The Best Things to Do in Segovia, Antioquia

Not too far outside of Medellín is a small town called Segovia, which is called “The City Forged in Gold” by locals. 

Now, while this isn’t some huge town where you’ll be struggling to find enough time in the day to do things, it’s still a pretty cool day to visit for a day or two. 

So, if you’re ready to plan a quick weekend getaway from Medellín, you might want to put Segovia on your list. Here are a couple of things you can do while you’re there.

Hiking in the Popales Forest Reserve

The Popales Forest Reserve is a humid forest perfect for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the small streams that run through it. This natural reserve is located in a rural neighborhood called Campoalegre, about 2.5 miles from the village of Segovia.

In addition to the great variety of fauna and flora of the place, you can take a dip in the San Miguel waterfall. 

Depending on your physical condition, you can ask your tour guide to take you on a hike that takes about 3 to 4 hours. Although the hiking trail isn’t particularly difficult, just the length will take a bit of stamina!

From time to time, environmental campaigns are conducted in which many people gather to plant trees on the reserve. If you happen to visit while this is happening, feel free to join in!

Visiting the Mines of Segovia

If you were wondering why Segovia is sometimes called “The City Forged in Gold,” it’s because Segovia bases its economy on mining this precious metal.

You’ll even find a huge statue painted in gold in the town’s central park. The statue symbolizes the violence that this place once experienced due to the Colombian war and the dignity of the miners of the region.

The most popular mines in Segovia are El Silencio and Providencia, but the village is surrounded by other mines such as:

• Sandra K
• El Cogote

For safety reasons, it’s not possible to take a tour through the mines. But, there are still a lot of local places to pick up some handicrafts and learn about the mining industry.

Take a Dip in Charco de Las Brujas

These pools are a familiar place to spend the day resting from the warm climate of Segovia. It’s basically a series of small pools with a little waterfall. 

As someone who grew up exploring these types of places and going camping with my family on the weekends, this place really appeals.

There are also small shops nearby where you can grab a snack or a drink. You’ll have to hike a little way over there, but it’s much more convenient than lugging tons of stuff out to the pools.

Just make sure to be careful with your belongings, as there are usually a lot of people in this place.

Honorable Mention: The Manzanillo Dam

While we’re talking about places to go swimming and cool off, let me mention the Manzanillo Dam. This is a popular destination for those tourists who want to swim in crystal clear waters or jump off the small hills surrounding the dam into the water.

Usually, you’ll find more people than usual on weekends since it’s a natural pool well-known by the locals.

Just remember that there are no nearby shops. You’ll have to pack in your own food and drinks if you want to enjoy some refreshments by the water.

Take a Tour of the Village

One of the first things you should do when arriving in Segovia is to get to know its culture and get acquainted with the village.

You can start with the main square, called Los Próceres park. There you’ll find the statue painted in gold that I mentioned before.

Take some time to sit down, have an ice cream, and do some people-watching.

Once you’ve taken in your fill of passerby, head over to the local church. This church is dedicated to the Virgin of Los Dolores and is a great example of historic architecture. 

They also have services all week, so if you want to attend those, that’s also an option.

Take Part in Segovia’s Fairs and Festivals

Although they don’t happen every day, checking out the town’s fairs and festivals is the perfect way to learn more about the culture of Segovia. These festivals are held annually, and they’re usually related to gold.

These festivals can last a few days depending on the celebration. These are the holidays you can attend:

• Pocuné river festival 
• Dia de la Identidad Segoviana
• Mining and Virgen del Carmen Festival

At the festivals, you’ll find concerts, beauty contests, music festivals, horseback riding, and even a parade of floats. And of course, you’ll find plenty of handcrafts to take home as souvenirs to friends and family!

Spend a Weekend in Segovia

Despite not being a very popular tourist destination, Segovia is a town worth visiting. 

There are some great places to get off the beaten track and enjoy something new. And, there’s plenty of fun to be had if you know where to look for it. 

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