Medellín: Plaza Botero, Metro Cable & City Tour with Pickup

Summary

Botero statues, city rhythms, cable cars and Medellín’s pulse

You’ll feel Medellín’s heartbeat as you wander Plaza Botero’s wild sculptures, glide above neighborhoods in the metro cable, and hear stories from your local guide. Taste strong Colombian coffee and catch glimpses of everyday life—all with hotel pickup and tickets included. This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s seeing how a city breathes.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the light bounced off those giant bronze sculptures in Plaza Botero—like they were sweating under the Medellín sun. Our guide, Camilo, grinned when he saw me staring at the chubby cat statue (he called it “El Gato”), and told us a story about Botero’s obsession with volume. I could smell street food somewhere—maybe arepas?—and there were kids chasing pigeons around the base of a horse that looked like it’d eaten too many empanadas. It felt lively but not rushed, which surprised me for a city center.

We hopped on the Medellín metro next (Camilo reminded us to keep our wallets close), and honestly, I didn’t expect public transport to be so clean or so…polite? People actually lined up for the train. The air inside was cool compared to outside, and you could see the hills rolling away through the windows as we headed toward the cable car. That part was my favorite—gliding above the rooftops in the metro cable, watching laundry flap on balconies below. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for a kid behind me whispering “mira!” as we passed over a football pitch carved into the hillside.

I still think about how Camilo explained Medellín’s past without sugarcoating it—he pointed out murals from local artists near Parque de las Luces and talked about how things have changed since his childhood. At one stop he bought us tiny cups of tinto (Colombian coffee), which tasted almost burnt but somehow just right after all that walking. He laughed when I tried to say “gracias” in paisa accent—I definitely butchered it.

If you’re thinking of a day trip in Medellín that shows you both its grit and its hope, this city tour is it. We had hotel pickup (which saved my nerves), all our tickets sorted out ahead of time—even for the metro cable—and plenty of time to wander or just watch people go by. Not everything fit neatly into my head by the end; some places left me with more questions than answers. But maybe that’s what makes a place stick with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Medellín's culture and landmarks

• Visit innovations and culture sites
• Explore Botero Plaza and surroundings
• Ride the Medellín cable car
• Stop at Medellín metro and cable metro

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Medellín city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included before starting the tour route.

Do I need to buy metro or cable car tickets separately?

No, metro system and cable car tickets are included in your tour.

Is Plaza Botero part of this day trip?

Yes, Plaza Botero is one of the main stops during your tour.

Can I book this as a private tour?

Yes, you can choose between private or group options for this city tour.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are welcome and infant seats are available.

How long does it take to get from central hotels to start point?

The vehicle travels through several hotels before starting; timing varies based on location.

Should I bring valuables on this Medellín city tour?

No, it's recommended not to bring valuables; leave them at your hotel for safety.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup across Medellín before heading out with your professional guide; entry fees for all stops like Plaza Botero; round-trip transfers; all metro system and cable car tickets; plus plenty of stops along the way for photos or coffee breaks before returning back at your hotel.