Colombia with Kids: Medellín and Coffee Region
If you’d told me five years ago that I’d be navigating Medellín’s metro with my eight-year-old, or sipping coffee on a Colombian finca while my partner Googled “how to spot a tarantula,” I would have laughed. But here we are—remote work, family in tow, and a direct flight to Colombia’s heartland.
Let’s break down how to do 10 days in Medellín and the Coffee Region with kids, without losing your sanity or your luggage.
Why Colombia? (And Why Medellín + Coffee Region?)
Colombia’s reputation has turned a corner. Direct flights from the US are affordable (Charlotte-to-Medellín in June? $320 round-trip, checked bags included!). The country is safe if you’re smart—think Airbnb, Ubers, and a little common sense. And the mix of city and countryside means you get culture, adventure, and downtime for everyone.
“We originally worried about the language barrier. But with Google Translate and some basic Spanish, we never felt out of our depth.”
The Case: 10 Days, Two Regions, One Carry-On Each
Here’s the itinerary we used—with real numbers, a few surprises, and what I’d tweak if I did it again.
Days 1–3: Medellín with Kids
- Flight: Land in Medellín (José María Córdova International Airport)
- Stay: Airbnb in Laureles, 2BR, fast WiFi, $45/night (see link below)
- Transport: Uber everywhere (cheaper, safer than taxis)
- Must-dos:
- Metrocable to Parque Arví (bring a jacket, it’s chilly at the top)
- Explora Park (hands-on science, aquarium, $5 entry)
- Botero Plaza (giant statues, pigeons galore)
- Food: Arepas, jugos naturales, and yes, Starbucks for the WiFi
Days 4–7: Coffee Region Adventure
- Transport: Private van from Medellín to Salento (booked on 12Go, $90/family, 6 hours incl. stops)
- Stay: Finca Airbnb, 3BR, mountain views, $65/night
- Highlights:
- Cocora Valley hike (choose the short loop if you have little ones)
- Horseback riding (Salento Stables, helmets for all ages)
- Day trip to Filandia (less touristy, amazing lookout tower)
- Food: Trout with plantain, chocolate caliente, bakery stops
Days 8–10: Medellín Revisited & Flight Home
- Return: Bus or van back to Medellín (book ahead, weekends fill up)
- Last hurrah: Museo de Arte Moderno, Sunday ciclovía, fancy pizza in El Poblado
- Flight: Home—hopefully with everyone’s shoes
How to Pull It Off—Step by Step
- Book flights early. Direct flights fill fast in summer. Use Skyscanner or Google Flights’ price alerts.
- Choose family-friendly Airbnbs. Filter for WiFi, laundry, and a kitchen. Check reviews for noise, safety, and walkability.
- Brush up on basic Spanish. “¿Dónde está el baño?” goes a long way. Download Google Translate offline.
- Arrange airport transfers in advance. Ask your Airbnb host or use Welcome Pickups for the first ride.
- Download these apps: Uber, DiDi, Rappi (food delivery), and Maps.me for offline navigation.
- Pack light. You’ll thank yourself when hauling bags up Salento’s hills. Each of us took a carry-on and a daypack.
- Budget for cash. Many small shops and cafes don’t take cards. ATMs are easy to find, but bring a backup card just in case.
- For safety: Avoid walking late in unfamiliar neighborhoods, keep phones out of sight, and use a belt bag for cash/cards.
Family Colombia Checklist (Copy, Paste, Don’t Forget)
| Item | Why | Recommended Tool/Link |
|---|---|---|
| Flight booked | Cheaper 2–3 months out | Skyscanner |
| Airbnb reserved | Kid-proof, laundry, WiFi | Airbnb Medellín |
| Private transfer to Salento | Comfort, car seats if needed | 12Go Asia |
| Offline maps | Spotty rural signal | Maps.me |
| Emergency cash | For taxis, tips, small stores | ATM on arrival |
| Travel insurance | Peace of mind | Allianz |
| Spanish basics | Essential phrases | Duolingo |
| SIM card or eSIM | Mobile data everywhere | Airalo eSIM |
Useful Tools & Links
- Skyscanner – Flights
- Airbnb Medellín, Airbnb Salento
- 12Go Asia – Private transport bookings
- Maps.me – Offline maps
- Rappi – Food delivery/essentials
- Duolingo – Spanish basics
- Airalo eSIM – Local data plans
- Allianz Travel Insurance – Coverage for families
Quick Story: The Day My Kid Tried to Ride a Giant Leafcutter Ant
Day two in Salento, we’re touring a coffee farm. My son, curious as ever, spies a line of leafcutter ants hauling green bits twice their size. Five minutes later, he’s bent over, phone in hand, narrating “Ants: The Real Coffee Heroes.” The guide laughs, tells us the ants are harmless, and lets him “help” with the beans. Lesson learned: sometimes the best family moments aren’t on the itinerary. (And Colombian ants are surprisingly photogenic.)
Real Talk: Is It Safe?
We never felt threatened, but we did follow a few rules—no flashy jewelry, keep your phone zipped away, and use Ubers or registered taxis at night. Airbnb hosts were always happy to give honest neighborhood advice. And yes, everyone drank the tap water in Medellín with no issues, but we stuck to bottled in small towns.
What I’d Change Next Time
- Book a finca with a pool—kids love it, adults need it.
- Stay two nights in Filandia for fewer crowds.
- Plan a half-day for Medellín’s Jardin Botanico (free, tons of iguanas!)
Traveling Colombia with kids isn’t just doable—it’s a blast if you prep a little, keep it flexible, and remember: the ants are just as curious as your seven-year-old.
Some links above may be affiliate. You pay the same price, and this blog may earn a small commission—helps keep the WiFi running for all my travel experiments!
