A Taste of Colombia Medellin Market Tour and Lunch

Medellín , Colombia

A Taste of Colombia Medellin Market Tour and Lunch

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(5 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Ready for a true taste of Colombia? Join us in this small group tour for an immersive walking adventure through Medellín's iconic Central Mayorista de Antioquia with a local culinary guide. This isn't just a market visit – it's a "market-to-table" journey!

You'll explore a kaleidoscope of fresh produce and goods, learning about the cornerstone ingredients that define Colombian cuisine. Understand how these items shape local dishes and deeply connect to the region's daily life and culture. Engage with vendors and purveyors, savor delicious local fruits and delicacies, and take some for home in your traditionally inspired market tote bag. The tour concludes with a hearty, authentic Antioqueño meal – the perfect end to your culinary exploration!

Available options

A Taste of Colombia Medellin Market Tour and Lunch

What's included

100% Cotton Market Tote Bag - inspired by Wayuu mochilas

Eco-friendly Utensils and Napkins (for sample tasting)

10-12 local fruit samples and Colombian delicacies

An authentic Antioqueño meal with your choice of protein. Served with side dishes and drinks.

Detailed itinerary

Our immersive Medellín Market Tour & Lunch will occur inside the historic Central Mayorista de Antioquia, the city's largest market. Within the complex, the walking tour will make the following stops:
- Seeds & Spices Shop (15 mins): Learn about essential Colombian seeds, herbs, and spices.
- Las Malvinas (45 mins): Tour produce stalls, meet vendors, and taste local fruits.
- Sweets & Spirits (30 mins): Taste and learn about Colombian bocadillo and aguardiente.
- Lunch at Al Carbon (45-60 mins): Back to our meeting point to enjoy an authentic Antioqueño meal and wrap up your tour!

What's not included

Feel free to bring your own water bottle for the walking part of the experience

Spending Money (if you would like to buy items at the market)

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Our tour location is Medellin's Central Mayorista de Antioquia, a big market complex. Please meet Leonor, your local guide and experienced cook, at Al Carbon Restaurant on the 2nd floor of Supermercado Boom inside Central Mayorista. We will share more details when we connect with you via WhatsApp.

About Medellín

Medellín, nestled in a valley and surrounded by mountains, is renowned for its pleasant climate, vibrant culture, and remarkable transformation from its past. Known as the 'City of Eternal Spring,' it offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Comuna 13

A vibrant and historic neighborhood known for its street art, community spirit, and the famous outdoor escalators that connect the hillside community to the city.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free (tours may have a small fee)

Botero Plaza and Museo de Antioquia

Home to a collection of Fernando Botero's famous works, including his distinctive 'fat' style paintings and sculptures, as well as other notable artists.

Art/Museum 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Parque Arví

A vast nature reserve accessible via cable car, offering hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and a peaceful escape from the city.

Nature Half day Cable car: $6,000 COP (approx. $1.60 USD) one way

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bandeja Paisa

A hearty platter featuring rice, beans, ground beef, chorizo, plantain, avocado, arepa, and fried egg.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian versions available

Arepas

Cornmeal patties grilled or fried, often stuffed with various fillings like cheese, meat, or avocado.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available

Sancocho

A traditional soup made with chicken, beef, or fish, along with plantains, yuca, and other vegetables.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Popular Activities

Hiking in Parque Arví El Peñol rock climb Paragliding in San Antonio de Pereira Coffee tours Spa day in El Poblado Strolling through Parque Lleras Street art tours in Comuna 13 Visiting museums in El Centro

Best Time to Visit

December to March (dry season)

This is the best time to visit Medellín due to the lower rainfall and pleasant temperatures. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

18-26°C (64-79°F) 64-79°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and among younger people)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Medellín has undergone a significant transformation and is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Staying in tourist areas and taking basic precautions can help ensure a safe visit.

Important Precautions:

• Use official taxis or app-based services.
• Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.

Getting there

By air

José María Córdova International Airport • 30 km (18.6 miles) from city center

By bus

Terminal del Norte, Terminal del Sur

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is efficient, clean, and affordable, with two lines covering key areas. It's the best way to get around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Tappx, Cabify

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

El Poblado Laureles El Centro

Day trips

Guatapé

80 km (50 miles) from Medellín • Full day

A colorful colonial town known for its vibrant houses, the famous El Peñol rock, and the nearby Lake Guatapé.

Jardín

250 km (155 miles) from Medellín • Overnight

A picturesque town in the Antioquia region, known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and traditional architecture.

Santa Fe de Antioquia

80 km (50 miles) from Medellín • Full day

A charming colonial town with cobblestone streets, historic churches, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Festivals

Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival) • August Festival de la Música del Pacífico Petronio Álvarez • Late August to early September Medellín International Poetry Festival • June

Pro tips

Use the SITV card for seamless transfers between metro, Metroplús, and cable cars.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Visit Comuna 13 for a unique and authentic cultural experience, but be respectful of the community.
Take the Metrocable for stunning views of the city and to explore the hillside neighborhoods.
Explore the city's street art scene, which is a vibrant and important part of Medellín's cultural identity.