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Little by Little, Dan has significantly improved his Spanish (he now can even speak with the local “Paisa” accent characteristic of Medellin), and learned to appreciate some of the unique aspects of Colombian culture, like arepas and fresh guanabana juice. He also supports Colombian soccer players wherever they play around the world. At the same time, Yuliana has perfected her English and learned to appreciate the seasons in Boston (even the cold ones), and has begun to enjoy some of the other popular sports in Boston, like baseball, hockey and basketball (still not American football though). Despite the different backgrounds, we hope to keep growing together and learning from one another.&nbsp;

Our Story

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Wedding Party

Q + A

Before traveling...

Please fill out<a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> this form</a> which is required by Migración Colombia in order to enter the country. Your airline will ask you for it as well.

Our wedding celebration will take place in Medellin, Colombia. The easiest way to get to Medellin is to fly directly to Jose Maria Cordova International Airport, which is located about 10 miles from downtown Medellin. Both JetBlue and American Airlines fly directly to Medellin from South Florida (Miami and Fort Lauderdale). Spirit also flies directly to Medellin from Orlando. From the West Coast, the best option may be to fly on COPA through Panama City. Another good option is flying on Avianca from New York City through Bogota.

Getting there!

José María Córdova International Airport to the City of Medellin Once at the José María Córdova airport, you will find many white airport taxis that have an agreement to serve the airport. There are at least three companies offering white airport taxi services:<a href="http://www.acoataxiaeropuerto.com.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Acoa Taxi Aeropuerto</a><a href="http://www.aerotaxi.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aerotaxi</a><a href="http://www.rapidomedellin.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rápido Medellín Rionegro</a> Using white airport taxis is the method to get from the Medellín international airport to Medellín, which most foreigners use. They will take you to any address in Medellín. The white taxi fare to Medellin is around 140,000 pesos (~35 USD). The fare includes the newly built tunnel toll. The&nbsp;Novotel hotel&nbsp;also has an airport&nbsp;shuttle service. Just call ahead for a pick-up time. They do charge a fee. Another option is to schedule a pick-up via WhatsApp with John Toro +57 304 2913896$130000 COP or $33 USD a car for 2-4 people&nbsp;$160000 cop or $40 USD a car for 5-6 people Richard Bueno +57 317 6486347

Transportation to and from the Airport

We have reserved a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests at the Novotel Medellin El Tesoro hotel. Novotel is located 20 minutes away from the wedding location and 10 minutes by car to the closest Metro station. It includes amenities like breakfast (with the best Colombian coffee included), amazing views of the city, and a rooftop bar and pool! Learn more bot this hotel in https://novotelmedellineltesoro.com-hotel.com/en/ If you are interested in booking a room with Novotel, please contact Viviana Trujillo directly via Whatsapp&nbsp;(https://wa.link/tv5guv) or email (<a href="mailto:hb465-sl1@accor.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hb465-sl1@accor.com</a>). For the discounted rate use the code BodaDaniel&amp;Yuliana. Note the discounted rates below are listed in Colombian Pesos ($1 is around 5,000 Pesos at time of publishing). 1. Standard Twin $ $399,000 COP2. Standard King $459,000 COP3. Deluxe room: $549,000 COP 1 person / $609,000 COP 2 people4. Suite: $699,000 COP 1 person / $759,000 COP 2 people There are also some amazing AirbnBs and other short-term rental opportunities in Medellin. Neighborhoods we would recommend include:- El Poblado- Parque Lleras- Envigado- Aguacatala- LaurelesThese areas are relatively close to the wedding venue, and are very safe for tourists. These same neighborhoods will also have more hotel and hostel options that may be even more affordable than the Novotel.

Novotel Medellin El Tesoro

Another hotel option in Medellín (El Poblado) we recommend is the NH Collection Medellin Royal.Make yourself at home in one of the 135 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.With a stay at NH Collection Medellín Royal in Medellín (El Poblado), you'll be steps from Santafé Mall and 3 minutes by foot from Río Sur Shopping Center. Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. You can take advantage of recreational amenities such as an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and wedding services. Getting to nearby attractions is a breeze with the area shuttle (surcharge).Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Medellín? This hotel has facilities measuring 97 square feet (9 square meters), including conference space. A shuttle from the airport to the hotel is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite. Satisfy your appetite for lunch or dinner at the hotel's restaurant, Cygnus, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service. Relax with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge or the poolside bar. Buffet breakfasts are served on weekdays from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and on weekends from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee.

NH Collection Medellín Royal

Very close to the Estadio metro station and a very central location.

Hotel Egina Medellin

More affordable option recommended by close friends. It is not as close to the venue (40min away), but closer to the city, metro station and city walking areas.

Hotel Estadio Real

More affordable option recommended by close friends. It is not as close to the venue (~35min away), but closer to the city, metro station and city walking areas.

Hotel Casa Laureles

Getting around in the city

Getting around is easy using the Metro System. Medellín has two metro lines A and B, a tram line and a Metro cable which supplements the Metro system, comprises five lines. There are buses also integrated with the Metro system. The Medellin metro is easy to use and very cheap, allowing you to travel throughout the Medellin Metropolitan area quickly and easily, although during morning and evening rush hours you may find it a little crowded.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a metro system that the people of Medellin are extremely proud of.You can check out this <a href="https://www.metrodemedellin.gov.co/hubfs/mapas/v1-mapa%20esquematico-2021.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Map</a> or download the Metro de Medellín App Once you RSVP you will be able to choose whether you would like to be connected to a Host Friend. Host friends are Yuliana's friends who speak English and are happy to assist you with any questions while staying in Medellín. If you prefer they would also be happy to go out with you and show you around.

Travel and Accomodations

If you are looking for an easy day trip while you are in town, we highly recommend this guided tour to GUATAPÉ! Following departure from a meeting point in central Medellín, you’ll travel directly to the famous Peñol Rock (La Piedra del Peñol). Spending apprx. 1.5-hour here, you will have time to climb the 742 stairs and enjoy spectacular views of Lake Guatapé from the top. After your visit to the Peñol Rock, a well-deserved break for lunch awaits for you to enjoy a typical Antioquian dish. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the colorful streets of Guatapé and the famous Guatapé Zocalos.Your afternoon will finish with a tour of Guatapé Lake on our private, exclusive boats. It'll most certainly be one of the highlights or your trip to Colombia! We look forward to seeing you! The full-day tour concludes at your original departure point in Medellín.

FULL-DAY GUATAPÉ (PUEBLO DE ZOCALOS) FROM MEDELLÍN

This is one of Yuliana's favorite museums in Medellín located only 5 minutes away from Novotel. It is a historic home where you can take in some art or just learn a little bit more about Medellín's history.

El Castillo Museum and Gardens

One of Dan's favorite thing about Colombia is all of the fresh, exotic fruit and the juices Yuliana's family always has available when they visit. Experience some of this for yourself on this guided tour at one of Medellin's main fruit markets.

Market & Exotic Fruits Tour

This neighborhood showcases the redemptive power of art. Formerly one of the most violent neighborhoods of the city during the height of the Medellin Cartel's power, it is now reclaimed as a showcase for local graffiti artists. The art and food are both amazing, and the views from the top can't be beat! Arrive by taking the metro to San Javier station and navigating towards "Parque de la Paz" (Peace Park). Someone recommended <a href="https://impulsetravel.co/en/mdeafro/afro-tour-in-comuna-13" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this tour</a> in which you will go deep into Comuna 13 to meet with resilient artists who recovered youth and public spaces through reconnection to their African roots in music, dance, and art.

Comuna 13

Fernando Botero is one of Colombia's most famous artists. His work showcases takes on the human figure, as well as unique color palette. See for yourself at this excellent museum. The Plaza Botero and Museo Botero are right off the Parque Berrio Metro Station. The same day you go to Museo Botero, you can get food at La Hacienda restaurant which is in Junin avenue not far from the museum.

Botero Museum

This park in the center of Medellin features a traditional Colombian village and amazing views of the city. It also hosts Medellin's Museum of the City.

Pueblito Paisa

The best place to have a traditional Bandeja Paisa. You cannot leave Medellín without trying it!

Restaurante La Hacienda

Medellín has a traditional Flower Festival in August. In this Finca you will be able to see typical flowers from the region and learn about the beautiful art of Silletas and Silleteros.

Finca Silletera Los Grajales

One of the unique things about Medellin are the metrocables (gondolas) that are built into the metro system. The trip to Parque Arvi involves taking the metrocable to the top of the valley, where one can experience the beautiful Andean montane forests (and maybe exotic birds) in their natural state at this park.

Comfama Parque Arví

Colombia is famous for it's orchids, as more varieties naturally occur here than in any other country in the world. See some of them for yourself, along with bromeliads and other tropical plants at Medellin's Botanical Garden. It may be small compared to Botanical Gardens in other cities, but Yuliana used to love to come here to read when she was in college as it right across from Universidad de Antioquia campus. You can get there by metro getting off in Universidad Metro station. The cafe at the garden also serves an excellent lunch!

Botanical Garden of Medellín

This is like our Science Museum. It houses South America's largest freshwater aquarium.

Parque Explora

One of my favorite museums in Medellín. It exhibits different perspectives on Colombian wars and armed conflicts.

Memory House Museum

"We're a 35 food shop market full of life located steps from the Industriales Metro Station in the middle of town in El Poblado, and are proud to be the favorite for locals to meet friends for a hot coffee, a cold beer, a glass of wine paired with food flavors from all over the world. Open 365 days a year we serve food, beverages and drinks in a relaxed, casual and open kitchen style."

Mercado del Río

Medellin Modern Art Museum

Paragliding in San Felix

1. <a href="https://www.dancefree.com.co/?locale=es" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Classes</a>: Practice Spanish and learn to dance at dance free studio. 2. More classes - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/venbailalomed/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ven bailalo </a>2. <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g297478-d17741328-Reviews-Encantigo_Bar-Medellin_Antioquia_Department.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Live music and dancing </a>3. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sonhavana/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Son havana</a>4.<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tibiribar/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Tibiri bar</a>

Dancing! 

Highly recommended. Great place to be in nature not far from the city.

Piedras Blancas Ecological Park

Only 40 minutes away from Medellín, Santa Elena offers great nature, bird watching tours, Parque Arví and the opportunity to learn about the Flower Festival in Medellín by visiting the farms where the Silleteros get ready for the festival.

Bird watching - Santa Elena

Favorite restaurants, bars and cafes

We would like to recommend:&#160;
 
1. Restaurante La Hacienda in Junin Avenue - Typical Antioquia dishes
2. El Aula - Great for lunch, dinner
3. Torbellino Caf&#233; - Best coffee and desserts
4. Crepes and Waffles - not much of local food, but delicious food, desserts and vegetarian options.&#160;
5. Encantico caf&#233;&#160;
6. Soft touch - Yuliana's favorite ice cream place
7. Encantigo&#160;Bar - Great for dancing, live music
8. Tibir&#237; Bar - Great for dancing
7. Mondongo's - Typical food restaurant
8. Caf&#233; exlibris - Yuliana's favorite book store
9. El acontista - book store, caf&#233;, restaurant
10. Caf&#233; Zorba - Favorite pizza place
11. Cangrejo y Coco - Great Colombian Pacific coast food
12. Cervecer&#237;a Tres Cordilleras - Brewery
13. Mercado del R&#237;o - A great variety of food
14. Ambar Tu Casa, Laureles - Creative bar and restaurant
15. Carmen: 5 star colombian inspired fine dining. https://www.carmenmedellin.com/
16. Caf&#233; de Otra Parte - A beautiful caf&#233; with a Museum of the Colombian writer Fernando Gonzalez next door. 
17. Andres Carnw de Res: You can't Miss it! Great food, service, ambiance and live music.&nbsp; https://g.co/kgs/eJX73a
18. Il forno: My favorite Italian food in Medell&#237;n.

Parque Ecológico El Salado

Great view at night! Not crowded. They offer drinks, food and great music.

Rooftop Centro Comercial Bosque Plaza

Other towns to visit near Medellín

If you are planning to stay a few extra days and do not want to fly to other cities, we recommend visiting these nearby towns that offer unique views, cultural experiences and fun activities. It is safe to travel to these places by bus. Depending on where you are going buses depart from the South or the North bus terminal.1. Jardín, Antioquia: Known for their waterfalls and known as one of the prettiest towns in Colombia. I would stay overnight and go on a coffee tour. 2. Santa fé de Antioquia: known for&nbsp;its well-preserved colonial architecture and cobbled streets.3. Jericó, Antioquia: &nbsp;family-owned coffee farms and waterfalls.4. Río Claro: It's a Nature Reserve5. San Antonio de Pereira: Known for their desserts

Travel around Colombia

Colombia is a relatively small country which makes it easy to fly from one place to another. Domestic flights are affordable and range from 25 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Even though it is small, it is a very diverse country with multiple touristic destinations. I will mention a few. 1. Bogotá and Villa de Leyva: Capital city, full of art, culture, history, nice views and colder weather. 2. Calí: It is the capital of Salsa music, is located in a valley adjacent to the magnificent Andes Mountains. 3. Leticia, Amazonas: One of the most memorable trip I have made in Colombia. 4. Tatacoa dessert and San Agustín Park: The&nbsp;park&nbsp;contains the largest collection of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in Latin America and is considered the world's largest necropolis. 5. El Eje Cafetero (the coffee triangle): Great if you want to learn more about the coffee production, enjoy natural hot springs and see the 60 meter high wax palms. 6. Chicamocha canyon: Impressive natural landscapes and beautiful colonial architecture in towns like Barichara. 7. The Llanos orientales: The Eastern plains of Colombia offer great cultural experience, incredible fauna and landscapes including Caño Cristales: The river of Five Colors". They are also famous for their carnivorous cuisine. 8. San Andrés Island: San Andrés is a Colombian island in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Nicaragua. It’s known for its coral reefs and reggae music. Commonly known as the sea of Seven colors. 9. Cartagena: By the sea is the walled Old Town, cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings. It is a popular beach destination. Nearby you can get to Isla de Barú, with white-sand beaches and palm trees, and the Islas del Rosario, known for their coral reefs. 10. Santa Marta and Tayrona Park: It offers beautiful beaches and the stunning mountains of the Sierra Nevada de&nbsp;Santa Marta&nbsp;range. Like they say: "The only risk of going to Colombia is wanting to stay". If you are looking for a travel agent, my friend Sandra who works at https://www.viajandoporelmundo.com.co/ is happy to assist you.

Yuliana & Daniel

Yuliana & Daniel

Photos