How to Get to Santa Fe de Antioquia from Medellin

Santa Fe de Antioquia may seem like a small town with not much to do and only a few monuments to see, a perception that leaves the town left off many people’s vacation plans. 

But in reality, Santa Fe de Antioquia is one of the best places to learn more Antioquian culture! Between 2020 and 2021, the town was visited by nearly 200,000 people attracted by its rich history and religious traditions. 

So, if you want to become a true Paisa, consider taking a trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia! In this guide I’ll walk you through how to get there, and fill you in on why it’s an unmissable destination. 

Where is Santa Fe de Antioquia from Medellin?

If you’re looking for a quiet place to take a walk while still enjoying the wonders of Medellin, Santa Fe de Antioquia is worth the journey. The town is only 34 miles from Medellin, a trip that’ll take you about an hour and a half. 

This small village has a population of around 25,000, and unlike other places in the region, it’s not a very crowded tourist point, making it the perfect place to take a rest from the noise and extreme sports of Medellin. 

For a one-day trip, I recommend getting up a little earlier in the morning, touring the city, then making your way back to Medellin in the evening. 

If this isn’t enough time for you to unwind and get some rest from the city, consider staying at least two or three nights. 

But how do you get there? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

How to get to Santa Fe de Antioquia 

There are several way to get to this wonderful village, but they all one thing in common: beautiful mountain landscapes and views of other small Paisa villages. 

Bus to Santa Fe de Antioquia

Taking a bus is the cheapest option, and the most fun, if you ask me! 

Before traveling, you’ll want to a little research into the different companies that can take you there and their schedules, so take a look at the Terminal’s online page. 

Your first step will be getting to the Terminal de Norte in Medellin. To get there, you can take: 

• Taxi or uber
• Metro (“A” route)
• Bus (286, 313, M11B 03, M1PC, and O)

Once you’re there, you’ll be able to purchase tickets to a bus that’ll take you directly to the village. Keep in mind that the route may take longer than expected due to stops, traffic, roadwork, or slow moving trucks down the narrow roads. 

During the ride you can take a nap or gaze out the window at the beautiful view of the naturalscape, so recline your chair and enjoy! 

Rent a car to Santa Fe de Antioquia

Renting a car is a great option for those with higher budgets, since you’ll have to pay for the cost of the rental, gas, and toll booths. 

However, you’ll have the benefit of being able to stop any place you want, giving you the chance to explore other small Colombian villages along the way. 

Make you sure you’ve had a little practice driving in Colombia: as I said before, the roads are often narrow and bumpy. 

To drive to Santa Fe de Antioquia, you’ll start on the San Cristóbal road in Medellin, then take the Urabá road directly to Santa Fe de Antioquia. 

The weather is typically very pleasant, but a sunny day can leave you exhausted and looking a little burnt, so make sure to bring sunscreen and a few bottles of water. 

If you get a little hungry, stop and grab a bite of some traditional Medellin dishes like “Bandeja Paisa” or “Arepas con chicharrón.” 

Terminal del Norte website: https://www.terminaldetransporte.gov.co/terminales/terminal-del-norte

Address: Carrera 64 C #78-580

Hire a private driver 

If driving on Colombia’s tricky roads still feels a little daunting, don’t worry! You can always hire a driver to take you to the village. They’ll be able to pick you up from your Casacol Rental Property, hotel, or Airbnb.

Although hiring a private driver may be the most expensive option, it’s got the best of both worlds. 

You’ll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the landscape without having to worry about driving yourself, while still providing you the freedom to stop wherever you wish to stretch your legs or grab a bite to eat. 

What to expect in Santa Fe de Antioquia 

While Santa Fe de Antioquia is a small village with few inhabitants, its religious tradtion and colonial architecture make it stand out. 

Even if you’re only there for the day, make sure to check out the town’s main square to see the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the perfect place to take some pictures or snag a postcard. 

After that, take a walk around to visit the town’s other famous churches,or check out the “Occidente” hanging bridge crossing the Cauca river.

If you get hungry, delight in the Antioquian gastronomy the village has to offer. You’ll find so many delicious dishes based on exotic fruit such as the Icaco, which looks like a cute little pink onion. And don’t forget to visit the Matronas, the true sages of traditional cuisine. I promise you won’t regret it! 

The warm weather is usually perfect for a day out on the town, and locals are always very friendly and willing to suggest places to visit and meals to try. 

Take a break in this small town

Though Santa Fe de Antioquia may be small, I think it’s one of the best spots for tourists to rest and unwind. I think that after visiting it, you’ll have a special affection for small tourist destinations. Enjoy your holidays!

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