Historical or contextual introduction
Plaza Mayor was not always the convention center it is today. When it opened in 2006, in the heart of the old industrial district of Alpujarra, many medellinenses looked with skepticism at that building with curved roofs and a metal structure rising among warehouses and workshops. Two decades later, the Centro de Convenciones Plaza Mayor has consolidated itself as the engine of the city's events economy: its pavilions host everything from textile fairs to political summits, and every October it becomes the epicenter of national tourism with the Colombia Travel Expo.
The ninth edition of this tourism fair arrives in 2026 with a figure that speaks for itself: more than 400 stands and a business roundtable exceeding 4,500 commercial appointments. It takes place from October 29 to 31 in the Pabellón Amarillo, with free entry for the general public. If you are planning your trip to Medellín for those dates, or if you are a local who wants to discover your own country without leaving the city, this guide is for you.
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A key fact for those coming from outside: the fair coincides with the end of October, a transition month in Medellín when afternoon rains begin to ease and the city prepares for the December season. Accommodation prices in the Alpujarra and Centro area tend to be friendlier than in El Poblado, and logistics from Plaza Mayor to the rest of the city are simple thanks to the Metro.
What to do
Colombia Travel Expo at Plaza Mayor
The fair occupies the Pabellón Amarillo of the convention center. Inside, the tour is a kind of living map of Colombia: stands for beach destinations like Cartagena and Santa Marta, nature tourism operators from the Eje Cafetero and the Amazon, agencies from the Llanos and the Pacific, and a growing presence of Antioquian municipalities competing to attract visitors. For the independent traveler, the fair serves two concrete purposes: comparing package prices in a single space and making direct contacts with local operators who do not always appear on the big booking platforms.
The business roundtable is the professional heart of the event. There, hoteliers, agencies and transporters meet with national and international buyers. If you work in the tourism sector, it is advisable to register in advance because the slots for commercial appointments fill up quickly. The general public, on the other hand, can enter without an appointment and tour the stands at their own pace. That said: verify the exact opening and closing times on the official website before visiting, because the schedule varies between weekdays and the closing Saturday. And keep capacity in mind: the Pabellón Amarillo has limited capacity and, during peak hours, the organization may regulate entry.
A tip from someone who has covered fairs at Plaza Mayor for years: arrive early on the first day. Exhibitors are fresh, printed materials are plentiful and launch discounts are offered more generously. Saturday, on the other hand, is the day with the highest family turnout and the aisles fill up.
Walking tour of Alpujarra and the Centro
Plaza Mayor is on the edge of Alpujarra, the administrative and business district of Medellín. A few blocks away is the Parque de los Pies Descalzos, a public space of the EPM interactive museum where you can walk on sand and stones, and the Edificio Inteligente de EPM, a benchmark of bioclimatic architecture in the city. Both are free to access and work as a perfect pause after a morning at the fair.
To the east, walking along Avenida San Juan, you reach the Centro Administrativo La Alpujarra and the Plaza de la Libertad, with the sculpture by Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt. It is an area of offices and paperwork, but it has its own daily rhythm: tinto vendors, public employees at midday and a clean view of the western hills. For those who want to extend the walk, the Paseo Urbano Carabobo connects the centro with the river and offers a pedestrian route among republican buildings and traditional commerce.
Where to eat or drink
The Alpujarra area is not famous for its nighttime dining scene, but it has a very solid midday offering for those attending events at Plaza Mayor. Here are real and verifiable options in the sector.
Fast food and fondas on Avenida San Juan
Along Avenida San Juan, between Plaza Mayor and the centro, fondas and everyday food restaurants abound. It is the most practical option for lunch between fair sessions: dishes of the day with soup, main course and juice, at administrative-district prices. Quality varies from place to place, so the rule is simple: look for where there is a line of office employees at 1 p.m. That is the fonda worth visiting. A well-served set menu is around the price of an office lunch in the sector, with no surprises. That said, check the hours, because many close early in the afternoon.
Centro food zone
If you have more time, the Centro of Medellín offers a culinary scene that combines the traditional and the contemporary. Around Parque Berrío and Plaza Botero there are Antioquian cuisine restaurants, specialty coffee shops and signature proposals. The Plaza de Mercado de La Minorista, a few blocks away, is an experience in itself: there you eat market food, buy fruit and understand where a good part of what is served in the city comes from. Prices change, so confirm them directly at each stall.
Coffee and breaks in Alpujarra
For coffee between meetings, the surroundings of Plaza Mayor have chain coffee shops and independent spots that serve the office crowd. Colombian single-origin coffee is easy to find, and many places offer filter methods. If you are looking for a fuller experience, the Paseo Urbano Carabobo and its surrounding streets have coffee shops with more character.
How to get there and transportation
Medellín Metro
The most efficient way to get to Plaza Mayor is the Metro. The Alpujarra station (Line A) is a few minutes' walk from the convention center, and the Cisneros station is also nearby. From any point in the city, the system drops you in the heart of the administrative district. The Metro runs on a rechargeable Cívica card, which is purchased at station ticket offices. Watch out for this: access to the system is not paid in cash or with a bank card directly at the turnstiles; you need the Cívica. Verify operating hours and current fares on the official app or at the ticket offices, since prices are updated periodically.
Buses and public transportation
Multiple urban bus routes pass along Avenida San Juan and Avenida Ferrocarril, the axes that surround Plaza Mayor. If you come from El Poblado, the route along Avenida Regional is the most direct. From Laureles or Belén, it is best to combine bus with Metro to avoid rush-hour traffic jams. The city has a network of bike lanes that connects the centro with the river; if you get around by bicycle, there is parking near the venue, although it is advisable to check availability and safety in the area.
Parking and arriving by car
Plaza Mayor has its own parking, and in the surroundings there are private parking lots that serve the office and event crowd. During large fairs, spaces fill up quickly, so the recommendation is to arrive with time to spare or, better yet, use public transportation. If you come by ride-hailing app, set the pickup point on Avenida San Juan to avoid the venue's internal traffic.
Local tips
- Register in advance: although entry is free, the organization recommends prior registration on the official Colombia Travel Expo website. This speeds up entry and keeps you informed of schedule changes.
- Bring cash and card: inside the fair there are food trucks and cafés, and although many accept card readers, not all stands do. It is advisable to have cash for small purchases and in case an exhibitor does not accept cards.
- Comfortable footwear: the Pabellón Amarillo is large and you walk quite a bit. The floors are hard; good soles make a difference.
- Hydration and weather: October in Medellín still brings afternoon rains. A folding umbrella and a bottle of water are essentials.
- Realistic budget: if you come from outside, calculate accommodation in the Alpujarra or Centro area (cheaper than El Poblado), Metro transportation and midday meals at fondas. Reference prices should be confirmed at each establishment.
- Safety: as in any urban center, keep your belongings in sight and avoid solitary areas at night. The Plaza Mayor area is busy during events, but the centro changes character after offices close.
- Use the fair to plan: bring a list of destinations that interest you and compare offers on the same day. Operators often offer discounts for booking at the stand.
Frequently asked questions
When and where is the Colombia Travel Expo 2026 held?
From October 29 to 31, 2026 at the Pabellón Amarillo of the Centro de Convenciones Plaza Mayor, in Medellín. It is the ninth edition of the fair and brings together more than 400 stands from the tourism sector. Verify the official schedule to confirm opening and closing times for each day.
Is entry really free?
Yes, entry is free for the general public. The organization recommends registering in advance on the official Colombia Travel Expo website to speed up access and receive updated information. You should not pay third parties for tickets; any charge outside the official channels is suspicious.
How do I get to Plaza Mayor without a car?
The most efficient option is the Medellín Metro, Alpujarra station (Line A), from where you walk a few minutes. There are also bus routes along Avenida San Juan and Avenida Ferrocarril. If you come by bicycle, there are bike lanes that connect the centro with the river.
