Medellín, Colombia

Medellin, Colombia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Palac%C3%A9,_Medell%C3%ADn,_Colombia.jpg
Author: I.D. R.J.


Medellín is the second most populous city in Colombia. It covers 380 sq km (146.7 sq mi) and has a population of 2.3 million people (2011 estimate), within a metropolitan area of 3.3 million people. The city is situated 1,495 m (4,905 ft) above sea level, in the Aburrá Valley, one of the northernmost valleys of the Andean range.

Medellín experiences a tropical rainforest climate bordering on the subtropical highland climate, due to its high altitude. The average high temperature here is fairly constant, between 27°C and 28°C (80.6°F-82.4°F) and a low of 16.5°C to 17°C (61.7°F-62.6°F). Rain is heaviest in October, at 221 mm (8.701 in).

Medellín was originally called Poblado de San Lorenzo when established by Francisco Herrera y Campuzano in 1616. One of the most prestigious university in Colombia, the University of Antioquia, was founded here in 1803. It was a prosperous city in the 19th century, with its economy supported by the export of gold and later coffee.

Downtown Medellín
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Medellin.jpg
Author: david peña


Metrocable, Medellin
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Metrocable_-_L%C3%ADnea_J_(3208533784).jpg
Author: Edgar Jimenez


In the early 20th century, the discovery of coal and the production of hydroelectricity helped propel the industrial development of Medellín. By the mid 20th century, political instability and violence caused many rural people to flee the countryside for the cities, helping drive up the population of Medellín. Many of these poor rural peole create slums within Medellín, contributing to social problems and high unemployment.

Despite the social issues, Medellín blossomed as a center of culture, producing a number of painters, sculptors and other artists.

Visiting Medellín

The José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), the second largest airport in Colombia, is 45 min from downtown Medellín. It gets direct flights from Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cali, Caracas, Cartagena, Fort Lauderdale, Lima, Madrid, Miami, Panama City and Quito, among others. A taxi ride to the city costs minimum US$30. Alternatively there are minibuses for $3 but does not provide much space for luggage.

Interior of Catedral Metropolitana de Medellín
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Catedral_Bas%C3%ADlica_Metropolitana_de_la_Inmaculada_Concepci%C3%B3n_de_Mar%C3%ADa.JPG
Author: Santiago Pareja E

Places of Interest in Medellín

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