Three Day Trips From Medellin
Three Unique Day Trips to Explore Antioquia's Beauty and Culture
Medellín offers endless excitement, but sometimes the hidden treasures just beyond the city call for exploration. Whether indulging in sugary treats at San Antonio de Pereira, soaking up Guatapé’s vibrant colors and scenic lake views, or stepping back in time in the historic town of Santa Fe de Antioquia, these easy day trips showcase the rich culture and stunning landscapes of the Antioquia region. With travel times of just one to two hours, these destinations make for perfect escapes to reconnect with nature, history, and local flavors—each one within a day.
Sweet Escapes: A Day Trip to San Antonio de Pereira from Medellín
If you’re in Medellín and craving a mix of adventure and indulgence, a day trip to San Antonio de Pereira should be at the top of your list. Known as the “land of the sweets,” this quaint town in the Antioquia region promises culinary delights and a charming escape from the city bustle. Here’s how my sugary adventure unfolded.
Getting There
The day began with an easy bus ride from Medellín to the neighboring town of Rionegro, just about an hour away. Once at Rionegro, I hopped into a short Uber ride to reach San Antonio de Pereira—a picturesque little town known for its desserts and relaxing vibe. The entire trip was scenic, with the lush greenery of the Antioquian landscape setting the perfect tone for a day of exploration.
Welcome to the “Land of the Sweets”
San Antonio de Pereira may be modest in size, but it’s big on flavor. The town feels like a celebration of all things sweet, with dessert shops lining the streets and vendors eagerly tempting passersby with colorful confections. The moment you arrive, the air smells faintly of sugar and fruit, as if you’ve wandered into a dessert lover’s dream.
First Stop: Slightly Sweet and Savory Tostones
While awaiting my friend's arrival, I dove straight into the culinary experience with a sweet twist on a classic Colombian snack. Normally fried and savory, the tostone I ordered from a food stall in the square came with a delicious sweet and savory corn base. This was topped with creamy avocado, tangy tomato puree, and shredded chicken. The combination of flavors was surprising but delightful—sweet, savory, and tangy all in one bite. It was a vibrant, hearty way to kick off my food tour and left me excited for more.
Dessert Frenzy at the Sampling Spot
Once my friend arrived, we made our way to Dulce Contigo, one of the town’s most popular attractions—an iconic dessert shop where you can sample as many treats as you’d like before settling on one. The scene was nothing short of chaotic but undeniably fun. Locals and visitors alike gathered around, each balancing tiny sample cups while debating their final choice.
I tried three varieties of their signature creamy desserts, each differing slightly in flavor—just enough to make it impossible to choose easily. Pick one already, I thought to myself! Finally, I settled on a lime flavor. Not because it was my favorite (they were all incredible), but because it was the closest to me at the time. The creamy texture paired with the zesty lime was a refreshing treat, and the sampling experience itself was part of the thrill.
Finishing with a Passion Fruit Merengón
No dessert adventure is complete without the grande finale. For me, that came in the form of a passion fruit merengón—a sweet treat that instantly reminded me of Pavlova. If you’re not familiar, merengón features layers of crispy meringue, fresh fruit, and sweet cream, often drizzled with fruit sauce for extra flavor.
Admittedly, the dessert didn’t look particularly appealing in the photo I snapped (see above); the foam container and dollop of passion fruit sauce didn’t exactly scream “gourmet.” But don’t judge a book by its cover! The tangy, tropical punch of the passion fruit paired perfectly with the crispy and creamy meringue, making it my second favorite dessert of all time—just behind gelato. Sharing it with a friend made it even sweeter.
Wrapping Up the Day
San Antonio de Pereira lived up to its sugary reputation, offering a delightful break from Medellín’s fast-paced energy. With its unique flavors and laid-back charm, it’s a foodie’s paradise and a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
The trip back to Medellín was relaxed, giving me time to reflect on the day. From the sweet tostone to the creamy desserts and that unforgettable passion fruit merengón, this little town left a big impression. If you’re looking for a memorable getaway filled with local flavors and picturesque charm, San Antonio de Pereira should be on your radar. Trust me—your taste buds will thank you!
Vibrant Adventures in Guatapé
A solo trip to Guatapé promised colorful sights, serene waters, and a dash of spontaneity. Known for its vivid zócalos and picturesque landscapes, this little town is a favorite for travelers looking to escape Medellín for the day. My day in Guatapé was a kaleidoscope of colors, flavors, and some unexpected rain, which made it all the more memorable. Here’s how it unfolded.
Welcomed by Colors and Flavors
The moment you step into Guatapé, it’s like walking into a painting. Vibrant blues, yellows, greens, and reds decorate every building, with intricate zócalos (colorful 3D designs) at the base of the walls telling unique stories. Despite the drizzle that accompanied my arrival, the town's charm was undiminished, radiating warmth through its palette.
For lunch, I found a cozy spot to savor some local delights. The highlight of the meal was a refreshing coconut limonada, a creamy and zesty drink that was just as satisfying as it was unique. It paired beautifully with the hearty Colombian dish I ordered, leaving me ready to take on the rest of the day—rain and all.
While soaking (ha!) in the atmosphere, I struck up a conversation with Steve, an expat from Southern California. Over coffee, we chatted about his experiences adjusting to life in Colombia and his connection with Venezuela through friends who were also present. It was a delightful mix of cultures coming together, underscoring the sense of community that Guatapé seems to foster.
On the Water, Towards Adventure
Eager to explore more, I joined a boat tour that promised views of the area’s iconic landmarks. While the tour’s commentary was entirely in Spanish, it didn’t dampen the experience one bit. The real joy was in the sights around me.
From the boat, I saw landscapes that looked like something out of a dream. Calm waters surrounded by rolling green hills seemed to stretch endlessly. The pinnacle moment was passing by Pablo Escobar’s island. Even without a guide to explain all the details, you could feel the history lingering in the air.
Unfortunately, nature had some surprises in store. Midway through the ride, the rain intensified. Everyone on board got a little damp but I was in front and outside of the cover so I was drenched. Despite being completely soaked, the cool rain mixed with the fresh lake air made for a strangely invigorating moment. It was the kind of travel memory that leaves you laughing later about how the unexpected always makes trips more exciting.
Glimpses of El Peñol
One of Guatapé’s most famous landmarks is El Peñol, the towering rock that draws climbing enthusiasts and photographers alike. From the bus ride into the town and again from the boat, I managed to catch excellent views of the massive monolith. Its presence is commanding even from afar, leaving me wishing I’d had the time to climb its 740 steps for a view from the top. Even though I missed that adventure, seeing it from different angles was a reminder of why Guatapé is such a beloved destination.
A Rainy Farewell and the Journey Back
After the boat ride, it was time to head back. The rain still drizzled as I picked up my bus ticket and settled in for the ride to Medellín.
Guatapé offered everything I could have asked for from a solo trip. Sure, it rained—a lot—but the vibrant town, unexpected connections, and beautiful scenery far outweighed any inconvenience. Whether you’re exploring colorful streets, sipping coffee with new friends, or braving a rainy boat ride, Guatapé proves that the best adventures are often the most unpredictable.
Discovering Santa Fe de Antioquia
The final day trip on my Colombian adventure took me to Santa Fe de Antioquia, a town nestled amidst the mountains that exudes charm and history. Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere, this captivating destination left a lasting impression—and a strong desire to return in the future to explore even more, perhaps with a longer stay in one of its picturesque accommodations.
Two Journeys to One Destination
Getting to Santa Fe de Antioquia was an adventure in itself. I opted for the comfort of a direct bus from Medellín, a ride that provided sweeping views of the lush, mountainous landscapes that define this region of Colombia. The route was smooth, scenic, and surprisingly quick, taking just about an hour and a half.
Meanwhile, my friend Jabe decided to take a more thrilling route. He rode his rented motorcycle solo to meet me there. The openness of the road and the cool mountain air made for an exhilarating experience for him, and by the time we met in town, we both had plenty to share about our different journeys.
First Impressions of a Hidden Gem
Arriving in Santa Fe de Antioquia is like stepping into another era. The cobblestone streets, historic whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful wooden shutters, and inviting central plazas transport you back in time. The town feels both lively and tranquil, with the pace of life slower than Medellín but buzzing with locals and visitors exploring its hidden corners.
One of the first things I noticed was the abundance of boutique hotels and charming posadas (inns), many housed in beautifully restored colonial-era buildings. Although I didn’t stay overnight this time around, it became abundantly clear that Santa Fe de Antioquia is the kind of destination best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, making a future stay all the more appealing.
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Reflecting on these three day trips, it’s clear that each destination holds its own magic. Whether satisfying cravings for sweets, marveling at colorful streets and lakeside landscapes, or wandering through history-rich cobblestone alleys, the Antioquia region’s charm is unforgettable. These experiences offered a taste of the immense beauty and culture that lies just beyond Medellín’s borders.