Get outside: Medellín edition

Emily Seibert
Sep 7, 2018 · 6 min read

For the past two months, I have been working and traveling in South America. Since most of my weeks were spent working as a software engineer, my free time was primarily spent engaging in city culture (think: salsa dancing, practicing my spanish, eating all the food). I brought minimal gear with me (… just my hiking boots), but after a month of city life I was craving time in the green countryside of Colombia. Here are a few trips from Medellín, Colombia that are inexpensive and scratch that outdoorsy itch for my fellow working travelers!

Dawn at Tres Cruces

For when you have 2 hours

Cerro de las Tres Cruces

Tres Cruces is a fitness hub of Medellín. It’s located in “New Poblado” and makes for a quick hike for an amazing view of the city. The trail itself is uncovered on a grassy hillside (it can be seen all over southern Medellín), and is easy to follow. I’d recommend a good shoe if it’s rain recently because it can be a bit slick and steep. After 1.2km of hiking and 320 meters of climbing, you’ll find yourself at the top with the three crosses. There’s a small fruit & juice stand and an outdoor gym that overlooks the mountainside. This was the perfect place to start the day! We saw the sun pour in over the valley, lifted some weights, drank some juice, and watched as some of the city’s fittest RAN up the mountain to warm up for their workout.

Sunset at Pueblito Paisa

Golden hour at the top of Pueblito Paisa

Although this is technically in the city, this little hill has an amazing golden hour view of the Medellín and gives you a breather from the hustle. As a bonus, many vendors sell jewelry and art in the little plaza. Be sure to take in the greenery and the fresh air with a cerveza as you watch the kites fly high into the sunset.

For when you have an afternoon

Cable car ride to Parque Arví — THIS IS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Parque Arví

Medellín, Colombia is known for its public transportation. It has one of the first metro systems in South America that utilizes cable cars. If you’ve seen Medellín, this comes as no surprise. The terrain is hillier than San Francisco. The cable cars allow you to soar above neighborhoods, parks, and mountains.

The cable cars go above neighborhoods and parks for quick access to the mountains

My favorite metro ride was to Parque Arví, a nature reserve east of the city. It was about an hour on the metro from Poblado and we landed in the early afternoon at the park. You can rent bikes at the visitor center, pay for walking tours, or take your chances with a map for some solo exploration. We opted for the latter and spent the afternoon touring trails and roads to waterfalls, creeks and campgrounds. The scenery is stunning and I felt like I was hours away from one of the biggest cities in Colombia. Enjoy your time, but don’t miss the last cable car! It’s a long car ride back to the city and could be difficult getting a taxi home.

There are trails throughout the 17000 acres of Parque Arví

Paragliding

Did you ever want to be a bird? How about a kite? To be honest, I’ve never had the urge to fly. That is, until I went to Medellin and saw birds soaring through the mountains and kites flying high above the neighborhoods. I knew I had to get a taste of that freedom.

Tres amigas after paragliding (parapente)

Lucky for me, paragliding is one of the most popular and accessible activities in the city. A taxi picked up me and my friends from our apartment in Poblado and drove us to the launch site in northern Medellin. We watched as a few people took flight and then it was our turn. They strapped us to our guide, gave us a little pep talk, and then we were off! The experience was seamless and so beautiful. We flew thousands of feet above the city, chatted to one another on our walkie talkies, but mostly just felt the wind and flew like birds. I’d imagine this would cost quite a bit back in the States, but the personal taxi both ways + the paragliding only cost us $65USD each. Not bad for a fresh shot of air and 10/10 views!

For when you have a day/weekend

Coffee Tour + Horseback riding

If you’re a coffee fanatic like me, then this is a must-do in Colombia. Colombia is a leading exporter of coffee and there’s a reason why — it’s incredible. My friends and I visited a coffee “finca” north of the city for the day. Our guide taught us about the importance of organic coffee. He explained the growth, harvesting, and drying process all while we were in authentic farming clothes and sipping some of the best coffee in the world.

In the afternoon, you can opt for a horseback ride through old guerilla trails to a beautiful waterfall oasis. We cooled off in the crystal clear water before returning through small farming communities back to the coffee farm. Don’t forget to try the coffee limonada while you’re there! It’s a popular drink in Colombia and I will be trying to replicate their recipe when I return home.

Freshly brewed coffee at the farm!
Riding through the Colombian countryside

Guatapé

One of my favorite day trips was with the company “Do It In A Van”, run by two rasta dudes from Colombia, Rafa and David. They pick you up from the city, throw you in a van and drive you out of the city to Rafa’s house for a hearty breakfast. Rafa and David will take you out on an adventure on your way to Guatapé. You will enjoy country road views, overlooks of the famous reservoir, some smaller towns along the way, native jungle fruit snacks, beers by the water, and jumping off a footbridge into the lake all before you reach Guatapé.

Cooling off in the Guatapé Reservoir

You will spend the later half the day climbing the famous Rock (highly recommend this!) and learning about Guatapé. We wrapped up the last bit of sunlight with dinner at Rafa’s other hostel along the water before hopping back in the van for the trek home. I have to say this was the absolute best way to spend a day and will be one of my fondest memories in Colombia. Most tours will only take you to Guatapé and back — this one plans and executes an authentic roadtrip experience. Do it… in a van all for the low cost of $42USD (for two+ meals, coffee, transportation, etc).

Town of Guatapé

Thankfully, no matter how you spend your time in Medellin, you will always feel like you’re in the mountains. Its temperate weather, jungle city streets, and rushing water canals near your Airbnb will always give you a mountain-vibe.

Happy travels, friends!

View from the Rock in Guatapé
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