Colombia (Lonely Planet, 5th Edition) - Jens Porup [170]
Feria Nacional de Artesanías (late Jul or early Aug) A huge craft fair held at the sports complex Estadio Atanasio Girardot (Map). It attracts artisans from around the country and is a good opportunity to buy crafts at bargain prices.
Feria de las Flores (early Aug) Medellín’s most spectacular event is this weeklong feria. The highlight is the Desfile de Silleteros, when up to 400 campesinos (peasants) come down from the mountains and parade along the streets carrying flowers on their backs.
Alumbrado Navideño (Dec & Jan) A colorful Christmas illumination of the city, with thousands of lights strung across the streets and parks. The lights stay on from December 7 to January 7.
Festival de Poesía de Medellín (July; www.festivaldepoesiademedellin.org) This international festival attracts poets from five continents.
Festival Internacional de Jazz (Sep; www.medejazz.com) Many North American bands come for this festival. There are usually a couple of free concerts.
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Sleeping
El Poblado has quickly become the place to stay for most travelers. It is close to the bars and restaurants, and is safe, even late at night. Those not interested in partying, or who want a less-sanitized experience of Medellín, may like to stay in the more rough-and-tumble center.
BUDGET
Palm Tree Hostal (Map; 260 2805; www.palmtreemedellin.com; Carrera 67 No 48D-63; dm/s/d COP$17,000/25,000/34,000; ) The oldest backpacker hostel in Medellín has fallen on hard times. The zona rosa (nightlife zone) has shifted to El Poblado, and the backpacker traffic with it. Still, if you want to avoid the party crowd and actually see some sights, the enthusiastic new management will happily assist you. There’s free internet, cable TV, DVDs, book exchange, and you can rent bikes. It’s near the Suramericana metro station.
Black Sheep (Map; 311 1589, 311 341 3048; www.blacksheepmedellin.com; Transversal 5A No 45-133; dm/tw/tr/q COP$18,000/45,000/60,000/80,000, s COP$35,000-45,000, d COP$45,000-55,000; ) This popular Kiwi-owned hostel has long been a Medellín favorite. There’s a pleasant common room, big screen TV with cable and DVDs, four desktop computers plus free wi-fi for guests. Most Sundays the owner does a hangover-busting barbecue for COP$10,000. At the time of research, plans were underway to build a second story consisting entirely of private double rooms. Construction should be finished by the time you read this.
Casa Kiwi (Map; 268 2668; www.casakiwihostel.com; Carrera 36 No 7-10, El Poblado; dm COP$18,000, d COP$36,000-80,000; ) This American-owned hostel is the oldest backpackers in El Poblado, and is situated right in the heart of the zona rosa. A recent expansion has added many new double rooms, making it attractive for singles and couples alike. There’s free wi-fi, plus a pool table, kitchen, bike rental and a big DVD library.
Pit Stop Hostel (Map; 574 352 1176; www.pitstophostel.com; Carrera 43E No 5-110; dm COP$18,000-22,000, s COP$40,000-50,000, d COP$60,000-70,000, tr COP$90,000; ) Party hearty, me hearties! This backpackers’ mini-resort boasts a swimming pool and an Irish-themed sports bar with a monster flat screen TV. Bring your bikini and lie poolside, just don’t bring in any liquor or beer – it’s preferred you buy it on-site. There’s even a small basketball court, a pool table and a steam room.
Hotel Conquistadores (Map; 512 3232; www.webteam.com.co/hconquist; Carrera 54 No 49-31; s/d COP$20,000/28,000) Not a hostel, but a small family-owned hotel for those wanting to avoid the backpacker crowd. Catering principally to budget business travelers, staff swear up and down it never takes couples por rato (by the hour). All rooms have private bath, hot water and cable TV. A small restaurant serves budget meals.
Tiger Paw Hostel (Map; 311 6079, www.tigerpawhostel.com; Carrera 36N 10-49; dm COP$20,000, d with/without bath COP$70,000/60,000; ) This new American-owned hostel is right in the heart of the action. A bar area greets you as you come in the door, and there’s a large flat