The Complete Set

All of Medellín, Side by Side

6 views of the same city, painted in one palette — they were made to hang together.

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The Story Behind the Art

The Real Medellín

More than a shop, each page is an immersive guide to the real Medellín: local tips and tricks, the language you'll hear, where to eat, stay, and explore, the lay of the land, and a fun fact to carry home — every canvas mapped to the very spot it was painted.

MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA | "La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera"

Medellín is the most remarkable urban transformation of the 21st century, a city that emerged from the darkest period of any municipality in the Western Hemisphere in the 1990s to become the most innovative city in South America, winning the Urban Land Institute's most innovative city award in 2013 and building the world's first outdoor urban escalator system to connect the previously isolated hillside comunas to the city center below. The city sits in the narrow Aburrá Valley of the central Andes at 1,495 meters, where the year-round temperature of 18 to 28°C produced by the altitude and the tropical latitude has earned it the permanent title of the City of Eternal Spring.

The colors are the specific palette of an Andean valley city: the warm terracotta and red brick of the hillside barrios climbing the green valley walls, the lush tropical vegetation visible from every elevated point, the deep blue of the Andean sky at altitude, and the extraordinary urban light of the golden hour when the valley fills with amber and the hillside neighborhoods glow against the darkening cordillera above.

We hope you love getting lost in Medellín through the art below — and that one of these canvases finds a home on your wall. Happy travels, from all of us at The Painted Passport.

Piece by Piece

Every Medellín Canvas, Up Close

Sizes, details and the story behind each scene. See your passport →

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1) Comuna 13 Escalator Murals

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1) Comuna 13 Escalator Murals

Medellín

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Vivid murals cascade down the hillside streets of Comuna 13, where outdoor escalators thread through a neighborhood reborn in color and art. This watercolor canvas of Medellín glows with saturated reds, electric blues, and sun-drenched ochres, capturing a community's triumphant transformation.

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2) Medellín Cable Car Metrocable

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2) Medellín Cable Car Metrocable

Medellín

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A gondola drifts above the hillside barrios of Medellín, suspended between cable lines as the sun dissolves into amber and gold at the horizon. This watercolor study of the Medellín cable car captures that luminous copper dusk, the sweeping valley below rendered in warm ochre and smoldering shadow.

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3) Jardin Plaza Colonial Church

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3) Jardin Plaza Colonial Church

Medellín

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A whitewashed colonial church rises at the end of a cobblestone plaza in the Antioquia highlands, its bell tower crowned with a cross against a luminous blue sky. This watercolor study of the Jardin plaza near Medellin glows with terracotta, cobalt, and warm gold in a mood of quiet Andean morning.

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4) El Peñol Rock Guatapé

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4) El Peñol Rock Guatapé

Medellín

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A colossal granite monolith rises from turquoise reservoir waters near Medellín, its dark face commanding a sky of billowing clouds above emerald islands. This watercolor canvas of El Peñol Rock at Guatapé glows with vivid teals, lush greens, and luminous sky blues in a mood of serene grandeur.

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5) Comuna 13 Hillside Neighborhood

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5) Comuna 13 Hillside Neighborhood

Medellín

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Vivid stacked homes cascade down a sun-drenched hillside above the Aburrá Valley, splashed in tangerine, cobalt, and violet against lush green slopes. This watercolor study of Medellín's iconic Comuna 13 neighborhood captures its electric palette and resilient, radiant spirit.

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6) Guatapé Street Umbrella Alley

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6) Guatapé Street Umbrella Alley

Medellín

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A canopy of jewel-toned umbrellas floats above a cobblestone alley in Guatapé, near Medellín, their shadows dancing across walls painted in tangerine, teal, and rose. This watercolor canvas of the iconic umbrella street captures that electric festival of color suspended between colonial facades in luminous, joyful hues.

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In Real Homes

See It On The Wall

Every piece is a made-to-order watercolor canvas — here's how they look in real spaces.

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Our Map

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The Spirit of the Land

Archival Note: Documented personally during our time in Medellín, Colombia. While we leverage a global network of contributors to provide these high-fidelity visual artifacts, each selection is curated to reflect the specific, quiet frequencies we experienced on the ground. These textures serve as a formal study of the unhurried light and environmental character that defined our journey.

Medellín, Colombia study No. 01
Medellín, Colombia / 01 VIA / Mike Swigunski
The warm sunlight dancing over the red-brick towers and lush greenery captures the vibrant, peaceful soul of Medellín. It’s a beautiful reminder of how nature and city life can breathe together, offering a quiet moment to simply look out and admire the view. This perspective feels like an open invitation to relax and appreciate the steady, grounded energy of the valley.
Medellín, Colombia study No. 02
Medellín, Colombia / 02 VIA / Gustavo Sánchez
The bright, intricate patterns of the souvenir bag perfectly mirror the cheerful spirit found within the cobblestone charm of Pueblito Paisa. It’s a lovely snapshot of a day spent wandering through history, where every corner feels like a colorful celebration of heritage. There’s something so grounding about the sun hitting those white walls, making you want to linger just a little longer in the heart of the city.
Medellín, Colombia study No. 03
Medellín, Colombia / 03 VIA / Rizvi Rahman
The way the warm, orange brickwork glows against the deep emerald of the Andes creates such a striking, harmonious balance. It’s inspiring to see how the city climbs right into the mountains, making the massive scale of nature feel like a cozy, lived-in neighborhood. There’s a quiet strength in this view that makes you want to take a deep breath and just soak in the afternoon sun.

Where to wander

Archival Note: A curated field study of Medellín, Colombia, prioritizing cultural relevance and archival merit. These locations have been meticulously researched and vetted to ensure they represent the most authentic atmosphere for your own expedition.

Local Cuisine Spotlight
There’s something so hearty and welcoming about a rustic platter of chorizo and chicharrón shared over a bright turquoise table. It captures the simple, soul-warming joy of a traditional meal that brings people together after a long day of exploring. This shot feels like a celebration of flavor and culture, inviting you to slow down and savor the authentic tastes of the region.
Credits: LOS MUERTOS CREW
Local cuisine study in Medellín, Colombia

☕︎ Local Flavor

The 10 Tastings of Medellin: Private Food Tour

Rating: 4.9★ | Price: [$$] | Coordinates: 6.2442° N, 75.5692° W

Navigate the sensory corridors of the city’s traditional markets to unearth the foundational flavors of the Antioquian palate. This curated progression features ten distinct tastings, ranging from the fibrous complexity of artisanal arepas to the bright acidity of high-altitude tropical fruits. Documenting the culinary transition from rural necessity to urban sophistication, this tour serves as a physical manuscript of the region’s agricultural resilience.

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Medellín Exotic Fruits Market Tour

Rating: 5.0★ | Price: [$] | Coordinates: 6.2514° N, 75.5746° W

Descend into the rhythmic chaos of Plaza de Mercado la Minorista to witness a botanical catalog of Colombia’s staggering biodiversity. Within this sprawling labyrinth of concrete and corrugated steel, you will engage with over 15 varieties of rare flora, analyzing the textures of the mangosteen and the velvet interiors of the lulo. It is an essential archival experience, preserving the lineage of pre-colonial foodways in the heart of a rapidly modernizing metropolis.

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Learn to Make Colombian Empanadas from Scratch

Rating: 4.9★ | Price: [$$] | Coordinates: 6.2529° N, 75.5901° W

Master the tactile geometry of the empanada as you hand-knead maize dough under the guidance of a seasoned local custodian. This session focuses on the structural integrity of the golden crust and the precise seasoning of the hogao, a foundational creole sauce. The workshop functions as an anchor for the city's identity, ensuring the architectural secrets of the family hearth are transmitted to a new generation of cultural observers.

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Medellín Street Food & Rooftop Exploration

Rating: 4.8★ | Price: [$$] | Coordinates: 6.2103° N, 75.5706° W

Ascend past the vertical gardens of El Poblado to analyze the intersection of contemporary mixology and traditional street fare. The experience juxtaposes the smoky, carbon-heavy flavors of roadside grills with the refined profiles of modern Colombian spirits enjoyed against a panoramic skyline. This tour captures the current cultural synthesis, documenting the city's shift from grounded tradition to an elevated, globalized aesthetic.

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🛌︎ Boutique Stays

Elcielo Hotel Luxury

Rating: 4.8★ | Price: [$$$] | Coordinates: 6.2089° N, 75.5684° W

Inhabit a space where organic materiality meets avant-garde design, featuring interiors defined by warm woods and sophisticated vertical greenery. The architectural ambition here is palpable, from the multi-sensory culinary laboratory on-site to the brutalist-inspired concrete textures of the private suites. It stands as a physical manuscript of Medellin’s luxury renaissance, prioritizing an atmosphere of grounded, high-concept tranquility.

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The Marquee Medellín

Rating: 4.7★ | Price: [$$] | Coordinates: 6.2091° N, 75.5678° W

Navigate the corridors of this boutique anchor located at the nexus of the city's social district, where mid-century silhouettes meet marble-clad elegance. The hotel’s rooftop provides a deliberate vantage point for observing the city's urban canopy, while the interior design utilizes brass and velvet to evoke a timeless, archival opulence. This site acts as a modern waypoint, preserving the lineage of Medellin’s hospitality through a lens of refined, contemporary art.

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The Click Clack Hotel Medellín

Rating: 4.6★ | Price: [$$] | Coordinates: 6.2095° N, 75.5665° W

Experience a masterclass in structural irony where exposed steel beams and lush, overgrown foliage challenge the boundaries of interior and exterior space. Each room is designed as a functional gallery, utilizing industrial glass and minimalist stone to curate a specific, contemplative mood. It is a vital piece of the city's architectural puzzle, documenting the transition toward a "green-urbanism" that defines the modern Paisa spirit.

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Hotel Park 10

Rating: 4.8★ | Price: [$$] | Coordinates: 6.2101° N, 75.5645° W

Enter a sanctuary of brick and dark timber that eschews modern flash for a deep sense of historical permanence and quietude. The aesthetic is one of classical colonial echoes, featuring expansive suites characterized by heavy leather, polished stone, and a Zen-like dedication to silence. This property serves as an archival anchor for El Poblado, preserving the dignified lineage of traditional Antioquian hospitality amidst a sea of glass towers.

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📍︎ Field Study

Comuna 13: Historical Transformation & Graffiti Study

Rating: 4.9★ | Price: [$] | Coordinates: 6.2556° N, 75.6148° W

Ascend the steep slopes of San Javier via the city’s iconic orange escalators to witness a landscape redefined by social architecture and aerosol narrative. Each mural acts as a visual manuscript, documenting a history of conflict and the subsequent triumph of community-led urbanism. This excursion is a vital study of the city's identity, providing a physical archive of how public art can function as a tool for political and social restoration.

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Guatapé & Piedra del Peñol Architectural Day Trip

Rating: 4.8★ | Price: [$$] | Coordinates: 6.2307° N, 75.1764° W

Climb the 740 granite-hewn steps of the Peñol monolith to observe a flooded landscape that permanently altered the region’s topography. In the village of Guatapé below, you will analyze the zócalos—vibrant bas-reliefs on the lower walls of houses that tell the stories of the families within. The site represents a unique historical manuscript of rural life, preserving the lineage of handcrafted storytelling in an age of digital transience.

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Medellín Historic Center Walking Tour

Rating: 4.8★ | Price: [$] | Coordinates: 6.2518° N, 75.5682° W

Unearth the colonial and neoclassical foundations of the city while navigating the bronze-laden expanse of Plaza Botero. The tour focuses on the exaggerated volumes of Fernando Botero’s sculptures and the intricate Gothic-revival masonry of the Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe. This journey serves as an architectural study of Medellin's core, documenting the transition from a Spanish outpost to a daring, modern metropolis.

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Plaza de Cisneros: The Forest of Lights Study

Rating: 4.7★ | Price: [$] | Coordinates: 6.2452° N, 75.5727° W

Discover a vertical forest of 300 illuminated light poles that stand as a beacon of the city’s radical urban "social urbanism" period. The interplay of light and concrete creates a rhythmic, artificial canopy that reclaimed a once-marginalized sector for the public. This site is a vital anchor for the city's identity, signifying a physical manuscript of light used to overwrite a darker historical chapter.

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The Dossier

Archival Note: A formal technical study of Medellín, Colombia, archiving the coordinates, elevation, and environmental data that define the region. This data serves as a vital record for our ongoing global field study, providing the technical foundation behind every atmospheric detail captured in our visual work.

Botanical and pigment specimen study for Medellín, Colombia Colors of Medellín, Colombia
Coordinates
6.2442° N, 75.5812° W — Northwest Colombia, Aburrá Valley, Central Andes
Historical Epoch
Antioquian Spanish colonial foundation in 1675. Industrial expansion and textile manufacturing from 1905. Post-conflict urban transformation from the 1990s to the present.
Elevation
1,495 m / 4,905 ft, city of eternal spring in a narrow Andean valley
Atmosphere
Tropical Monsoon (Am). The City of Eternal Spring, 18 to 28°C year-round, two wet seasons March through May and September through November, moderate humidity throughout.
Observation Hour
17:45. Golden hour on the valley's brick buildings as the sun drops behind the western cordillera, the entire Aburrá Valley turning warm amber before the city lights begin to emerge.
Primary Pigment
Terracotta Brick (#B04A2F) and Lush Fern (#4F7942)
Best Time to Visit
December through March, the eternal spring climate peaks, orchids bloom across the Aburrá Valley, and the city’s famous nightlife is at its most vibrant
Avoid Visiting
April through May, the long rainy season begins, the hillside comunas flood, and the cloud cover sits low over the valley for weeks

The Local Tongue


Language is the invisible architecture of Medellín, Colombia. These entries document the regional vocabulary—capturing the "texture" of local speech that standard translations often miss. Hand-curated expressions reflecting the specific spirit and daily rhythm of the region.
Archival study of Spanish cultural texture

via / Susan Duran

Primary Language Spanish
Regional Dialect Paisa

Parchar

A person from the Antioquia and Eje Cafetero region of Colombia, and the most important single piece of social information in Medellín. Paisas are known across Colombia for their distinctive accent, their entrepreneurial energy, their deep regional pride, and the warmth of their hospitality, and identifying yourself as a visitor who knows and respects the Paisa identity opens more doors in Medellín than any other social gesture.

Berraco

Give papaya in Colombian slang, meaning don't make yourself an easy target or create unnecessary risk for yourself. No dar papaya is the most important piece of practical advice in Colombia and the cultural philosophy behind it is the specific awareness of urban life that makes Medellín, for all its transformation, still a city where environmental intelligence is a social skill.

¡Qué chimba!

Eternal spring in Spanish, the permanent meteorological condition of Medellín at 1,495 meters in the Aburrá Valley where the altitude and the tropical latitude combine to produce a year-round temperature of 18 to 28°C with no extreme seasons. La eterna primavera is not just the city's nickname but the foundational fact of its identity, a climate so pleasant that it shapes every aspect of the social life, urban design, and agricultural economy of the region.

Wait! before you go...

Before you head over to Medellín, Colombia, we wanted to share a few basic tips we picked up along the way. These notes cover the simple things—like how to get around or what to do about cash—so you can spend less time worrying and more time just enjoying the place.
🚲 Getting Around The Metro & Metrocable. Medellín has the only metro system in Colombia, it’s spotless and efficient. The Metrocable (gondolas) offers stunning views of the valley and is a must-do for the experience alone. For private trips, use Uber or InDrive.
⚖️ Cash or Card 70% Card / 30% Cash. Major restaurants, malls, and hotels in El Poblado and Laureles take cards, but you’ll need cash for street food, small markets, and the colorful fruit stalls.
☁️ Good to Know Paisa Pride. People from Medellín are known as Paisas. They are incredibly welcoming and proud of their city's Metro system and transformation. A simple "Gracias" goes a long way here!
🏧 ATMs Plentiful throughout the city. Look for Bancolombia or Davivienda machines, which are generally the most reliable for international cards. Stick to ATMs inside malls or banks for extra security.
💳 Currency Colombian Peso (COP). The exchange rate often results in large numbers (thousands), so it helps to think in "mil" (e.g., 10.000 COP is roughly $2.50 USD).
🔌 Plugs Type A and B (the same as the US and Canada). The standard voltage is 110V, so your devices will plug right in without an adapter.
🛡️ Safety "No dar papaya" (Don't give papaya). It’s a local saying that means don't make yourself an easy target by flashing valuables. Stick to well-traveled areas at night and use ride-share apps rather than hailing taxis on the street.
✈️ Airports José María Córdova International Airport (MDE). It is located in Rionegro, about a 35-45 minute scenic drive from the city via the Túnel de Oriente.

Behind The Scenes

Nathan

Note from the Founder

Hey, did you know this fun fact about Medellín, Colombia? Medellín is home to the world's first giant outdoor escalator system, which climbs nearly 1,300 feet to transform the once-isolated Comuna 13 into a vibrant, accessible hub of street art.
Thank you for exploring the Medellín, Colombia series with us. We hope these notes have inspired you to add this incredible destination to your own passport—we are so glad you're here. Nathan's signature