The Colombian city that was among the best destinations in the world to travel in 2021

The main reason Medellín was on the prestigious list was because, according to the company Lonely Planet, it is “An example of transformation thanks to its continuous efforts to revitalize the poorest areas of the city”.

Each year, the world’s largest travel publisher reveals the list of must-see destinations for the following year. For this edition, the capital Antioquia aroused great interest and was included in the list.

“From the most dangerous city in the world to arguably the most innovative, Medellín has broken all stereotypes in its community-led revitalization.”, is the message with which this description of the invitation to travel through the Aburrá Valley begins.

The tourism authority says it’s hard to believe that Medellín, a city of ambitious futuristic architecture, prized public art, and vibrant nightlife, was once the most dangerous city on the planet.

In its recommendation, Lonely Planet assures that the city of eternal spring has gone from being controlled by drug traffickers to “becoming the coolest city in Colombia”.

Former neighborhoods now host graffiti tours, the neon-flooded Zona Rosa offers culinary delights and late night nights, and Fernando Botero’s oversized art can be found everywhere.

“I came to Medellín six years ago to learn Spanish. With the intention of staying two months, the city fascinated me and I could not leave. Located in the Andes Mountains with a year-round mild climate, genuinely friendly people and an incredible civic transformation, Medellín is a wonderful place to call home. “ said Nathan Rodgers, owner of the Cannúa Lodge cabins located in Marinilla, Antioquia.

For her part, Flavia Santoro, president of ProColombia, told Forbes magazine that the government remains committed to ensuring sustainable tourism and attracting more tourists.

“In ProColombia we are committed to ensuring that tourism is used as a positive force. In this sense, we are interested in attracting tourism that benefits not only travelers, but also the environment and communities “the official said.

The complete list of Lonely Planet

The travel magazine in its annual ‘Best in Travel’ ranking, wanted to make a different presentation for the coronavirus pandemic, so it suggests the best places to visit, those that support sustainability, communities and diversity in tourism.

1. Best city break: Gothenburg, Sweden

2- The best islands: the archipelago of Palau

3- Best sustainable accommodation: Grootberg Lodge, Namibia.

4- Best Sustainable Bike Route: Virginia Mountain Bike Trail

5- Best sustainable gastronomic destination: Greece

6- Best train route: Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)

7- Best emerging destination: Antigua and Barbuda

8- Best Animal Protection Program: Rwanda

9 – Best Landscape Restoration: Australia

10- Best accommodation: Kazakhstan

11 – Best immersion in the local community: the Faroe Islands

12- Best urban revitalization: Medellín, Colombia

13- Best Unknown Story: Gullah Islands (USA)

14- Greater cultural diversity: San Diego, California

15- The most welcoming destination: Amman, Jordan

16- Best accessible destination: Costa Rica

17- Best multigenerational destination: El Hierro (Canary Islands)

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