Parque Nacional Enrique Olaya Herrera Medellín
A large, shaded urban park with sports facilities, playgrounds, and a vibrant community atmosphere, perfect for recreation and local events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, less vendor hustle
Parque Nacional Enrique Olaya Herrera Medellín
Best Time
Fewer crowds, less vendor hustle
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A large, shaded urban park with sports facilities, playgrounds, and a vibrant community atmosphere, perfect for recreation and local events.
"Awesome place, the nicest people. Perfect to hang out with daylight is better."
🎯 Beat the Vendor Hustle
If vendors are persistent, politely decline and try moving to a quieter area. Visiting during off-peak hours helps.
☀️ Visit During Daylight
For a more comfortable and safer experience, it's best to visit the park during daylight hours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sports Facilities
Various courts and fields
From hockey rinks to sport courts, this park is an active hub for sports enthusiasts of all ages.
Playground Fun
Designated play areas
A shaded playground offers a safe and fun space for children to play and explore.
Community Events
Open spaces and arenas
Experience local culture at events like 'Skate Day,' a testament to the park's community spirit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Times for a Peaceful Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Vendor Hustle
If vendors are persistent, politely decline and try moving to a quieter area. Visiting during off-peak hours helps.
☀️ Visit During Daylight
For a more comfortable and safer experience, it's best to visit the park during daylight hours.
⛸️ Check for Events
Look out for community events like 'Skate Day' for a lively and engaging visit.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Enjoy the playgrounds and open spaces with family and friends, especially during festive times.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Vendor Hustle
If vendors are persistent, politely decline and try moving to a quieter area. Visiting during off-peak hours helps.
☀️ Visit During Daylight
For a more comfortable and safer experience, it's best to visit the park during daylight hours.
⛸️ Check for Events
Look out for community events like 'Skate Day' for a lively and engaging visit.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Enjoy the playgrounds and open spaces with family and friends, especially during festive times.
💧 Clean Facilities
Restrooms are available and generally kept clean, adding to the convenience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Parque Nacional Enrique Olaya Herrera is a beloved community park offering a range of sports facilities, playgrounds, and green spaces. Visitors appreciate its accessibility and the vibrant atmosphere, especially during local events and festive light displays. However, some find the persistent vendor presence to be a drawback, and recommend visiting during daylight hours for a more comfortable experience.
"We hang out here at the Enrique Olaya at the Skate Day event. Awesome place, the nicest peolple. There are clean bathrooms, places to eat and fruits also! Perfect to hang out, maybe not so late at night but with daylight is better"
Valentina Diaz Dominguez
"It's one of the capital's most emblematic parks; its easy access makes it accessible to all users of the surrounding community of La Merced, Perseverancia, and El Paraíso neighborhoods. It is also surrounded by students from the Javeriana, Distrital, and La Piloto universities, as well as several technological institutes, from which a large number of people have access to all areas. It covers 14 hectares of urban land, 283 hectares in total, most of which has been declared a forest reserve."
Fernando Herrera
"I would have really loved to explore this park but unfortunately it looks to be really unclean and unsafe as a white British man due to the large population of indigenous people!"
Matt Summerell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is easily accessible due to its location in the La Merced, Perseverancia, and El Paraíso neighborhoods. It's also conveniently located near universities like Javeriana and Distrital, making public transport a viable option. Check local bus routes for the most direct access.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, but given its urban setting and accessibility via public transport, it's advisable to check for nearby street parking or public lots.
The park is surrounded by several neighborhoods, including La Merced, Perseverancia, and El Paraíso, suggesting multiple entry points from these areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Based on reviews, the park appears to be a public space with no mention of entrance fees, making it freely accessible to all.
While specific hours aren't detailed, reviews suggest it's a place for daytime activities and community gatherings, with a recommendation to avoid it late at night.
The park hosts community events like 'Skate Day,' indicating it's a venue for local activities. For specific event bookings, direct inquiry with local authorities might be necessary.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy sports on the hockey rink, courts, and fields, let kids play at the playground, or simply relax in the shaded natural areas. It's also a great place to experience local community events.
While generally considered a nice place during the day, some reviews suggest caution, particularly at night. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours and be aware of your surroundings.
Yes, clean bathrooms are available within the park, adding to the convenience for visitors.
While the park offers shaded areas, some visitors have noted persistent vendors. Finding a truly isolated quiet spot might be challenging, but visiting during less busy times can help.
The park's easy access is mentioned, suggesting it's generally accessible. However, specific accessibility features for all areas would require further investigation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are places to eat within the park, and you can also find fresh fruits available for purchase.
While not explicitly stated, parks often allow picnics. Enjoying the green spaces with your own food is likely a pleasant option, especially during quieter times.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant sports activities, the shaded green areas, and the community spirit during events. The playground also offers charming photo opportunities.
As with any public space, be mindful of privacy. It's generally acceptable to take photos of the general atmosphere and activities, but direct close-ups of individuals might require their consent.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during daylight hours and perhaps on a weekday morning to ensure a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds. While there are places to eat within the park, bringing snacks or a picnic can also be a great option for families. The park's community events, like 'Skate Day,' can also be a fun and engaging experience for children.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To save money on food, take advantage of the places to eat within the park or pack your own picnic. Public transport is a convenient and affordable way to reach the park, given its central location and proximity to universities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Community Hub and Green Space
This park truly comes alive during local events, such as the popular 'Skate Day,' showcasing its role as a hub for cultural and social activities. During festive seasons, it transforms into a beautiful display of lights, making it a prime destination for families and friends looking for holiday cheer. While the park offers a refreshing natural escape, visitors should be aware of the active vendor presence, which some find to be quite persistent.
For those seeking a peaceful retreat, visiting during weekday mornings is often recommended to avoid the peak crowds and the intensity of vendor interactions. The park's amenities, including clean restrooms and places to eat, contribute to a comfortable experience. It's a place where the energy of the city meets the tranquility of nature, offering a unique blend for every visitor.
Navigating the Park Experience
The park's amenities include clean restrooms and various food options, making it convenient for longer visits. However, the persistent nature of some vendors has been noted by visitors, with some finding it to be a form of harassment. If you encounter this, politely declining and relocating to a different area of the park can help.
Despite these minor challenges, the park remains a beloved spot for families and friends, especially during special occasions like holiday light displays. Its blend of recreational facilities, green spaces, and community events offers a rich experience for those looking to connect with the local culture of Medellín.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit