Why Medellin is a great base
The region of Antioquia around Medellin is packed with variety. In one direction you find the lake and rock of Guatape, in another the coffee covered hills, and beyond them colonial towns frozen in time. Most of these are doable as a day trip, and a guided tour takes the hassle out of the driving.
The best day trips ranked
| Day Trip | Distance | From | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guatape and El Penol | 2 hrs | $40 | Giant rock and colorful town |
| Coffee farm | 1 to 2 hrs | $90 | Bean to cup in the hills |
| Santa Fe de Antioquia | 1.5 to 2 hrs | $50 | Colonial town and old bridge |
| Jardin | 3 hrs | $60 | The prettiest coffee town |
| Parque Arvi | 1 hr | $15 | Forest park by cable car |
How to choose
- First time visitor, do Guatape, it is the classic for a reason
- Coffee lover, a farm tour or the town of Jardin will not disappoint
- History fan, Santa Fe de Antioquia offers colonial charm and a famous bridge
- Short on time, Parque Arvi is close and reached by the scenic metrocable
Tips for day trips
- Leave early, beat the traffic out of the city and the midday heat at the destination
- One big trip per day, do not try to combine far flung places
- Book guided for distance, it saves hours of planning and driving
- Bring cash, for entry fees, lunch, and souvenirs in small towns
Explore beyond the city
Book the best day trips from Medellin. Free cancellation on most tours.
Frequently asked questions
Guatape and El Penol is the most popular and best loved day trip, combining a colorful town with a giant rock you can climb for incredible lake views. Coffee farm tours and the colonial town of Santa Fe de Antioquia round out the top choices for most visitors.
It is tight. Guatape alone is a full day with two hours of driving each way. Coffee farms are in a different direction. It is better to dedicate one day to each. If time is short, prioritize Guatape, then add a coffee tour on a separate day.
The easiest way is a guided tour with round trip transport, which handles the driving and adds a guide. Public buses run to towns like Guatape and Santa Fe de Antioquia for the independent minded, but tours save time and stress, especially for far places like Jardin.
