Medellin Itinerary – How to Spend 3 Days in Medellin (+ Map)
TL;DR
Only have 3 days in Medellín? Our no-fluff itinerary shows you exactly how to experience the city's culture, colour, and iconic views – with smart tips and zero wasted time.
We know how overwhelming trip planning can be: What’s worth seeing? Is Comuna 13 safe? Is Guatapé really worth a day trip? Should you explore downtown or escape to nature? This guide answers all of that and more, with real insights from firsthand experience – no fluff, just what we’d recommend to fellow travellers.
This itinerary is perfect for backpackers and short-term visitors looking to dive into Medellín’s creative energy, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. With a blend of city highlights, local tips, and flexible options, you’ll see the sides of Medellín that make it one of Colombia’s most captivating destinations.
So if you’re ready to explore street art in Comuna 13, sip coffee in trendy El Poblado, stroll through downtown’s cultural core, and climb one of Colombia’s most iconic rocks – this 3-day Medellín itinerary has you covered.
3 Day Medellin Itinerary
Medellin Itinerary Map
Day 1 – Comuna 13 & El Poblado
Morning – Comuna 13
Start your first day in Medellin at what we think is the highlight of the city: Comuna 13. Once a seriously dangerous hub for drug-related crime, it is now a gentrified neighbourhood full of street art and performers.
While it’s easily safe enough to walk around on your own nowadays, we strongly recommend a tour with a local guide to get a look behind the scenes.
We jumped on the subway and took a free walking tour that starts at the station, but guided tours that start in Poblado are also very affordable.
Afternoon – El Poblado
Use the afternoon to relax in one of the many cafes in El Poblado (we recommend Pergamino Coffee on Via Primavera), the evening to eat great food (how about Alambique?) and the night to party (Provenca!).
Day 2 – Downtown & Pick Your Own Adventure
Morning – Downtown
On our second day, we wanted to see more of the real Medellin and decided to go downtown. Our highlights of downtown Medellin are:
- Botero Square full of Botero statues
- Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe
- National Palace Mall full of art galleries
- Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria
- Plaza Cisneros
We opted to do the Famous Free Downtown Tour by Real City Tours and could not recommend it more.
Afternoon – Chose Your Own Adventure
We thought long and hard about what to recommend to you for your second afternoon in Medellin, but it’s a big city and three days is not enough to see it all, so we decided to give you options:
- Pueblito Paisa for a cultural experience, which is admittedly tacky.
- Take the cable car to Parque Arvi for views, hikes, and adventures.
- Check out the botanical garden if you want to see nature with less of a hassle.
- Eat at a market like Mercado del Río.
- Laureles is another nice neighbourhood to explore.
Day 3 – Guatape & Peñol Rock Day Trip
Morning – Peñol Rock & Boat Ride
Guatape is the most popular day trip from Medellin – and for a reason!
After breakfast, summit Piedra del Peñol, a towering granite monolith that offers breathtaking 360° views after a 740-step climb. It’s one of the most iconic panoramas in Colombia and well worth the effort.
Afterwards, relax on a boat ride on the Embalse del Peñol.
By the way, this is the exact tour we took:
Afternoon – Guatape
After a delicious lunch, head to Guatapé, a vibrant lakeside town famous for its zócalos, which provide colourful facades. Spend time strolling the streets, enjoying local coffee, and soaking up the relaxed, small-town atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to visit a viewpoint in town for one last glimpse of Peñol Rock from a distance.
This combination of natural beauty and cultural charm makes this Guatapé tour an ideal way to see a different side of Colombia.
Here’s our full Guatape day trip review:
Where We Stayed in Medellin
The location of Rango Hostel Boutique in Poblado is amazing. It’s close to nightlife, cafes, and restaurants, as well as tour pick-up points.
The rooftop pool is great for relaxing and refreshing.
Almost every day, there’s a free activity like salsa dancing or a movie night you can join.
The rooms are comfy, the staff is friendly – in short, we loved everything about this boutique hostel.
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