Mike East explores the mountains of Medellin Colombia, providing expert advice on where to go and what to take.
You may have noticed that, over time, Medellin in Colombia has been one of the most frequently covered places on Travel Begins at 40. That is due to its excellent all-year round climate, the range of things to do there, Comuna 13, and the parks and green spaces. This article adds yet another reason to visit, just how easily and quickly you can escape the bustle and get into the hills and mountains around the city.
Cerro de las Tres Cruces
This first walk is for those who have just a couple of hours to spare and it makes a good morning walk, avoiding the afternoon heat. This is the Cerro de las Tres Cruces (the Hill of Three Crosses). The path starts in Alta Vista on the west side of the city and is easily reached in a taxi (but there is no nearby metro station). On the way up, there are juice and water stalls, and about half way up there is a flat, grassy area with an outdoor gym and space to sit down.
You would never guess, but you will find three large crosses at the summit and also enjoy lovely views of the urban area below. There tend to be a lot of people taking this route and it is a popular workout for city-dwellers. Just follow the path.
Parque Arvi
We have covered Parque Arvi in previous Medellin articles, but it is worth mentioning again as this park is also a gateway to some great mountain walking.
The best way to get there is by public transport. Take the metro to Acevedo then the cable car to Santo Domingo/Arvi. The reason why this route is so worthwhile is the views you will enjoy as the cable car climbs out of the valley. The Medellin metro cards are the size of a credit card. Make sure that your card is charged generously, with about 40,000 pesos more than you would expect, per person. This is because when you get to Santo Domingo station, you have to change cable cars for the final leg up to Arvi. With a fully charged card, you can skip the line and continue on to Arvi.
At the cable station at the top, you will find a food market, a coffee shop and information on what is available at the park. A recommended walk is south to the Laguna de Guarne (Lake Guarne). It is well signposted and is a scenic and often placid spot.
Just like Rio, Medellin has its own Sugarloaf Mountain, but I would not recommend going unless you are with guides in a larger group, as there have been robberies on the trails around it.
El Salado Ecological Park
On the southern edge of the city near the suburb of Envigado (take the metro to the station of the same name), is El Salado Ecological Park that costs from $2 to $7 to enter, depending on the type of ticket you buy. This is a place for outdoor sports enthusiasts with biking trails, rock climbing and zip lining. For those that move at a slower pace, the paths will take you over hills, through forests and to waterfalls. There is a coffee shop and places to picnic.
The waterfalls further south from this park are Arenales and Angel Falls (no, not a wormhole shortcut to the Angel Falls in Venezuela, but, at 50 metres, Medellin’s smaller cousin). Paths lead to them, though not all the junctions are clearly signposted, so ask as you go.
What to Take to Mountains of Medellin Colombia
First, it bears repeating, try to go early and avoid the afternoon heat. Take with you:
- Plenty of water;
- Rainproof clothing;
- Sunblock;
- A sun hat; and
- Walking boots or sturdy sports shoes.
There are many more mountain trails as you move further away from the city, though as you get more ambitious, you should consider going with local guides. Most walks are safe, but always ask about the security situation before you set out.
Enjoy the mountains of Medellin!
