Take 01
2015
Narcos
Comuna 13, El Poblado, Centro, Hacienda Napoles
6.2442°N, 75.5812°W
Medellin
The 'City of Eternal Spring' offers a dramatic valley setting, innovative urban design, and a compelling transformation story that has made it a favorite for international productions.
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Scene 01 — Filmed Here
Notable Productions in Medellin
Take 02
2021
Encanto
Aburra Valley reference research, Salento and Cocora region
Take 03
2017
Loving Pablo
Medellin city center, El Poblado, Antioquia countryside
Take 04
2024
Griselda
Medellin streets, valley vistas, period-era exteriors
Take 05
2012
Pablo Escobar: El Patron del Mal
Medellin neighborhoods, Antioquia haciendas, Centro
Scene 02 — Locations
Filming Locations in Medellin
From landmark monuments to hidden quarters — every district scouted and permit-mapped.
landmark
Plaza Botero
Open-air gallery featuring 23 bronze sculptures by Fernando Botero. Surrounded by historic buildings including the Museum of Antioquia. Iconic Medellin location.
Comuna 13 & Escalators
Once the most dangerous neighborhood, now a symbol of urban transformation. Outdoor escalators, vibrant murals, hip-hop culture, and panoramic valley views.
Easy
Metrocable Gondolas
Aerial tramway system connecting hillside communities. Stunning views of the valley and informal settlements. Engineering and social innovation story.
Complex
Parque Arvi
2,000-hectare nature reserve accessible by Metrocable. Cloud forest, hiking trails, and ecological tourism. Rural escape minutes from downtown.
Moderate
El Poblado & Parque Lleras
Medellin's most upscale district with international restaurants, boutique hotels, modern architecture, and vibrant nightlife around Parque Lleras.
Easy
Guatape & Piedra del Penol
Massive 200-meter rock monolith with 740 steps to summit. Colorful town with zocalos (decorative facades). 2 hours from Medellin.
Moderate
Jardin Botanico
14-hectare botanical garden with the striking wooden Orquideorama structure. Tropical plants, lakes, and contemporary architecture.
Moderate
Estadio Atanasio Girardot
Sports complex hosting Medellin's football teams. Modern athletics facilities and the surrounding Laureles neighborhood.
Complex
Laureles & Estadio
Middle-class residential areas with authentic local life, sports stadium, and traditional paisa culture.
Centro & La Candelaria
Historic downtown with colonial churches, Botero Plaza sculptures, and bustling commercial streets.
Envigado
Traditional paisa town (now part of metro area) with colonial plaza, local atmosphere, and historical significance.
Santa Elena & Countryside
Mountain villages east of city with flower farms, silletero culture, and Piedra del Penol nearby.
Scene 03 — The Case for Medellin
Why Film in Medellin
- ✓ Colombia's 40% cash rebate on qualified production expenditure
- ✓ Consistent spring climate eliminates weather delays - 300+ filming days per year
- ✓ Medellin Film Commission provides free location scouting and permit assistance
- ✓ Lower costs than Bogota with excellent local crew base
- ✓ Compact valley geography - mountains, city, countryside all within 30 minutes
Scene 04 — Logistics
Transport & Logistics
Airports MDE (35km / 45-60 min) · EOH (3km / 10-15 min (domestic only)) ▼
Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) — 35km / 45-60 min
Airport bus to CentroTaxi (~$25-35 USD)Private transferUber
Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) — 3km / 10-15 min (domestic only)
Taxi (~$5 USD)UberMetro nearby
Local Transit metro · bus · taxi · rideshare ▼
metro
Colombia's only metro system - 2 lines plus Metrocable gondolas and tram. Clean, safe, and efficient. Connects airport bus to city.
Crew tip: Metro filming requires authorization (2-3 weeks). Metrocable offers unique aerial shots. Avoid rush hours with equipment.
bus
Extensive bus network. Routes to Santa Elena and surrounding towns. Affordable but slow.
Crew tip: Buses to Santa Elena for countryside locations. Informal busetas harder to use with gear.
taxi
Yellow taxis with meters. Apps (Tappsi, Didi) recommended. Affordable - most city rides under $5 USD.
Crew tip: Taxis can navigate steep hillside streets better than large vehicles. Negotiate for half-day hires.
rideshare
Uber and DiDi operate throughout the valley. Reliable and safe.
Crew tip: UberXL useful for small crews. Consider van rentals for larger productions.
Production Parking moderate · Permits required
▼
El Poblado has parking garages and lots. Centro more difficult. Street parking available in residential areas.
Medellin Film Commission assists with permits for production vehicles. Streets can be closed with advance notice. Base camps often in parking lots or parks.
Getting Between Locations ▼
Medellin traffic is lighter than Bogota but valley geography creates bottlenecks. El Poblado to Centro: 20-40 min. City to airport (Rionegro): 45-60 min. Metrocable offers traffic-free access to hillside locations. Rush hours 7-9am, 5-7pm.
Ready?
Plan Your Medellin Shoot
From permits and crew to equipment and logistics — we handle everything on the ground so you can focus on capturing the City of Eternal Spring.