Half-Day El Retiro and Tequendamita Falls Private Pickup Tour from Medellin

This half-day private tour suits travellers who prefer a short outing to a full-day one and want places that are not on the usual tourist route. It covers El Retiro, a woodworking town, and the Tequendamita waterfall, both a few miles from Medellín. The operator stresses that there are no large group tours and no crowds, just locals strolling and talking. Pickup is at the hotel in private transportation, heading up the mountains on the east side of Medellín. The first stop is the Las Palmas viewpoint, a few minutes from the city, which shows how big Medellín is. The scenic drive continues for 15 to 20 minutes through Andean countryside, with crops, white Yarumo trees, houses among the forest and roadside artisans making wooden handicrafts, to El Retiro. There is a short walk through the colourful streets, and coffee in the main square. Then comes Tequendamita Falls, 10 minutes from El Retiro and surrounded by forest. No hiking is required.