Medellín with kids: what works and what does not

The plans that never fail

Hacienda Nápoles is number one: zoo, hippos, water park and safari in a single day. Parque Explora with its aquarium, the Botanical Garden and Parque Arví by cable car come next. The metrocable itself, by the way, is a plan in its own right for a child: floating over the city in a cable car impresses them more than any museum.

Guatapé with children: yes, with caveats

They love the town — the painted zócalos, the boats, the tuk-tuks — but the 740 steps of the rock are another matter. With small children the formula that works is staying at the base, where there are cafés and viewpoints, or one adult going up at a time. Nobody has to climb for the day to be worth it.

What to adjust on the tours

The city tour works better in a shorter version, with the Pueblito Paisa at the end. Comuna 13 works well from about eight upwards, because there are escalators and plenty to look at, but it is two hours walking uphill. The Pablo Escobar tour is not a children's plan: its value is in the adult conversation.

Logistics that prevent meltdowns

Child seats if you travel with under-twos (tell us when booking), an early start, and getting back before the four-o'clock wall. Having the vehicle waiting to hold jackets, shopping and backpacks solves half the problems of travelling with children.

Frequently asked questions