Things to do in Santa Elena

Activities, attractions and tours


 (2) For the farmers in Santa Elena their main product were flowers, beautiful of countless colors and shapes. To get the attention of potential customers these creative farmers would arrange their flower into huge masterpieces which just kept getting better with time. Sadly, but understandably, eventually this form of selling their flowers went into disuse. But their creativity and innovation seems to be ever growing! (Keep reading in the other #Festival posts)

 (2) For the farmers in Santa Elena their main product were flowers, beautiful of countless colors and shapes. To get the attention of potential customers these creative farmers would arrange their flower into huge masterpieces which just kept getting better with time. Sadly, but understandably, eventually this form of selling their flowers went into disuse. But their creativity and innovation seems to be ever growing! (Keep reading in the other #Festival posts)
(1) The Feria de las Flores ends in a high with El Desfile de Silleteros. Back in the day, wealthy people would travel by being carried by other humans in a chair they would hang from their head. These people where known as silleteros, term derived from the Spanish word for chair, "silla". Farmer would also use this method for carrying their crops to sell them down in Medellin. (Keep reading on the other #Festival posts)
(3) The Feria de las Flores honors the days Medellin’s streets would be dressed with flowers by humble farmers walking around selling them. Only families from Santa Elena are allowed to participate in the parade. Which is very special because it’s the descendants of the original silleteros who fill Medellin’s streets every year in their honor. Pictured was the winning Silleta from 2013. (Keep reading on the other #Festival posts) #Culture
(4) To be honest, the best view of the parade is from home on TV, that is if you want to see the silletas better on the day of
 However, you don’t want to miss being there, the atmosphere is incredible. So I got you the best solution. The nights before you can go up to Santa Elena (about 30 mins from Medellin) where you will find all the participants working on them right in their homes! The whole place is set up with tents, music, food carts, and exhibitions. (Read the full description on the other #festival posts)
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What to do in Santa Elena

Popular places to visit

Such an impressive mall. With the heat that we struggled to adapt to in Medellin, we often found ourselves seeking out the comfort of air conditioned malls. Although, malls are not are favorite thing, this was definitely our favorite mall in Medellin. A must see, if you're in the area. #colombia #shopping #travel

Santafé Mall

4/5(5 reviews)

During your visit to Medellín, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Santafé Mall. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Santafé Mall
Botero Square Sculpture Park featuring a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Botero Plaza

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Walk among comically obese statues made by the illustrious artist Fernando Botero in this spacious plaza full of artisans and restaurants.

Botero Plaza
Pueblito Paisa which includes a church or cathedral and religious elements

Pueblito Paisa

3.5/5(2 reviews)

Take a trip back in time to a replica of a typical old town from the region with a stunning view of the new city.

Pueblito Paisa
Parque ArvĂ­! So after you take the first metro-cable up, there is a second more touristy one

Arvi Park

4.5/5(3 reviews)

You can take time to visit Arvi Park during your travels to MedellĂ­n. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Arvi Park
Just inside the entrance to Medellin's botanical gardens you can get the regional specialty, bandeja paisa. While this traditional meal can be found all over the region, this spot in the garden's cafe is a great urban oasis where you'll hear more birds than buses. What is a bandeja paisa? It's sausage, ground meat, chicharon, fried egg, bean soup, plantain, avocado, and rice. I don't think anyone leaves hungry. #GoodEats

Medellin Botanical Garden

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Medellin Botanical Garden, a lovely green space in MedellĂ­n. Visit the shops and lively bars in this walkable area.

Medellin Botanical Garden
Antioquia Museum which includes interior views and art

Antioquia Museum

4/5(1 review)

Browse the original works of art on display by Medellin’s legendary artists Fernando Botero and Pedro Nel Gómez in the oldest museum in the state.

Antioquia Museum

Poblado Park

3.5/5(4 reviews)

After visiting Poblado Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in MedellĂ­n. Visit the shops and lively bars in this walkable area.

Poblado Park

El Tesoro Shopping Park

4.5/5(2 reviews)

During your visit to MedellĂ­n, you can enjoy retail therapy at El Tesoro Shopping Park. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this walkable area.

El Tesoro Shopping Park

Lleras Park

4/5(6 reviews)

After visiting Lleras Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in MedellĂ­n. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Lleras Park
Rock of Guatape which includes mist or fog, a river or creek and mountains

MedellĂ­n

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Elena worth visiting?
Whether you want to enjoy the cultural attractions and local charm or sample regional foods and go on outdoor adventures, there's no shortage of things to do in Santa Elena.
How do I spend a day in Santa Elena?
After you've visited top attractions like El Castillo Museum and Santa Fe Zoological Park, spend some time enjoying the food and retail options in Santa Elena.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Elena?
Antioquia Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Santa Elena and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Elena?
You can easily tour top sights like Antioquia Museum, El Castillo Museum and Medellin's Museum of Modern Art with a three-day trip to Santa Elena. On average, most travellers book four days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stick around longer and check out Medellin.
What are some activities to do in Santa Elena with kids?
If you're looking for activities and attractions for all ages, check out these excellent ideas for what to do in Santa Elena with kids.

What to do in Santa Elena for adults?
Medellin Town Hall and Antioquia Government Office are just a couple of the things to do in Santa Elena. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Santa Elena?
In Santa Elena, Museo El Castillo is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to experience the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a great way to explore the best free things to do in Santa Elena.