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September 4th - 6th , 2026
Medellin 2026
Your guide to Colombia
We can't wait to celebrate with you here. This site is your guide to everything outside the wedding itself — what to do, where to eat, how to get around, and how to book the tours we're offering. (Looking for RSVP or our registry? That's on our main wedding site →
Things to do
A few of our favorite ways to spend a day here.
Our favorite day trip, hands down. Guatapé is a lakeside town covered in colorful zócalos — the painted relief panels on every building — and right next door is El Peñón, a massive rock you can climb (649 steps, worth every one) for one of the best views in the country. Grab lunch by the water before heading back or take a boat tour around the reservoir. Full day · about 2 hours each way from Medellín
Guatapé and El Peñón
A guided tour hitting some of the city's must-sees. Comuna 13 — once one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Medellín, now transformed into an open-air gallery of murals, street art, and outdoor escalators built into the hillside — plus Pueblito Paisa, and Botero Plaza, where you'll see Fernando Botero's iconic sculptures, and a few other prime spots around the city. Half day · local guide recommended
Comuna 13/ City tour
A short drive from where we're getting married. Walk the farm, see how coffee actually gets from plant to cup, and taste it fresher than you probably ever have. Half day · close to the venue
Coffee farm visit
A few more things to do in the city
If you have extra time, these are easy to fit in without a full day trip:
Jardín Botánico de Medellín — A peaceful, beautifully landscaped botanical garden right in the city, home to the Orchideorama, a striking flower-shaped canopy structure, and plenty of green space to wander.
Parque Arví — A large nature reserve reached by taking the Metrocable (cable car) up from the city — hiking trails, a market on weekends, and great views along the way up.
Parque Explora & Planetario — An interactive science museum with an aquarium, right next to the Botanical Garden, plus a planetarium nearby — a fun stop if you want something a little different.
Museum of Antioquia — Home to the largest collection of Fernando Botero's work, right next to Plaza Botero downtown.
We've organized these because we love them and want to share them with you, but each is run by a local tour operator — we're just coordinating the booking on our end. Each guest pays for their own tour, and payment is collected at the time of booking.
A bus will pick up and drop off guests directly at the hotels (Click Clack, Lettera, and Wake), so there's no need to arrange your own transportation — and it's a fun chance for all of us to do these tours together as a group!
Each tour has limited space, so we recommend booking early.
Book a Tour
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH
Tour departs 8 am and returns at 2 pm
A full day exploring two of Antioquia's most iconic destinations. We'll start at Alto del Chocho, a relaxed mini-farm where you can rest, meet the animals, and snap photos at the famous upside-down house. From there, we'll visit the Réplica del Viejo Peñol, a recreation of the original town that now lies beneath the reservoir — a great spot for photos in traditional dress and browsing local crafts and souvenirs. Then it's on to the main event: Piedra del Peñol, one of the most impressive lookout points in Colombia, where those who want to can climb all 740 steps (entry not included) for a spectacular panoramic view of the reservoir and its islands. We'll finish the day on a boat cruising through the Reservoir taking in all the sights of Guatapé, widely considered one of Colombia's most colorful towns.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH
Tour departs 8 AM and returns at 2 PM
A tour through the most iconic spots in the City of Eternal Spring, packed with history, culture, and spectacular views. We'll visit Pueblito Paisa, Plaza Botero and its famous sculptures, take a ride on the Metrocable, and explore the colorful murals of Comuna 13. It's the ideal introduction for anyone visiting Medellín for the first time, with plenty of great photo opportunities along the way — the essence of the city in one experience.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH
Tour departs 8 AM and returns at 2 PM
Experience one of Colombia's most iconic products up close. Just a few minutes from Medellín, we'll spend the day surrounded by nature and beautiful coffee-growing landscapes, following the process from planting and harvest all the way to a freshly brewed cup. Learn about Antioquia's coffee tradition, walk the fields, and hear the secrets behind what makes Colombian coffee some of the best in the world — including a tasting along the way.
Restaurants
Where to eat while you're here.
International or FUSION
Carmen
Our personal favorite. Elevated, inventive cooking in a beautiful space in Poblado. Worth booking ahead.
El Cielo
A tasting-menu experience if you want one really special night out. Reservations essential.
Colossal
Perched on a hillside in Casaloma with sweeping views over the whole Medellín valley, Colossal blends Colombian flavors with international flair — think grilled octopus and creative sushi rolls alongside steaks and seafood. Live music most nights, so it's a great pick for a celebratory dinner with a view.
MORE OPTIONS
Kabuki — A go-to for Japanese-Peruvian fusion in Poblado — sushi with a distinctly Colombian-Nikkei twist.
Mamba Negra — Colombian and Asian flavors in a stylish setting with great city views — also a solid rooftop-adjacent pick for cocktails.
La Causa — Ceviche-meets-sushi, with a lively, playful menu that's a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Colombian Tradition
Hato Viejo
Classic paisa comfort food, done right — think bandeja paisa and arepas the way they're meant to be.
El Rancherito
A Medellín institution since 1975, this is comida típica at its most authentic — bandeja paisa, mondongo, sancocho, and more, on a menu with over 20 traditional dishes. Multiple locations around the city. Andrea grew up coming here every time she flew into Medellin.
Andrés Carné de Res
Eleanor's background spans education, coaching, and creative development. With a strong focus on process and progress, Eleanor helps learners move from where they are to where they want to be—one step at a time.
MORE OPTIONS
Hacienda — A beloved local chain (multiple locations, including Ciudad del Río) serving up authentic bandeja paisa and other Antioquian classics in a warm, traditional setting.
Mondongos — The place many locals point to for the most classic version of mondongo (a hearty tripe soup) alongside a great bandeja paisa.
La Fonda del Pueblo — Set right in Pueblito Paisa, this cozy, rustic spot is full of old-town charm and serves up hearty traditional dishes with a view.
Cafe / Brunch
Pergamino
Beloved local coffee roaster, great for a proper Colombian coffee fix.
Cafe Noir
A French-inspired, plant-filled café and lounge in Parque Lleras known for its beautiful presentation, serious coffee (French Press, V60, Chemex), and prefixed brunch with bottomless mimosas. A favorite among visitors for the aesthetic alone.
Bread Factory
A European-style bakery and brunch spot with fresh-daily pastries, breads, and a lush outdoor seating area. Go for the ham and cheese croissant.
MORE OPTIONS
Al Alma — A local favorite with an extensive brunch menu — eggs benedict, omelets, smoothie bowls — and their own roasted coffee. Arrive before 10am on weekends or expect a wait.
Betty's Bowls — Bright, colorful spot in Poblado known for smoothie bowls, toasts, and fresh, vegan-friendly options.
Varietale — A cozy, bike-themed café tucked in El Poblado past Mall Del Este — rich, chocolatey Colombian coffee and a relaxed patio.
Rooftop Bars
Envy
Medellín's most iconic rooftop, on the 17th and 18th floors of The Charlee Hotel in Poblado. Known for its aquarium-style pool, panoramic city views, live DJs, and sushi. Dress up a bit — it's the more upscale end of the rooftop scene.
Naufrago
A jungle-themed rooftop at the Click Clack Hotel with a romantic, artful vibe — great for sunset drinks and creative cocktails.
La Deriva
This is where our welcome party will be! Also on top of the Click Clack Hotel, it has a beach-inspired feel with a rooftop pool, seafood-forward menu, and great cocktails — expect a lively, social atmosphere.
MORE OPTIONS
Yuzu Rooftop — A lively Provenza rooftop known for welcome shots, DJs, and party energy — a great stop if you're up for a livelier night out.
Mosquito Rooftop — A smaller, cozier rooftop atop The Somos Beats Hotel — great sunset drinks with a more relaxed, low-key vibe.
NDN — A romantic Provenza rooftop with mountain views and top-notch service — right in the heart of El Poblado.
Getting Around
Airport transfer
Flying into MDE. [Insert your recommended transfer option — driver contact, rideshare app, or hotel shuttle.]
Taxis and drivers
[Driver/company name] — [WhatsApp number] — our trusted contact for rides during your stay. Rates are typically [fixed/metered — specify].
Getting around day-to-day
We recommend using apps like Uber, DiDi, or inDrive for greater safety and comfort. If you would like to use a private transportation service, please contact [INSERT NAME] so she can share her trusted drivers in Medellín.
Travel Tips
A few practical things before you land.
Currency
Colombia uses the Colombian peso (COP). Cash is still useful for smaller vendors and tips, but cards are widely accepted in Medellín. [Note if you have a preferred exchange spot or ATM recommendation.]
Weather
Medellín is known as the City of Eternal Spring — expect mild temperatures year-round, generally in the high 60s to high 70s°F (low-to-mid 20s°C). Pack layers, and don't forget a light rain jacket.
Safety
Medellín has changed enormously over the past two decades and is generally safe for visitors sticking to well-traveled areas like Poblado and Laureles. As anywhere, keep an eye on your belongings, use trusted transportation, and avoid flashing valuables.
Tipping
A 10% service charge ("propina voluntaria") is often already added to restaurant bills — it's genuinely voluntary, so you can ask to have it removed if you'd rather tip differently. For tour guides and drivers, a tip is appreciated but not mandatory.
Language
Spanish is the primary language. Many people in tourist-facing spots speak some English, but a few basic phrases go a long way.
We are so excited to celebrate with you
See you in Colombia!
