Please not that driving in Medellin can be quite difficult and I highly recommend doing so early in the day before the traffic builds up. The center is notably congested and noisy from midday onwards.

Car rental does of course open up for day trips to Santa Fe de Antioquia, Santa Helena, El Peņol or Llano Grande in Rionegro. Driving from Medellin allows for spectacular views as you climb up and out of the city into the surrounding mountains that lead to the day trip destination. I see it as my responsibility to insist on a few precautions such as making sure you know where you are driving and that you do not set out on a long distance trip unless you are traveling with someone who knows the way during the holiday season when the national roads are heavily patrolled.

Do not drive outside the city at night and do not drive into the poor neighborhoods of Medellin to explore. They can be dangerous and a good sign that you're heading into one is when there are only yellow taxis and buses.

When driving outside the city, TURN ON YOU LIGHTS, or you will be fined.

Always BRING YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE AND PASSPORT if the license does not have a clear photograph on it. I recommend bringing your passport whenever you drive outside the city.

There are frequently check points when driving out of the city to check the car papers and that you have your lights turned on. It may seem a little strange at first but this is for safety reasons and ultimately a good thing. DO NOT BRIBE POLICE. It's just asking for problems.

DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. Obviously.

Phew! Sorry for being a bit strict but it's necessary. Just use your head and it's perfectly alright to drive here.

Car rental does spices up a holiday so itīs definitely something worth considering.

Here is a short video from a drive we made leading out of Medellin toward Rionegro: