This month I'm back in Medellín Colombia, one of my favorite cities in South America, and being back has reminded me of just how much fun I've had here. So in today's video, I'm going to show you 10 amazing things you can do near Medellín. You can also watch and share this video on Facebook and YouTube.

See Also: 20 Things I Loved / Hated About Medellín Colombia as a Digital Nomad

#1 Cerro Quitasol

One of my favorite and most challenging hikes that I did in Colombia, Cerro Quitasol is located just north of the city and is easily accessible via the metro. This hike reaches a peak of about 2800 meters with an elevation gain of about 1200 meters from the trailhead to the peak. It's a challenging hike, but once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with one of the best and highest views of Medellin.

Learn More: Cerro Quitasol: One of the Highest Hiking Viewpoints in Medellín

#2 Santa Fe De Antioquia

Santa Fe De Antioquia – or as I like to call it POOL TOWN! Located just 58 km from Medellín, this town of only 23,000 residents boasts over 100 hotels, hostels, and resorts with swimming pools of all shapes and sizes. With a year round tropical climate due to its low elevation and proximity to the equator, Santa Fe De Antioquia has become a favorite hotspot for tourists and Antioquians alike to relax and swim.

Learn More: Pool Town – Santa Fe De Antioquia

#3 Puente de Occidente

Just down the road from pool town, El Puente de Occidente is the bridge that connects Santa Fe De Antioquia to its neighboring town Olaya and crosses the infamous Rio Cauca. At one point, El Puente de Occidente was the longest suspension bridge in South America and the 7th longest in the world. Declared a national monument in 1978, tourists go out of their way to cross this bridge and marvel at its history and elegance.

Learn More: El Puente de Occidente

#4 Tango Clubs

For a dance style that originated in Uruguay and Argentina, Medellín has an interesting history with tango – which you can see evidence of all over the city from their Carlos Gardel museums to their world famous tango clubs like Salón Málaga. No trip to Medellín is complete without watching a live show and attempting to dance tango.

Learn More: The History of Tango in Medellín Colombia

#5 El Peñón de Guatapé

El Peñón de Guatapé – or as I like to call it, that big rock outside of Medellín with the beautiful view… that is, once you climb 675 stairs to earn it. El Peñón is located between the towns of Guatapé and El Peñol, which have previously fought over who claims rights to this historic rock turn tourist attraction. Afterwards, spend the afternoon in the colorful town of Guatapé for an Instagram photoshoot to remember.

Learn More: The Big Rock Near Medellín Colombia

#6 Tayrona National Park

If you'd like to take a weekend trip to the beach from Medellín, consider Tayrona National Park. A one hour flight to Santa Marta followed by a short bus ride to the park's entrance, will bring you to this hidden treasure in Colombia where you can then hike to stunning beautiful beaches that are only accessible on foot.

Learn More: Two Beaches Are Better Than One

#7 Comuna 13

What was once one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Medellín, plagued with violence by drug cartels, local gangs, and guerrilla warfare, Comuna 13 has transformed itself against all odds to become a beacon of art, culture, and urban development ever since the installation of a 6 minute, 384-meter orange-roofed escalator that scales the mountain in six sections. At the top, is where you'll find a city wide street art project showcasing incredibly intricate graffiti from local community artists.

Learn More: Comuna 13: A Community Transformed in Medellín Colombia

#8 Parque Ecológico Los Salados en El Retiro

If you'd like to see some water without getting too far from Medellín, check out this ecological park located just 45 minutes away from the city center. You can take a boat out, go fishing, or just relax in the park for the day. This not-so-well-known park is my favorite nearby escape from the city.

#9 Santa Elena

Just outside the city limits of Medellín is the mountain town of Santa Elena where you can visit one of the many family farms in Colombia responsible for collectively exporting over a billion dollars of flowers to the USA every year. Spend a day in Santa Elena and learn about the history of one of Colombia's largest export industries.

Learn More: Where do all the flowers come from?

#10 Casa Santiago y Gloria

Also known as the most beautiful stone house in the world, La Casa de Santiago y Gloria is a home in Envigado Colombia that was built stone by stone over the course of 32 years by a visionary man for the woman he loves most. Take a tour of this home and learn about this story of hard work, persistence, and true love.

Learn More: The Most Beautiful Stone House in the World

These are just ten of the exciting things you can do on your next visit to this exciting, modern, and culturally rich city, but I've barely tipped the iceberg. Have you been to Medellín? If so, what are your favorite things to do? Let me know in the comments section below.

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