Flower Farm Tour Medellin Day Trip Ideas

The Flower Farm Tour Medellin experience is an opportunity to witness the city’s beautiful flowers and greenery.

You’ve packed your bags thinking you’ve explored all the beauty that Medellin has to offer. But you probably haven’t visited some of its hidden gems, what with all the activities and hype in the city that consumed your time. Then again, discovering all of Medellin’s beauty and rich culture can take years or even a lifetime.

If you have a day to spare, make sure to add this to your itinerary or bucket list – the Flower Farm Tour Medellin Day Trip!

Since Medellin is referred to as The City of Eternal Spring, it would be a shame not to experience its lush nature and greenery.

If you’re planning on traveling to Colombia soon, take a breath of fresh air on your first day by going on a flower farm tour. You will not only have the best flower farm tour experience of your life, but also a package of cultural and historical integration.

Welcome to the Flower Farm Tour Medellin Experience

Witness the stunning arrangements of flowers Medellin is known for during the Flower Festival!
Source: Rubí Flórez, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, via Flickr

Medellin is one of the largest and most industrialized cities in Colombia. While it’s a highly urbanized city, it’s surrounded by mountains and valleys that are home to small towns like Santa Elena.

These small towns are located in high elevations with perfect temperatures to grow some of the most beautiful flowers Medellin displays yearly at its famous flower festival. Also, many flower farms around Medellin help with the huge number of flowers that are being exported by Colombia.

As you might already know, the Medellin Flower Festival takes place every August and could last up to ten days. The festival highlights a big parade of flower farmers from Santa Elena, carrying big pieces of wood (silletas) filled with beautiful flower arrangements.

Silletas symbolize the resourcefulness of these hardworking flower farmers. During the colonial period, farmers used silletas to carry people and children, and they soon realized that silletas could be the easiest way to transport flowers from the farm to the city.

Today, you can witness around 500 farmers parading the streets of Medellin to showcase some of their stunning flower arrangements.

This is just one of the many interesting things to know about Medellin, the flowers, the town of Santa Elena, and how they’re all interconnected.

How to Get from Santa Elena to Medellin

There are two ways to get to Santa Elena for the full Flower Farm Tour Medellin experience.

First, you can hop on a bus that runs from Placita de Flores. Enjoy a spectacular view while heading toward your destination. You might want to consider going early if you don’t want to get stuck in heavy traffic.

Another way to get to Santa Elena from Medellin is by taxi or Uber. Although considered illegal in Colombia, Uber is a great option for those who don’t like taking public transport like buses.

Your Uber or taxi will get you to Santa Elena faster, though it will cost more than taking the bus.

Activities to Do during the Tour

• Visit the Silleteros Monument.

  

  The Silleteros Monument is a tribute to the farmers who devoted their lives to growing the flowers Medellin is known for.
  Source: Andreasuescun, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

  We learned that silletas are pieces of wood filled with astonishing flower arrangements. The people carrying these silletas are called Silleteros. The Silleteros Monument is a tribute to the farmers who devoted their lives to making flowers Medellin showcases during one of the most awaited festivals in all of Colombia.

  If you’re going with a tour guide, you’ll hear great stories about the lives of Silleteros. Feel free to ask any questions you might have and indulge yourself with new knowledge.

• Walk around the flower farm.

  Walking around the flower farm is not only about experiencing the spectacular view of the flowers or taking pictures while enjoying their beauty. This can also be a great chance to talk to the farmers themselves.

  Pique your curiosity by asking questions like how they are able to grow the flowers. What are some of the challenges they face when growing them? What types of flowers do they grow?

  Or if you want some quiet time as you’re enjoying the scenery, you can do so by strolling alone and maybe ask your questions later on.

  Be present and observe every small detail you see.

  What flowers have you seen for the first time? What are the ones you’re familiar with? Embrace this moment by absorbing nature’s energy.

• Make a silleta.

  After taking a refreshing stroll, it’s time for some hands-on experience. Make your own silleta and your first flower arrangement. You might soon discover you’ve got some hidden creativity in you all along.

  Imagine making silletas and learning this whole process at a farmhouse surrounded by flowers in vibrant colors, great weather, and warm people. This whole experience is truly an escape from the stressful hustle and bustle of city life.

  Once you’re finished with your silleta, take your time to capture this proud moment. Carry your silleta on your back, wear your biggest smile, and have your photo taken.

• Visit Arvi Park.

  This day trip guide is not only about the beautiful flowers Medellin gets to show you. Ride Santa Elena’s Metro Cable and get ready to be starstruck by the panoramic view of the city. With a length of 6,798 ft and a height of 1,309 ft, it’s definitely a vantage point to see all of Medellin’s beauty and gifts of nature.

  Arvi Park will definitely leave you wanting more. For starters, it doesn’t have an entrance fee, except if you want to try the activities they offer.

  After your immersive experience at Santa Elena’s flower farm, make a quick stop and take it easy. Arvi Park is a great place to relax after a day of exploring.

Experience Beauty and Nature in Medellin, Colombia

With Santa Elena’s rich culture and abundant greenery, your whole flower farm day tour experience will not be limited to the flowers. Your day will be filled with adventures and an unforgettable cultural immersion as well.

Besides, the experience won’t be a success without a bit of preparation. Make sure to book a tour ahead of time if necessary. Also, know that there’s going to be a lot of walking and strolling throughout the tour, so wear something comfortable, especially when it comes to your pair of sneakers. Last but not the least, don’t forget your camera!

Go beyond nightclubs and parties in Medellin. Witness the city’s beautiful scenery and don’t miss out on the flower farm tour Medellin has yet to show you!