For those who are interning abroad through the Intern Latin America program, Medellín serves as an excellent base for seeing the sites all around Colombia. Colombia is a culturally rich country with friendly people and incredible landscapes. If you are interning in Colombia, you must take advantage of seeing all the incredible natural sites, historical sites, and museums that are available to you. Below, I have listed some unmissable spots in Colombia:
– Ride the Medellín Metrocable to get a bird’s eye view of the city! Breathtaking views and an inexpensive fare make a ride on the metrocable a must-do. Additionally, this is an amazing way to get a better feel for Medellín’s diversity, as many low-income Colombians take this metrocable as their daily transportation to work in the more prosperous parts of the valley.
-Though small, the Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín has world-renowned exhibits that are worth seeing for art history connoisseurs and newbies alike! Current exhibits include Recuerdo sin nombre by Víctor Garcés, which uses modified commonplace objects to cause reflexions on the idea of memory, and Reflejos del río Medellín/ Sala a Cielo Abierto, which is comprised of various new and old photos and illustrations of the Medellín River. Read more about the museum and about current and upcoming exhibits here.
– It’s not a castle in the traditional European sense of the word, but El Castillo Museo y Jardines is nevertheless a beautiful site to spend an afternoon. You can take a tour of the residence, walk through the gardens, or just have a picnic on the grounds and enjoy Medellín’s amazing weather.
Sights in Cali:
– Been dying to visit the Cristo Redentor statue in Rio de Janeiro? Though not as large as the one in Brazil, Cali has its own statue of Jesus– Cristo Rey. You can hike up the hill or ride up by taxi/car for the best views in the city.
– Be sure to visit the Iglesia La Ermita, a beautiful Gotham church in the city center of Cali. This church has undergone a lot of restoration to bring it back to its former glory, making it even more worth a visit lately!
Sights in Cartagena:
– The Walled City of Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that takes you back to the old days of the city. Enjoy the colorful streets by walking along the top of the wall, as well as inside the walls, to get different perspectives (and photo ops!).
– Isla Mucura is a privately owned island just 2 hours from Cartagena by boat. Activities available include relaxing on the private beach, snorkelling amongst the reefs full of fish, volleyball and soccer, and massages. It is truly a paradise that rivals the better known Caribbean islands!
I hope that these suggestions are helpful as you make your bucket list for visiting Colombia! If you are an alumni of our Intern Latin America program or have otherwise lived or traveled in Colombia, please feel free to share some of your favorite spots!
Photo 1. based on Random street, by Diego F. Garcia P, CC BY 2.0
Photo 2. based on Cartagena’s nights, by Luz Adriana Villa, CC BY 2.0