Audio Guide of Royal Street

As the town’s main street (Carrera 6), access is free 24 hours a day for walking and taking photos. However, if you want to visit the handicraft shops and restaurants, business hours are usually from 9:00 a.m. to around 8:00 p.m.

No, walking along Royal Street is completely free; it is an open-air museum of colonial architecture. You only need to budget for local snacks, coffee, and souvenirs you will surely want to buy.

We recommend setting aside between 1 and 2 hours. Although the street is not very long, its charm lies in walking slowly, going into the shops, taking photographs, and enjoying the architectural details.

It is the best-preserved example of Antioquian colonization architecture, characterized by the use of bahareque and its vibrantly colored balconies. Historically, it was part of the Quindío Road, a crucial route that even Simón Bolívar traveled.

For the best crowd-free photos, we suggest going very early in the morning (before 9:00 a.m.) or on weekdays. Weekends and public holidays are usually quite busy, especially after midday.

The street is paved, which makes getting around easier, but the sidewalks are quite narrow and can become crowded. It is possible to travel along it in a wheelchair, but going with a companion and during quieter hours is recommended for greater comfort.

The street directly connects two key spots: it begins at Bolívar Square and ends at the stairs leading up to the Alto de la Cruz viewpoint. From there, you will have a spectacular panoramic view of the town and the valley.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring cash in Colombian pesos, as some small businesses do not accept cards. Do not forget to try a single-origin coffee in one of the street’s traditional cafés.