Discover Medellin, the capital of the Colombian state of Antioquia. The city of Medellin is Colombia's second largest city and said to be one of the most beautiful cities in all of South America. There is plenty to do and see in this wonderful and vibrant city in South America.
The metropolitan area of Medellín is settled within the Aburrá Valley at an elevation of 1,538 meters and is bisected by the Medellin River which flows northward.
Because Medellin is located at 5,000 ft above sea level, its climate is not as hot as other cities located at the same latitude near the equator. And due to its altitude above sea level as well as a privileged location in the Andes Range, Medellin's weather is more characteristic of a humid subtropical climate rather than that of a tropical climate. The city's average annual temperature is 22ºC (72ºF) and because of its proximity to the equator, its temperature is constant year round with minimal temperature variations. Temperatures range from 15ºC (52ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
The valley of Aburrá was discovered by Spanish explorer Jeronimo Luis Tejelo in 1541 but the settlement of Medellin was founded later, in March 2, 1616 by Spanish conqueror Francisco Herrera y Campuzano under the name of San Lorenzo de Aburra.
In 1675 the name was changed to Villa de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Medellin. It was not until 1813 that the villa got the denomination of city. Thirteen years later it was proclaimed capital of the Department of Antioquia, after government officials decided to move out from Santa Fe de Antioquia.
Medellin is a modern and vibrant city and yet remains true to its regional characteristics with its beautiful and stunning natural scenery.
Though it was founded in 1616 it remained small until the coffee boom. It is now the center of the textile industry in Colombia.
Home to more than three million residents throughout Antioquia - who have a reputation for being very industrious and hard-working.
Medellin known as "La Ciudad de la Eternal Primavera" or "City of the Eternal Spring" because of its pleasant spring-like climate year round.
Medellin is also home to the world famous flower parade. - Feria de las Flores - which is held every August.
The event has been celebrated every year since 1957. Music, dances and cultural events celebrate and pay tribute to Antioquiana customs, but the highlight in the parade is when the campesinos come down from the mountains carrying heavy displays of flowers. Medellin, Colombia Tours
The residents are very hospitable and are great hosts when it comes to showing off their country to foreign visitors. Colombia is known to have some of South America's friendliest and sophisticated people who seem to enjoy life to the fullest.
Medellin is a modern world-class city with great restuarants, hotels, popular museums, as well as the biggest collection of Fernando Botero's works on display.
Tourism is barely an industry, yet many experienced travelers refer to Colombia as South America's best-kept secret.
Medellin has made a remarkable turnaround, convincing many foreigners to invest in Real Estate in Colombia as a second home, several now call it home.
Colombia is the country of Gabriel García Márquez and his famous novel “One Hundred Years of Solitude” a story as magical as the country itself. Colombia bears the name of Christopher Columbus and is one of the most spectacular and colorful countries in South America. The only country on the continent with both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, Colombia features the Andes at their most dramatic as well as the impressive jungle and Amazon region in the south. The magnificence of the landscape is equaled by some of the most beautiful colonial towns in South America, and among the richest flora and fauna life found in the world. And, of course, you will find some of the world’s best coffee and amazingly warm and happy people throughout all of Colombia.
Parque de las Luces in Medellin, Colombia - photo Juan Giraldo
"The very industrious locals, affectionately known as Paisas (pie-suhz), have built one of South America's most modern and affluent cities, with an aggresive campaign focusing on education. "
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