Car rental for the 2026 Medellín Flower Festival
From July 31st to August 9th, Medellin receives more than a million visitors. Road closures, overloaded taxis, and overwhelmed apps. Book your car with free delivery to your hotel.
The problem, in 3 facts
1M+
visitors arrive in Medellín in 10 days.
Closures
roads in El Poblado, Laureles, and downtown during the parades.
0
direct public transport to Santa Elena and Guatapé.
Why you need your own car at the Fair
Go up to Santa Elena
Where the silleteros live and assemble the silletas: 45 min up the mountain, without direct public transport.
Move between scattered events
Programming is spread throughout the city and its surroundings.
Escape to Guatapé or El Retiro
Take advantage of the slow days to explore the towns of Antioquia.
Don't rely on apps with surge pricing
Taxis and apps collapse and raise prices during the Fair.
Recommended Fleet for the Fair
We have 21 vehicles. They sell out at the Fair.
Fleet is limited and fully booked during the Fair. Book at least 5 days in advance to secure your vehicle.
What's already included (at no extra cost)
- Free delivery and return to hotel, home or office within the Aburrá Valley.
- Free delivery and return at Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH).
- JMC Airport (Rionegro): COP 130,000 daytime / COP 160,000 nighttime per way · COP 250,000 round trip.
For foreigners: yes, you can rent
- Valid foreign driver's license if you have been in the country for less than 6 months (entry stamp in passport is sufficient).
- IDP only mandatory if your license is not in the Latin alphabet.
- Credit card is optional: the deposit can be paid in cash or by transfer.
Fair schedule and what car you need
Key events are spread across the city and the mountain. Here's a guide to which vehicle suits you best for each.
| Date | Event | Zone | Recommended vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 9 | Flower Festival Parade | Medellín (urban route) | Sedan — road closures, arrive early |
| Fair | Classic Car Parade | Downtown / Las Palmas | Sporty / classic |
| Fair | Festival of Trova | City | Mid-range sedan |
| Fair | Bloom — Botanical Garden | North | Mid-range sedan |
| August 8 | Silletero farms (where the silleteros make their flower arrangements) · Stew Festival | Saint Helena | 4x4 SUV (mountain road) |
Book your car before the fleet runs out
From July 31st to August 9th demand soars. Secure your vehicle today.
Frequently Asked Questions — Flower Festival
Do I need a car to go to the Silleteros Parade?
The Silleteros Parade is the closing event and travels through the streets of Medellín (it does not go up to Santa Elena: there, the day before, the silleteros assemble the silletas). On August 9, there are significant road closures, and taxis and apps get saturated; with your own car, you can arrive early at the parade route and park without relying on collapsed transportation. And if you want to visit the silletera farms in Santa Elena, a car is essential: it's a mountain road 45 minutes away with no direct public transport.
How do I get to Santa Elena during the Fair?
Santa Elena—where the silleteros live and the silletas are assembled—is about 45 minutes up the mountain and has no direct public transportation. The road is mountainous, so we recommend a 4x4 SUV (Toyota TXL or Prado) for comfort and safety. It is also the best option for escaping to Guatapé or El Retiro.
How much does it cost to rent a car during the Flower Festival?
It depends on the vehicle and the rental days. The minimum rental period is 48 hours. Write to us on WhatsApp with your dates and we will send you the total quote, with no hidden costs. The fleet is limited, so it's advisable to book in advance.
Can I rent with a foreign license?
Yes, as long as you have been in the country for less than 6 months (the last entry stamp in your passport is sufficient). If your license is not in the Latin alphabet, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Minimum age: 21 years old (25 for premium vehicles).
Do I need a credit card for the deposit?
No. The credit card is optional. The security deposit can be paid in cash or by bank transfer. The amounts are 2,500,000 COP for mid-range and 3,000,000 COP for high-end, refundable within 8 business days after the rental.
What is the minimum rental period?
The minimum rental period is 48 hours (2 days) or more.
Do you deliver the car to my hotel?
Yes. Delivery and returns are free within the Aburrá Valley (hotel, home, or office) and at Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH). There is an additional charge at José María Córdova Airport (Rionegro).
How far in advance should I book for the Fair?
We recommend booking at least 5 days in advance. Our fleet consists of 21 vehicles and it gets fully booked during the Fair; the earlier you book, the more options you'll have.