Most travelers spend a day enjoying Santa Fe de Antioquia and the surrounds during an excursion from nearby Medellín. Opt for shared or private tours which typically include round-trip transportation or combine a sightseeing tour of Medellín itself with a visit to Santa Fe de Antioquia if you’re pressed for time. Highlights of the quaint colonial town include the 18th-century cathedral, nearby vineyards, and the opportunity to raft down the Cauca River, beneath the Bridge of the West.
Coffee is a principal product of Santa Fe de Antioquia so be sure to pick up a bag or two before you leave.
Don’t leave without trying the local specialty—pulpa de tamarindo (tamarind candy).
Prepare to spend around half a day enjoying all that Santa Fe de Antioquia has to offer.
Santa Fe de Antioquia may not be fully wheelchair accessible, due to cobbled streets and uneven sidewalks.
Santa Fe de Antioquia is situated about 40 miles (63 kilometers) north of Medellín. Buses run regularly from Medellín’s Northern Bus Terminal (next to the Caribe metro station), although most travelers find it easiest to arrive by private vehicle. Hire a driver or make things easier for yourself and opt for a tour that includes round-trip transportation.
With its temperate year-round climate and colonial charm, there’s no bad time to visit Santa Fe de Antioquia. However, the town is a popular weekend destination for visitors and locals alike—visit midweek for a quieter experience or stop by during the annual Fiesta de los Diablitos to enjoy dances, parades, and even a beauty contest.
There are plenty of day trip options for travelers in Medellín. Visit one of the country’s most colorful towns—Guatapé—and challenge yourself to reach the peak of the towering Peñól de Guatapé; try your hand at paragliding in Cocorná; or stop by the charming coffee town, Jardín. Otherwise, stick closer to the city with a visit to Parque Arvi.