Getting there
Copa Airlines (www.copaair.com) has positioned itself well for Latin America, via Panama City, the “Hub of the Americas.” There is direct service from Boston to Panama, then an easy change for the short flight to Medellín. Copa is in the Star Alliance with United.
The Medellín airport is on a plateau 45 minutes outside the city; take a taxi into town, and drink in the views along the switchbacks traversing the valley.
Where to stay
Most tourists stay in El Poblado, with the leafy and cosmopolitan Parque Lleras at its center, thick with restaurants and bars.
The Hotel Intercontinental (www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/medellin/mdeha/hoteldetail/) is reliable in an expat kind of way, though showing its age.
Advertisement
More elegant is the Dann Carlton (www.hoteldanncarltonmedellin.com), and a boutique alternative is The Charlee (thecharlee.com).
Where to eat
Carmen (carmenmedellin.com) is a stylish oasis with zesty cocktails and a respectable wine list. The interior features lots of wooden slat detail that feels vaguely Northern California; eating outside is a special treat.
El Rancherito-Las Palmas (www.elran
cherito.com) bestows traditional Colombian fare in a rustic atmosphere. The Patio del Tango (www.patiodeltan
go.com) is great for a drink and soaking up the music and dance
here.