Medellin, the vibrant heart of Colombia, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. A private full-day city tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s essential highlights and uncover its rich history and cultural renaissance. Led by an expert guide, this comprehensive tour takes travelers through lush Botanic Gardens, the iconic Botero Plaza, and the innovative Comuna 13 Escalator. With a local lunch included, guests can enjoy the city’s captivating blend of stunning views, engaging street art, and a story that’s waiting to be discovered.

This experience made our list of the 19 Best Full-Day Tours In Medellin.

Good To Know

  • This private full-day city tour of Medellin, Colombia, offers an in-depth exploration of the city’s social, architectural, and cultural transformation over the past two decades.

  • The tour visits key highlights like Botanic Gardens, Botero Plaza, Comuna 13 Escalator, and various other sites, providing an immersive understanding of Medellin’s vibrant history and modern renaissance.

  • The tour is led by expert guides who offer insights and perspectives on Medellin’s evolution, catering to both wheelchair-accessible and dietary-specific requirements.

  • The tour includes a local lunch, medical assistance, and all entrance fees, offering a comprehensive and hassle-free experience for travelers.

  • With a 100% recommendation rate and an overall 5.0 rating, the tour is highly praised for its knowledgeable guides and vibrant experiences, especially in the revitalized Comuna 13 neighborhood.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This private full-day city tour of Medellin, Colombia provides travelers with a comprehensive exploration of the city’s key highlights.

Over the course of 8 hours, the tour visits the Botanic Gardens, Botero Plaza, Poblado Park, Museum of Antioquia, Metropolitan Cathedral, Pueblito Paisa, Barefoot Park, Comuna 13 Escalator, and the city’s cable cars.

An expert guide offers insights on Medellin’s remarkable social, architectural, and cultural transformation in recent decades.

Guests can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s vibrant history and modern renaissance through this immersive experience.

Inclusions and Costs

Private Full Day City Tour of Medellin - Inclusions and Costs

The price for this private city tour of Medellin starts at $106.00, with costs varying based on group size.

The tour includes:

  1. Lunch featuring a typical local meal
  2. Bottled water
  3. Medical assistance
  4. Entrance fees, as well as gratuities

Excluded from the price are any additional food, drinks, or personal expenses not specified.

Dietary requirements should be communicated when booking the tour, which is wheelchair accessible and welcomes children accompanied by an adult.

Pickup and Accessibility

Private Full Day City Tour of Medellin - Pickup and Accessibility

Pickup for the private city tour of Medellin starts at the hotel indicated by the traveler, with a tour start time of 9:00 am.

The transportation provided is wheelchair accessible, and the surfaces throughout the tour are also wheelchair friendly.

Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the tour.

Dietary requirements should be communicated to the tour operator at the time of booking to ensure they can be accommodated.

The tour covers a variety of sights and experiences, allowing guests to explore Medellin’s social, architectural, and cultural transformation over the past two decades.

Reviews and Recommendations

A review of the private city tour of Medellin reveals overwhelmingly positive feedback, with a 100% recommendation rate across 10 reviews.

The tour has an impressive 5.0 overall rating, with 9 out of 10 reviews giving it 5 stars. Travelers particularly praise the knowledgeable and insightful guides, who provide valuable context on Medellin’s remarkable social, architectural, and cultural transformation.

The tour’s vibrant experiences, especially in the Comuna 13 neighborhood, are also highlighted as standout features.

Key highlights that travelers enjoyed include:

  1. Exploring the Botanic Gardens
  2. Visiting the iconic Botero Plaza
  3. Discovering the history and culture at the Museum of Antioquia
  4. Experiencing the Comuna 13 escalators and city cable cars.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time, providing travelers with flexibility in their plans.

This policy allows participants to receive a full refund if they need to cancel their booking for any reason. The tour operator understands that plans can change, and they want to ensure a hassle-free experience for all travelers.

By offering this generous cancellation policy, the company demonstrates its commitment to customer satisfaction and makes it easier for people to book the tour with confidence.

Knowing they can cancel without penalty gives travelers peace of mind when planning their Medellin adventure.

Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens are a lush oasis nestled within Medellin, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling city. This 34-hectare sanctuary showcases a diverse array of flora, from vibrant tropical blooms to towering native trees.

Visitors can stroll along the winding pathways, admiring the serene lake and the iconic gazebo. The gardens also feature:

  1. An extensive collection of orchids, showcasing the region’s renowned floral diversity.
  2. A butterfly house, where visitors can witness the graceful flight of these delicate creatures.
  3. A children’s play area, perfect for families looking to explore the outdoors.
  4. Shaded resting areas, ideal for a picnic or simply soaking in the peaceful ambiance.

Botero Plaza (Plaza De Las Esculturas)

Situated at the heart of Medellin’s cultural district, Botero Plaza (Plaza de las Esculturas) captivates visitors with its impressive collection of monumental sculptures by renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

These larger-than-life bronze figures depict whimsical and voluptuous human forms that reflect Botero’s distinctive artistic style. Strolling through the plaza, visitors can admire some of the artist’s most iconic works, including the iconic "La Gorda" and "El Mano".

The plaza’s open-air setting provides a serene environment for visitors to engage with the sculptures and soak in Medellin’s vibrant cultural atmosphere.

As a highlight of the city tour, Botero Plaza offers a fascinating glimpse into Colombia’s rich artistic heritage and the country’s transformation over the past two decades.

Comuna 13 Escalator

One of the highlights of the Medellin city tour is the Comuna 13 Escalator, an innovative transportation solution that has transformed this once-troubled neighborhood.

This outdoor escalator system spans six city blocks, making it easier for residents to navigate the steep terrain. The escalator not only improves accessibility but also serves as a symbol of the community’s revitalization.

Visitors can:

  1. Marvel at the vibrant street art adorning the walls along the escalator’s path.
  2. Observe the daily life of Comuna 13 residents as they use the escalator to commute and access local businesses.
  3. Appreciate the panoramic views of the neighborhood and the city skyline from the top of the escalator.
  4. Learn about the history and socioeconomic challenges that the community has overcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Permitted During the Tour?

Photography is permitted during the tour. The tour overview does not explicitly mention any restrictions on photography, allowing visitors to capture the sights and experiences of Medellin at their discretion.

Can We Make Stops for Shopping or Local Crafts?

The tour does not typically include designated stops for shopping or local crafts. However, the guide can provide recommendations and facilitate short breaks for guests interested in exploring local markets or artisanal shops, time permitting.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is available in multiple languages, including English and Spanish. Guests can consult with the tour provider to inquire about language options when booking the tour.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Layers are advised as the temperature can vary throughout the day.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, with stops at several locations around the city. Participants should expect to be on their feet for much of the day, though the pace is leisurely and there are opportunities to rest.

The Sum Up

Explore Medellin’s vibrant transformation on this private city tour. Visit the lush Botanic Gardens, iconic Botero Plaza, and innovative Comuna 13 Escalator. Enjoy a local lunch and gain insights into the city’s rich history and cultural renaissance. With stunning views and engaging street art, this comprehensive tour showcases Medellin’s remarkable transformation.