Medellín: Metro Cable, Botero Plaza & Pueblito Paisa Day Tour

Summary

Medellín’s metro cable views, Botero sculptures and barefoot park moments

You’ll ride Medellín’s metro cable above colorful neighborhoods, wander among Botero’s playful sculptures in the city center, dip your feet into cool water at Barefoot Park, and finish with panoramic views from Pueblito Paisa—all guided by locals who share stories you won’t find in any brochure.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped out in El Poblado when our guide, Camilo, started waving at a street vendor selling buñuelos—he insisted we try one before heading off. It was still warm, kind of doughy inside, and honestly I could’ve eaten three more. Camilo joked that if you want to understand Medellín, you have to start with the food and the stories people tell while eating it. I liked that. We hopped into the tram and he pointed out old railway buildings as we passed—the kind of places you’d miss if no one told you their history.

I didn’t expect to feel so light riding the Medellín metro cable up over the neighborhoods. The city just opens up beneath you—red roofs, green patches, laundry flapping on lines. Camilo told us about La Sierra’s past (it wasn’t always this peaceful), but now kids were playing football on rooftops below. There was this breeze coming through the window slots and someone behind me whispered “wow” in Spanish—it felt like everyone went quiet for a second just watching the view. So yeah, that stuck with me.

Later we wandered through Plaza Botero where these huge bronze sculptures just sit out in the open—people leaning against them, kids climbing on toes bigger than my head. Camilo explained how Fernando Botero donated hundreds of works to his hometown; I tried to pronounce “Antioquia” right but probably butchered it (he laughed). Then there was Barefoot Park—soft sand under your feet, cool water running over your toes. It sounds silly but after all that walking, letting my feet sink into wet sand felt like a small luxury.

Pueblito Paisa came last—a little hilltop village replica with painted houses and a 360° view of Medellín wrapped around us. There was music from a tiny café and an old man selling mango slices with salt and lime (I still think about that taste). We stood there for a while not saying much; sometimes you don’t need words for those kinds of views.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Medellín city tour and cultural sites

• Start at El Poblado Park
• Visit Pueblito Paisa viewpoint
• Walk panoramic view of Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace
• Explore Plaza Fernando Botero sculptures
• Visit Barefoot Park sensory experience
• Take Medellín Metro and learn history
• Ride Line H metrocable over neighborhoods
• Panoramic view of Parque las Luces and old railway
• Return to El Parque el Poblado with city description

Top questions

How long is the Medellín Metro Cable tour?

The tour lasts one day and covers several key sites across Medellín using metro cable and other transport.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

The tour includes private transportation but does not specify hotel pickup; check when booking.

What attractions are visited on this Medellín tour?

You’ll visit Pueblito Paisa, Barefoot Park (Parque Pies Descalzos), Plaza Botero, La Alpujarra area, and ride the metro cable.

Are entry fees or tickets included?

The tram and Metro Cable ticket are included in your booking.

Is lunch or food provided during the tour?

Coffee or tea is included; meals are not specified but food can be purchased at stops like Pueblito Paisa.

Is this Medellín day trip suitable for families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Do I need to speak Spanish for this tour?

No; guides provide explanations in English as well as Spanish.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation around Medellín plus tram and metro cable tickets so you can see the city from every angle. Coffee or tea is offered along the way, with plenty of time to explore each stop before returning to El Poblado at the end of the afternoon.