Concepción is a traditional town in Antioquia, Colombia, located near Medellín. Concepción dazzles with its historic architecture and cobbled streets, despite not having the fame of other towns in Antioquia, such as Guatapé, Jardín or Jericó. This, combined with its rural environment and the variety of natural activities, helps Concepción achieve a balance between tourism and the authenticity of a traditional town.
It is easy to fall in love with Concepción, its beautiful streets and calm environment make it one of the most beautiful towns to visit in Antioquia.
Things to do in Concepción, Colombia (Antioquia).
1. Visit the Matasano Waterfall
The Matasano waterfall is located 7 kilometers from the main square of Concepción, in the Vereda (municipal subdivision) of Santa Ana. This waterfall has an impressive water drop, natural ponds to get into and enjoy the water, and a beautiful panorama surrounded by vegetation and birds.
The water in this waterfall is characterized by being crystal clear and cold. Its beautiful falls and landscape make it one of the main places to visit in Concepción.
The waterfall can be visited from Concepción by car or motorcycle (15 minutes), or on foot (2 hours). From the main square of Concepción, leave the town towards the paved road “Concepción-Alejandría”. Continue along this road and after 5 kilometers you will come to a bridge with an dirt road on the right, and a sign indicating the path to the waterfall. Continue along this dirt road for 2 km, where on the right you will be able to see the waterfall, and where there is an entrance to go down to its natural ponds.
2. Walk up the stairs to “Mirador del Alto de La Virgen” viewpoint
The Alto de la Virgen Mirador (viewpoint) is the ideal place to view and take pictures of the entire town and its surraounding mountains, all while enjoying the fresh air. Just 20 minutes from the main square, and with a clearly marked concrete trail, this short hike offers a wonderful reward upon reaching the top.
To get to the Mirador from the main square, walk to the street below the square looking towards the church on the right and continue straight. At the end of the road, after passing the police station, turn left and then right to find the stairs that go up to the viewpoint.
3. Sit at the main park José María Córdova
Concepción’s main square is the perfect place to sit back, relax, watch the colonial houses and people passing by. Around the square there are also several coffeee shop tables, bars and restaurants overlooking the square. Sitting in one of these spots and observing the atmosphere of the square is the best way to get to know the personality of this beautiful Antioquia town.
4. See the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception church stands out for its simplicity and beautiful exposed brick facade. In addition to its beauty, this church hides a curious story regarding its original owners.
Around the year 2011, the priest and mayor of Concepción, Gustavo López Orrego, began an initiative to restore the church. However, when starting this project, he realized that in the church deeds, the “ánimas benditas del purgatorio” (holy souls of the purgatory) appeared as owners, and for this reason, no legal modification could be made to the structure.
150 years back, Nepomucena Osorio, one of the wealthiest women in town at the time, gave the deeds to “ánimas benditas del purgatorio”. What happened next seems taken out of a fairy tale. The priest and mayor had to legally sue the holy souls of the purgatory, and in 2012, the souls lost the legal case and ownership of the land. A fantastic story that adds to the magic of this beautiful colonial town.
5. Explore the streets of Concepción
The “portones” (gates) and windows carved in wood, the balconies and the roofs in clay tiles. The streets of Concepción are full of tradition and history. All this is part of the construction heritage from European and indigenous influence, that since 1999, are protected as historical and cultural heritage of the nation.
Walking through the narrow stone streets and admiring the architecture of the town is one of the main plans of this beautiful town in Antioquia. The curved streets show the growth of the town without planning since its inception.
The traditional constructions of the town are characterized by the use of natural materials such as “muros de tapia” (mud walls): compact layers of earth, generally gravel, sand or clay. Also the bahareque walls, similar to the mud walls, but with wooden structures as support, generally cane or guadua wood.
6. Visit the José María Córdova House Museum
In the José María Córdova House Museum you can observe the traditional architecture of an old colonial house and the birthplace of José María Córdova, one of the most outstanding Antioquean military generals during the Wars of Independence in Latin America.
The colonial museum houses historical instruments, furniture and objects linked to the General. This is an opportunity to see how people used to live and the tools and weapons boxes that the General used in his famous battles. In addition, the house has a garden surrounded by trees where you can walk.
Other things to do in Concepción
Walk through the Charco de los Payasos
El Charco de los Payasos is pond located within the town, and is the ideal place to relax and walk along the trails that follow the river of Concepción. Its easy access and proximity to the town make it a good spot to enjoy the river, the trees and to recharge your energies.
Hike to the Mirador and Cueva El Ermitaño
The viewpoint and cave “Mirador and Cueva El Ermitaño” is one of the highest points of Concepción. The walk to reach the top of the hill takes 3 hours from the main square of Concepción and has a distance of approximately 5 kilometers. The fauna and nature of the route make the path a very pleasant walk. Although there are several routes published online that can be followed (such as this one and this one), it is recommended to go with an experienced guide who knows the route.
Get into the Charco El Aguacate
El “Charco El Aguacate” is a small pond located 1.5 kilometers from the main square of Concepción. Approximately 40 minutes away, on the way to the pond you can breathe in the fresh air and admire the surrounding nature. If you go to Cerro Ermitaño from the main square, El Charco el Aguacate is located on the way to the hill, which makes it a good rest stop to enjoy the crystal clear water and admire the landscape.
Although you can go to the pond by car or motorcycle, you must drive carefully, since the road is narrow and filled with holes.
Festivities of Concepción, Colombia (Antioquia).
- Fiesta de la Guayaba (end of June - beginning of July): Festival dedicated to one of the most important fruits for the economy of Concepción, the Guava. One of the most important events of the town where you can enjoy orchestras, exhibitions, parades and other cultural events
- Birthday of José María Córdova (September 8): Parades, military tributes and other cultural events. Interestingly, September 8 is also the day of the foundation of Concepción, in the year 1771.
- “Noche de las Velitas” (Night of the Candles) (December 7): The church lights up candles at Mirador del Alto de La Virgen in preparation for christmas.
- Patronal festivities of the Immaculate Conception (beginning of December): The procession and Eucharist are celebrated with fireworks
Other parties
- Holy Week: April
- Festivities of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: June
- Virgen del Carmen Festival: July
- San Isidro Altar Celebration: August
- Antioquia Day: August
- Festivities of Beato Ruben López Aguilar: October
Where to eat in Concepción Antioquia?
1. Sol de Avril Restaurant
The Sol de Avril restaurant is ideal to start the day with beautiful view of the square and a delicious typical breakfast.
Among the typical dishes of Concepción is the arepa with cheese from Antioquia and hot chocolate. Both are a perfect combination for a breakfast at this restaurant. Here you can expect fast and friendly service, and typical Concepción dishes. The value of a breakfast at Sol de Avril is approximately $12,000 pesos.
2. El Ranchito Restaurant
Located at the main square, this typical food restaurant stands out for its decoration of plants and antiques. The atmosphere and decoration of this place will make you feel welcome from the moment you enter. The value of a plate here is approximately $16,000 pesos.
3. Tienda de Concepción
Located to the right side of the church in the main park, Tienda de Concepción offers more international dishes. Here you can order vegetarian dishes such as pizzas and hamburgers. In addition, you can sit at the tables facing the square, have a delicious coffee and enjoy the scenery. The value of the mains is approximately $20,000 pesos.
Other places to eat and drink
La Cabaña
La Cabaña is a coffee bar located in the central square to the left of the church. This coffee bar has a very cozy decoration and atmosphere. In its menu you can find desserts and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. An ideal place to sit in the afternoon and watch the sunset from the main square, or sit inside and have a drink when the temperature starts to drop at night.
Café Bar La Permanencia
La Permanencia coffee bar, located to the right of the church in the main square, serves delicious michelada sodas, beers and red wine among other drinks. In this place, the warm service and classical music such as tangos and boleros stand out.
El Farol Café Bar
To the right side of the church is also El Farol Café bar. A cozy and warm place, where you can satisfy your sweet tooth with its desserts, crepes, brownies and milkshakes. Also, it is the ideal place to have a wine at sunset in this beautiful town.
What to take to Concepción, Antioquia?
- Coat for the cold in the morning and at night. The climate of Concepción is cold, with an average temperature of 17 degrees Celsius.
- Cash. Although there are several bank correspondents in the town where you can withdraw money, few places accept cards.
- Movistar or Claro SIM card. The signal and data reception of these operators is low in Concepción, but it is still better than Tigo, which is even lower.
- Comfortable shoes with good grip and comfortable clothing for the variety of natural plans offered by Concepción.
- Swimsuit and towel to get into the different ponds and water activities near Concepción.
- Camera.
- Snacks and water for long walks.
How to get to Concepción, Antioquia?
From Medellín, by private vehicle
To get to Concepción from Medellín, you must take the Medellín-Bogotá highway, then the Rionegro-San Vicente Ferrer road and finally the San Vicente Ferrer-Concepción road. Learn more details below.
If you leave from the south of Medellín, you can reach the Medellín-Bogotá Highway through the Oriente Tunnel (approximately $20,000 toll) towards the José María Córdova Airport. At the airport roundabout, take the exit towards Autopista Medellín-Bogotá.
If you leave from the north of Medellín, you can directly take the Medellín-Bogotá highway (approximately $13,000 toll).
Once on the Medellín-Bogotá Highway, you must continue towards Bogotá until you reach the number 10 turnaround. Here, you must return at the turnaround and take the Rionegro-San Vicente Ferrer road located on the right. After arriving at San Vicente de Ferrer, you must continue on the road to Concepción.
Both routes last approximately 2 hours.
It is possible to get to Concepción via Copacabana-Barbosa-Concepción, however, this route is not recommended since the road is unpaved.
From Medellin by public transport
It is possible to get to Concepción by bus. The company Sotransvicente offers routes from the North Terminal of Medellín to Concepción and vice versa, between 6 am and 5 pm. The duration of the trip is approximately 3 hours along the San Vicente route and has a cost of $16,000 pesos. To buy tickets, you can go to the Sotransvicente office at box office 14 of the Terminal del Norte in Medellín, or buy them online. Find out more information on the Sotransvicente website.
About Concepción
Concepción is a town in Antioquia with a population of 4797 inhabitants (2018), 75 kilometers from Medellín. the town was founded in 1771 by miners from Santa Fe de Antioquia, driven by the extraction of gold in the area. A popular nickname for Concepción is “La Concha” and its motto is “welcoming land where no one is a stranger.”
In 1999, Concepción was declared a cultural and historical heritage of the nation.
José María Córdova is one of the most prominent characters from Concepción. Born on September 8, 1779, José María Córdova was one of the most prominent Antioquia military generals during the period of Latin American independence. Known as the Hero of Ayacucho for his contribution to the Battle of Ayacucho (1809-1826), a decisive battle in the war of independence in Latin America and the battle that led to the independence of Peru.
Hotels in Concepcion Antioquia
To find a stay in Concepción online, booking.com has very few lodging options near the town. On Airbnb.com you can find more accommodation options in and around Concepción.
According to the Airbnb page, one of the places with the best reviews is a private room at the Mr. Campamento lodging house. This lodging is surrounded by mountains full of nature and at night it is quiet to sleep. The family that serves here is very warm and helpful.
Other resources
- You can find videos of different tourist sites in Concepción on the YouTube channel of the Municipal Mayor’s Office of Concepción (spanish).
- At visitaconcepcion.com (spanish) you can find additional information on other puddles and trails to do in Concepción.
- On Instagram @concepcion_antioquia (spanish) you can find inspiring photos of Concepción.
- On the page fundacionferrocarrildeantioquia.com (spanish) you will find a beautiful visual documentation of the restoration of the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepción between 2013 and 2015.
