Medellin Historic Walking Tour with Expert Guide
Description
Over 280,000 satisfied travelers have experienced the first free walking tour in Medellin since 2013. Don’t miss out on this authentic local adventure, guided by passionate experts who offer eye-opening insights, captivating stories, and the best insider tips. Our tour covers the main highlights of the city center, but it’s much more than just sightseeing. We delve into the origins, tragedies, and remarkable resurrection of Medellin. Renowned for exceptional storytelling, our certified local guides bring history to life in an engaging way. They share personal experiences and simplify complex histories. Additionally, we explore Colombian culture and the current social landscape. The amount you pay here is equivalent to the suggested tip per person for our guide’s efforts. This payment, minus the commission, goes to your guide. You won’t be expected to give any further contribution at the end of the tour. If you didn’t enjoy the tour, you can request a refund to the booking platform.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We visit the Old Medellín Train Station. The place where the modern Medellín started.
Your certified guide will give you a generous and entertaining context of the history of Medellín and the paisa people.
We will see and understand the meaning of the gigantic Monumento A La Raza made by Rodrigo Arenas. A huge monument of concrete and bronze dedicated to the Paisa People. The locals of Medellín and Antioquia
Get surrounded by 300 pillars that light up at night, understand what they mean and why it's a place that has a significance in the transformation of Medellín
Vasquéz and Carré buildings, together with the square of lights have a deep significance in the resurrection of Medellín. We explain why they are a showcase of the renown Social Urbanism of Medellin
Once a polluted and noisy street, Carabobo Street is now a green tunnel and pedestrian boulevard, full of colors, people, and street vendors. It leads us into the pumping heart of Medellin downtown.
Dating back to 1920s, this is an architectural gem of Medellín. It used to house the courts and even a jail, now it's a shopping mall with art galleries on the upper floors. We visit the place and take a break for coffee and toilet here.
You'll have a chance to see the largest collection of local art in the city.
We discuss the contradictions of modern Colombian society by explaining the reality of what happens in front of what many argue is the city's second oldest church.
We'll talk about the role of Fernando Botero in the resurrection of Medellin, we'll explain his art, and walk through the 23 sculptures he donated to the city
We'll show you the main Art Museum in Medellin and explain why Fernando Botero is so important for the city
We'll explain why the building looks halfway built and its connection with a Belgian architect
Right between the police station and the metro station Parque Berrio there is a hidden gem of Medellín, the frescoes painted by Pedro Nel Gómez. We'll talk about the significance of the Metro system to the paisa people
This is the oldest square of Medellin and although it's not a colonial square anymore, we will explain how the old-school spirit lives here in the shape of folk music.
We'll see the Birds of Peace by Fernando Botero and your local guide will explain how, after the bombing of 1995 they became symbols of resilience and resurrection for the city.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(515)
This tour was well balanced with reality, hope and storytelling! Hernán is an excellent guide to literally and metaphorically walk us through the history of the Medellin. Thank you Hernán for showing us your city and all your tips.
Excellent walking tour with Hernán! It was super interesting to hear the history of this city and the transformation since the 80s and 90s. Highly recommend, a must-do on your trip to Medellín!
We loved our walking tour with tour guide German. He was informative, funny, compassionate and entertaining and we really appreciated that social context he gave to historical and contemporary issues. He went above and beyond. It was a tour, a history lesson, and a comedy routine all wrapped into one!
Amazing and enlightning experience! I loved how Achira openly shared about the history of Medellin and her experience. She made this tour an absolute must for Medellin
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that Achira’s storytelling made your tour of Medellin so memorable. It’s wonderful to know you found the experience both amazing and enlightening. We hope to welcome you back on another tour soon!
Great guide. Full of passion for his city Medellin. Told like a true paisano.. I wish him well with his journeys. Entertaining, and full of enthusiasm. I learned a lot and feel closer to Medellin. Given it's history and the history of my own country , Ireland.
Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful review. We're delighted to hear that the guide’s passion and storytelling helped you connect with Medellin and its history. We appreciate your well wishes and hope to welcome you again on future journeys.
This tour was very interesting and Hernan was amazing: funny, clear and very cultured! I liked the most his personality and the fact that he showed us also parts of the city less touristy. The group was not big so it was easy also to connect with other people being by myself! The tour is a bit long for my perspective but it's also because my first language it's not english and following hours in english history was a bit difficult🙏🏼
Thank you for your thoughtful review. We're delighted to hear that Hernan's personality and knowledge made the tour enjoyable, and that you appreciated the smaller group size. We understand that the length and language can be challenging, and we appreciate your feedback as we strive to improve the experience for all guests.
Achira was an absolutely incredible tour guide, hands down one of the best I’ve ever had. From the very first stop, it was clear how passionate she is about the history and culture of the area. Her storytelling made everything come alive in a way I didn’t expect from a walking tour. I’ve never been someone who retains history easily, but she kept my attention the entire time, and I actually learned so much without it ever feeling like a lecture. What really stood out was her patience. She welcomed every question, no matter how small, and took the time to give thoughtful, detailed answers instead of rushing through a script. You can tell she genuinely loves what she does, and that enthusiasm is contagious. This was, without exaggeration, the first walking tour where I was engaged from start to finish. If you’re deciding whether to book, do it, and ask for Achira. Five stars isn’t enough.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that Achira made your tour engaging and memorable with her passion and knowledge. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with her. We look forward to welcoming you on another tour soon!
Brilliant experience, must-do for anyone interested in Medellin’s complex past (and far more interesting than the over-commercialised Comuna 13 tours). Realcity have a great model and Hernan was a fantastic guide, giving us exactly the right amount of insight for the city’s past and present sprinkled with his personal experiences and recommendations. We loved that the route went to different parts of downtown outside the usual tourist trail, while feeling very safe the whole time. It was the perfect introduction to Medellin - we would definitely recommend the tour and Hernan as a guide.
Thank you for your thoughtful review. We're delighted to hear that Hernan and the tour provided a meaningful and safe introduction to Medellin beyond the usual sights. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you again on another exploration soon.
The best guide of all, thank you very much Germán
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that Germán provided an excellent experience. We appreciate your support and hope to welcome you again soon.
What a fantastic discovery! Hernan is an amazing guide, super detailed and engaging from beginning to end. He’s professional, highly prepared, and genuinely passionate and inspiring. Don't miss out on this, highly recommend!
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that Hernan made your experience enjoyable and memorable. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you on another tour soon.
