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Row 1: The New Medellin Marriot Hotel
Row 2: Medellin's innovative Cable Cars
Row 3: Medellin's stunning architecture
Row 4: Medellin and its street art/murals
Row 5: Medellin and its street art/murals
Row 6: The sculpture of Fernando Botero
Row 7: The sculpture of Fernando Botero
Graffiti can describe any writings, drawings, art, (murals), created on a surface in a public space. Tagging, on the other hand, refers explicitly to writing the artist's signature (or logo) on a public surface. Tagging in its most basic form has been around for centuries. It was common practice even in ancient Greek and Roman times for people to paint or scratch their names on the surface of public buildings.
How Art Helped Save Medellin: Klan Ghetto Popular (KGP)
Not only is Medellin "the city of eternal spring," it has also been proclaimed "the most innovative city in the world!"
It has undergone profound change from the most dangerous and violent city in the world to one of the jewels of South America.
"TRUE GRAFFITI" illustrates the artistic expressions inside of the communities of Medellin's northeast region, and the major changes they have created in local life. Street art and graffiti are important ways to express the feelings, visions and the fight for our neighborhoods. Graffiti is often shown as an act of resilience against the different threats that have affected our communities. Graffiti and other cultural activities have saved our children from war and violence.
Klan Ghetto Popular (KGP) is a cultural and artistic collective in Medellin, Colombia, focused on promoting hip-hop culture and community transformation through art.
KGP was established in 2007 as a response to the need for a stronger hip-hop culture in Medellin's northeast neighborhoods. It emerged from earlier collaborations among various hip-hop groups and aimed to unite artists and activists to foster cultural expression and social change. The collective emphasizes the importance of art, particularly graffiti, rap, and breakdancing, as tools for community engagement and resilience against violence and social issues.
Mission and Activities
KGP's mission is to promote social awareness through the teaching, creation, and dissemination of hip-hop culture. The collective organizes educational and cultural activities that empower youth in the community, encouraging them to become proactive and critical participants in their environments. They focus on providing spaces for artistic expression and community building, aiming to transform their surroundings positively.
Impact on the Community
Through initiatives like "TRUE GRAFFITI," KGP has played a significant role in showcasing the artistic talents of local youth and fostering a sense of pride and identity within the community. Members of KGP express their commitment to using art as a means of personal and communal development, highlighting the transformative power of creativity in overcoming adversity.
A word about "True Colombia Travel" - Brian and Ana, two of it's founders:
True Colombia Travel creates authentic connections to some of the best and most exclusive destinations in Colombia.
We are specialists in taking you to the most important places that you’ve never heard of, that won't pop up on Google.
Whether it's visiting the first commercial coffee farm in Colombia, exploring many thousand-year-old archeological sites, snorkeling or diving in the world's third largest corral reef, visiting exclusive art galleries guided by the curators and artists themselves, helping to plant endangered native trees, eating at a clandestine restaurant, or navigating Colombia's exciting cities, we are invested in making sure you visit the true Colombia.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . You will have the opportunity to meet Brian and Ana on our sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brian Schon
With ten years of experience leading travelers around Colombia, Brian is an expert in Colombian tourism and hospitality. He is focused on True Colombia Travel's commercial and administrative departments, and is also one of a small number of internationally certified "rummeliers," (rum sommeliers), in Colombia. Brian grew up in the United States and earned an MBA and an MPP from Brandeis University.
Ana Piedrahita
Licensed in inveterinary medicine, Ana has a clear passion and knowledge-base for the flora and fauna of Colombia.
She is the chief investigator and researcher at True Colombia, which takes her all around and often to remote corners of the country. She is True Colombia's Operations Director and focused on making sure that every traveler's trip is perfect.
Highly Recommended Restaurants, (close to our hotel)
"Ocio"
Cost: $$
Walking distance from the hotel: 30 to 40 minutes, (taxi - about 10 minutes)
Specialty: Pork two ways or pacific fish
Carrera 33 No.7-21 - Poblado, Medellin. Reservations: (+57) 604 448 82 03 or (+57) 318 240 28 59. "Slow cooking and a curated wine and cocktail list invite you to spend a moment of unpretentious enjoyment." E-mail: info.omde@gmail.com https://restauranteocio.com.co
"Sambombi Bistro Local"
Cost: $$$
Walking distance from the hotel: 30 to 40 minutes, (taxi - about 10 minutes)
Specialty: Tasting menu
Carrera 35 7-10, Medellin, Antioquia 050021 (Barrio Provenza) Reservations: https://sambombi.com +57 305 4875058 (+57) 305 242 0784. A restaurant that opened its doors in 2018 with the aim of offering a high-quality gastronomic proposal, focused on local products. Since then we have worked closely with numerous producers to serve innovative preparations with local products at our table. E-mail: administracion@sambombi.com
"El Cielo"
Cost: $$$
Walking distance from the hotel: 25 minutes, (taxi, also dressier attire)
Specialty: Tasting menu
Calle 7d # 43c-36, Medellin, Antioquia 050021. Reservations: +57 320 6814821. One of Colombia's most innovative find dining experiences. $157.48 USD. Elcielo Restaurant, founded by Michelin-starred chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, renowned for his creativity and innovation. Is a culinary sanctuary where the mastery of Colombian flavors is fused with the most cutting-edge cooking techniques, creating a symphony of unique aromas and textures. This exquisite proposition is designed to delight diners with a fine dining experience that dares to defy the conventional. Here, the magic begins with the meticulous selection of the freshest ingredients, sourced locally and seasonally, to pleasantly surprise even the most discerning palates. Each tasting menu at Elcielo is a sensory journey, meticulously crafted to elicit emotions and stimulate the senses. The stories are seamlessly intertwined with the artistic presentation, transforming every dish into a masterpiece. Elcielo Restaurant is a true treasure on the international gastronomic scene, with a standard of excellence that ranks it among the best in the world.
https://elcielo.com.co
"Alambique"
Cost: $$
Walking distance from the hotel: 25 to 30 minutes
Specialty: The bunuelos
Calle 10, #43, A30 Reservations: +57 310 5870362 Check out their unbelievably exquisite menu which could easily be a coffee table book:
https://www.alambiquemedellin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MENU-ALAMBIQUE-INGLES-O.pdf
Note: The salad, pictured above was big enough for three people and the cost: $48,000 COP - the equivalent to US$11.85.
To make it easy, divide COP (Colombian Pesos) by 4,000. The restaurant is a fascinating 20-minute walk from the hotel, but reservations (even at 4:45PM) are a must!
The portions are enormous - it's truly a "sharing" restaurant. The restaurant is fun, funky, delicious and a bargain!
"Casa El Ramal"
Cost: $$
Walking distance from the hotel: 20 to 25 minutes
Specialty: If they have beans or sancocho, recommended but not always available
Carrera 43D #10 - 72, Medellin 050014 Reservations: +57 310 6811271. Creative local food in a cozy space. The oldest (renovated) house in El Poblado now has one of the best cuisines, cocktails and wine selections in town: Casa el Ramal. https://www.instagram.com/casaelramal/
"La Hacienda"
Cost: $
Walking distance from the hotel: 10 minutes
Specialty: Bandeja Paisa or chicharron
Calle 12 #43 D114. Reservations: +57 317 4882056 Classic Medellin cooking in a stylish setting (La Strada Mall). Manila Neighborhood, Medellin 050021
https://www.bing.com/maps?qs=SC&pq=La+Hacienda%2c+Med&sk=CSYN1&sc=16-16&q=la+hacienda+medellin&cvid
"Hato Viejo"
Cost: $
Walking distance from the hotel: 10 minutes
Specialty: Bandeja paisa
(La Tienda de Hatoviejo) Calle 16 No. 28-60, In Front of the Hotel Intercontinental, Medellin. Reservations: +57 301 114 5668. Hatoviejo: the flavor of Colombia at its best. Traditional gastronomy that honors our roots with each dish. https://hatoviejo.com
"Andres Carne de Res"
Cost: $$
Walking distance from the hotel: 5 to 10 minutes
Specialty: Chicharron, Picada (sampler)
Carrera 43A 6-26, Medellin Reservations: 601 5893880, 601 5893889, 315 3559096, 601 6531010. A colorful experience with dancing, drinks and loud flavors (Rio Sur) https://andrescarnederes.com/andres-medellin
"Zombra"
Cost: $$$
Walking distance from the hotel: 30 to 40 minutes, (taxi - about 10 minutes)
Specialty: Chef's Choice
Cra. 40 #10a 22 050021 Reservations on line: https://zombra.precompro.com/select/ "A journey between the familiar and the unexpected." Haute cuisine in Medellin, with a specific focus on farm-to-table cuisine, seamlessly blended with the rich Colombian culture - true gastronomy. The restaurant takes the bistro tradition as its starting point, but reinterprets it through haute cuisine with a modern and unexpected approach. At Zombra, the cuisine is based on respect and the responsible use of local products, in close collaboration with regional producers. Through this connection, the aim is to diversify everyday ingredients that are part of the Colombian diet, transforming them into unexpected dishes that awaken the senses. Each recipe is prepared through detailed and meticulous processes that guarantee a unique culinary experience, without resorting to shortcuts. This attention to detail and creativity seek to surprise diners, inviting them to rediscover the familiar from a new perspective. Zombra's menu is ever-changing and evolves over time, adapting to the seasons and available produce. However, it always maintains an interesting tension between honesty in the value of ingredients and the premium experience it offers. In this way, Zombra not only seeks to satisfy the palate but also to challenge diners' expectations, providing unexpected pleasures through cuisine that combines ethics and creativity.
The Menu in English: https://zombra.com.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2025/05/English-menu-_-Zombra.pdf - https://zombra.com.co
"Idilico"
Cost: $$$
Walking distance from the hotel: 30 to 40 minutes, (taxi - about 10 minutes)
Specialty: Fish
Calle 12 43, Medellin, Antioquia 050021. Reservation must be made online:https://restauranteidilico.com/en/home/ At Restaurante Idilico, we transform fresh local ingredients into unforgettable gastronomic experiences.
Main Dining Room: An a la carte menu featuring recipes that blend tradition and creativity, highlighting the finest ingredients and products.
Private Dining Room: An exclusive tasting menu where our chef transforms local flavors into a unique culinary experience.
Founded in 2019 as the dream of two gastronomy enthusiasts, Yeison Mora and Cristian Salazar, Idilico was born with the mission of highlighting Colombian local products, showcasing their richness and authenticity through a modern and creative culinary approach. In 2022, our chef, Yeison Mora, was recognized as Colombia's Revelation Chef, and in 2023, Idilico was awarded Best Modern Colombian Cuisine Restaurant. In 2025, the prestigious international guide Fine Dining Table honored us with 2 out of the 3 possible flames. Experience a journey of flavors and textures through our exclusive 7-course menu.
The menu varies depending on the availability of fresh ingredients in our pantry.
Duration: Approximately 1-hour, 45 minutes.
Price per person: $280,000 COP [US$69] (Beverages not included).
Optional wine pairing: $195,000 COP. [US$48]
The system will require a $50,000 COP deposit, which is 100% refundable to confirm your reservation. https://restauranteidilico.com/en/home/
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