The 7 Best Towns in Antioquia to Visit by Car from Medellín
Antioquia has more municipalities declared Cultural Heritage of Colombia than any other department — and almost all of them are less than 3 hours from Medellín by car. Each town has its own personality: one colonial and white, another full of color and warmth, another surrounded by coffee mountains. Here are the 7 most worth visiting.
1. Guatapé — The Most Photographed
80 km from Medellín (1h 45min), Guatapé combines Colombia's most spectacular reservoir with a colorfully painted town and the towering Piedra del Peñol. It's the most visited destination in the department. Perfect for a first-time visit.
2. Santa Fe de Antioquia — The Most Colonial
Just 75 km from Medellín (1h 30min via the Túnel de Occidente), Santa Fe was the department's first capital. Its cobblestone streets, colonial churches and whitewashed bahareque houses transport you to the 18th century. Best visited midweek to enjoy it without crowds.
3. Jardín — The Most Authentic
135 km southwest of Medellín (3h), Jardín is one of Antioquia's least touristy and most authentic towns. Its main square — framed by wax palms and dominated by an imposing neo-Gothic church — is considered one of the most beautiful in Colombia.
The road to Jardín has winding mountain sections. We recommend a well-maintained car and leaving Medellín early to arrive in daylight.
4. Jericó — The Pope's Town
160 km from Medellín (3h 30min), Jericó is the birthplace of Blessed Laura Montoya, Colombia's first saint. The main square, churches, and surrounding viewpoints make it a special visit.
5. Marinilla — The Patriot Town
Just 50 km from Medellín (1h), Marinilla is the closest destination on this list. Its imposing parish church and colonial streets make it a great afternoon option. It's minutes from the Peñol reservoir, so many visitors combine it with Guatapé in one day.
6. El Peñol (new town) — The Submerged
80 km from Medellín, the new town of El Peñol was built when the original was flooded to create the reservoir. The relocation story is fascinating, and the municipality has a unique viewpoint where you can spot the old town's bell tower during dry season.
7. Concordia — The Hidden Gem
160 km southwest (3h 30min), Concordia holds some of the best-preserved republican architecture in Antioquia. Its El Inglés Hill viewpoint and artisan cafés make it a hidden gem of the southwest.
Summary table: towns and distances from Medellín
| Town | Distance | Time | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guatapé | 80 km | 1h 45min | El Peñol and the reservoir |
| Santa Fe de Antioquia | 75 km | 1h 30min | Colonial architecture |
| Jardín | 135 km | 3h | Square and authenticity |
| Jericó | 160 km | 3h 30min | Viewpoints and history |
| Marinilla | 50 km | 1h | Proximity + church |
Explore Antioquia at Your Own Pace
With a Global Car Rental car you have the freedom to visit all these towns whenever you want. No fixed itineraries, no tour groups. Just you and the Antioquian roads.
Practical Tips for Visiting Towns by Car
- Combine two nearby towns in the same day when possible
- Main squares usually have parking within 2 blocks
- Most towns have no gas stations — fill up in Medellín
- Avoid mountain roads at night if you don't know the route
- Carry cash — many rural establishments don't accept cards
