Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall! in Medellín, Colombia
Medellín, Colombia

Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall!

Outty Ranking 68 5.0 · 23 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $93
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Outty Ranking

68/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 23 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall! worth booking?

Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall! is a 3-hour experience in Medellín, Colombia, from $93 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 23 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
68 / 100
Rating
5/5 (23)
Duration
3 hours
From
$93 per person

This tour is ideal for those who have a desire to explore lesser-known destinations that are not typically on the tourist radar, and prefer short and concise tours instead of full day tours. This is the only tour that visits el Retiro Town and Tequendamita waterfall!! These magical destinations are often overlooked by mainstream tourists, yet they offer breathtaking beauty comparable to other famous spots, and they're just a few miles away from Medellín. The difference is the absence of large group tours and overwhelming crowds that can be found in popular spots. Instead, you'll find the tranquility of friendly locals strolling around, engaging in lively conversations, and simply relishing life in its purest form.

What you get

    About this experience

    This tour is ideal for those who have a desire to explore lesser-known destinations that are not typically on the tourist radar, and prefer short and concise tours instead of full day tours. This is the only tour that visits el Retiro Town and Tequendamita waterfall!! These magical destinations are often overlooked by mainstream tourists, yet they offer breathtaking beauty comparable to other famous spots, and they're just a few miles away from Medellín. The difference is the absence of large group tours and overwhelming crowds that can be found in popular spots. Instead, you'll find the tranquility of friendly locals strolling around, engaging in lively conversations, and simply relishing life in its purest form.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Travel insurance
    • Snacks

    Not included

    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. 1) After picking you up at the Hotel on a comfortable and private transportation, we'll head to the east side of Medellín up the mountains, towards the beautiful countryside. We´ll stop at the view point Las Palmas, just a few minutes away, where you´ll get to see a wider perspective of how big the city is and undesrtand why they call it the "Money cup", and of course, be blown away the amazing landscapes. 2) We will continue our scenic drive through the countryside until we reach our next destination, El Retiro Town, approximately 15-20 minute ride. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Andes Mountains, witness the vibrant diversity of crops, admire the enchanting sight of white Yarumo trees, houses nestled amidst the lush greenery of the rainforest, and marvel at the skilled artisans crafting exquisite wooden handicrafts right beside the road.

      15 minutes here

    2. 3) One of the tour's most notable highlights is El Retiro Town, renowned for its longstanding tradition of woodworking and furniture craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations. We'll have a short walk through its colorful neighborhoods, impressed by the intricate architecture of the houses, the charming cobblestone streets, and the ornate wooden doors, windows and balconies, we'll discover the simplicity and richness of the local life, once we get to the main square of El Retiro, we'll sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee or a beverage of preference, and just people watch like the locals do, really taking in all the cultural heritage. *El Retiro, often referred to as the cradle of liberty, holds historical significance as it stands as the first place in Colombia where a group of African slaves were emancipated, granting them access to the highly productive gold mines. This milestone not only symbolizes freedom but also marks a pivotal moment in the country's history.

      80 minutes here

    3. 4) Our next stop, just 10 minutes away from El Retiro town, is the stunning Tequendamita Falls, an extraordinary waterfall surrounded by the lush greenery of the forest. We'll experience the refreshing breeze and the mysterious beauty of the surroundings. The waterfall is an embodiment of the "Magical Realism" that defines the essence of Colombian culture and its connection to nature, no worries, no hiking is required.

      20 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    The Andes Adventure Travels

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Learning about the lifestyle and town culture, fresh fruits right on the main square., Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita...Exclusive visit to Tequendamita Waterfall — no crowds, no rush, Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall! in MedellínWalking through the cultural beauty of El Retiro streets., Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall! in MedellínWalking through El Retiro’s charming streets filled with locasl - evening tour, Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall!...Known as a cradle of artisan woodcraft, El Retiro charms visitors with its signature architecture—a picturesque blend of colorful wooden doors,...Enjoying the breathtaking view of Medellín from Las Palmas, heading to El Retiro., Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita...

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 23 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    23 verified traveler reviews for Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall!. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    22
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Wilma_E · July 2026

    It was a great experience...

    It was a great experience and the guied was very polite and awsome. It shows that he knows the culture of Colombia and also a very well spoken person. I'll give him a fines star review.

    via Viator

    Susan_S · May 2026

    Will Re-Book!

    My friend and I had an amazing experience on this tour! Even though it started raining, it eventually cleared up and didn’t take away from the fun at all—we still had a great time. Our tour guide was incredible, extremely knowledgeable about Colombian history and made everything so engaging and interesting. The snacks that were included were also a really nice touch and absolutely delicious. Overall, such a memorable experience—I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting!

    via Viator

    donnamicheller · December 2025

    Wonderful sightseeing!

    Diego was wonderful, polite,informative and an excellent photographer! He introduced me to the best pastries and most exquisite jewellery in El Retiro. The waterfall was beautiful. Surroundings clean and well landscaped.

    via Tripadvisor

    Dianne_R · December 2025

    Juan Carlos

    Juan was a great travel guide. He is very knowledgeable about the history of Colombia and shared many interesting facts on the drive to this beautiful town.

    via Viator

    Aneesh_L · November 2025

    A little treasurer in Colombia

    Had about an hour ride before arriving to the city of El retiro. The tour guide was knowledgeable and provided some good historical insights about Colombia. We enjoyed the time to walk the city a little and stopped for a little snack and drink. Then after the city we headed to the waterfall which was beautiful. Plenty of time to take pictures and walk around the little park. Overall a very nice trip and good for those looking for something different and off the beaten path!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    8
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by The Andes Adventure Travels, who run 12 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.5.

    See everything The Andes Adventure Travels runs

    Why this scores 68

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)96
    Review evidence (18% weight)44
    Booking momentum (14% weight)35
    Value for money (12% weight)44
    Listing quality (10% weight)84
    Local standing (8% weight)58
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall!: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Medellín.

    How much does Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall! cost?

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    Prices start at $93 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Medellín usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall! take?

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    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Medellín is not rushed.

    Is Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall! worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 23 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Medellín, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall!?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall! suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall!?

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    Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Medellín can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Medellín and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall! start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Medellín within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Medellín?

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    On Outty we rank every Medellín experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Guatapé Tour: Piedra del Peñol with Boat Tour, Breakfast, Lunch, Half Day Bike Tour in Medellin - Local snack, Coffee or Beer, Guided Tour of Comuna 13 Medellín with Snacks Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Medellín?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Medellín?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall!?

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    Included: Private transportation; Travel insurance; and Snacks. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall! include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 508 listed pickup locations in and around Medellín. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall! offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall!?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall! wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall! if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Half-Day at Beautiful Town of El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall!?

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    Across 23 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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