Antioquia Day Trips Beyond Guatapé
Antioquia is more than just Guatapé. The hills, valleys and pueblos around Medellín hide a string of day trips that get less attention but reward the traveler with time and curiosity.
This guide highlights five day trips beyond Guatapé, what each one offers and how to fit them into a longer Medellín stay.
Beyond Guatapé, the day trips that work from Medellín are Santa Fe de Antioquia for colonial streets, Jardín for coffee country, Río Claro for jungle and caves, and Santa Elena for the flower farms. All sit within two to three hours each way. The cheapest full day in our catalogue is the Guatape Full Day with Waterfalls, from $70, rated 5.0 with 26 reviews over about 7 hours, which adds waterfalls to the Guatapé route. Prices are estimates.
- Duration: about 7 hours for the waterfalls and Guatapé day
- Included: transport, guide and the stops along the route
- For whom: a second or third day trip after Guatapé
- Santa Fe de Antioquia is hot and dry, Jardín is cool and green
- Anything beyond three hours each way needs an overnight
The lowest priced full day in our catalogue, adding waterfalls to the Guatapé route.
Check availability →Estimated "from" price, confirm on the operator site.
How we ranked this list
We ranked day trips by how well they fit into a return day from Medellín, then by what they add that Guatapé does not. We left out destinations over three hours each way, because the driving swallows the day.
Jardín, the colorful cafetero pueblo
Jardín sits 4 hours south of Medellín in the heart of the coffee region. The plaza is one of the prettiest in Antioquia, the cafés are excellent and a cable car ride to a hilltop viewpoint is the local must do.
Plan a full day or stay overnight. The drive is long but the road is scenic and the slow pace of the pueblo is the whole point.
Book this tour: Guatape Full Day with Waterfalls →
Santa Fe de Antioquia, the colonial old capital
The original capital of Antioquia is a 90 minute drive west of Medellín. Cobbled streets, white colonial houses and a famous puente de Occidente bridge make for a relaxed half day visit.
Best in the dry season, the lower altitude makes it noticeably warmer than Medellín. Bring sunscreen and water.
San Rafael and the rivers
San Rafael is a small pueblo 3 hours east of Medellín known for clear river pools, small waterfalls and a rural slow vibe. It is the antidote to busy weekend tourism.
Best for travelers who want to swim and disconnect rather than chase iconic sights. Combine with a night in a small finca for a proper rural break.
Manizales day trip
Manizales is technically in a different department but only 4 hours from Medellín. The reward is access to the Nevado del Ruiz volcano area, hot springs and one of the country's best coffee landscapes.
This is a long day. Most travelers turn it into an overnight or two night trip rather than rushing both ways.
Guatapé deserves its fame but Antioquia rewards travelers who go further. Pick one of these as a second day trip from Medellín and you will see a side of the region that the typical itinerary rarely touches.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Medellín after Guatapé?
Santa Fe de Antioquia for colonial architecture, or Jardín if you want coffee farms and cooler air. Both work as a return day.
How far is Jardín from Medellín?
Around three hours by road to the south west. It is the outer limit of a comfortable day trip, so many travellers stay overnight instead.
Is Río Claro doable in one day?
Yes, at about three hours each way, but the day is mostly driving. An overnight in one of the canyon lodges makes far better use of the trip.
Which day trip is best with children?
Santa Elena, because the drive is short, the flower farms are easy walking and you can combine it with the cable car up from the city.
Ready to plan? Browse our tours from Medellín.