Joaquin Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden

Meander through rows of majestic trees, cacti and colorful flowers on the way to a tranquil, picturesque lake at the heart of these well-kept gardens.

The Joaquin Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden contains 35 acres (14.2 hectares) of scenic parkland in the center of Medellin. The garden is split into several sections with different types of trees, plants and flowers. The highlight of the gardens is the charming lake that is concealed behind layers of woodland. It is an ideal spot to take a break from urbanity around the park’s exotic flora and fauna.

Find your way to the enchanting lake in the east of the gardens. It is a hidden oasis of wildlife such as squirrels, parrots and water plants. Enjoy a family picnic on a bench in the picturesque setting. Browse the tropical flora on display at the Orchid Exhibit. The structure has an innovative design and romantic lighting. It contains orchids, anthuriums, bromeliads and ferns below its extravagant roof made of gold-colored hexagonal plates.

Walk around the Azalea Patio, where budding shrubs from Asia decorate the green fields. Buy a drink or snack from one of the vendors. Peruse the vast collection of about 5,000 individual plants from around 1,000 species in the rest of the gardens. The majority of the flora is native to Colombia.

Visit the gardens during the city’s extravagant annual flower festival at the beginning of August. There are temporary flower exhibits in the gardens during the festival, which lasts for over a week. Learn about the science and history behind the collection of plants in the Science Building. Attend a play or concert at the park’s open-air theater.

The Joaquin Antonio Uribe Botanical Gardens are in the center of Medellin. Take the subway to Universidad Station. Nearby attractions include the Parque de los Deseos, which is a pleasant area where students meet, and the Parque Explora science museum. It is a 10-minute journey by cab from the city’s northern bus terminal. You could also visit the huge lake in the Parque del Norte, between Medellin’s river and the botanical gardens. The park is open every day from morning until late at night, and entrance is free.