CAROLINE WHITTLE

CENTRAL COLOMBIA

A photographic travel guide to central Colombia, including Medellin, the coffee region (Salento and Filandia), and Guatape.

Use this photographic guide as inspiration to find your own way through this bright and beautiful country.

Plan your trip to Central Colombia

How long should I spend here?

At least 10 days. Spend 5 days in the coffee region (Salento or somewhere around here), 4 days in Medellin, and 1 day trip to Guatape from Medellin.

When is the best time to visit?

January to February for great weather and fewer crowds.

How do I get around?

You can get anywhere you need to go by public transportation. Between towns, you can ride the local buses or tourist shuttles. In the Salento area, there are Jeep “Willys” that will take you anywhere.

Where are the best places to visit?

Medellin, Guatape, Salento, Filandia, Manizales

A striped cat lays on a table in a brightly colored room with plants.
Lazy Farm Cat in Filandia
A lake cuts an outline in the land from an above view.
Views from La Piedra Del Penol in Guatape
Thin and tall palm trees against a cloudy sky.
Cocora Valley near Salento
Two passengers stand on the back of a red open-top jeep.
Riding a “Willy” (the local form of transportation) to the Cocora Valley
A green and white soccer flag waves at a soccer match.
Soccer Game at Atanasio Girardot Stadium in Medellin
Two hikers stand on a bridge made of wood over a river.
Horseback Riding & Waterfalls on the Cabalgatas Salento Tour
A woman in a white hat and scarf gathers coffee beans from a bush.
Coffee Tour at Entre Bosques near Salento
Brightly colored buildings and flowers line a street.
Streets of Guatape

COFFEE

Coffee Tours in Salento:

Entre Bosques Coffee Tour

Coffee Tour Luger

Las Acacias Coffee Farm

FOODS

Local Foods to Try:

Arepas con Miel y Queso (corn cake with honey and cheese)

Limonada de Coco (coconut limeade)

Palito de Queso (cheese stick)

ACTIVITIES

Activities to Enjoy:

Go on a boat ride and walk to the top of La Piedra Del Peñol in Guatape

Ride horses through the jungle in Salento with Cabalgatas Tours

Attend a soccer match at Atanasio Girardot Stadium in Medellin

EXPLORE

Where to Explore:

Cocora Valley near Salento

Comuna 13 Tour in Medellin

El Poblado Neighborhood in Medellin

3 horses with riders trot through a lush green jungle with plants and trees.
Horseback Riding on the Cabalgatas Salento Tour
Graffiti of a woman carrying a bucket of fruit is drawn on a long wall.
Comuna 13 Tour in Medellin
A thin and tall palm trees stands solo on a green and grassy hill.
Cocora Valley near Salento

EXPLORE MORE

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