Laureles: the neighborhood that breathes green in Medellín
In Medellín, where the mountains meet the city, there's a neighborhood designed for those seeking tranquility without straying from urban life. Laureles, with its tree-lined streets and traditional architecture, holds a secret well-known to locals: a circuit of parks that create a true green lung in the heart of the city.
This isn’t just a collection of green spaces; it’s a system that connects community life, urban nature, and moments of peace. As Medellín rises upward with its modern buildings, Laureles keeps its roots firmly planted, literally, with trees that have witnessed generations of families.
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The parks that make up the green circuit
Parque Laureles: the heart of the neighborhood
Located at Carrera 70 with Calle 39, Parque Laureles is more than just a green space: it’s the neighborhood’s meeting point. With its expansive grassy areas, pedestrian paths, and playgrounds, this park experiences different rhythms throughout the day. In the mornings, seniors practice tai chi under the shade of the trees. In the afternoons, families gather for picnics while children run freely.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Carrera 70 #39-00, Laureles, Medellín
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
Official website: Parques de Medellín
Parque de la 33: the secret garden
Less known but equally charming, Parque de la 33 (Carrera 33 with Calle 39) offers a more intimate experience. Its winding paths among native trees create the feeling of being in a small urban forest. It’s the perfect spot to read a book, do yoga, or simply watch birds.
Address: Carrera 33 with Calle 39, Laureles, Medellín
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
Hours: Open 24 hours
Local tip: Visit during weekday mornings for greater tranquility
Green areas along Carrera 70
Carrera 70, the main artery of Laureles, is flanked by green strips connecting the different parks. These areas, with their benches and small plazas, invite spontaneous pauses during a stroll. It’s here that you can truly feel the integration of urban life and nature.
Location: Along Carrera 70, between Streets 33 and 45, Laureles
Access: Free and open to all
Best time: Sunny afternoons and cool mornings
Map of the green circuit: your route for a perfect day
We suggest a walking route that you can complete in about 2-3 hours, including breaks:
- Start at Parque Laureles (Carrera 70 with Calle 39)
- Walk north along Carrera 70, enjoying the adjacent green areas
- Turn onto Carrera 33 to reach Parque de la 33
- Return to Carrera 70 and continue south
- Discover small plazas and community gardens along the way
For a more comprehensive experience, check out the interactive parks map of Medellín on the city’s official site.
Activities for every park and every moment
For families with children
Parque Laureles is ideal for little ones. Its playgrounds are well-maintained and offer safe equipment for various ages. On weekends, it's common to see family groups organizing picnics on the grass. Tip: bring a blanket, some healthy snacks, and let the kids explore freely.
For nature lovers
Parque de la 33 is your best bet. Bring binoculars for bird watching (over 15 species have been recorded in the area) and a notebook to jot down different plants you find. The paths are designed for leisurely walks that allow you to connect with your surroundings.
For moments of peace
The green areas along Carrera 70, especially during weekday mornings, offer perfect benches for reading, meditating, or simply observing neighborhood life. It’s in these moments that Laureles reveals its true essence: a place where time seems to move more slowly.
Facilities and amenities for visitors
Each park in the circuit offers:
- Public restrooms (open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM)
- Drinking water fountains
- Benches and resting areas
- Night lighting in main areas
- Informative signage
In the vicinity, you’ll find:
- Family-friendly cafes and restaurants
- Convenience stores
- Metroplus stations on Carrera 70
- Nearby public parking
Frequently asked questions about Laureles parks
What is the best time to visit the parks?
Mornings (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM) are ideal for those seeking tranquility, while afternoons (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM) are perfect for family and social activities.
Is there an entry fee to the parks?
No, all parks in the Laureles circuit are completely free and open to the public.
Can you picnic in the parks?
Yes, especially in Parque Laureles where there are ample grassy areas perfect for family picnics. Just remember to take your trash with you.
Are the parks safe to visit?
Laureles is one of the safest neighborhoods in Medellín. However, it’s always advisable to visit during the day, keep your belongings visible, and follow basic safety recommendations.
Is parking available nearby?
Yes, there are several public parking options around Carrera 70, especially near shopping centers and commercial establishments.
Safety and comfort tips
Laureles is one of the safest neighborhoods in Medellín, but it’s always good to follow these recommendations:
- Visit the parks during the day, especially if you’re with children
- Keep your belongings in sight
- Use sunscreen - Medellín’s altitude (1,500 meters) intensifies UV rays
- Bring water and snacks, especially for kids
- Respect the closing hours of public restrooms
- For visits with small children: bring a change of clothes and toys for the grass
A necessary breath of fresh air in the city
The parks of Laureles are not just green spaces; they are witnesses to Medellín’s transformation, a city that learned to value public spaces as places for gathering and healing. Every tree planted here tells a story of community, every path walked leaves traces of conversations and shared laughter.
This green circuit exists because the residents of Laureles understood long ago that urban nature is not a luxury but a necessity. And now, that gift is available to everyone: for the local family in need of a different Sunday, for the traveler seeking a moment of calm, for the child discovering the joy of running barefoot on the grass for the first time.
Plan a day in the parks of Laureles. You don’t need much: just the willingness to be surprised by how nature and city can coexist in perfect harmony. Bring your family, a book, or simply your desire to walk. The trees of Laureles are waiting for you, as they have for decades, offering shade, fresh air, and the assurance that in Medellín, there’s always a green place to breathe.