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That energy crests in 2026 with Wake, a $100-million development uniting a wellness hotel, residences, and more than a dozen restaurants and bars—Medellín’s most ambitious culinary venture yet. Its centerpiece is Boro bistro from Jaime David Rodríguez of Cartagena’s acclaimed Celele. At Boro, Rodríguez will translate Colombia’s bounty into plates spanning the Amazon, Andes, Caribbean, Pacific, and Orinoquía. Test Kitchen Lab, the intimate chef’s table by chef Adolfo Cavalie and bartender Daniela Alvarado, rooted in 100% Colombian sourcing, will also move to a bigger location at Wake, expanding with research and fermentation labs that deepen Medellín’s reputation for gastronomic innovation. Other highlights include Wake BioHotel, built around the concept of “wellness meets science,” with 109 rooms and a longevity center, in a first for the continent. The larger complex also brings in heavy-hitters like Osso, Peru’s cult butcher-restaurant, alongside spots such as Chez Migú, Somos Masa, and Krudo Viches y Vinilos—underscoring the project’s ambition to become a culinary city within the city. The exact opening date has yet to be confirmed, with timelines that range from March to April 2026. But when Wake does open, it’ll be hard to miss. Chefs here are proving Colombian food can be as inventive and layered as the country itself.
Call it one of the most exciting food cities in South America right now, with the nightlife to match.
How to plan it: Direct flights from Miami, New York, Houston, and Madrid land at José María Córdova International Airport, which is now just 45 minutes from the city thanks to the 2019-built Túnel de Oriente. Medellín’s City of Eternal Spring climate charms year-round, but especially from December to March—though cocktail lovers shouldn’t miss Medellín Cocktail Week, June 1–5, 2026. Relax at Click Clack, an urban retreat with a lush courtyard, or try the sleek Wake BioHotel in El Poblado. Mama Shelter, known for playful design and buzzing social spaces, is set to open in 2026. —Allie Lazar
Minas Gerais, Brazil
Go for: modern art, rich culinary traditions, and a capital city on the rise
