When you hear of Medellin, what comes to mind? Violence? Danger? Pablo Escobar? In this week’s video, we take our six-year-old and head down the mountain into the heart of Medellin. This is an informal walking tour with no planned itinerary.
Since our Jeep home is set up at a campground quite a distance away, we use many forms of transportation during this exciting day, including a local bus careening up and down a hilly road, the famous cable cars, urban trains, and a city taxi. It’s quite fascinating to see Medellin’s acclaimed public transportation system in person.
Watch now:
Stumbling off the train looking suspiciously like tourists, we explore the Poblado neighborhood and grab lunch along a pedestrian-only street filled with bars and restaurants. Then we hail a taxi into the city center. We wander Plaza Botero, filled with 23 towering sculptures by Colombia’s famous sculptor/painter. We even stop in a square with a live band and dancing locals. Eric and Caspian can’t help but join in.
All in all, our unplanned day was an interesting first look at Medellin. We’ll share more in our next video as we tour Comuna 13, one of the historically roughest neighborhoods of the city that has been completely transformed over the past 20 years.
What’s next?
In our previous article, I explained how it was a difficult transition back into the Jeep after our two months in Bogotá. Thankfully, we were able to find a campground where we could stay a few days and regroup. It’s called Al Bosque and it’s well-known (and well-loved) among the South America overlanding community.
We leave Al Bosque tomorrow. It’s time to make the final trek south to Ecuador! We’ll be moving slowly over the next four weeks before crossing the border. If you have recommendations for things to see between Medellin and Ipiales, then please let us know in a comment!
-B
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