Things to do in Santa Elena

Activities, attractions and tours

Colombia, Santa Elena, tropical garden near Cali
Colombia, Santa Elena, tropical garden near Cali
Colombia, Santa Elena, river flowing through bamboo forest
Medellin is partying, the flower fair returns with the parade of silleteros
… (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)
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Most popular experiences in Santa Elena

Tours & day trips

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Guatapé Tour: Piedra del Peñol with Boat Tour, Breakfast, Lunch

Guatapé Tour: Piedra del Peñol with Boat Tour, Breakfast, Lunch

Activity duration is 11 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1741 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$49 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Night Chiva Rumbera in Cartagena with Music and Party

Night Chiva Rumbera in Cartagena with Music and Party

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is S$17 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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A night at the Sky Viewpoint with Activities

A night at the Sky Viewpoint with Activities

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
6.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$43 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Medellin: Coffee Farm and Barista Workshop Experience Tour

Medellin: Coffee Farm and Barista Workshop Experience Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$60 per adult
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Wildlife & nature

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Scenic Horseback Riding in the Medellín Mountains

Scenic Horseback Riding in the Medellín Mountains

Activity duration is 4 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 45 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$93 per adult
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What to do in Santa Elena

Popular places to visit

Foto aérea del Parque de El Poblado, en la ciudad de Medellín, aparece la Iglesia de San José, Católica.

Poblado Park

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

Poblado Park
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

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

Santafé Mall
Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia. August 3, 2009: Plaza Mayor Convention Center

Plaza Mayor Convention Center

Learn about the events happening in Plaza Mayor Convention Center during your trip to Medellín. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its lively bars.

Plaza Mayor Convention Center
Botero Square Sculpture Park featuring a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a city

Botero Plaza

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 showing religious elements and a church or cathedral

Pueblito Paisa

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 Arví! So after you take the first metro-cable up, there is a second more touristy one

Arvi Park

You can take time to visit Arvi Park during your travels to Medellín. Visit the shops and lively bars in this trendy 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

Explore the great outdoors at Medellin Botanical Garden, a lovely green space in Medellín. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Medellin Botanical Garden

Lleras Park

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

Lleras Park

El Tesoro Shopping Park

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

El Tesoro Shopping Park

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Botero Square Sculpture Park featuring a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a city

Medellin

Parque Arví! So after you take the first metro-cable up, there is a second more touristy one (triple the cost) which takes you over the mountain ridge and quite a ways further to this beautiful park. Here is the view along the way! #medellin #colombia #parque #arvi #park #jungle #scenery #nature #sky #travel #southamerica #metrocable #gondola #wanderlust

Guarne

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.