Why Conquistadores is the epicenter of spare parts in Medellín
If you've ever needed a carburetor for a Renault 4, a taillight for an 80s Mazda 626, or a door handle that no one makes anymore, you know that going to an official dealership is a waste of time and money. In Medellín, the Conquistadores neighborhood is the place where amateur mechanics, classic car restorers, and collectors of rare parts go when the rest of the world says "#" This neighborhood, located between Carrera 68 and Avenida 80, near the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, is not a fancy shopping center and has no shiny display windows. It is a labyrinth of workshops, warehouses, and modest-looking stores where knowledge is passed on in hushed tones, among cardboard boxes and dusty shelves. The history of Conquistadores as a spare parts epicenter began in the 1970s, when the first mechanic shops set up here due to low land costs and proximity to main roads. Over time, the offering specialized: while other neighborhoods filled up with dealerships, those who knew how to disassemble an engine with their eyes closed stayed here. Today, in May 2026, this neighborhood remains the hidden treasure for those seeking parts no longer found in digital catalogs.
What makes Conquistadores unique is not just the number of stores, but the logic of its informal economy. Here, there are no fixed prices or electronic invoices. Everything is negotiated, haggled over, and sealed with a handshake. The store owners, many of them retired mechanics, know every part they have stored for decades. If you arrive with a smile and know how to ask, you can find an original 60s Weber carburetor that was hidden in a drawer. But if you arrive in a hurry or looking like a tourist, they will charge you double. That's why this guide not only tells you where to go, but how to navigate this ecosystem without losing money or time.
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What to do in Conquistadores (beyond buying spare parts)
Going to Conquistadores is not just an errand. It's an experience for those who love engines, history, and the smell of gasoline. Here's what you can't miss, even if you don't need a specific part.
Browse the classic spare parts stores
The main plan is to walk along Carrera 68, between Calles 57 and 60, and go into every store you see. It doesn't matter if the facade looks abandoned: inside there might be a treasure. The owners usually have a "mental catalog" of what they keep, so ask them directly for the part you're looking for. If they don't have it, they'll recommend another store two blocks away. That network of trust is what makes this neighborhood work.
Visit restoration workshops
On the side streets, like Calle 58, there are several workshops that restore classic cars. If you're a collector, you can ask permission to see the ongoing projects. Some mechanics proudly show off their work, and there you can learn tricks you won't find on YouTube. Just don't go in to take photos without asking first: here, privacy is sacred.
Search for rare parts in the warehouses
Behind the main stores, there are warehouses that look like treasure caves. In one of them, at Carrera 68 # 57-30, I found a headlight for a 1972 Ford Falcon that I had been looking for for years. The owner told me he had kept it "just in case." Here, parts are not sold by catalog, but by memory. Ask for "collector's items" or "old carburetors" and you'll see how they guide you to the right place.
Eat at the neighborhood eateries
After several hours of searching, hunger strikes. On the corner of Carrera 68 and Calle 58, there is an eatery called "El Motor" that serves bandeja paisa from $15,000 COP. Don't expect a gourmet restaurant, but the food is homemade and the neighborhood mechanics have breakfast there from 6 a.m. There's also an empanada stand on Calle 57, in front of the "Repuestos Don Juan" store, famous for its homemade hot sauce.
Where to eat or drink near Conquistadores
If you get thirsty or hungry during your search, there are simple but authentic options. Don't expect trendy bars or Instagrammable cafes; here, everything is functional.
Fonda "El Motor"
Address: Carrera 68 # 58-20. Open Monday to Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Specialty: bandeja paisa ($15,000 COP), beef rib broth ($8,000 COP), and natural juices ($4,000 COP). Mechanics recommend it for the amount of food and fair price. There is no menu in English, but you can point to what you see in the display case.
Empanada stand "La 57"
On Calle 57, right next to "Repuestos Don Juan." It's a cart that serves from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The beef empanadas cost $2,000 COP each, and the hot sauce is spicy but tasty. Perfect for a quick bite between stores.
Bakery "El Estadio"
Address: Carrera 70 # 56-15, two blocks from the neighborhood. Open every day from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. They have pandebono ($1,500 COP) and coffee ($2,000 COP). It's a good spot to rest and plan the next stop.
How to get to and transportation in Conquistadores
Getting to Conquistadores is easy, but getting around the neighborhood requires patience. The streets are narrow and truck traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
By Metro
The nearest station is Estadio (Line A). From there, walk 10 minutes west along Calle 58, or take a bus that goes up Carrera 68. The bus costs $2,800 COP and runs every 5 minutes during off-peak hours.
By bus or collective taxi
The routes that run along Carrera 68 are the 300 (towards Belén) and the 250 (towards Laureles). Ask to get off at "Calle 57 with Carrera 68." The buses are old but reliable, and the trip from downtown costs about $2,800 COP.
By car or motorcycle
If you go by car, keep in mind that parking is scarce. There are two public parking lots: one at Carrera 68 # 57-40 (holds 30 cars, $5,000 COP per hour) and another at Calle 58 # 68-10 (larger, $4,000 COP per hour). On a motorcycle, you can park on the sidewalk, but beware of informal "car watchers" who ask for $2,000 COP to "watch it."
By taxi or app
A taxi from El Poblado costs about $15,000 COP, and from downtown about $10,000 COP. Apps like Didi or Uber work, but drivers sometimes cancel if they see the destination is too congested. Better to hail a street taxi.
Local tips to survive in Conquistadores
Here are the unwritten codes that will save you money and headaches. You won't read this in any tourist guide.
- Arrive early: Stores open between 7 and 8 a.m., but the best time is between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. After noon, the owners go to lunch and close until 2 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays are the slowest days, perfect for negotiating without rushing.
- Don't ask "how much is it?" first: Instead, say "can you show me that part?" or "what do you have in old carburetors?" If you ask the price right away, the owner assumes you don't know and gives you an inflated price. Better to let them show you several options and then ask.
- Bring cash: Most stores don't accept cards or transfers. The nearest ATMs are on Avenida 80, a 10-minute walk away. Withdraw money before entering the neighborhood.
- Negotiate with respect: Here, you don't haggle like at a street market. Offer 10% or 15% less than the price they tell you, and if the owner says no, don't insist. Sometimes, if you buy two parts, they give you a discount. Example: a Weber carburetor offered at $120,000 COP, you can ask for $100,000 COP and close at $110,000 COP if you see the owner hesitating.
- Dress like a local: Don't wear flashy brand-name clothes or expensive watches. Store owners are suspicious of people who look like "tourists" because they think they'll negotiate poorly. An old t-shirt, jeans, and closed-toe shoes are key.
- Learn the key words: Saying "manigueta" (not "manija"), "carburador" (not "carburetor"), "farola" (not "farol"), and "guardabarros" (not "mudguard") makes you sound like someone who knows. If in doubt, just point to the part.
Hard-to-find parts: the holy grail of Conquistadores
If you're one of those who seeks the impossible, this neighborhood is famous for having parts that don't even appear on eBay. These are the most coveted and where to look for them.
Original Weber carburetors
Weber carburetors, especially models from the 60s and 70s, are gems for restorers of European cars and classic Colombian cars like the Renault 4 or Fiat 125. At the store "Repuestos Don Juan" (Carrera 68 # 57-12), the owner, Don Juan, has an inventory he doesn't show just anyone. Ask for the "Weber 32/36" or the "Weber DGV" and you'll see him pull out a box from under the counter. Prices start at $150,000 COP and can go up to $400,000 COP depending on condition.
Collectible headlights
Front and rear lights for cars like the Dodge Dart, Chevrolet Nova, or 70s Ford Mustang are hard to find because they are no longer manufactured. At the store "Autopartes El Clásico" (Calle 58 # 68-25), they have a batch of original headlights they bought from a collector in 2023. Ask for "glass lens headlights" and they'll show you options ranging from $80,000 COP to $250,000 COP.
Door handles
Door handles for cars like the Renault 12, Mazda 323, or Volkswagen Beetle are easily lost and almost impossible to find new. At "Repuestos El Estadio" (Carrera 68 # 56-30), they have a box full of loose handles, many of them factory original. Ask for "front door handle" and specify the model. Prices range from $15,000 COP to $40,000 COP.
Original rubber mats
Rubber mats with the manufacturer's logo are a luxury for collectors. At "Taller Don Carlos" (Calle 57 # 68-40), behind the store, they have a batch of Renault 4 and Dodge Dart mats that no one else has. They cost between $50,000 COP and $100,000 COP, but they only sell them if you buy another part as well.
Interactive map with nearby parking lots
So you don't waste time going in circles, here are the key points of the neighborhood. There is no official digital map, but these are the places you should mark on your phone:
- Parking Lot 1: Carrera 68 # 57-40. Capacity: 30 cars. Price: $5,000 COP/hour. Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Parking Lot 2: Calle 58 # 68-10. Capacity: 50 cars. Price: $4,000 COP/hour. Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Key Store: Repuestos Don Juan: Carrera 68 # 57-12. Specialty: carburetors and engine parts. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Key Store: Autopartes El Clásico: Calle 58 # 68-25. Specialty: headlights and body parts. Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Key Store: Repuestos El Estadio: Carrera 68 # 56-30. Specialty: handles and small parts. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Fonda El Motor: Carrera 68 # 58-20. To eat after the search.
If you use Google Maps, search for "Carrera 68 with Calle 57" and walk north. All the stores are within a three-block radius.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to go to Conquistadores alone?
Yes, it is safe during the day, especially between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. The streets are full of mechanics and buyers, and there is constant movement. However, avoid carrying valuables in plain sight and don't go into dark alleys after 6 p.m. If you go by car, park in the recommended lots and don't leave anything visible in the vehicle.
Can I pay with a credit card at the spare parts stores?
Most stores only accept cash. Some, like "Repuestos Don Juan," have the option of bank transfer, but only if you buy more than $200,000 COP. Bring bills of $10,000, $20,000, and $50,000 COP to make change easier, because sometimes they don't have coins.
What do I do if I can't find the part I'm looking for in Conquistadores?
If you can't find it, ask at the big stores like "Autopartes El Clásico" or "Repuestos El Estadio." The owners have contacts in other neighborhoods, like Belén or La 33, and can give you a lead on where to get it. You can also leave your number and they'll call you if a similar part comes in. Don't give up quickly: sometimes the part is in a warehouse that only opens on Saturdays.
Is there a special day to find rare parts?
Saturdays in the morning, from 7 to 10 a.m., is when local collectors bring parts to sell or trade. It's not an organized market, but on the corner of Carrera 68 and Calle 58, an informal "flea market" sets up. Arrive early and bring cash, because the best parts are gone in the first 30 minutes.
Call to Action: Go this Friday at 2 p.m. to the store 'Repuestos Don Juan' (Carrera 68 # 57-12) and ask for the Weber carburetor they have hidden. If you arrive with a smile and say you're coming on behalf of a friend, they'll show it to you without any fuss. Don't forget to bring $200,000 COP in cash and a cell phone flashlight to inspect the parts on the dark shelves.
Historical or contextual introduction
The neighborhood where the spare parts stores are located is not only a supply center for those looking for specific parts, but also a reflection of Medellín's automotive history. Since the 1960s, when the automotive industry began to flourish in Colombia, this sector has evolved, but the spare parts stores have maintained their essence. Known for their personalized service and deep market knowledge, many of these establishments have been family-run for generations, offering an emotional connection with the community.
Medellín, famous for its innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, has seen how these small businesses adapt to the needs of drivers, from classic car lovers to those looking for parts for more modern vehicles. The variety of available spare parts is impressive, and this is where stories intertwine with local culture.
If you are looking for a specific spare part or simply want to learn more about the city's automotive past, these stores are the ideal place to start. Talking to the owners and employees can reveal not only the information you need, but also anecdotes and curious facts about the history of vehicles in Medellín.