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Privacy Policy T.O.S. Medellin Travel Guide Contact Us
© 2007 Medellin Travel Guide - All Rights Reserved
© 2007 Medellin Travel Guide - All Rights Reserved
Medellin Travel Guide Travel Diretory Pg 4
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Last Updated:8/8/11
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Getting around
Air
The most prevalent domestic carriers in Colombia are Avianca, Aero Republica, Satena and Aires. They have well maintained fleets (subject to FAA guidelines) and regular service to major towns and cities in Colombia. The major Colombian airports have been certified as "Highly Safe" by international organizations.
Medellin Trains
There is limited passenger train service in Colombia. The only Metro service in Colombia is in Medellin and its surroundings.
Medellin Car Rentals (Not advised for first time visitors)
Medellin Bus
Domestic travel by bus is widespread. Generally, the longer the distance, the newer and more comfortable the equipment. Main lines include Empresa Arauca, Flota Magdalena, and Expresos Brasilia. Travel time over principal routes from Bogotá: Medellin (10 hrs.), Cali (12 hrs.), Barranquilla (20 hrs.)
It is highly recommended that you keep an eye on your belongings and that you do not carry valuables, excess cash (more than $20,000 COP visible) or unnecessary items. Never accept food or drinks from strangers. Avoid talking to strangers at bus stops or terminals. It's best to travel together or with Colombian friends. It is likely you will be stopped at police check points and will need to show identification. A calm attitude is the best key to avoid inconveniences. Long distance trips rarely cost over US $55.00 (one way). The scenery is spectacular.
Local buses in Medellin are a very inexpensive mode of transportation (about $.55). Their routes and stops are generally painted on the front window or noted by large signs. You may have to make transfers to get to certain areas of the city. If you are not sure which bus to take, ask someone standing near you as they have all been taking buses all their lives.
Medellin Metro
There is only one metro system in Colombia and it is in Medellin, in the Antioquia department. It connects the cities that make up what is known as "Medellin". Line A departs from Itagüí to Niquía ,Line B from San Antonio to San Javíer and Line K (Metrocable) from Acevedo to Santo Domingo Savio. The metro is made up of two light rail lines, and one line called the MetroCable. Riding it is a unique experience, as passengers travel up the mountain side in gondolas. The MetroCable has four stations, including the transfer to the north/south line. There is police presence in each metro station however, they are very courteous toward tourists. You only need one ticket and can transfer from the Metro to Metro Cable without purchasing a separate ticket. Metro Map
Medellin Taxis
The taxi networks in big cities such as Medellin are extensive and very cheap. A taxi journey across Medellin, will only take about 15 minutes during slow traffic periods and will only cost about $5.00. If you order a taxi by phone the company will give you the taxi registration number (usually 3 alpha and 3 numeric numbers). Then the taxi will pick you up at the given address. During the day some taxi ranks outside hotels, office buildings and government offices will only allow certified drivers and companies and will also take your name and details when you board the taxi. Taxis from city to city are easy to arrange by phoning ahead and agreeing to the price, it will still be cheap by western standards and is safe and quite agreeable. Taxis are available for hire by the hour to take you on sightseeing tours of the city, shopping or any other activity you may have planned.
Language: Spanish is the official Language in Colombia. There are also about 65 indigenous languages.
If you've recently learned some Spanish, it will be a relief to know that the Colombian variety is clear and easy to understand. The Spanish does vary, however, from Cartagena to Bogota to Cali. Generally the Spanish on the coast is spoken more rapidly, and Spanish from Medellin has its own idiosyncrasies and Modismos. *Note in cities like Cali, the dialect of Spanish is the voseo form. Meaning that instead of the first person familiar pronoun tú, vos is used instead. Though tú is also understood by the people of Cali.
English is taught in many schools as a second language, and Colombians are often exposed to subtitled Hollywood films, so while shy, many Colombians know at least a few basic phrases in English. Expect to meet teenage Colombians who will want to practice their English skills with you. They will have trouble with any word that has a "Th" in it. There are no Spanish words that begin with "Th".
Colombians from more affluent backgrounds will have lived and worked in the U.S., Canada, England and possibly Australia in order to learn English. Many university text books are in English, and the majority of high ranking professionals, executives and government workers in Colombia speak some English.
There are some excellent Spanish Language Schools in Medellin if learning some of the local language is part of your travel plans.
French and German are also spoken, but to a much lesser extent.
Medellin Shopping
The Colombian textile industry is well recognized and reputable around South America and Europe. Clothing and lingerie are particularly regarded as high quality and very affordable. The best place to buy either clothing or lingerie is Medellin, known for being the fashion capital of the country and home of the annual Colombiamoda Fashion Show. You can get very high quality at a very low cost. Brands such as Leonisa and Everfit are sold in most malls and in the stores and stalls in El Centro. There are also many famous American brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Polo, Ralph Lauren and others sold in the Malls. Don’t expect great pricing though as these must be imported and the taxes charged make them on par with US pricing.
Leather and Shoes; Most widely recognized brands are Mesace, Bosi and Velez. You will find them in most malls around the city. Mezase is also well known for its horse riding products since this is an important activity in the Antioquian culture. Handbags, wallets, belts and other accessories are offered for sale.
Colombian emeralds and gold (18k) jewelry can also be very attractive for visitors. A very unique style of Colombian jewelry are the copies of Pre Columbian jewelry, which are fabricated with gold, silver and semiprecious stones. The best Gold artisans are in Santa Fe de Antioquia.
The "mochila" is a traditional, indigenous, hand woven Colombian bag, normally worn over the shoulder. They are commonly sold in shopping malls, especially in the El Centro area. Mochilas usually come in three sizes; a large one to carry bigger things, a medium one to carry personal belongings, and a small one to carry small items. Coca leaves were carried by the natives to eliminate hunger, and to combat altitude sickness.
Handicrafts such as intricately designed jewelery are commonly sold in markets and on street corners. Many street vendors will approach people, selling t shirts, food, glasses, bracelets, watches, necklaces, souvenirs, and novelty photographs. If you want to buy something, this is a good time to exercise your bartering skills. Usually you go down by 2,000 to 3,000 pesos, however 2,000 is the generally accepted rule. For example, if someone is selling a shirt for $10,000, try asking if you can pay $8,000. Go from there.
Art is best found in the galleries of the Zona Rosa in Poblado. On some streets, you can actually enter the studios and watch the artists at work. You will also get a better price buying directly from the artist as opposed to a gallery or store.
Air
The most prevalent domestic carriers in Colombia are Avianca, Aero Republica, Satena and Aires. They have well maintained fleets (subject to FAA guidelines) and regular service to major towns and cities in Colombia. The major Colombian airports have been certified as "Highly Safe" by international organizations.
Medellin Trains
There is limited passenger train service in Colombia. The only Metro service in Colombia is in Medellin and its surroundings.
Medellin Car Rentals (Not advised for first time visitors)
Medellin Bus
Domestic travel by bus is widespread. Generally, the longer the distance, the newer and more comfortable the equipment. Main lines include Empresa Arauca, Flota Magdalena, and Expresos Brasilia. Travel time over principal routes from Bogotá: Medellin (10 hrs.), Cali (12 hrs.), Barranquilla (20 hrs.)
It is highly recommended that you keep an eye on your belongings and that you do not carry valuables, excess cash (more than $20,000 COP visible) or unnecessary items. Never accept food or drinks from strangers. Avoid talking to strangers at bus stops or terminals. It's best to travel together or with Colombian friends. It is likely you will be stopped at police check points and will need to show identification. A calm attitude is the best key to avoid inconveniences. Long distance trips rarely cost over US $55.00 (one way). The scenery is spectacular.
Local buses in Medellin are a very inexpensive mode of transportation (about $.55). Their routes and stops are generally painted on the front window or noted by large signs. You may have to make transfers to get to certain areas of the city. If you are not sure which bus to take, ask someone standing near you as they have all been taking buses all their lives.
Medellin Metro
There is only one metro system in Colombia and it is in Medellin, in the Antioquia department. It connects the cities that make up what is known as "Medellin". Line A departs from Itagüí to Niquía ,Line B from San Antonio to San Javíer and Line K (Metrocable) from Acevedo to Santo Domingo Savio. The metro is made up of two light rail lines, and one line called the MetroCable. Riding it is a unique experience, as passengers travel up the mountain side in gondolas. The MetroCable has four stations, including the transfer to the north/south line. There is police presence in each metro station however, they are very courteous toward tourists. You only need one ticket and can transfer from the Metro to Metro Cable without purchasing a separate ticket. Metro Map
Medellin Taxis
The taxi networks in big cities such as Medellin are extensive and very cheap. A taxi journey across Medellin, will only take about 15 minutes during slow traffic periods and will only cost about $5.00. If you order a taxi by phone the company will give you the taxi registration number (usually 3 alpha and 3 numeric numbers). Then the taxi will pick you up at the given address. During the day some taxi ranks outside hotels, office buildings and government offices will only allow certified drivers and companies and will also take your name and details when you board the taxi. Taxis from city to city are easy to arrange by phoning ahead and agreeing to the price, it will still be cheap by western standards and is safe and quite agreeable. Taxis are available for hire by the hour to take you on sightseeing tours of the city, shopping or any other activity you may have planned.
Language: Spanish is the official Language in Colombia. There are also about 65 indigenous languages.
If you've recently learned some Spanish, it will be a relief to know that the Colombian variety is clear and easy to understand. The Spanish does vary, however, from Cartagena to Bogota to Cali. Generally the Spanish on the coast is spoken more rapidly, and Spanish from Medellin has its own idiosyncrasies and Modismos. *Note in cities like Cali, the dialect of Spanish is the voseo form. Meaning that instead of the first person familiar pronoun tú, vos is used instead. Though tú is also understood by the people of Cali.
English is taught in many schools as a second language, and Colombians are often exposed to subtitled Hollywood films, so while shy, many Colombians know at least a few basic phrases in English. Expect to meet teenage Colombians who will want to practice their English skills with you. They will have trouble with any word that has a "Th" in it. There are no Spanish words that begin with "Th".
Colombians from more affluent backgrounds will have lived and worked in the U.S., Canada, England and possibly Australia in order to learn English. Many university text books are in English, and the majority of high ranking professionals, executives and government workers in Colombia speak some English.
There are some excellent Spanish Language Schools in Medellin if learning some of the local language is part of your travel plans.
French and German are also spoken, but to a much lesser extent.
Medellin Shopping
The Colombian textile industry is well recognized and reputable around South America and Europe. Clothing and lingerie are particularly regarded as high quality and very affordable. The best place to buy either clothing or lingerie is Medellin, known for being the fashion capital of the country and home of the annual Colombiamoda Fashion Show. You can get very high quality at a very low cost. Brands such as Leonisa and Everfit are sold in most malls and in the stores and stalls in El Centro. There are also many famous American brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Polo, Ralph Lauren and others sold in the Malls. Don’t expect great pricing though as these must be imported and the taxes charged make them on par with US pricing.
Leather and Shoes; Most widely recognized brands are Mesace, Bosi and Velez. You will find them in most malls around the city. Mezase is also well known for its horse riding products since this is an important activity in the Antioquian culture. Handbags, wallets, belts and other accessories are offered for sale.
Colombian emeralds and gold (18k) jewelry can also be very attractive for visitors. A very unique style of Colombian jewelry are the copies of Pre Columbian jewelry, which are fabricated with gold, silver and semiprecious stones. The best Gold artisans are in Santa Fe de Antioquia.
The "mochila" is a traditional, indigenous, hand woven Colombian bag, normally worn over the shoulder. They are commonly sold in shopping malls, especially in the El Centro area. Mochilas usually come in three sizes; a large one to carry bigger things, a medium one to carry personal belongings, and a small one to carry small items. Coca leaves were carried by the natives to eliminate hunger, and to combat altitude sickness.
Handicrafts such as intricately designed jewelery are commonly sold in markets and on street corners. Many street vendors will approach people, selling t shirts, food, glasses, bracelets, watches, necklaces, souvenirs, and novelty photographs. If you want to buy something, this is a good time to exercise your bartering skills. Usually you go down by 2,000 to 3,000 pesos, however 2,000 is the generally accepted rule. For example, if someone is selling a shirt for $10,000, try asking if you can pay $8,000. Go from there.
Art is best found in the galleries of the Zona Rosa in Poblado. On some streets, you can actually enter the studios and watch the artists at work. You will also get a better price buying directly from the artist as opposed to a gallery or store.
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