Whether you’ve already been to a circus and loved it or you want to try something totally different, this is the place to go.

So, are you ready to watch the show while eating some popcorn? Then keep on reading to know all about Medellin Circus!

An Overview of Medellin Circus

Founded in 2008 by the renowned mime-clown Carlos Alvarez, this place aims to bring together live music with circus shows of optical illusion, manipulation of objects, and colorful costumes. 

This circus is dedicated to promoting art and entertainment spaces for the whole family and youth of Medellin. They offer shows of international stature and semilleros in which children participate and learn to express themselves and act in small theatrical courses.

Plus, attending this circus means that you’re helping to fulfill the dreams of many Medellin artists who dedicate their lives to the circus.

How to Get There

The circus is located on Cerro Nutibara, just around the corner from the Laureles neighborhood, so you can walk there from your hotel or Airbnb. 

Without a doubt, the fastest way to get there is by taking the metro. To do so, take the A line and get off at the Exposiciones station. Then you’ll have to walk about seven minutes to get there. 

If you want to travel by bus, just take one of these routes:

• 1811
• 313
• M 30-1
• T4 019

On the other hand, if you’re driving, there’s a public parking lot at the circus. You’ll have to pay for it, but it won’t cost you very much.

Where to Get Your Tickets

You can get your tickets for the show an hour before starting. You just have to go to the ticket booth of the circus. Just keep in mind that the only way to pay is cash, so make sure you have some on hand. 

You can also buy tickets online, but the site tends to be a bit glitchy. It also doesn’t always work with foreign credit cards, so cash is still the best option.

The prices are very reasonable and if your kids are three to four years old, you get a discount on their tickets. 

For children under three, the tickets are totally free. We’d recommend arriving a little earlier than normal, as you can get front-row seats if you’re among the first in the waiting line.

What to Expect

So, what can you see at the Medellín Circus?

Well, for one thing, you can expect to see breathtaking shows with acts of contortionism, aerial dance (where the artist performs stunts in the air supported by one or more pieces of silk), juggling, hula-hooping, and interactive shows with the audience.

All of this is accompanied by live music, sound and light effects, and bright and colorful costumes.

Don’t forget to buy a snack to enjoy the show with a full stomach! You’ll find candy apples popcorn, churros, and tons of other treats.

Clown Shows

In a two-hour show, you can meet Caliche Cachivache, a homeless clown who searches through garbage cans and tells his story in a mime-clown show and silent theater.  

Lover of junk and always willing to make his audience laugh, you’ll find this show an opportunity to understand art from another point of view and learn how to treat other people in a better way.

Then, you’ll enjoy the Ilussion show, where you’ll see incredible gymnasts stretch and contort in ways you didn’t think were possible.

Last but not least, you’ll have a medley of puppet shows, ventriloquist, hula-hooping, balancing, and plays.

Comparsa Fantasía Circense

These are small outdoor art shows with live music, juggling, rhythmic gymnastics, and more. You can usually take part in one of these small festivals near Cerro Nutibara or some other festivities in public places of Medellin such as theaters or parks.

Carnival

If you want to take part in a circus carnival, you should check the website beforehand to know where and when it will be held. It’s the best option to take your family and spend an evening in the fair games.

Clowns, fortune tellers, and gymnasts all show up to this event. It’s not quite a formal show, but is a great way to check out some unique artists’ performances for an afternoon. 

Celebrating an Event at the Circus

You can actually celebrate your birthday (or make an on-stage proposal) at the circus. Whether you want to have a children’s party, or just want to get together with a group of friends, it’s a nice alternative way to celebrate.

Birthday parties are held in a small tent near the main one. There, you have a private space to celebrate prior to the show.

The cherry-on-top for these events is the surprise show by gymnasts and circus clowns. They’ll come to your tent and do a private show that really makes you feel special. 

Have Some Fun at the Medellín Circus

Going to the circus has never been so exciting, especially when you know you’re supporting paisa art. Now that you know everything you need to spend the afternoon at the Medellin Circus, why not head over there and get somet ickets?

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Laureles, Medellin is a unique tourist destination spot in Columbia. It’s packed with good restaurants to try, comfortable hotels to stay in, and must-see vacation spots. And let’s not forget that there are also running spots perfect for jogging a mile or two. 

If you want to stay active and fit while vacationing in Medellin. We got you covered. In this blog, we’ll be sharing the best places and routes for running in Laureles. Let’s get started. 

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana 

This is a top recommendation. Most joggers love running laps around this university because it’s safe and free from fast-speeding cars that can put you in danger. Also, you don’t need to worry about crossing the traffic and encountering distractions that can slow you down. 

The distance of the entire UPB loop is nearly a mile, making it a perfect running spot. It also has a separate biking lane, so you don’t have to worry about bumping into bikers and causing accidents. 

The only downside with UPB is that it gets packed in the morning and late afternoon. Since it’s a school, expect diverse groups of students to rush to reach their classes while running. But we think this is much better than experiencing minor accidents because of car traffic. 

Estadio, Medellin

Estadio is another place in Laureles ideal for recreational activities. This includes sports and running. It’s a decent and safe neighborhood. Inside Estadio is Atanasio Girardot Sports Complex. This stadium is a versatile location where you can do lots of activities. 

The Atanasio Girardot Sports Complex is one of the top locations in Laureles for a run. Most track and field athletes train and improve their skills in this sports complex. The best part about running inside the stadium is the sports massage you can try. 

While sports massages are not free, they are still worth your penny. They can help relieve muscle tension and fatigue from overtraining. You must run two laps if you wish to reach a one-mile jog. One lap is only half a mile. 

LA 70 

If you want shorter distances, try checking out LA 70. One entire running trail is around 1 km. So if you wish to jog for a mile, you might need to run around for at least two cycles. LA 70 starts from Estadio metro station to the UPB entrance. 

Don’t run in the evening if you want to experience a smooth job. It’s more crowded, and there are more cars as well. Switch to a morning jog when LA 70 is calmer with fewer pedestrians, bikers, and vehicles. You can also continue your jog from this place to the stadium in Estadios. 

The River Tributaries

The River Tributaries feature Quebrada La Picacha and Quebrada La Picacha. When you want to job while inhaling fresh air and appreciating nature, you might choose these running locations. 

If you ask me, it’s more traffic and stressful to run along Quebrada La Hueso because it’s a major street. It’s more peaceful in Quebrada La Pichacha. But remember that its sidewalks can become packed with people, especially on weekends. 

It’s also advisable that you jog in the morning or during the late afternoon. People are fewer, especially bikers. And it’s better than running in the evening when it’s darker and unsafer. 

Parques del Rio

Parques del Rio is a great location to jog when you’re with family. The park is huge, and everything feels fresh and warm. It’s a nice running spot when you want to be one with nature in Medellin. 

Because it’s a large park, you won’t easily get bored with the running path. You don’t need to repeat the same old laps because there are several road twists and turns you can try while running. The best part is that you can run with a partner or two, and you won’t feel lost. 

What most locals love about jogging here is getting coffee or snacks after. Parques del Rio offers relaxing spots where you can chill and hang out after a mile jog. You don’t need to worry about cars crossing because it’s a park. 

Even though this park can get crowded, don’t expect to bump into people. Parques del Rio is an entire road map, so you can create a jogging trail without crossing paths with most of the people. 

Primer Parque de Laureles

https://medellinmegapenthouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Remodelacio%CC%81n-del-segundo-parque-de-Laureles-Medelli%CC%81n-1280×720-1.jpeg

Another park where you can jog is Primer Parque de Laureles. It offers a refreshing location to exercise and jog. Several tall trees contribute to providing fresh air so that you don’t get tired quickly from jogging. 

The only downside with Laureles’ first park is its short running trail. It only consists of a quarter of a mile. So if you wish to complete an entire mile, you must repeat several laps, which can be boring. 

But if you want to be adventurous, you can try running along the bike paths. They can connect you to nearby jogging areas, giving you a change of scenery. Expect more intersections you must stop at. But it’s rewarding when you discover more cool running spots in Laureles. 

Stay Active and Jog All You Can In Laureles

While jogging outside is never the safest thing to do, it’s an enjoyable activity you must try doing in Laureles, Medellin. Running helps you stay fit and allows you to discover beautiful spots in Laureles worth visiting. 

Jogging in unfamiliar places also allows you to meet and interact with new people. Who knows? You might find a running friend who can accompany you whenever you need to jog for a breather?

Try the running spots we mentioned in this blog, and find the perfect location where you can run free. Don’t forget to follow traffic rules and avoid fast-speeding cars. Always prioritize your safety to prevent unwanted accidents that can change your life forever. 

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Even if you’re only spending a few weeks in Medellin, you can always try something new at one of the city’s gyms.

Now, while there are many gyms around the city, the best has definitely got to be Smart Fit. Here’s what you need to know about heading to this gym.

What to Know About Smart Fit in Medellin

Smart Fit is the largest gym chain in Colombia, and they’ve got tons of locations around the city.

They also have some pretty reasonable prices and are super inclusive of all types of fitness levels and body types. 

Whether your goal is to weight train for sports or you just want to have a good time while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, this place is great.

What’s especially cool about the gym is that if you don’t want to leave home, Smart Fit has developed an exclusive training app for its customers (it’s 100% pandemic-proof!).

Smart Fit also has an exclusive digital series about nutrition. If you want to pair that with one of their workouts, you can!

Finding Your Nearest Smart Fit

I get around Medellin quite a bit, and as I explore other parts of the cities, I’ve counted up to about 20 Smart Fit venues.

In other words, it really doesn’t matter where you live in the city; you’ll be able to find a Smart Fit nearby. 

Just look online to know which is the closest to you. There’s more than likely one a few streets from your hotel or Airbnb.

There are many options to choose from, and even if the closest one to you doesn’t have what you’re looking for ( each one has its own equipment and facilities), it’s very easy to take the metro or rent a bike to get to the gym you like.

Smart Fit Membership Options

Once you’ve found a gym you like, you’ll have to pick a membership. 

There are a couple of different options out there, but it can be confusing at first glance. Here are the available options.

Smart Plan

This option allows you access to a single Smart Fit location. It’s great for low budgets or those who want a quick workout close to home. 

The membership includes: 

• Free weight area
• Integrated weight area
• Cardio
• Group lessons
• No cancellation fees
• Smart Fit Go
• Smart Fit App
• Smart Vital

Bear in mind that if you want to cancel the service, you have to notify the gym 30 days before the charge is made.

Black Plan 

If you like traveling and don’t just plan to stay in Medellin, you might want to get the black plan. With this plan, you’ll have access to any Smart Fit location, even those outside Colombia!

This plan includes all the benefits of the Smart Plan as well as: 

• Access to other locations in the chain
• The Smart Spa
• The ability to invite 5 friends a month

This plan charges a cancellation fee even if you give 30 days’ notice. Also, you have to agree to a 12-month contract.

Still, if you’re staying in Medellin or in Latin America for a while, this is a pretty good option. 

Temporary Black Plan

If you don’t know how long you’ll be in Medellin, but want something a little more comprehensive than the Smart Plan, this is your plan. 

With this plan, you get the same benefits as the Black Plan and you agree to a 12-month contract.

However, you can cancel without a fee as long as you give notice 30 days in advance. And, your contract will not have a stay clause (this means you can’t finish the contract before).

This is the most expensive Smart Fit membership, but it’s also the most useful for tourists who don’t know how long they’ll be staying.

Finally, bear in mind that, every three months you’ll be charged an administration fee along with the monthly fee. This money is used for the maintenance and repair of the gym facilities.

Smart Fit Go

Perfect for introverted athletes or those who don’t have enough time to go to the gym, Smart Fit Go is an app that works on Android or iOS devices. 

In the app, you can organize your own workouts with videos of routines. Or, you can learn how to prepare healthy recipes!

There’s also the option to attend virtual classes with your favorite teachers. These begin at 8 am and you can find activities such as:

• Yoga
• Zumba
• Tabata method
• ABS
• Strength training

Smart Spa

If you get a Smart Fit membership you‘ll have access to a spa that’s specially designed to soothe sore muscles after training. 

They offer massage chairs, hydro beds, music therapy, and light therapy that help improve mood and relax your muscles.

Sports massage specialists at the spa can also advise you on what stretching to do and how to relieve pain and swelling.

Smart Fit Nutri Store

As I mentioned earlier, your diet is an essential part of getting results from your exercise routine. If you don’t want to try cooking, you can always pick up products such as milkshakes, supplements, and energy bars at the Smart Fit store!

Don’t forget to ask a dietitian if you have any questions or need advice on what to eat or how much.

Get Fit at Smart Fit

Without a doubt, Smart Fit is one of the best gyms in Medellin. It’s a perfect way to maintain a healthy lifestyle regardless of the time or budget you have.

Do you have a membership? Let us know what you think about this gym in the comments! 

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Also called the City of Eternal Spring, Medellin is famous for its near-perfect weather. You’ll find plenty of parks where you can enjoy the sun, fresh juice from a street food vendor, and treats like tasty empanadas.

Although it has dreamy weather, it can also be unpredictable. Here are some tips on what to expect with the weather in Medellin. Ready? Let’s go!

What to Expect From the Weather in Medellin?

Before visiting the City of Eternal Spring, it’s important that you know you cannot trust the weather forecasts. 

Global warming makes it hard to forecast the weather anywhere in the world, but in Medellin, that’s always been the case.  

Fortunately, the weather in Medellín is warm and is characterized by being neither too hot nor too cold. 

It has an average temperature between 62°F and 76°F, rarely falling below 60°F or rising above 85°F. 

That’s the perfect temperature for getting outdoors to enjoy the city’s beautiful landscapes.

What Is the Best Season to Visit Medellin?

Thanks to the tropical climate, you can visit Medellín any time of the year and still experience similar temperatures. From May first to the end of August is the warmest season, with an average daily temperature of over 75°F. 

In fact, May is the warmest month in Medellin.

October 5 to January 13 is the cool season, with daily temperatures below 75°F according to Weather Spark. The coldest month in Medellin is October, with an average minimum temperature of 62°F.

The warm season lasts for 3.3 months from May 1 to August 9, with an average daily high temperature above 80°F. The warmest month in the year in Medellín is May, with an average maximum temperature of 82°F and a minimum of 62 °F.

The rainiest month is May. If you want to visit Medellín and enjoy its cloud-free landscapes, the most recommended month is January because that’s when there’s less rain. 

The perfect time to visit the beach, on the other hand, is from June to August. Still, that’ll take you out of Medellin and off to the Caribbean coasts!

The least recommended months to visit the city are October and November. During these months you’re likely to catch cool climates and lots of rain.

What to Pack to Visit Medellin?

When it comes to what to pack for a Medellin trip, it can be a bit confusing. That’s thanks to the constantly changing weather!

The main recommendation is that you come prepared for unpredictable but subtropical weather. Be aware that on any day there may be unexpected rainshowers. But, there may also be sunny days where you’ll need light clothing.

So, what does that boil down to? Well, preparing your bags has a lot to do with the itinerary you’re going to follow. 

Think about whether you’ll be spending more time in the city or in the mountains. Either way, don’t forget to bring a sweater, pants, and a jacket in case it rains. That way your prepared for any weather!

In terms of footwear, it wouldn’t hurt to pack some waterproof shoes or boots. But, don’t forget to pack lighter sports shoes as well!

Other Pro Tips for Medellin

When you arrive in Medellin, you might actually be a bit cooler than you thought. This is because Rionegro, where the international airport is located, sits at 7,000 feet above sea level.

In Medellin proper you won’t be as cold when you’re down in the valley. But, if you’re staying up on one of the hillsides, you might still find the temperatures are a bit low.

As a result, I’d recommend flying in with a sweater or hoodie on. That way, you won’t get too cold on the ride in from the airport. 

Another pro tip is to bring clothes that you can layer and that go well with everything. Coin laundries aren’t as common in Medellin as they are in the US, so it pays to have items that you can layer, mix and match, and reuse.

Medellín and Its Weather Await You

The weather in Medellin can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for any condition. You know how the saying goes “Better safe than sorry,” and for the weather, it’s true.

Medellín has a lot to love, past and present. Medellín is nothing less than a visionary city with a complex past that has shaped the present, and there’s still much work to be done. 

But, the Medellín of today is almost unrecognizable from the one that passed a few decades ago.

The city now boasts safe, art-filled streets, world-class cultural attractions, and one of the most advanced public transportation systems in the world. 

Tourists and travelers love Medellin’s weather, but that takes a backseat when experiencing everything the city offers. Let us know in the comments what your experience has been in this magical city!

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One of the benefits of Medellin’s never-too-hot and never-too-cold weather is that there are races in the city year round. You rarely, if ever, have to worry about a dangerous heat wave or frigid temperatures in the city of Eternal Spring. A pollution advisory? That’s a different story.

Medellin’s races for the most part are standard runs (in other words, there aren’t a whole lot of quirky themed runs) and accommodate all levels of runners. If you’re a running enthusiast, there’s a marathon and a few half marathons. And if you’re just barely hanging on to that New Year’s resolution, no worries. There are plenty of 5Ks to choose from.

To help you plan ahead and maybe even motivate you, I’ve put together a list of some of the more popular races in Medellin in 2019. ¡Anímate! (Pic above courtesy of MCM).

FIT THE HIIT (Feb. 16)

***CANCELED***

Unlike the other races on this list, newcomer FIT THE HIIT — which kicks off at Parque de los Pies Descalzos — takes place at night rather than early in the morning. Runners can choose between the 10K, 5K or a nontraditional third option that involves a 5K with high intensity interval training (HIIT) stations. It’s nice to see race promoters MCM trying something slightly out of the norm.

Website: mcmeventos.com

Cost: 10K is 65,000-80,000 COP ($20-27), 5K is 55,000-70,000 COP ($17-22) and 5K HIIT is 65,000-80,000 COP ($20-27).

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MEDELLIN (March 10)

Medellin is one of the newest cities to host the world-famous Rock ‘N’ Roll race series, which has been combining running and music for over 20 years. Runners start the Half-Marathon, 10K or 5K at Parque de los Pies Descalzos and can expect live bands and cheerleaders along the course. The post-race fiesta will be headlined by Colombian rock groups Ekhymosis and Tres de Corazon. Yeah, I’m not familiar with them either. But that doesn’t mean we won’t enjoy the show.

Website: rocknroll.com

Cost: Half-marathon is 215,000 COP ($68), 10K is 195,000 COP ($62) and 5K is 145,000 COP ($46).

CORRE POR AMOR (April 7)

Prepare to feel inspired during this eighth annual race as you take on the 10K or 3K course alongside people with special needs. Corre Por Amor — which begins and ends in front of the Metro Estadio station — highlights the importance of including people with special needs in events around the city. The race benefits the spina bifida-focused Fundacion Monica Uribe Por Amor.

Website: fundacionporamor.org

Cost: 10K and 3K are 50,000-70,000 COP ($16 -22).

CORRE MI TIERRA (April 28)

You could say this race is a little like Rock ‘N’ Roll Medellin, only on a smaller and much less expensive scale. Launched in 2011, Corre Mi Tierra is a half-marathon race with 10K and 5K options and features bands playing along the course for support. If you’re running the 5K, feel free to bring your dogs or children with you. Kids under 15 run the 5K for free.

Website: corremitierra.com

Cost: Half-marathon and 10K are 75,000-105,000 ($24-33) and 5K is 55,000-80,000 ($17-25).

CARRERA VERDE (May 5)

For every runner who participates in the 10K or 3K, the environment-focused Carrera Verde plants three trees. That’s a decent amount of trees when you consider 3,000 people ran the Medellin version last year. The race kicks off around Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB).

Website: carreraverdecolombia.com

Cost: To be determined

EXPEDICION BODYTECH (July 14)

South American gym chain Bodytech invites both gym members and nonmembers to run its 10K races in various Colombian cities throughout the year. The Medellin version is scheduled to start at Aeroparque Juan Pablo II.

Website: bodytech.com

Cost: 45,000-55,000 COP ($14-17)

CORRER ES VIVIR (August 18)

The 10th annual 10K and 5K promotes a healthy and active lifestyle, particularly among people 35 and over. And because it takes place three weeks before the Maratón Medellin, Correr es Vivir could serve as a nice appetizer for the main course.

Website: mcmeventos.com

Cost: To be determined

CARRERA DE LAS ROSAS (Sept. 1)

There was a sea of pink shirts outside the Museum of Modern Art during last year’s Carrera de las Rosas — which seeks to raise awareness for breast cancer early detection — and you can probably expect more of the same when the race returns for year four. Participants run a 10K, 5K, 2K or, if they want to support but can’t run or walk, AK, all in the name of the special women in their lives.

Website: carreradelasrosas.com

Cost: To be determined

MARATON MEDELLIN (Sept. 8)

Billed as the oldest race in Colombia, Maratón Medellin — formerly known as Maratón de las Flores — turns 25 years old in 2019. The race is backed by MCM and the Mayor’s Office and reportedly drew 15,000 runners in 2018. There’s something for just about everyone, with four options to choose from: Marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K. There’s also a fifth option: You could make signs and cheer on the runners. The support is always appreciated.

Website: http://maratonmedellin.com

Cost: Marathon, Half-marathon and 10K are 90,000-125,000 COP ($29-40), 5K is 72,000-90,000 COP ($23-29). All races are $50 for foreigners.

PIENSA ROSA AVON (October 6)

Here’s another race dedicated to breast cancer early detection, because you can never have too many. This 10K and 5K run takes place in October, which, as you’re probably aware, is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Website: piensarosa.com

Cost: To be determined

Have you run in any of these races in previous years? Or have you participated in a race that wasn’t included in our list? Tell us about your experience in the Comments section below.

About Luis

Luis covered soccer and then celebrities for the Chicago Tribune for 10 years before leaving the newspaper to backpack around the world. You can read about his adventures on his blog Extra Underwear and follow him on Instagram at @ByLuisGomez

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Ay Wey Bar

Where better to watch the Mexican national team play than at this Poblado newcomer with a Mexican-focused menu? Ay Wey serves tacos, burritos, chilaquiles and micheladas, among other items. But feel free to watch other teams here as well, as Ay Wey will be open every game day beginning at 6:45am. Calle 10 #35-33, Medellin; facebook.com/ayweybar.

Centro Comercial Oviedo

Hit the mall for a more family-friendly atmosphere, where games will be shown on two big screens (one in Sector Manzana and the other in the Rotonda del Tercer Nivel) beginning at 8am on match days. On Saturdays during the tournament, Oviedo will host a two-on-two soccer-tennis tournament. Carrera 43A #6 Sur-15; Medellin; oviedo.com.co

El Aleman Pues

Guests in attendance will be treated to a 5-liter German beer barrel when either Colombia or Germany wins, so, well, expect free German beer often. Other scenarios that will earn patrons gratis booze: If Colombia or Germany is winning by three goals and if any World Cup team scores five goals. Count on plenty of appetizing breakfast options and giveaways such as free meals. Make sure to check El Aleman Pues’s World Cup schedule to see if they’ll be showing the match you’re interested in. Carrera 43B #11-76, Medellin; facebook.com/elalemanpues.

El Social

It’s time to break out the big screen. El Social will once again put on the games for people outside the no-frills Provenza bar. And yes, that includes all the 7am games. Expect a big crowd for Colombia matches. And if you don’t get there early, expect to stand. Carrera 35 #8a-8, Medellin; facebook.com/elsocial1969.

Kusi Cocina Peruana

It’s not every day Peru plays in a World Cup. In fact, it’s been something like 13,000-plus days since Los Incas last played in one — but who’s counting? You can bet this Peruvian restaurant in Laureles is going to be filled with excited fans and red and white balloons, just like it has been for recent matches. Kusi will open early for all Peru games and show other games that start at noon or later. Transversal 39B #72-71, Medellin; kusiperu.co.

Mahalo Action Sports Cafe

The place has a bit of a surfer theme and even shows surfing competitions on its TVs, but come World Cup time those TVs will be tuned in to the soccer action in Russia. Mahalo will be open for all matches and offers specials on beer buckets and 50 percent off cocktails. Calle 36D Sur #23-70, Envigado; mahaloactionsports.com.

Randy’s Sports Bar & Grill

For those who want to be a part of the Parque Lleras madness, there is the new-ish Randy’s, a kitschy Poblado bar with sports jerseys and scarves on the wall and waitresses in referee-like tops. Randy’s will show all matches starting at 7am or later on its eight TVs. Carrera 39 #8-58, Medellin; facebook.com/randysbaroficial.

Sancho Paisa Plaza Pakita

Catch the “main games” on a massive LED screen and four TVs at Sancho Paisa Plaza Pakita (not to be confused with the Sancho Paisa Las Palmas down the street). This traditional Colombian restaurant will show 24 of the group stages 48 matches, including a handful of early games, and serve breakfast menu items such as calentaos, eggs, bunuelos, pandequesos and, obviously, arepas. Kilómetro 17 Vía Las Palmas, Envigado; facebook.com/sanchopaisapakita.

Sinko Bar

Correctly guess the final score and goal scorers while watching Colombia matches at this trendy Rio Sur restaurant and win prizes. The matches will be shown on Sinko’s two big screens and and breakfast will be served during early games. On days when Colombia isn’t playing, Sinko will only show the 1pm games. We recommend Sinko’s underrated pizza if you’re there for an afternoon game. Carrera 43A 6S-26, Medellin; facebook.com/sinkobar.

Sport Town

This second-floor Provenza sports bar — which currently features a replica World Cup trophy and a variety of framed national team jerseys by its entrance — plans to show all mid-morning and afternoon matches. Sport Town and its Colombia jersey-wearing staff will also open for early matches if there are enough reservations. Try the Donburger while you’re there, if you’re into eccentric food combinations. Carrera 36 #8A-18, Medellin; facebook.com/sportown10.

Tamarindo Seco

We hope you like booze for breakfast. This nightclub on la 70 says it will show all matches starting at 9 a.m. or later on its six HD TVs, but — and this could be a deal-breaker for some of you — it won’t be serving any food. Carrera 70 Circular 3-11, Medellin; discotecatamarindoseco.com.

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Cycling in Medellín, Colombia is a beautiful experience. The city has a true value for the nature that surrounds it, as well as the immaculate architecture. This city holds an enormous amount of history, which is perfect for any cyclist to engage in the city.

When cycling in Medellín, you have to make sure you are safe and prepared, whether you are a beginner or a pro cyclist. There are a few common things to do as well as a few expert tips we recommend.

1. Inspect Your Bike

The roads in Medellín are gorgeous and well-paved. However, when you go off-road to enjoy the mountain biking that Medellin has to offer, you need to inspect your bike. Medellin has such a unique trail riding experience, between rocky trails, bumpy dirt paths, and tight curves; you need to be prepared for anything.

Before you ride, make sure to inspect your bike for any damage, leaks, and broken parts. Make sure your handlebars turn, your brakes work without squeaking, and your seat isn’t too loose or tight.

Check your bike frame, chain, and reflectors. Make sure your frame isn’t bent or damaged. The chain should be oiled or lubed, and the reflectors shouldn’t be cracked and should reflect light well.

Check your tires’ air pressure and examine for any leaks, holes, or wear on the tires. Also, make sure the grips are secured on your handlebars and do not slide against the metal. When picked up about two inches and dropped, your bike should not make any noise.

In Medellín, there are a few bike shops that you can visit to take care of your bike. The Bike House on Avenida El Poblado is open 9a.m.-7 p.m. every day but Sunday, and the Sabotage Bike Shop is open 11-7 everyday but Sunday. In Medellín, you are able to find bike shops just right around the corner, which makes it so easy to get a bike or bike repairs in Colombia.

2. Bike Size

Another thing to check is whether your mountain bike size is appropriate. Depending on your bikes frame determines how your feet should be placed on the ground.

If you have a standard bike, your feet should not be able to touch the ground from the seat, unless leaning or on extreme tip-toe.

If you have a diamond frame, you should be able to stand flat-footed over the top bar with a comfortable distance between yourself and the bar.

If your bike isn’t the appropriate size, then you’ll need to adjust your seat to either be higher or lower. Your toes should be able to reach the ground, but if your feet are flat, the bike is too small. You’ll need to make sure your bike is the right size so you don’t cause any injuries to your body while riding.

3. Carry Identification

In Medellín, it’s important to carry identification, even if you live there. When cycling through the city or on the mountain pathways, you should always bring identification and tuck it safely away in your jacket or backpack. Bring a license, id, passport, and/or a credit card/bank card.

While visiting Medellín, Colombia, I would recommend you bring your passport (or a copy of it, if that makes you more comfortable) everywhere you go. Your passport can help to identify you in an emergency, provide you with legal help if necessary, and could land you tax-free on tourism purchases (which could include bike tours)!

These items will ensure that if something happens along the way, perhaps you forget water and need to buy some, or you get into an accident and they need to find your records or your emergency contacts.

You never know what may happen, whether you live in the city or are visiting, so you should be prepared for anything. It’s always better to be safe than to be sorry later.

4. Carry Water and Snacks

Water is an essential thing to bring on your ride. It will keep you hydrated and refreshed on hot days as well as cold days. Hydration is an important consideration when cycling. You can bring bottled water, or carry a hydration backpack which stores water and you can drink through straws.

Snacks are important for sugar and energy. Bring along some energy bars, protein bars, and fruit snacks. These will give you essential sugars that your body can turn into energy and will stave off the hunger until you are able to get home.

Medellín’s weather is usually beautiful year round, however the weather is unpredictable. It’s known as the “City of Eternal Spring”. For this reason, make sure to stay hydrated, even on cooler days, you can still lose a lot of water, so make sure to drink adequately.

5. Wear Your Helmet

A helmet is a crucial part of a cyclist’s gear. A helmet can be the difference between life and death for a rider. A good helmet that also offers a visor can be an added benefit to protect against the sun.

Make sure the helmet is tight against your head, but not squishing your chin. It shouldn’t slip or move off the top of your head. Breathable material that can allow air to pass through the holes in the helmet allow for less sweat and a softer, more comfortable fit.

The roadways are always pretty smooth, however traffic is a bit heavy in Medellin, so make sure to wear your helmet in case of any falls or accidents. A helmet will protect your head from sustaining any critical damage.

6. Bring Your Phone

Your phone is your lifeline for help. If you are in an accident and conscious, you are able to call the police and ambulance if needed. If you run into trouble, the phone can help get you out.

If something happens to your bike and you forget your tools, you are able to call someone you know for help. Your phone can be just the thing you need if you get into an unwarranted situation.

There are some apps for you phone you should get for being in Medellín. Make sure to use them so you can make sure to get around and have the information you need. Some apps you should definitely get are Tappsi, which ensures you get a safe and secure taxi ride, AllSubway, which allows you to access the subway system and plan your route even if you are offline, and you should also invest in MapMyRide which has routes preplanned, you can plan your own routes and you won’t have to worry about getting lost.

7. Visibility

Always stay visible with bright colors, reflectors, and by riding safely. Keep a nice distance from cars when in the bike lane, and make sure to use your signals correctly.

Wear colors such as bright yellow, green, pink, and blue. Make sure the reflectors on your bike are bright and noticeable, and that you are not covering them or hiding them in any way.

Also bring sunglasses for your own visibility. Your visibility is also important and you don’t want the sun to obstruct your vision and cause you to injure yourself.

Since Medellín is a tropical climate, it can rain a lot here. Make sure to always wear reflective lights/belts/sashes to increase other’s visibility of you. You need to be seen when cycling, so these bright reflectors will help you be seen when it’s rainy and dark outside on the Medellín streets and paths.

8. Spare Tools

An allen key is the perfect tool for your bike. This tool is perfect to tighten any loose nuts and bolts. This should be kept on you in case of anything becoming loose on your bike that a quick tighten can help correct.

Checking your bikes nuts and bolts should be a daily ordeal, but the allen key will help with any trouble that shows up during a ride or trip.

9. Being Traffic Safe

Medellín, Colombia is such a bike-friendly place, however due to the lack of safety for bikes on roads, it’s a bit hard to maneuver safely on the high traffic streets. Being safe on your bike while on the roadways will take some time to learn, but it can be done.

Avoid rush hour traffic, bikers can face a lot of danger in these situations. Biking through traffic can be a bit of a challenge, however in Medellín, drivers are often more respectful towards bikers than in other countries.

Make sure that even if your hand signals are being used, they may not be read correctly or flat-out ignored. Make sure to always look at oncoming traffic, and traffic passing behind you. You want to always keep yourself safe.

You will be honked at, and some drivers are assertive, and they do drive fast, but overall, it won’t be too hard. Pay attention to the road and follow the laws and directions of traffic.

10. Don’t Bother With The Weather when Cycling in Medellín

Always keep in mind the weather, but don’t check it. The truth is, Medellín weather is on the unpredictable side. You should pack a rain jacket just in case, and bring whatever else you think would be necessary if it’s not raining but could or vice versa.

Pack extra clothes if you think it’s possible that you will need to change. Wear closed toed shoes, and make sure you don’t wear baggy clothing when riding; the material could get caught in the chain or on the pedals and cause injury.

Watch the roads and trails as they can become slick and muddy when it rains. When riding a bike, you are able to hydroplane and that could cause you to be injured or involved in an accident. On a trail, the path could become muddy, which could cause your bike to get stuck or slip and cause you injury.

Medellín has a lot of rainfall, and this can be critical if you do not pay attention and do not wear proper gear. Proper gear, such as rain coats, wind jackets, water resistant clothing, will keep you dry and warm. Make sure to be safe as roads can become slick and you could be more prone to falling from your bike.

About Denise

I’m a mountain biker who enjoys cross-country biking all around the world. I worked as a trainer for 6 years before becoming a co-founder of a private biking lessons school to teach people how to properly train and ride bikes to prepare them for cross-country and any activities they want to indulge in. I’m also a co-founder of MountainBikeEZ.

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There are many road cycling routes around Medellín, mostly with substantial climbs to exit the city, although leaving it can be intimidating during rush hour and you are best to do it with locals or wait until Sunday when the roads are considerably quieter.

Northwest: Heading Towards Barbosa

One of the few routes that begin with a descent goes Northwest and gradually drops down about 23 miles toward Barbosa. From here there are several good climbs: one climb just before Barbosa heads left and North towards Donna Matias.

If however you carry on beyond Barbosa towards Molino Viejo you can turn right and head up towards Santo Domingo with a good climb that has a kick in the tail. Otherwise, travelling past Molino Viejo there is a left turn to a climb towards Gomez Plata or

Otherwise, traveling past Molino Viejo there is a left turn to a climb towards Gomez Plata or instead, you can stay on the road and finish on the climb that gives you a good view of Cisnero.  By this time you will have more than 100 miles round trip from Medellín.

These are ‘out and back’ rides although on the return you can make a diversion through Giradot. Sunday is a good day to do these rides because there are road closures on the main route out of town and the traffic is less busy.

East: Las Palmas, Envigado, El Retiro, La Ceja, La Unión and Guarne

The signature climb out of Medellín is Las Palmas. You can see people riding it from 5 am to 11 pm.

It leaves from the San Diego Centro Comercial which is easily accessible from El Poblado the main tourist residence. The other side of the summit drops down about half a mile to a great ranch style cafe where you may well rest and have and have a great breakfast – many cyclists just turn around here for an exhilarating 40 mph 9-mile descent among the buses and trucks, but take care as there are green plastic lane dividers to be avoided.

Otherwise, you can descend with a right turn down the Escobero climb but beware as it is very steep and brings you back to Envigado where there is a busy ride back to Medellin. That said, the climb up Escobero from Envigado is a real test with some 14% ramps and achieving it will earn you respect from local cyclist.

Also from Envigado there is an even steeper route, La Catedral, climbing a quiet road to Pablo Escobar’s prison and a small pretty church.

From Las Palmas you may also carry on either to El Retiro which is the home and workshop of “Tinno” who makes custom built steel frame cycles of the same brand. He is Colombia’s only remaining steel bike maker and welcomes your interest. Otherwise aim for La Ceja or on to La Union or even Mesopotamia for longer rides with fantastic countryside.

Another climb, Santa Elena leaves from the Buenos Aires area of Medellin, roughly around the new tram terminal. Once on the climb it is much quieter than Las Palmas ascent but just as steep; it goes east from the city and can either link to Auotopista via Santa Elena pueblo and Parque Arvi or carry on further towards the airport returning again on Auotopista via Guarne or circling back to Las Palmas.

The return via Guarne reaches Alto de la Virgen before descending to a short tunnel and back to Medellin. This is also a popular climb out of the city and is less steep than Las Palmas; from it you can continue towards the airport and there are 2 possible routes that loop back to las Palmas, both of them lumpy on good and scenic roads – these rides are known collectively as El Oriente. You may also carry on past Guarne to some further gradual climbs past El Sanctuario.
There is only one climb to the west of the city and it is relatively short exiting at the back of Itagui and by way of San Antonio de Prado. The road is a bit sketchy in places and unmade beyond the summit where there are some good cafes and great views.

South: Caldas, La Pintada and Bolombolo

Finally you can leave the city by the South towards Caldas – there are 2 parallel routes and they arrive at a junction which goes straight on to Alto de Minas, or right to Las Minitas where it drops down towards some other great climbs. Many people stop and return from Alto de Las Minas but you can go on and down towards La Pintada with some great other options to the left and right.

Returning from La Pintada is a tough long climb especially in the afternoon heat. Taking the Las Minitas turning after Caldas most cyclists will drop to the bottom of a long descent and perhaps on to Bolombolo where the river crosses, or you can take an earlier right on a shortish climb to Titiribi. From Bolombolo there is a great climb to Concordia with great views of its white church across the hills. The ride home from here is long and hard so come prepared.

Inside Medellín

Within the city there are good training tracks; at the velodrome where they will usually let you on the track with a road bike or El Aeroparque located near the City airport is where there are early birds can be found training from 6am. There is another track at el Parque de los Voladores which is harder to locate and slightly longer and more lumpy circuit than el Aeroparque but generally with fewer cyclists. Also some cyclists do training reps up Pueblito Paisa which is a tough short climb.
Otherwise, there are weekly road closures on one of the main North-South highways but you’ll find a wide variation in cyclists as well as walkers and people on skates. Once a week there is a city friendly cycle event, ‘Ciclovia’ usually starting from Estadio and with a nice friendly vibe.

As you can see Medellin has much to offer road cyclists and there is also plenty to for mountain bike and BMX enthusiasts. Don’t hesitate to ask me further questions and enjoy the ride.

About Alan

Alan is a retired manager and educator who now enjoys visiting Colombia from London to ride his road bicycle around the hills of Antioquia and beyond. He has been coming to Medellin for 5 years and has got to know many like-minded Colombian cyclists who have kindly shown him some of the best roads, routes and destinations in Colombia. He also enjoys dancing and Latin music and soaking up local culture. He is happy to advise visiting cyclists and wants to promote Medellin as a premium cycling destination especially due to how safe Medellin is with the peace agreement.

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In my neighborhood, Laureles, more and more varied Yoga studios are opening up: there’s Bilingual Yoga, Pole Dance Yoga, soon to be Hot Yoga, and I can’t even imagine all the other types and places in the rest of the city.

While yoga in the park or a studio is good, I recently went on a Finca Chill Out Retreat to San Jerónimo (about an hour away) where we had wonderful outdoor yoga, and had a great time!

It’s run by Yoga Chime and is an overnight yoga retreat to a beautiful finca in San Jerónimo. I am not a huge yogi, but the retreat included so much more, with live music and hikes and swimming to be done, yoga is just a snippet of it.

Finca Chill Out Retreat

The retreat costs 250,000 pesos ($80), and while it is organized by a yoga studio and includes yoga, it’s much more than a yoga retreat. Activities are many and varied.

The retreat includes the following:

• Transportation to the Finca just outside of San Jerónimo and from the finca to San Jerónimo on a traditional chiva bus. Transportation from San Jerónimo back to Medellín will be your responsibility.
• 3 meals: Dinner, breakfast, and lunch (all vegetarian)
• Snacks: coffee, tea, fruit, etc.
• 1 Night stay in Hostal La Finca in San Jerónimo.
• 3 Yoga classes during the trip
• 1 Morning meditation
• 1 group hike/walk to a waterfall (1.5 hours)
• 1 Live music night

While you’re at the finca, beers are available for purchase; the swimming pool is extremely refreshing, and nature walks and nearby waterfalls are 10-45 minutes away (there are several).

My Experience at the Retreat

The organizer of the trip, Lewina Cooper, was super helpful the whole time. I met up with everybody Saturday morning at Parque del Poblado where I met everyone else who signed up, and we got on the chiva to head out to the finca together.

Everyone who signed up received an itinerary ahead of time, so we all knew what to expect though it’s understood that it’s your weekend to do with as you wish, so you can take part (or not) in whatever you want.

The Finca is just outside of San Jerónimo and is called Hostal La Finca. It’s beautiful, quiet and available if you’d like to stay more nights after the retreat!

The trip there was great, bumpy at times, but we got to know everyone and by the time we were there, we were already acquainted. The chiva bus is a good experience and necessary if you haven’t tried it before to further immerse yourself in Colombian culture.

We had a formal sit down after our arrival to get to know everyone and then split up to indulge in activities like swimming, reading, hanging out, napping, etc., until sunset yoga, after which we had a delicious dinner and great live music and open mic (during which one of the attendees blew everyone away).

The next day, those who were up to it had morning meditation before the first yoga session of the day and then we all had breakfast together. Again, we split up, some to go on a hike to a waterfall, others to swim in the pool, others to hang out around the finca.

Next, we had a delicious curry lunch and finished the day with more yoga.

I had such a relaxing experience, and the people that went on the retreat with me were so kind and wonderful, I strongly recommend it if you want a break from the city and want to meet some new people while you’re at it.

Upcoming Retreats

The retreats fill up quick, but they’re relatively frequent. The next one is the first weekend of April, and you can sign up easily by contacting them via Facebook or email.

About Yoga Chime

Yoga Chime is catering to the yoga market in Envigado, teaching as well in places like 20 Mission. They brought together this retreat as a way to gather people together in a space that inspires serenity, relaxation, and togetherness.

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My retreat experience was provided courtesy of Yoga Chime; all opinions are my own.

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It’s that feeling, somewhere between excitement and epiphany, when you realize that you just don’t give a hoot anymore how silly you look on the dance floor.

When I was asked to write a piece on Dancefree, a Poblado-based dance school covering primarily salsa and bachata, my primary motivation was to be able to reach this state of body shifting nirvana without a reliance on booze.

I wouldn’t claim that I feel like I was a better dancer as such, just that a surge comes over me, and I genuinely find it difficult to avoid following my traitorous legs and engaging in an act that, under ordinary circumstances, would give me heart palpitations.

Cast your minds back and try and think of a time you were on a dance floor enjoying yourself sober – I don’t believe i am alone in this when I say that in almost thirty years I can probably count on one hand the number of times it has happened.

It’s hard to describe the difference between how Colombians and the rest of the world view dancing.

“It’s in our blood” is often used, although I feel like this has the effect of shutting us non-dancers out – a bit like saying we may as well not bother because only cold fjord meltwater flows through our veins.

Honestly speaking, and before I completed my eight classes at Dancefree, the simple thought of having to dance in front of people and, more importantly, do it sober, sent salsa shivers down my spine.

Eight hours later – not a lot in real terms – and while I can hardly claim to have convinced any professionals (yet), I can now say that my confidence has peaked to such heights that I am almost ready to ask a girl to dance.

As a northern European I can unequivocally say that dancing is not in my blood.

Music definitely is, and I genuinely feel like I have a good ear for rhythm having spent a not insubstantial amount of time on various dance floors across Europe throughout my twenties in various states of intoxication.

But randomly breaking out into dance, outside the very strict European perimeter of the dance floor is heavily frowned upon, and is even punishable by incarceration in Switzerland.

I would never claim that us Europeans (or North Americans or Australians or wherever it isn’t normal to ask a girl to dance without also trying to take her home) lack the coordination or musical understanding to dance well. What we do lack is confidence.

It’s genuinely rare to meet a Colombian who doesn’t at least have a rudimentary knowledge of salsa.

Knowing what I do now, which is to say not all that much, I can tell that probably the majority aren’t actually that good – but this isn’t what’s important.

What’s important is to get up there and give it a crack, because unless you are in a competition no one will be judging you (not to mention the kudos you get from women for giving it a whirl).

Something that my teacher Karina oft-repeated, and which anyone who has lived in Colombia and frequented a discoteca will have heard, is that you should just let yourself feel the music and go with it.

Now to a cynical British mind that statement may sound like nothing more than a clichéd pile of twaddle. However having now completed my basic infantry training I feel comfortable in saying that there is no better starting point.

For some, it may come easy (for me, it really didn’t) but when I ‘let myself go’ and followed another clichéd yet equally valid piece of advice to “not think too much” was when I really started clocking up the muy biens.

The eight classes I received all began with a warm-up and salsa stretches. Although at first it seemed slightly silly at my level, dancing is essentially a sport, so you need to prepare as such.

Stretching consisted of ankles in the lower body and almost every joint in the upper body.

As Bill, the General Manager, told me, this should always be done in time with the music. I continue to delight in the image of a rugby team stretching to Buena Vista Social Club.

Further, stretching was done to hip hop, and admittedly it took a couple of hours before I became comfortable performing pelvic thrusts to the sound of R Kelly singing “bounce bounce bounce” in his seminal Ignition Remix.

The imagined sneers and jibes of my non-salsified British peers eventually abated.

Getting some of the dance-specific stretches right, or rather training my body to move in ways it was previously socially unacceptable to move, was for me almost as difficult as some of the steps.

Even in my last week, I had only just managed to keep my lower body completely still and my shoulders totally flat, while my torso moved from side to side, usually to the sound of ‘Mysterious Girl’.

Karina was mercifully tolerant of my awkward woodenness, and I sincerely thank her for it.

She never lost her temper or even raised her voice, and I never had the cojones to ask how I rated compared to other brave gringos who had taken the plunge and decided to give it a crack. Best not to know. It’s my journey.

The rough structure to the salsa-focused part of the class was to gradually introduce a new step while going over the other ones I had previously learned.

Obviously for the first couple hours we concentrated on linea and lateral, the basic building blocks of salsa.

These two steps are, quite literally, forward and backward, left and right.

While not in the grand scheme of things the most challenging movements in the salsa world, they were stressful for me until I learned to stop concentrating on the exact movements and instead on the timing and rhythm. Fine tuning can happen later.

This is essential to remember – the girl you are dancing with will not be judging your feet but will be knocked off course if you can’t manage to stay in time.

There is no shame in stopping and starting again to make sure you are in rhythm, but worrying about if you are lifting your foot properly can derail the exercise.

Once I had línea and lateral locked down (in the loosest sense possible) we moved on to steps that do need the brain to be engaged a shade more, at least during the learning process.

Vueltas, or ‘turns’ in English, are to the untrained eye what make salsa dancers look like they know what they are doing, hence why I approached with apprehension.

The reality is that they are the same as any other step – place your body and arms in the right place to signal to your partner what is about to happen and let your feet guide your body.

That may seem like a gross oversimplification but, at least with the selection of basic steps I was taught, nothing is overly complicated in hindsight.

The language barrier may sometimes hinder initial understanding, but once you understand the step, it is easy.

Putting it into practice and linking several steps together in a sequence is the challenging part, but when the steps start to come naturally – which they honestly did after just eight hours – you’ll get all the self-satisfaction you need push you to learn the next one.

One last piece of advice – and one that is drilled into you by the teachers and easily ignored (guilty) – is to practice.

You don’t need to skulk around salsa clubs looking for a partner (you don’t even need a partner really) but you do need to put in an hour or two a week in front of a mirror to make sure you are prepared for the next class.

If you don’t practice you won’t get as much out of the classes, and that is just money poorly spent. Record your instructor (probably best to ask for permission first) and gauge yourself by her. It is barely any work on your part but will genuinely make a world of difference.

Finally, I would like to send a personal thank you to Bill and to Karina,  my instructor. Bill is proof that gringos can not only dance but dance well enough to open their own dance school.

Salsa is infectious. When I hear it emanating from any house or street corner – as one tends to in Colombia – I start thinking in steps and feeling my hips betray their British origins.

The confidence I gained through Dancefree has done wonders to battle the fear we non-Latins feel, and judging by my progress over the eight weeks this is more than enough to get a rookie up and dancing in a club with someone they have never met before – because that is the goal.

The first time your confidence peaks enough to prompt you to ask a girl to dance, and try and use what you have learned, may well be terrifying, but everyone remembers their first time.

Additional Info

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 4 a.m.

Sundays: 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Private classes: 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Group classes for all levels every night (except Sunday): weekdays from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., doors open at 7:30 p.m. and you can practice before/after every class; Saturdays from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m., doors open at 9 p.m.

Rumbas: every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:30 p.m. to 4 a.m.

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This story was written in partnership with Dancefree; all opinions are the author’s own. 

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