3 Best Sights in Medellín, Colombia

The botanical gardens span about 33 acres and have more than 600 plant species, including heliconias, zamias, and azaleas. With plenty of spaces to explore, most notably the orchidarium, whose striking wooden hexagonal structure rises above the trees forming the park's centerpiece, a visit here makes for a nice half-day break from city life. Stop by the excellent In Situ restaurant, which has views of the garden and offers picnic lunches that you can take into the garden.

The Antioquia Museum contains a collection of 188 paintings and sculptures by native son Fernando Botero. Known for depicting people and objects with a distinctive "thickness," Botero donated part of his personal collection to the museum (the bulk of his gift went to Bogotá). The plaza out front completes the Botero circle, with 23 sculptures dotted between trees, benches filled with chatting locals, and two fountains designed by the artist as well. The museum also offers a grand overview of Colombian art, with salons dedicated to pre-Hispanic, colonial, Republican, and contemporary art. There are free tours in Spanish daily, which take in both the museum and the works in the plaza. English-speaking guides are available, but tours have to be organized at least two days in advance.