Looking for a day trip to get away from the tourist crowds, and that will take you out of Medellín into a time capsule? Just 80 kilometers northwest of the city, you’ll find Santa Fe de Antioquia, a beautiful colonial town founded way back in 1541. This charming (and quite warm) town was once the capital of the region, and it’s like stepping into a different era with its cobblestone streets, stunning colonial architecture, and fascinating history.
Due to its warm temperatures all year round Santa Fe is easily the most popular destinations among Medellin locals to go for a weekend. Still, the vast majority of them do not go to the colonial downtown as most stay in “Fincas” (summer houses in the country side with a swimming pool) or “Hosterias” (hotels designed around a swimming pool, the bar and the buffet).
Getting to Santa Fe de Antioquia
Getting there is a breeze! Santa Fé de Antioquia is just a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Medellín, and the ride through the scenic Western Andes is a treat in itself. Not into driving? No worries! There are frequent, affordable bus services leaving from the North Terminal in Medellín that will drop you right into the heart of Santa Fé.
For those who prefer an all-in-one experience, at the end of this post there are two phone numbers of tour agencies that include transportation, a local guide, and a planned itinerary so you can relax and enjoy the day without worrying about logistics.
How Long Should You Stay in Santa Fe de Antioquia
Although most locals from Medellín visit Santa Fe de Antioquia for a weekend or a long weekend to enjoy the pool, the heat, and sunbathing, if your purpose isn’t that, I believe going for the day or just one night is enough. If you go for just one day, make sure to take the very first bus there so you can maximize your staying. If staying for a night, do not miss having dinner at Casa Solariega (more on it below)
Things to Do in Santa Fé de Antioquia
Santa Fe de Antioquia downtown is small, so it is walkable. But the place is hot, so take a hat, plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated as the heat and humidity can be too much for some people.
I’d also invite you to consider the option of paying for a “Día de sol” in a hotel in downtown. It means that you pay a hotel just for the day so you can use their swimming pool, bar or even their buffet. In that way, you can walk through the town knowing that at the end of the day, you can go to the pool to cool off.
Wander Through Santa Fe de Antioquia Historic Center
Start your day with a stroll through the historic center. It shouldnt take you long as the historical cobbled-stone center is not huge. Still if you pace it well, you’ll find nice cafes and cute little jewerly shops as Santa Fe is known for its skilled goldsmithing.
The best way to get to know Santa Fe de Antioquia is by wandering between the there are three main squares:
- The main square and visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a gorgeous 19th-century building. Around the square, you’ll find cozy cafés where you can relax, chat, and try some local dishes.
- The Church of our Lady of Chiquinquirá, or simply La Chinca. At that square there is a monument to the colonial period and to the spaniards, maybe because of that is that you’ll find Sabor Español, a spanish restaurant worth giving a try to. Opossite to the church you’ll find the famous Hotel Mariscal Robledo. Easily one of the most antique houses in town, it’s a very nice hotel with a precious old-school library. Btw, Although not the cheapest, I’d definetely recommend staying there for a night or for a día de sol.
- The square of Saint Barbara it’s cute little square on 11th street which is the same of the Juan Del Corral Museum. There you’ll also find the Casa Solariega, a delicious restaurant highly recommended for dinner (in case you stay for the night). Ask for their rabbit dishes and belgian beers.
Getting a Mototaxi to the “Puente de Occidente”
A trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia wouldn’t be complete without seeing the famous Puente de Occidente. Just 5 kilometers from the town, this incredible suspension bridge stretches over the Cauca River and was designed with help from one of the engineers behind New York’s Brooklyn Bridge! You can easily get there by a short mototaxi ride from the town center. Once you’re there, don’t just admire it from afar – take a walk across the bridge to truly appreciate its impressive design. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also options for paragliding over the Tonusco Valley, rafting down the Cauca River, or even exploring the surrounding vineyards by bike.
Visit the Local Museums
As a foreigner my last choice in Santa Fe de Antioquia would be going to museums. Still, if you’d like to visit one, the main one is the Juan del Corral Museum, where you’ll get to see some of the most important pre-Colombian artifacts in the country and also the declaration of independence of the Paisa region from Spain back in 1813. If you are crazy into religous art, then go to Francisco Cristóbal Toro Museum of Religious Art is packed with colonial art, goldsmithing, and a fascinating room dedicated to Holy Week and Saint Mother Laura, who lived in the area for over a decade.
Tour Agencies
If you are very short of time or simply want to get a private guide, these are our two suggestions:
- The Andes Adventure specializes in private tours in English (their porfolio is very complete)
- Turismo en Medellín is a tour agency in that operates tours to many towns just outside Medellín, they handle a significant volume of customers daily, so their prices might be cheaper than a private tour.
And when you’re ready to dive back into Medellín, don’t forget to join us for our free walking tour of the city center. It’s the perfect way to explore the vibrant heart of Medellín, learn more about its incredible history, and experience the local culture firsthand.
Enjoy Santa Fé!
