Medellin is well known for its impressive Christmas lights and in recent years the lights have been left up until January 8. The festival of lights is one of the most important celebrations in Medellin, where colorful lights adorn the most iconic public squares and plazas. The main display is located at Parques del Rio but lights can be found at plazas all over the city. This event is the perfect opportunity to try some local street food such as Arepa de Queso or Mango Biche!

Parque Arvi is a natural preserve where you can go hiking and try typical Colombian food. The highlight of the visit, however, is the trip on the metro cable from which you can see the whole city from a gondola. The metro cable is part of the public transport in the city designed to connect the poorest areas to the center of the city where all the jobs are. This project has greatly aided in the development of city.

When you get to Parque Arvi, we recommend trying some local snacks from the farmers market and enjoying some fresh mountain air before heading back down to the city.

To take the metro, you’ll have to make your way to the Acevedo station. From there, you’ll take the metro cable to Santo Domingo (the last station). Finally, from there, you transfer to the cable that goes to Parque Arvi. The cable car trip lasts approximately 20 minutes one-way. For this attraction you will want to take cash for the purchase of the tickets.

Parque Explora is Medellin's popular interactive science museum and aquarium. It has over 300 interactive activities and hosts the largest freshwater aquarium in South America. It is also walking distance from the Botanical Gardens. This is an especially cool activity for those with kids.

Pergamino is one of the city's most popular coffee shops. Stop by to buy some coffee to bring back home and drink some delicious coffee.

The Piedra del Peñol is a popular day trip that is approximately 1 hour from the airport and venue.

650 stairs lead you through a narrow crack up the steep slope of the impressive La Piedra Del Penol, or ‘The Big Guatape Rock’. At the top of the Guatape rock, the view is quite simply breathtaking and has to be one of the most amazing lookouts in all of Colombia. At 2,135 meters above sea level, this rock is a natural wonder and the perfect spot to enjoy panoramic views of Guatape Lake and this beautiful region. Those that don't want to make the climb can enjoy a snack at one of the various businesses located at the foot of the rock while they wait for others to make the climb.

For those that do not wish to make the climb, travel to the nearby town of Guatape known for its colorful buildings and streets. While there you may stop to have some coffee, have lunch, shop for souvenirs, and take a boat trip through the reservoir.