Green Medellín cityscape

Right in the middle of the city, the Jardín Botánico is Medellín at its most relaxed — 14 hectares of orchids, palms, turtles and sleepy iguanas, and it is completely free. Locals come to read, picnic and escape the heat under the famous wooden Orquideorama.

What to see

Wander the lake, the palmetum and the desert garden, then find the Orquideorama — a honeycomb of wooden “flower-trees” that is one of the city’s best photo spots. Keep an eye out for iguanas sunning themselves by the water.

Visiting the Jardín Botánico

The Jardín Botánico sits right in the centre of Medellín and is free to enter, which makes it one of the easiest and most relaxing half-days in the city. Spread across roughly 14 hectares, it gathers themed gardens — a lake, a palmetum and a desert garden among them — along shaded paths that locals use for reading, picnicking and slow afternoon walks.

The centrepiece is the Orquideorama, a striking honeycomb of wooden flower-trees that shelters orchids and is one of the most photographed spots in the Jardín Botánico. Look out for iguanas basking near the water, turtles in the lake and plenty of birds in the canopy. There is a café and event space on site, and the garden regularly hosts plant fairs and cultural events.

Because it sits beside Parque Explora, the aquarium and the Planetarium, with the Universidad metro station right outside, it is simple to combine into a wider day in the city.

Make a day of it

The garden sits beside Parque Explora (science museum + aquarium) and the Planetario, with the Universidad metro station right outside — an easy, breezy half-day in the city.

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Before you visit, a few tips help. First, go on a clear morning, because the garden is cooler and quieter then. Then, head straight for the Orquideorama, since it is the highlight and a favourite photo spot. In addition, bring water and a hat, as shade is patchy in places. Meanwhile, combine it with Parque Explora next door, so you make a full day of it. Finally, check the calendar, because the garden often hosts plant fairs and events.

FAQ

Is the Botanical Garden free? Yes, entry is free. How do I get there? Take the Metro to Universidad station; it is right at the exit.