Medellín Awaits: Experience the Heart of Colombia at SETAC Latin America 2027

Ximena Patino, SETAC Latin America President, Jorge Luis Gallego Zapata, University of Medellin

In September 2027, the SETAC Latin America 17th Biennial Meeting will bring environmental scientists from academia, business and government together in one of South America‘s most vibrant destinations: Medellín, Colombia.

The meeting will open for session proposals next week!

Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín offers the perfect blend of scientific exchange, innovation, culture and unforgettable experiences. Whether you are attending your first SETAC meeting or reconnecting with colleagues from across the region, Medellín provides an inspiring backdrop for collaborative science.

Discover Colombia’s Diversity

Colombia is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, leading the world in bird species, home to tropical rainforests, Andean mountains, Caribbean beaches and vibrant cities. Visitors are welcomed by a rich cultural heritage influenced by Indigenous, African and European traditions, reflected in the country’s food, music and warm hospitality. Located in the Andes Mountains, Medellín has transformed itself into a global model of urban innovation, sustainability and resilience.

Must-See Attractions in Medellín and Nearby Destinations

• Explore the Museo de Antioquia and Plaza Botero, the Medellín Museum of Modern Art, the Botanical Garden, the Medellín Planetarium, Parque Explora—an interactive science and technology museum—and Museo El Castillo.
• Discover the city’s urban and social transformation through Comuna 13, the Articulated Life Units (UVAs), Parques del Río, and the historic city center, where public spaces, mobility systems, art and community initiatives reveal different chapters of Medellín’s evolution. Complete the experience by visiting its lively neighborhoods, cafés and cultural venues.
• Parque Arví and Santa Elena. Reach Parque Arví using Medellín’s integrated public transportation system: take the Metro and continue by Metrocable for panoramic views of the Aburrá Valley. Explore the park’s highland forests, walking trails, local markets and birdwatching opportunities, then discover Santa Elena’s rural landscapes, flower farms and traditional “silletero” culture.

Taste the Flavors of Antioquia and Enjoy its Music

No visit to Medellín is complete without sampling local cuisine, including bandeja paisa, Antioquia's signature dish featuring beans, rice, avocado, plantain, chorizo, egg and other regional specialties; arepas antioqueñas, traditional corn cakes; empanadas, popular savory pastries filled with meat or potatoes; and buñuelos and pandebono, favorite local baked treats. Medellín also offers restaurants showcasing culinary traditions from across Colombia, including Pacific and Caribbean seafood and coconut-based dishes, regional rice preparations, the grilled meats of the Llanos and hearty soups, beans, corn-based dishes and other traditional recipes. And don’t miss Colombian coffee, among the finest in the world and grown in nearby coffee-growing regions, plus fresh tropical fruit juices such as lulo, maracuyá and guanábana.

Music is at the heart of Colombian culture, and visitors to Medellín will hear salsa, tropical rhythms and traditional Colombian genres filling the restaurants and other venues throughout the city.

Extend your stay and explore some of Antioquia's most iconic destinations:

• El Peñón de Guatapé – One of Colombia’s most photographed landmarks, featuring stunning panoramic views from a 740-step climb.

• Eastern Antioquia Route – Travel through mountain towns such as El Retiro, El Carmen de Viboral, Rionegro and San Antonio de Pereira. The route brings together rural landscapes, local gastronomy, cafés, traditional woodcraft and the renowned hand-painted ceramics of El Carmen de Viboral.

• Santa Fe de Antioquia – Walk through one of the region’s best-preserved historic towns, known for its cobblestone streets, shaded plazas, churches, colonial-era architecture and warm tropical climate.
• Coffee Region Excursions – Visit coffee farms and coffee-growing towns near Medellín to learn about cultivation, harvesting, processing and preparation directly from local producers. Travelers with more time can explore Jardín, Venecia or Jericó in southwestern Antioquia, or continue to Colombia’s renowned Coffee Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Extend Your Journey Through Colombia

If your schedule allows, consider extending your trip beyond Medellín to experience more of Colombia’s remarkable diversity. Bogotá, the country’s capital, offers world-class museums, historic neighborhoods, Andean cuisine and easy access to nearby towns, such as Zipaquirá and Villa de Leyva, where Colombia’s history and traditions come vividly to life. Other memorable extensions include Cartagena, with its walled historic center and vibrant Caribbean culture; Santa Marta, gateway to Tayrona National Natural Park and the Sierra Nevada; the islands of San Andrés; and nature-based experiences in the Amazon. Across the country, Colombia’s extensive network of national natural parks invites visitors to explore tropical forests, high-Andean páramos, mountains, beaches, coral reefs and exceptional wildlife. Each destination reveals a different expression of Colombia’s ecosystems, histories, traditions and flavors, making every journey a unique encounter with this remarkably diverse country.

What to Expect in September

September is an excellent time to experience Medellín with a spring-like climate and daytime temperatures ranging from 25–27°C (77–81°F), with cooler evenings around 16–18°C (61–64°F). Visitors can expect occasional afternoon showers typical of the Andean rainy season.

Discover why Colombia, the world leader in bird biodiversity, offers an inspiring setting for scientific exchange, regional collaboration and unforgettable experiences. Science, nature and connection await you at the SETAC Latin America Biennial Meeting 2027 in Medellín!

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