Medellin Holidays & Tailor-made Tours

One of Colombia's most culturally-rich cities set in a beautiful, deep valley.

Medellin has a dramatic past and equally dramatic location, perched over 1500 metres high in the Central Cordillera overlooking the Aburra Valley. The city was founded in 1675 by jewish people escaping the Spanish Inquisition. The city expanded and became wealthy at the start of the 20th century due to the booming coffee industry. Most of the colonial public buildings relate to this period, including the Palacio National, Palacio de la Culture and the Basilica Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. The Catedral Metropolitana (well worth visiting) was built between 1875 and 1931.  

Medellin is, of course, famous for the former drug cartel leader, Pablo Escobar who ruled the city by fear in the 1980’s and 1990’s. If you are interested, there a several guided tours visiting his haunts. 

Nowadays the city is a friendly, safe, vibrant cultural centre - the street art is some of the best in South America. The  known street food is exceptional and one ‘must do’ experience is riding the cable car network where you can gain extraordinary panoramic views of the city from high. There are also excellent museums, local markets, cafes and restaurants to enjoy.