Plaza Minorista José María Villa

Local market full of fresh fruits and vegetables — what a selection! 🥭🍍🫐 The prices were amazing, especially for exotic fruits you don’t find everywhere. A must-visit spot if you love tasting local flavors and supporting small vendors! Follow @cherie.travels for more local finds and foodie adventures!

Plaza Minorista José María Villa is a fascinating and authentic experience that most tourists miss! This massive wholesale fruit and food market offers an incredible glimpse into Medellín's commercial heart. You'll see an amazing variety of fresh produce and foods, mostly sold in large wholesale quantities that give you a real sense of the city's food distribution network. The key is timing - arrive early between 7-10 AM to witness the bustling trading atmosphere. The energy and fast-paced negotiations are captivating to observe. However, be aware that by 2 PM, about 90% of the stalls are closed, so plan accordingly. Don't miss the opportunity to grab lunch there - the food is excellent and authentic. Important safety tip: Do NOT walk via Avenida de Greiff to get there - we felt very uncomfortable and unsafe on that route. Instead, take the L-1 bus from Industriales for a safe and comfortable journey to the market. This small precaution makes all the difference for a worry-free visit to this unique local gem!

A very exciting experience that taught us so much about Medellín and its culture. We took the guided visit with Melissa, a culinary teacher who really knows her way around the local market and its people; she was the best example of "paisa" lovely idiosyncrasy. A must in Medellín. 4-hour-tour aprox.

Big fun busy central market. Looks intimidating but definitely worth the visit. Fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, etc. It was the meeting place for "Exotic Fruit Tour" which was excellent.

Beneath tin roofs where voices rise and fall, Plaza Minorista hums, a vibrant sprawl. Cartmen cry out through the jumbled maze, Palpable air thick with fruit-sweet haze. A tangle of colors, of peppers and lime, Fish on crushed ice, ticking off time. Chilies like fire, and mangoes like sun, Sacks spilling comidas, every shade spun. The clatter, the barter, the confusion of detalle, Chaos and wonder in every calle. A crossroads where Medellín comes to feed, On flavor, on frenzy, on hunger, on need.

A bustling market in the centre of the city. It is a great place to sample and try some of the many fruits that Colombia has to offer. I would recommend taking a taxi to and from the market though, as the surrounding area can be a bit sketchy.

Amazing experience trying all of the local fruits. Bring cash to tip and find a nice store owner to walk you through Colombias exotic fruits!

If you love to see where locals go to shop, get fresh produce, seafood and meat. This is it. Take and Uber or taxi. Lots of variety at local prices