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Colombia🇨🇴 | attractionsParque ExploraFreshwater aquarium, vivarium, planetarium, Universidad metro stop | things to do and best time to go

Explore Teatro Metropolitano de MedellínExplore Jardín Botánico de Medellín

Backpacking in Parque Explora
🌟 Highlightattraction ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Parque Explora is Medellín's interactive science museum, and its Aquarium is the main draw, with Amazon and Orinoco freshwater species in tanks you can walk beside. What gets overlooked is the neighborhood: the park sits across from the Jardín Botánico and the Universidad de Antioquia, so one Metro stop covers three outings. It lies in northern central Medellín, Colombia. I took the Metro to Universidad station, and a street vendor outside sold me a cup of fresh-cut mango with salt and lime that I ate while crossing the footbridge. Be realistic: crowds of school groups fill weekday mornings, the tickets cost more than most Medellín museums, and the planetarium show is skippable if your Spanish is thin. Back the Aquarium and the Vivarium. They hold real animals and are worth the money. Buy tickets online and arrive right at opening.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Colombia Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 attraction in ColombiaWhy Parque Explora should be on your travel list

Parque Explora gives you something rare on a Colombia route: a rainy-day or hot-afternoon anchor that also teaches you about the country's biodiversity. The Aquarium of freshwater fish shows river species from the Amazon and Orinoco basins that you would otherwise never see unless you took a long jungle trip. For a traveler heading to the coast or the Amazon later, it works as a preview, and it helps you put names to the creatures behind the signs.

It also fits Medellín's story. The park stands in the north-central part of the city beside the Universidad Metro station, in a district the city rebuilt as civic space, so a visit shows how Medellín invests in public education and reshaped its image. Add the Jardín Botánico next door and you can fill a full day for very little transit effort. … read more 👉
Parque Explora gives you something rare on a Colombia route: a rainy-day or hot-afternoon anchor that also teaches you about the country's biodiversity. The Aquarium of freshwater fish shows river species from the Amazon and Orinoco basins that you would otherwise never see unless you took a long jungle trip. For a traveler heading to the coast or the Amazon later, it works as a preview, and it helps you put names to the creatures behind the signs.

It also fits Medellín's story. The park stands in the north-central part of the city beside the Universidad Metro station, in a district the city rebuilt as civic space, so a visit shows how Medellín invests in public education and reshaped its image. Add the Jardín Botánico next door and you can fill a full day for very little transit effort. Skip it if you dislike kids' energy; go if you want something indoors and well made, with enough depth to hold an adult's attention for a few hours.

💡 HighlightsMust-see experiences and standout moments

  1. The Aquarium: The park's best-known sight. Large tanks hold freshwater fish from Colombian rivers, including big Amazon species, with ecosystems laid out by river basin.
  2. The Vivarium: Reptiles, amphibians and insects from Colombia, shown in terrariums. It is the most hands-on place to learn which snakes and frogs actually live in the country.
  3. The Planetarium: A domed theater with astronomy shows. Programs are in Spanish, so it suits those who follow the language or simply enjoy the visuals.
  4. Interactive exhibition halls: Rooms of physics, mechanics and perception experiments that you operate yourself. They are aimed at younger visitors, but adults end up playing with them too.
  5. The Explora building and plaza: The red-toned architecture and open plaza make for an easy photo stop, and the raised design
… read more 👉
  1. The Aquarium: The park's best-known sight. Large tanks hold freshwater fish from Colombian rivers, including big Amazon species, with ecosystems laid out by river basin.
  2. The Vivarium: Reptiles, amphibians and insects from Colombia, shown in terrariums. It is the most hands-on place to learn which snakes and frogs actually live in the country.
  3. The Planetarium: A domed theater with astronomy shows. Programs are in Spanish, so it suits those who follow the language or simply enjoy the visuals.
  4. Interactive exhibition halls: Rooms of physics, mechanics and perception experiments that you operate yourself. They are aimed at younger visitors, but adults end up playing with them too.
  5. The Explora building and plaza: The red-toned architecture and open plaza make for an easy photo stop, and the raised design connects visually with the neighborhood.
  6. Jardín Botánico de Medellín: Directly across the street, a free-entry garden with orchid house, lake and iguanas wandering the paths. It is the calm counterweight to the museum.
  7. Parque de los Deseos: A small plaza beside the park, popular for evening events and skate and street culture, and handy for a snack afterward.
The Aquarium and the Jardín Botánico combine well in one day, with the museum in the morning and the garden for a free, shaded afternoon.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Parque Explora

Parque Explora Medellín: Tickets

Parque Explora Medellín: Tickets

4.8(61) 4h
From €19.96
per personViator
Medellín Highlights: with local guide and transfers from hotel

Medellín Highlights: with local guide and transfers from hotel

5.0(23) 5h
From €120
per personViator
Medellín City Comuna 13 and Arvi Park Full Day Private Tour

Medellín City Comuna 13 and Arvi Park Full Day Private Tour

4.9(13)
From €144
per personViator
The North Side - Medellín Downtown Experience

The North Side - Medellín Downtown Experience

4.8(4)
From €23
per personViator
Visit Explora Park and discover Medellin in public transportation

Visit Explora Park and discover Medellin in public transportation

5.0(2) 4h
From €121
per personViator
Botanical Gardens and Medellin City walking Tour

Botanical Gardens and Medellin City walking Tour

4.5(2) 4h
From €91
per personViator
Experience Medellin with Coffee Flavor

Experience Medellin with Coffee Flavor

0.0(0)
From €32
per personViator
Medellin Historical City Tour

Medellin Historical City Tour

0.0(0)
From €83
per personViator
Private City Tour of Medellin

Private City Tour of Medellin

0.0(0)
From €64
per personViator
Medellin Historical City Tour

Medellin Historical City Tour

0.0(0)
From €85
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • December to February: Medellín’s driest stretch, with sunny days around 24 to 29°C (75 to 84°F) and cool nights near 16°C (61°F). Holiday crowds and school groups fill the exhibits, and hostel prices climb in December.
  • March to May: The first rainy season brings afternoon downpours. Highs stay near 27°C (81°F). Indoor halls like the aquarium and vivarium do well here, and queues thin out midweek.
  • June to August: Drier and breezy, 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F). Colombian school vacations in late June and July pack the park with families, especially weekends.
  • September to November: The wettest months, with storms most afternoons and temperatures of 23 to 27°C (73 to 81°F). Crowds are smallest and beds are cheapest.
Daylight stays steady around 12 hours all year, so arrive at opening on a weekday for the shortest lines.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: good for travelingJUNJune: good for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Colombia

El Poblado is the most practical area, but Laureles and the Universidad stretch near the park are also worth a look. Parque Explora sits in the north-central part of Medellín, beside the Universidad metro station, so any neighborhood on the metro line works.

El Poblado, around Parque Lleras and Provenza, has the densest cluster of social hostels, rooftop bars and walking tours. It is the easiest place to meet other solo travelers. Take the metro from Poblado station to Universidad, about 20 minutes on Line A with no transfer, or a short taxi ride. Stick to well-lit streets at night and use ride … read more 👉
El Poblado is the most practical area, but Laureles and the Universidad stretch near the park are also worth a look. Parque Explora sits in the north-central part of Medellín, beside the Universidad metro station, so any neighborhood on the metro line works.

El Poblado, around Parque Lleras and Provenza, has the densest cluster of social hostels, rooftop bars and walking tours. It is the easiest place to meet other solo travelers. Take the metro from Poblado station to Universidad, about 20 minutes on Line A with no transfer, or a short taxi ride. Stick to well-lit streets at night and use ride apps rather than hailing cabs.

Laureles, west of the center, feels more local, with tree-lined streets, cafes and cheaper meals. Hostels here are smaller and quieter, and the area is calmer after dark. Buses and taxis link it to the park in about 15 minutes.

The Carlos E. Restrepo and Estadio areas have some budget stays and good local food, but nightlife is thin. Avoid sleeping in the streets around the nearby Parque Norte after dark, since the area is rougher at night.
Best hostels in Colombia


Best quality hotels in Colombia

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)Typical daily expenses

A day at Parque Explora costs about US$38 for a backpacker, including the ticket, transport, food and a dorm bed. The table breaks it down, with prices paid in Colombian pesos.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance ticketUS$8 to 11Covers the aquarium, vivarium, and most exhibition halls. Prices run slightly higher on weekends and holidays.
Planetarium showUS$3 to 5Sold separately, with a limited number of daily screenings.
Metro transportUS$1 to 2Universidad station is next to the entrance. A single ride is cheap. Rides from El Poblado stay on Line A.
Taxi or ride appUS$2 to 5Short trips within central Medellín are inexpensive.
Food and drinksUS$5 to 9A set lunch (menú del día) nearby costs around US$4 to 6. The park cafe is pricier.
Dorm bed (high season)US$10 to 18El Poblado costs the most.
… read more 👉
A day at Parque Explora costs about US$38 for a backpacker, including the ticket, transport, food and a dorm bed. The table breaks it down, with prices paid in Colombian pesos.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance ticketUS$8 to 11Covers the aquarium, vivarium, and most exhibition halls. Prices run slightly higher on weekends and holidays.
Planetarium showUS$3 to 5Sold separately, with a limited number of daily screenings.
Metro transportUS$1 to 2Universidad station is next to the entrance. A single ride is cheap. Rides from El Poblado stay on Line A.
Taxi or ride appUS$2 to 5Short trips within central Medellín are inexpensive.
Food and drinksUS$5 to 9A set lunch (menú del día) nearby costs around US$4 to 6. The park cafe is pricier.
Dorm bed (high season)US$10 to 18El Poblado costs the most. Laureles is slightly cheaper. Low season prices drop by roughly 15 to 25 percent.
Total Daily BudgetUS$38Based on a ticket, planetarium show, metro rides, food, and a dorm bed in high season.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

FAQFrequently asked questions about Parque Explora

Parque Explora needs about 3 to 5 hours for a full visit. The aquarium and vivarium alone take roughly 1.5 hours, and the interactive halls fill another 2 hours. Add around 45 minutes if you catch a planetarium show, and plan a half day if you travel with kids.
For most visitors, Parque Explora is good value at roughly US$8 to 11. You get the aquarium with freshwater species from Colombian rivers, a vivarium, and several hands-on science halls under one ticket. The planetarium costs a few dollars extra, and weekday mornings are calmer than weekends.
Parque Explora sits right beside Universidad metro station on Line A in Medellín. From El Poblado, take Line A from Poblado station north with no transfer, about 20 to 30 minutes for roughly US$1 to 2. A taxi or ride app from the center costs about US$2 to 5 and takes 10 to 15 minutes.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Colombian attractions near Parque Explora

Explore more nearby:


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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Give Parque Explora half a day, three to four hours, if you want the Aquarium, Vivarium and a couple of halls without rushing. Pair it with the botanical garden across the street and you have a full day. I would skip the planetarium unless your Spanish is solid, and arrive at opening.

✈️ When did I visit Colombia?
Did a good 3-week trip around Colombia in August 2014.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Colombia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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