Guide to Medellín
Medellín is the second largest city in Colombia, with almost 4 million people, is the capital of the department of Antioquia.
The weather in Medellín is considered to be mild, hence it being known as the “City of everlasting spring”.
Average daily temperatures are 24ºC (75ºF), but it can change a lot moving in the a range from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius (60º-85ºF).
Airports
Medellin has two main airports — Jose Maria Cordova International Airport and Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport.
- The international airport (Jose Maria Cordova — MDE) is located about 29km from Medellin in Rionegro.
- The local airport (Enrique Olaya Herrera — EOH) is located within the city although only small regional flights depart/land from there.
Getting from the International Airport to the city
Taxis: You will see blue and white taxis located outside the doors when you exit the airport. Although all taxis in Medellin use taxi-meters, the ride to/from the airport is fixed at $65.000 COP (22 USD) or a bit more depending on which part of the city your are going to. However, just to be on the safe side, make sure to ask the taxi driver the price before leaving the airport.
Uber : You can request an Uber from the Airport. UberX will cost around $65.000 COP (around USD 25).
Shared Taxis & Small Buses: These are shared taxis or mini-buses also located just outside the terminal door when you exit. These shared vehicles cost $18.000 COP per person from the airport to San Diego shopping mall. We suggest taking a taxi from this point to your destination.
Getting around the city
Taxi : The fastest and most convenient way is to take a taxi. These taxis are yellow and legally must charge you based on the reading on the taxi meter, so there is no need to negotiate your fare. We recommend that you get a cab using any of the available apps:
Tappsi & Easy Taxi: taxi haling apps.
Metro: Traveling through the city is easy and quick, with the Metro system. It has 2 Metro lines (train) and is connected to 2 Metrocable lines (cable cars).
There are integrated bus routes which will drop you at a Metro station. If you’re taking a bus, make sure you ask for the ticket that includes both the train and the bus.
Uber: Uber works really well in Medellin, we recommend this option for visitors from outside of Colombia.
Coffeeshops and co-working spaces
The following is a list of coffeeshops and co-working spaces located in the area:
- La Casa Redonda Coworking
- Café Zeppelin
- Café Vallejo
- Café Revolución
- Tea Market Laureles
- The Office Coworking
- Velvet
- Pergamino
- Juan Valdez
- Epicentro Coworking
- Atom House Coworking
The venue
The conference will be held at Ruta N, Calle 67 Nº 52–20 Piso 2 Torre A, Medellín, Antioquia, which is easily accessible by taxi, Uber and bus. There are a bunch of restaurants near Ruta N in which you will be able to find lunch. Here is our own list.
Hotels
Check our post Where to stay in Medellín? for more detailed information about our recommended hotels. You can also find some great places to stay on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Places to visit
If you want to stay for a few extra days (and you really should), here’s a list of recommended things to do in the city:
- Jardín Botánico
- Metrocable
- Parque Lleras
- Plaza de las Esculturas (Plaza Botero)
- Cerro el volador y cerro Nutibara
- Pueblito Paisa
- Parques del Río
You can also check Trip Advisor that has an extensive list of things to do in Medellin.
