Cel 311 341 30 48. New hostel with a "staying by friends" atmosfere. The hostel offers kitchen use, two TV/DVD rooms, 3 BBQ per week, laundry facilities and internet facilities. Price for dormbed COP$15 000
- Casa Kiwi, Cra 36 #7-10, Tel: 4 268 2668, Cel: 300 740 7244. For more info see http://www.motoadventures.org/
For a place in the center try:
- Palm Tree Hostel [3], Cra 67 #48D-63, Tel: 4 260 2805.
Get out
- To Guatape to see La Piedra del Peñol (a.k.a. Peñon de Guatape) is a 200m high rock dominating the landscape. A climb to the top will cost you a few thousand pesos, but the view is breathtaking. There are busses going about every hour from the Medellín busterminal.
Stay safe
In the center take taxis at night.
On the upper reaches of the valley are improvised slums and should be considered too dangerous to visit.
External links
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