The transformation that has been experienced in Medellin over recent decades is one of the greatest in South America, with Colombia's second largest city going from a city troubled by crime and gang warfare in the 1980s to the modern and welcoming city of today. While no city is without its problems, Medellin has now become a tourist hub where the majority of visitors can enjoy their trip without a hitch.

Many people choose to spend several days here, but for those who only have one day to spare in Medellin, here are some of the best things to do during that day.

Climb To The Rock Of Guatape
This large rock formation is located on the outskirts of the city, and with a large crack running through the middle of the rock, this has been converted into a staircase. There are over seven hundred steps leading up to the viewpoint at the top of the climb, but this is certainly a climb that is worth the effort, particularly on a clear day when the views of the lake and the Guatape dam are particularly attractive. There are a few tables there and a small snack bar for those wanting a bite to eat before heading back down towards the foot of the rock.

Take A Zip Line Tour Of The Rio Claro Nature Reserve
A short drive outside Medellin is this attractive nature reserve that is set in natural jungle, and one of the best ways to explore the area is to take a tour that includes rides on some of the famous zip lines that have been installed in the reserve.

These take people whizzing along over the river or through the trees, while the guide will also point out some of the natural highlights in the area along the way. For those with more time to spend, the nature reserve has its own hostel, and also offers some great hiking and rafting tours too.

Learn To Salsa
The Colombian people are known for their passion and their flair, and one of the most popular ways to express these traits is by salsa dancing, and for visitors to the city it is a great chance to learn the basics of this flamboyant dance. There are several clubs and bars to salsa, but there are also several schools that offer introductory sessions or one to one lessons with some of the city's best dancers.

See The City From The Cable Car
With many steep hillsides and streets to explore around the city, one great way to take the weight off your feet when going from place to place is to use the city's network of cable cars. These are practical ways to get around the city, but offer some stunning views over different districts, while the trip up to Santo Domingo is the most popular among visitors to the city. There are several stalls selling snacks and drinks, and there are a few young people there that act as guides for those looking to take a tour of this interesting working class neighborhood of the city.

Explore The Botanical Gardens
One of the most famous attractions in Medellin is the Botanical Gardens, where the gardeners have developed a spectacular collection of orchids that are grown in a specially designed building that is both practical and attractive. There is also a beautiful butterfly house in the gardens, and this is a real treat for visitors, as the gardens in total hold over 1,000 species of animals and over 4,500 varieties of flowers. This is a beautiful place to explore, and provides a relaxing end to a busy day seeing what Medellin has to offer.