Antioquia: the Mountain and Cultural Soul of Colombia

Antioquia is a beautiful and captivating Colombian department. It is located in northwestern Colombia and is most famously known for mountains, friendly people, and rich cultural heritage. Its capital, Medellín, receives numerous tourists annually. There is, however, much to see beyond Antioquia’s city.

We are going to discuss what is special in Antioquia here. Also what you can do during the day, and why you need to visit.

Beautiful Views Everywhere

There are lots of green hills, rivers, and little villages in Antioquia. The views are lovely. You can drive into the countryside or walk up one of the roads. You can enjoy nature at its best here.

The weather in it is usually warm during the day and cold at night. So it’s perfect for getting out and doing something like a hike, bike tour, or just sitting outside.

Individuals prefer visiting nature spots like:

Peñol Rock (El Peñón de Guatapé) – So massive a rock that you climb to look out at beautiful views.

Guatapé Lake – So pretty a place to go for a boat ride and splashing around in the water.

Coffee plantations – Antioquia is where some of the finest coffee in the world is cultivated.

Antioquians: Paisas

Paisas are another name for Antioquians. They are greatly respected everywhere in Colombia by their warm natures, industriousness, and pride for being from the country of their origin. Paisas are respectful, they are fond of smiles, and fond of helping other people. You can be certain that you would be smiled upon and maybe even offered a recently poured cup of coffee if ever you have the chance to travel to Antioquia.

They have their own distinct accent too and they use their slangs to develop the light-heartedness and lightheartedness in conversation.

Rainbows, Unicorns and Pastels Color

There are plenty of quaint multicolored towns of Antioquia as if pulled straight out from in between the pages of a postcard photograph. There are cobblestone streets, pastel houses, flower-strewn balconies making them up.

Best town spots to visit are:

Guatapé

It has painted walls and zócalos, houses of many colors. Each house, each store is colored. It is also close to colossal Peñol Rock, so it’s popular with the tourists as well.

Santa Fe de Antioquia

It’s an extremely old town there. It’s filled with old churches, stone bridges, and a serene environment. Simply walking along the streets gives a nostalgic touch.

Also Read: Rosario Islands: Tropical Paradise of Cartagena

Jardín

This is a nature-encircled town. You may visit the waterfalls, go horse riding, or sit in the middle square and drink coffee and hear birds.

Yummy Food

Their food is wholesome, delicious, and well-cooked. Bandeja Paisa is prevalent. It comes on one platter. There’s rice, beans, meat, plantain, fried egg, sausage, and avocado!

Other favorite food items among some locals are:

Arepas – Corn Cakes, typically made with cheese or butter on top.

Buñuelos – Dough balls deep-fried, outside crispy, and inside tender.

Aguapanela – Sweet drink pulled out of sugarcane, typically hot or cold.

Celebrations and Festivals

They are people who celebrate. The biggest party is Medellín’s Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival). Music, dance, parades, and stunning flower arrangements.

In the towns, there are also celebrations every season. They are great places to hear the music, dance with the townspeople, and try local foods.

Why Visit Antioquia

Antioquia is where you can have a city and peaceful countryside as well. One day you may dance in Medellín and the next find a peaceful mountain town. You will meet welcoming people, enjoy wonderful food, and have wonderful experiences. Which will be etched in your memory forever.

Should you be traveling to Colombia, ensure Antioquia makes it into your itinerary. It is a country of heart, color, and adventure.