Information
Travel, transport, currency and city life in Medellín for ICA 2027
Official Recommended Agency
The organizing committee of the 59th International Congress of Americanists (ICA 2027) will make available to participants a leading travel agency in Colombia, with extensive experience in managing corporate, academic and international event travel.
Through this agency, participants will be able to access travel advisory and management services to facilitate their participation in the Congress, including:
- Air tickets.
- Accommodation.
- Transport to and from the airport.
- Tourist plans.
- Gastronomic offer.
- Other services related to the stay and participation in Medellín.
During the month of August, additional information about the agency and the available options will be shared, in order to broaden the alternatives and facilitate travel planning for the Congress.
Transport and mobility to Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) is located in the municipality of Rionegro, in eastern Antioquia, approximately 45–60 minutes from Medellín, depending on traffic conditions.
To travel from the airport to Medellín and then to Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB), Ecocampus Laureles, participants may use several alternatives.
Taxi
It is one of the most direct options. As a reference, the trip between the airport and Medellín may have this approximate cost, subject to service conditions and the fares in force at the time of travel.
Bus
Bus service between José María Córdova Airport and Medellín. From the arrival points in Medellín, participants can continue their journey to UPB by taxi or public transport.
An integrated system to move around the whole city
Medellín has an integrated transport system that links the Metro, Metrocable, Tram and bus routes, connecting different sectors of the city and municipalities of the Aburrá Valley Metropolitan Area.
To reach UPB, one of the main references is Estadio Station, on Line B – San Antonio–San Javier. From there, participants can:
- Take integrated route 193 Estadio Station–Laureles.
- Continue the journey by taxi.
- Walk the rest of the way.
Another alternative is to take Line A – Niquía–La Estrella to Exposiciones Station and, from there, continue to Laureles by public transport or taxi.
Connections with the city's hillsides
The Metro system also connects with several Metrocable lines, which provide access to the hillside sectors of Medellín, and with the Ayacucho Tram. The main Metrocable lines include:
- Line K: Acevedo–Santo Domingo.
- Line J: San Javier–La Aurora.
- Line L: Santo Domingo–Parque Arví.
- Line H: Oriente–Villa Sierra.
- Line M: Miraflores–Trece de Noviembre.
- Line P: Acevedo–El Progreso.
The Metrocable is part of Medellín's integrated transport system and is also a great way to discover the city's neighborhoods and landscapes.
As a reference, a Metro ride costs approximately $4,000 COP. Fares are reference values and may change before ICA 2027 takes place.
Identified public transport routes
There are public transport routes that run along the main access roads to the University.
Connects sectors of Laureles and runs along roads such as San Juan, Avenida Bolivariana, Avenida 70 and the Laureles area.
Runs through the Avenida Colombia, Avenida 70, Circular Primera and Avenida Nutibara areas.
Connects sectors such as Exposiciones and Avenida 33 with Laureles and Avenida Bolivariana.
Runs through the Avenida Colombia, Avenida 70, Circular Primera and Laureles areas. It also has an integrated route from Estadio Station to Laureles.
Connects sectors of Belén with Laureles and runs along Avenida Bolivariana.
Connects Santa Lucía Station with sectors such as La América, Simón Bolívar and Laureles.
Routes, schedules and fares may change. We recommend checking updated information before each trip.
Licensed taxis and public bicycles
For getting around Medellín, we suggest using formally licensed taxi services and requesting the vehicle through recognized companies, apps or authorized service points.
Medellín also has EnCicla, a public bicycle system that allows you to travel around different sectors of the city.
The transport prices indicated are approximate and correspond to 2026 references. Fares may change before and during ICA 2027.
Recommendations for air travel
We recommend arriving at the airport well in advance to complete check-in, baggage drop, security checks, immigration where applicable, and to reach the boarding gate on time.
in advance for international flights
in advance for domestic flights
If you have stopovers or connections in Bogotá or another city, it is important to carefully check the time available between flights and to consider any procedures that may be required during the connection, as well as the airline's boarding closure times.
We always recommend checking the specific conditions of your itinerary directly with the airline.
Currency
The official currency of Colombia is the Colombian peso (COP).
We suggest participants keep the local currency in mind when planning their trip and check the available options for exchanging currency and making payments during their stay.
In Medellín, credit and debit card payments are accepted at a wide variety of establishments. However, we also suggest carrying cash in Colombian pesos for small shops, transport and establishments without electronic payment methods.
Shopping, gastronomy and culture
Medellín offers a wide variety of gastronomic, shopping, cultural and entertainment options to complement your experience during your visit.
Flavors and products of the city
For those who wish to discover local products and flavors, Medellín has several markets and gastronomic spaces:
- Mercado del Río: gastronomic space with a range of national and international cuisine.
- La Strada: gastronomic alternative located in the El Poblado area.
- The Laureles, El Poblado, Provenza and Manila areas concentrate a wide offer of cafés, restaurants and gastronomic spaces.
- La 70, located near UPB, also stands out, with local and international cuisine, cafés, bars and entertainment venues.
Main places of cultural and tourist interest
Museo de Antioquia
It holds an important collection of art and heritage, including works by Fernando Botero.
Plaza Botero
Public square that brings together a collection of monumental sculptures by Fernando Botero.
Museum of Modern Art of Medellín (MAMM)
Space dedicated to modern and contemporary art, located in Ciudad del Río.
Casa de la Memoria Museum
Space dedicated to preserving and making visible the memories of the conflict and the experiences of victims in Medellín and Antioquia, promoting reflection, dialogue and the construction of collective memory.
Parque Explora
Interactive science and technology museum with experiences for all audiences.
Joaquín Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden
Natural and cultural space with gardens, botanical collections and various areas for activities.
Comuna 13
Area known for its urban art tours, outdoor escalators, viewpoints and cultural offerings.
Pueblito Paisa
Traditional site offering a panoramic view of Medellín and a representation of typical Antioquian architecture.
