Spain Medellin

Set in a narrow valley and surrounded on all sides by the jagged peaks of the Andes, Medellin is a bustling city of industry that knows how to have fun at the end of the day. See the artsy side of Medellin in Plaza Botero, featuring the larger-than-life figures of famous local sculptor Fernando Botero Angulo. While you’re in the area, take advantage of the free admission at the Museo de Antioquia to see beautiful works of art by Botero and other great Latin American artists.

Like so many Latin American cities, Medellin’s culture is defined by two things: food and dance. Grab a table in a local restaurant and order the Bandeja Paisa, a heavy Medellin specialty featuring rice, plantain, corn cake, avocado, minced meat, chorizo, black sausage, fried pork rind, and fried egg. Finish this calorie-packed beast and you’ll be set for the rest of the day. Burn some of that extra energy by learning to salsa in one of the many lively clubs in the city center. Even if you don’t know what you’re doing, the outgoing Medellin locals will teach you a thing or two.