Belen is a large, varied and largely under-appreciated area of Medellin. Stretching from the hills of cerro tres cruces across to La 33 and up to the Universidad de Medellin, it has a lot to offer and is largely unexplored by foreign visitors.
I moved to Medellin in 2008 and La Mota in Belen was my first neighbourhood. I loved living there then and there has been so much development and improvements in the time since. In this article I will explain why I love the area and give you some ideas for the best things to do in Belen.
Best Things to Do in Belen
Pueblito Paisa
Calle 30 No. 55 – 64, Medellín, Antioquia
The square is located at the top of Cerro Nutibara, a hill that sits 80 meters above the city with excellent views. You can enjoy great traditional local food, an excellent view of the surrounding mountains and purchase local arts and crafts.
The architecture is that of a traditional Antioquia town with bright colors, a stone square, gardens and large fountain plus recreations of a church, a town hall, a school and a barbershop. Enjoying some delicious food overlooking the city in Pueblito Paisa at sunset is one of the best things to do in Belen.
Aeroparque Juan Pablo II
Cra. 70 #16, Guayabal
In 1985 the current international airport was opened in Riongro which meant airline traffic in and out of the city airport was reduced. The airport was scaled back and the Juan Pablo II park was created, named after pope John Paul II who landed at the city airport in 1986.
The aerodrome was retained and is now an even venue while the land was redesigned to provide facilities for the local community. Today the Aeroparque covers 17 hectares with a water park with slides, cafes, restaurants and children’s areas. There are areas for cycling and running with concerts held during the flower festival. If you want to get a tan and cool off then the waterpark is definitely one of the best things to do in Belen on a hot and sunny afternoon.
Entry to the waterpark is 18,000 COP for adults and 13,000 COP for children or 7,000 COP if you aren’t going to swim.
Theatre at Universidad de medellin
Cra. 87 #30-65
Universidad de Medellin has a theatre with the capacity for 1,702 guests which hosts music, dance and theatre events. The theatre was opened in 1985 and initially was exclusive for university use but today hosts a wide range of events. This month, for example, there is a stan up show with various well known comedians, a magic show, a full band performing children’s music, a performance from the Aragon Symphonic Orchestra and an evening with famous actor Andres Parra.
This is something very few foreign visitors are aware of but it can be a great way to enjoy some great musical acts and performances in a modern venue. The university is in Belen, up the hill from Los Molinos on the 80 street. One of the best things to do in Belen if you want an affordable cultural experience.
Los Molinos Mall
Cl. 30A #82A-26
Los Molinos is a large mall which has a good range of shopping options and restaurants. They have a very good karting track called Xtreme Race and a trampoline park called Flying Squirrel. You will also find a large Cine Colombia cinema with the latest films available dubbed or with Spanish subtitle and English audio. On Wednesday’s all cinema tickets are at 50% making it a great budget option (if you can resist the popcorn).
Los Molinos is not one of the newest malls but it remains very popular and has been updated. They also host other short term events, such as the roller disco which is currently operating. The food court is good plus they have an Exito supermarket.
Cinema at Clinica las Americas
Dg. 75B #2A-120
Something almost completely undiscovered by foreign visitors is the small cinema at the Las Americas clinic in La Mota on the 80 street. While the movie offerings can be quite ubiquitous across the city, Las Americas has smaller screenings with a unique range of films on offer. There are fewer seats but it creates a cozy atmosphere and the cinema is operated by a small staff which is very friendly and enthusiastic.
It feels like a bit of a throwback but it is a great option if you want to movie options beyond the usual Disney and Marvel offerings. They have new and classic international and critically acclaimed movies. It feels like more a curated selection as opposed to just putting out what every other cinema has on offer. One of the best things to do in Belen if you want to discover some hidden cinematic gems.
Unidad deportivo Belen
Carrera 66B # 31A – 15
Unidad Deportivo Belen Andrés Escobar Saldarriaga is one of the biggest and most important sports facilities in the city. Named after the great Colombian defender who was tragically killed after the 1994 World Cup, the venue has four artificial football pitches, a grass pitch, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, running tracks, a BMX course, volleyball pitches and a futsal pitch.
All of the publicly owned sports fields in Medellin are free to use and rent for teams and groups. You will also find regular exercise groups or sports coaching which can be free or at a very small charge. I love playing futbol here in Medellin and undoubtably a kickabout with friends is one of the best things to do in Belen.
La 33
Av. 33, El Nogul
On the border between Belen and Laureles, La 33 is a major street which links La 80 circular road with the highway that runs alongside the river. La 33 is a long road which by day has a spattering of stores, restaurants, garages, gas stations and gyms. In the evening there are some really fun bars and clubs along the street, offering good variety.
Pub Rock has been a favourite for over a decade, with live music at the weekend and a committed clientele. The band play rock favourites from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s in Spanish and English while the crowd sings along to every song. It can be a great option with friends. There is also a club specialising in Hip Hop and Dancehall called JAMZ at the bottom of the 33.
While La 70 in Laureles is a street you can wander up and down to decide where to go, with La 33 you probably need to decide in advance as it is long and steep. I would either go straight for JAMZ or head to the top part of the street and head down as there are some good options close to Pub Rock.
Parque de la Conservación
Cra. 52 Nro. 20-63
The name was changed from Santa Fe Zoo in 2020 to the Conservation Park to reflect the change in focus in recent decades.
Today they have over 500 animals from 122 species with most originating in the American continent. The majority of the animals arrived to the park having been confiscated from illegal traffickers, a serious issue in Colombia given the great biodiversity of the country. The park also has a wide variety of plant and tree species from across the country.
Entry costs 28,000 COP at the weekend and 26,000 COP during the week for adults and between 18,000 COP to 20,000 COP for children. There are additional discounts available for Comfama members and those from lower income neighbourhoods.
Cerro Tres Cruces
Cl. 8 #84f-25, Altavista
One of the most popular actives to do on a Sunday in Belen is to climb to the top of Cerro Tres Cruces. The large hill rises above the south of the zone with 3 crosses at the top. Hundreds of locals climb the hill for exercise and to enjoy the amazing views at the top overlooking the city. The climb should take around an hour and at the top there is an open air gym if you feel up for it.
One of the best things to do in Belen if you want to stay in shape, make friends on the climb and get active at the weekend.
Puente 4 Sur Skatepark
50-92, Cl. 2 Sur #5014
There is a very good skatepark underneath the 4 Sur bridge which links Guayabal in Belen with Poblado. The park is relatively new and well maintained with a large bowl, rails and ramps. There is always a good group of skaters and important competitions have been held at the park. You will also find groups hanging out on the patch of grass eating, drinking and smoking.
The skatepark was used to record the J Balvin video for 11PM a few years ago. One of the best things to do if you are into skating, skateboarding or hanging out with laid back locals.
Arkadia
Cra. 70 #1-141, Medellín
Arkadia is one of the newest malls in Medellin and you can tell. It is not as large as some others but the design is excellent with high ceilings and a large open central area. They have a very nice Cinemark cinema and a stylish industrial themed bowling ally called La Industria Bolera. There is now a horror themed escape room called Escape del Terror. For younger visitors there are activities such as Baby Play, 3D Immersion and Slime Lab.
There is a lot to keep you busy on a rainy afternoon in Medellin.
PriceSmart
Cra. 70 #1-120, Guayabal
Across the street from Arcadia is a PriceSmart which is a great option if you want to stock up. The US chain charges a membership fee but then offers good discount on larger quantities of products. They also offer many imported products you may be craving for back home but can’t find anywhere else. I tend to leave having spend much more than I had planned but that is one of the risks you run with so much on offer!
club Campestre El Rodeo
Av 80, Cl. 2 Sur #65-535
El Rodeo Social and Sports Club offers sports, coworking, entertainment, events, coaching and wellbeing facilities. The golf course has hosted the Colombian Open an even which has been included on the Tour de las Americas. The 72 par course runs over 6,640 yards is very well maintained and a challenge for even experienced golfers.
The country club also has swimming pools, children’s areas, an excellent restaurant and a very good spa. One of the best things to do in Belen if you want a touch of the luxury lifestyle and you have the budget required!
