Andrew Dier - Moon Medellín: Including Colombias Coffee Region

Jardin

Because Colombia straddles the equator, the temperatures and length of days are nearly constant year-round. There are, however, distinct dry and rainy seasons. Throughout most of the country, the months of December through February and July through August are considered verano (dry season). Invierno (rainy season) is usually between April and May and again between September and November.

High tourist seasons run from mid-December through mid-January, during Easter week (Semana Santa), and, to a lesser extent, school vacations from June to August. Medelln empties out during the end-of-the-year holidays from December 15 to January 15, and also during Semana Santa (Holy Week). This is peak time for regional pueblos and coffee region haciendas. During school vacations (June-July), natural parks and reserves and coffee haciendas get busy again.

Travelers to Colombia who intend to visit as tourists for a period of under 90 days will need only to present a valid passport upon entry in the country. You may be asked to show proof of a return ticket. Tell the immigration officer if you intend to stay up to 90 days, otherwise they will probably give you a stamp permitting a stay of 60 days. Language schools and universities will be able to assist those who may require a yearlong student visa.

There are no obligatory vaccination requirements for visiting Colombia. However, if you are traveling onward to countries such as Brazil, Ecuador, or Peru, you may have to provide proof of the vaccine upon entry to those countries.

the Parque Principal in Jardn

a Satena airplane

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers have hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations. Hepatitis B, rabies, and yellow fever vaccinations are recommended for some travelers. If you plan to visit the Amazon region, antimalarial drugs may be recommended.

Transportation

Most travelers arrive by plane to Colombia, with the vast majority arriving at the modern Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado in Bogot. There are numerous daily nonstop flights into Bogot from the eastern seaboard of the United States, as well as from Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Toronto. However, Medelln is also served by nonstop flights from the East Coast of the United States.

Intra-country flights are easy, safe, increasingly more economical, frequent, and, above all, quick. Taking the bus to just about anywhere in the country is an inexpensive and popular but slower option. Medelln has a clean and efficient Metro. Private buses and taxis are ubiquitous in cities, although cabs should be ordered in advance. The best way to see the citys sights is usually on foot. Renting a car is a viable option for exploring the coffee region, where roads are good.

one of Medellns Metrocable gondolas

DAY 1

Arrive in the evening at the Aeropuerto Internacional Jos Mara Crdova in Rionegro, outside of Medelln. Make the one-hour trip via cab or bus into town. Get settled at Charlee Lifestyle Hotel, then linger over perfectly paired Argentinian wine and food at one of the citys most renowned restaurants, Carmen.

DAY 2

Discover downtown Medelln by taking a ride on the Metro. Here you can check out the finest art museum in the region, the Museo de Antioquia, and have your picture taken in front of your favorite rotund Fernando Botero sculpture in the adjacent plaza. Visit the moving Museo Casa de la Memoria, the countrys first museum dedicated to the memory of victims of Colombias decades-long armed conflict.

Then check out symbols of the new Medelln: the Metrocable gondola network and the Biblioteca Espaa, a boldly designed public library built on the side of a mountain. From there, transfer once more to another Metrocable line to the Parque Arv, a huge recreational area.

Head back to your hotel and freshen up before checking out a tango show at Saln Mlaga.

DAY 3

Take the three-hour bus ride through the southern Antioquia countryside to the picture-perfect Paisa town of Jardn. Hang out with the locals in the sublime Parque Principal, a park bursting with flowers, where you can enjoy a beer or sip a locally produced coffee.

Relax at the low-key hostel