El Hueco: The Cheapest Shopping in Medellín

Most U.S. cities have large malls, having moved on from downtown central shopping areas, but when in Medellín you must travel back in time and visit El Hueco.

This is like the downtown chaotic shopping of years past in the United States. You will find just about anything you want but it may take a bit of searching to find it.

Imagine walking into a treasure chest, great for shopping on a budget. You can find pretty much anything for the cheapest prices in the city. Sports gear, jewelry, art supplies, furniture, clothes, etc.

Personally I recommend going in the morning around 9. Everything is open but the area isn’t as congested as it would be in the afternoon.

El Hueco is located in the center of Medellín and is accessible by all mass transportation.

You can get off on Metro station Cisneros or San Antonio, both leaving you in the middle of El Hueco. Most buses leave you in front of the Parque de las Luces or other central locations in El Hueco.

As I mentioned before, El Hueco is in the center of Medellín, which, unfortunately, is a very poor section of the city.

During the day it isn’t as dangerous but I wouldn’t walk around waving my iPhone in the air or wear my $2,000 watch.

Be mindful of your pockets and have fun exploring the area.

Negotiating

Try to visit El Hueco with a local because nobody can haggle a price down better than a paisa: plus most know how to get around and find what you need.

Walking through El Hueco is like walking through a maze. It’s easy to lose your way, but most people are glad to help you find your destination.

A basic rule I try to keep is walking along the metro, or making sure I always know where it is to avoid getting lost. Make sure you wear your good shoes because you will be walking a lot.

Try and make sure you know exactly what you need before heading into El Hueco, as it can get pretty hectic.