Parque de El Poblado — Attraction in Medellín

A Missed Opportunity for Authentic Colombian Experience

As a seasoned traveler, I always look forward to discovering the hidden gems and authentic experiences that make each destination special. Unfortunately, my recent visit to Parque Poblado in Medellín, Colombia, left me feeling rather disappointed. Though the park has its merits, it has become overwhelmingly touristy, which detracts from the otherwise charming atmosphere one might expect from a local park.

While this area is undoubtedly popular, it has become a magnet for tourists, which seems to have affected the park's overall vibe.

Furthermore, I found that the park's commercialization has led to an influx of vendors and street performers. Although they offer a taste of Colombian culture, their overwhelming presence contributes to the sense of inauthenticity. It can feel like you're at a tourist attraction rather than a tranquil park where locals might gather to relax and socialize.

That being said, if you're looking for a more authentic Colombian park experience, I'd recommend exploring other options.

In conclusion, while Parque Poblado may have its charm, its overtly touristy atmosphere detracts from the authenticity one might hope for in a local park. If you're visiting Medellín and want to experience the city's true essence, I would suggest venturing beyond Parque Poblado and exploring some of the less frequented parks the city...

Parque de El Poblado is a small urban park, easily explored in just 10-15 minutes. The park is surrounded by a few sculptures, adding a touch of charm to the area. Across the street is the historic Parroquia San José del Poblado, a church that is well worth a visit - don't forget to step inside and admire its history and architecture.

One memorable moment during our visit was watching a group of young street dancers performing in the middle of the road next to the park. Every time the traffic lights turned red, two dancers would step onto the pedestrian crossing and perform for the waiting cars. Their skills were truly impressive, though it was bittersweet to see them relying on this method to make a living. After their performance, they approached drivers for tips, but more often than not, they were met with disappointment. I decided to show my appreciation by giving them a generous tip - a small gesture for their incredible...

WE WERE EXTORTED BY THE POLICE. Foreigners BEWARE of the police here, especially in this park. There is a small police station in the park that used to make us feel safe because of all the sketchy characters that hang around. We went here during the day and no one was there (big mistake). We were doing something completely legal. 2 policemen walked up to us and said we would have to pay a fine to the government for what we were doing. Eventually they said we could pay them "$100 American Dollars" upfront to avoid a larger fine. They made us fake signing a a document on one of their phones so anyone watching would think we were getting a ticket. We complied because we didn't want them to accuse us of a different crime. We're so thrilled to have helped their families, because I'm sure their salary is...