Things To Do
in Remedios
Remedios is a small, historic town in the northeastern mountains of Antioquia, Colombia, known for its colonial-era streets, mining heritage and strong local traditions. It retains an authentic, low-key atmosphere where colorful houses line narrow streets and community life centers on the main plaza and church. The town draws visitors for its vibrant Semana Santa celebrations and for access to scenic hilltop viewpoints and nearby rural landscapes.
Remedios is a good base for travelers seeking cultural immersion, photography and low-traffic exploration away from Colombia’s larger cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Remedios, soaking in the scenic views of the Andes mountains as you make your way to your accommodations. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, trying traditional Colombian arepas with fresh coffee. Take a stroll around the town to get acquainted with the charming streets and warm atmosphere.
Explore the town's main square, where you can visit the local church and interact with friendly residents. Engage in a guided walking tour that unveils the unique history and vibrant culture of Remedios. Stop for lunch at a quaint eatery, sampling regional dishes like bandeja paisa.
As the sun begins to set, head to a local bar for a taste of Colombia’s craft beers and cocktails. Immerse yourself in the lively ambience as you enjoy music and dance performances from local artists. Wind down your day with an authentic Colombian dinner at a top-rated local restaurant.
Begin your day with breakfast at a bakery, enjoying freshly baked bread paired with tropical fruit juices. Visit the nearby museum to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region, filled with artifacts and exhibits. Take time to appreciate the intricate architecture and local art on display.
Visit a nearby coffee farm for a tour, where you can learn about the coffee-making process from plant to cup. Participate in a coffee tasting session to savor the rich flavors of Colombian coffee. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by lush coffee plants, breathing in the fresh mountain air.
Attend a cultural event or festival if it coincides with your visit, experiencing the vibrant traditions of Remedios. Stroll through the streets as the town lights up, and enjoy street food from vendors. Wrap up your evening with dessert from a local ice cream shop that prides itself on artisanal flavors.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-7 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus or shared taxi ride | $0.50-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $25-60 |
| 🍺Local beer (bar) | $1.50-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, off-the-beaten-path Colombian town with strong local culture
- Great opportunities for photography, quiet streets and scenic viewpoints
- Rich traditions and memorable festivals (notably Holy Week)
- Lower prices than major tourist centers and welcoming local hospitality
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer amenities than larger towns
- Some rural roads can be rough and weather-dependent
- Fewer vegetarian/vegan choices and nightlife options
- Connectivity (mobile/data) and ATM access can be intermittent
- "Hola, buenos días" - Hello, good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Disculpe, ¿puede ayudarme?" - Excuse me, can you help me?
Places to Visit in Remedios
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful façades, street life and traditional architecture provide classic shots of town life, especially in the soft light of morning or late afternoon.
Several nearby viewpoints overlook the valley and surrounding mountains — excellent for sunrise/sunset panoramas and sweeping landscape photos.
Photograph rural scenes, small bridges, and riverside settlements that capture the agricultural and mining-influenced landscape.
If you visit during Holy Week, processions and religious ceremonies are highly photogenic and culturally meaningful — be respectful and ask before photographing people up close.
Remnants of mining infrastructure and terraced hillsides tell the town’s industrial history and can produce dramatic, textured images.
Food in Remedios
Remedios Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A filling platter traditionally including beans, rice, ground or shredded meat, chicharrón, fried egg, plantain and arepa — ubiquitous in Antioquia and easy to find in local restaurants and fondas.
Must-Try!
A comforting meat-and-vegetable soup often made with chicken, beef or fish and root vegetables; popular for lunch and communal meals.
Corn-based arepas (plain or stuffed) and fried empanadas sold at street stalls and markets as snacks or part of breakfast.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small indoor/outdoor market near the town center where vendors sell fresh fruit, arepas, empanadas and homemade snacks — great for inexpensive sampling and photography of local life.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a handshake; among friends a single cheek kiss is common. Use polite forms of address (usted) with older people or in formal situations.
Churches and religious events are important; dress modestly for services and be respectful during processions and ceremonies.
Always ask permission before photographing people — particularly during religious events or in private settings — and accept when someone declines.
Social meetings are usually relaxed about time, but tours and organized activities tend to run on schedule. Bargaining at small markets is acceptable but should be polite and fair.
Safety
Tipping in Remedios
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included; if not, rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated. Tip tour guides and drivers directly for good service; small cash tips are customary. Taxis are rarely tipped but rounding up the fare is common.
Cash (Colombian pesos) is widely used, especially in markets, taxis and small shops. Credit and debit cards are accepted at some restaurants and larger businesses but may not work reliably in all places—carry enough cash. ATMs exist in town but may be limited; consider withdrawing larger amounts in Medellín if necessary.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
These months are often the most pleasant for travel: clearer skies, better hiking conditions and more reliable road access. Expect warm daytime temperatures and cooler mornings at higher elevations.
Short, heavy showers and muddy rural roads are common; plan extra travel time, bring a waterproof layer and avoid remote dirt roads after heavy rain.
Holy Week draws many visitors and features rich cultural events and processions; book accommodation early and be prepared for crowds in the town center.
Remedios at Night
Hiking in Remedios
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short to moderate trails that reach panoramic overlooks above the town — ideal for sunrise and sunset views and photographic opportunities.
Paths that follow small rivers and streams, offering pleasant walks, birdwatching and natural pools for cooling off on hot days.
Routes that pass remnants of historical mining activity and terraces — culturally interesting but sometimes uneven, so use a guide for safer access.
Airports
How to reach Remedios by plane.
Medellín’s main international airport (Rionegro). The most common gateway for international visitors—reach Remedios by a combination of car or shuttle and regional roads (several hours by road depending on conditions).
A smaller domestic airport in Medellín city center used for regional flights; good option if connecting from other Colombian cities before traveling overland to Remedios.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents identify as mestizo or of mixed European and indigenous heritage, reflecting the broader population of Antioquia.
Afro-Colombian communities are present in the wider region; cultural influences appear in music and food traditions.
Indigenous influence in the region is smaller than in some other parts of Colombia but contributes to the cultural mosaic.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally; local matches and informal games are common and part of community life.
Cycling is popular in Antioquia’s hilly terrain, and mountain biking is a growing activity for visitors seeking off-road routes.
Horseback riding is a traditional pastime in rural areas and a common way to explore countryside trails.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Remedios.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited compared with larger cities; choose soups (without meat), bean dishes, plantain, rice and arepas. Specify 'soy vegetariano' or 'sin carne, por favor' and be ready to ask about broths made with meat.
Vegan choices are more limited in small towns. Simple preparation of rice, beans, plantains and vegetables often works but always confirm the absence of animal-based broths, cheese or lard.
Corn-based items like arepas and many empanadas are gluten-free, but check for wheat-based fillings or cross-contamination in shared kitchens.