Parque Arví
A vast ecological park offering stunning cable car views, diverse hiking trails, and a vibrant local market, providing a refreshing natural escape fro...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful hikes
Parque Arví
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful hikes

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast ecological park offering stunning cable car views, diverse hiking trails, and a vibrant local market, providing a refreshing natural escape from Medellin.
"The cable car ride up offers amazing views of the city and valley, and there are a few walking paths close to the gondola station."
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Trails are unmarked! Essential for unguided hikes. AllTrails is a popular choice.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking on varied terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Cable Car Ride
From Acevedo Metro Station
Breathtaking panoramic views of Medellín and the Aburrá Valley unfold during this iconic ascent.

Eco-Trails & Hiking
Various marked and unmarked paths
Explore diverse ecosystems, from conifer forests to lush jungle. Download offline maps for unguided hikes.

Local Market & Crafts
Near the main cable car station
Discover local produce, artisanal crafts, and delicious food stalls. A vibrant taste of Antioquian culture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Parque Arví Trails
Cable Car Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Parque Arvi vs El Penol Rock? (Also paragliding?)
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Trails are unmarked! Essential for unguided hikes. AllTrails is a popular choice.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking on varied terrain.
Recommendations- just got to Medellin
Quiet and SAFE park to spend a few hours?
💰 Budget for Cable Car
It's a significant cost, especially for families. Factor it into your trip budget.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
While vendors are available, having your own is convenient for hikes.
Itinerary for a 5 day trip in June
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Trails are unmarked! Essential for unguided hikes. AllTrails is a popular choice.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking on varied terrain.
💰 Budget for Cable Car
It's a significant cost, especially for families. Factor it into your trip budget.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
While vendors are available, having your own is convenient for hikes.
🚶♀️ Consider a Guide
Enhances the experience with local knowledge and ensures you don't get lost.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Parque Arví is lauded as a natural gem offering a refreshing escape with stunning cable car views and diverse hiking trails. Visitors appreciate the local market's vibrant atmosphere and the cool, fresh air. However, the lack of trail signage is a recurring concern, making offline maps or guides essential for unguided exploration.
"I imagine there are lots of different experiences you can have here. We (family with 8 and 11 year old) did a 7.2 km free (unguided) hike. The trails were decently maintained, but completely unmarked. Warning: download a trail map like All Trails or something. We alternated between conifer forest and jungle-y forest. There were no views, and the half of the time we were in the jungle-y part, it came to be a bit oppressive and claustrophobic (though we did take a short cut about halfway through, but the main trail could be like that too). Overall interesting experience--getting there cable car was easy (but about $30 each way for 4 of us)-- and it was an interesting hike. Not for the faint of heart or someone without a steady map app, but also not a difficult hike for anyone who can walk 4 miles. Don't do it alone. We went on a Tuesday and did not see one other person on the actual hike, though there were hundreds at the center. No one seemed like they were there to hike."
Skye Wallace Henry
"Was a great place to hike. You can take the metro station to this place and then a cable car up to the park itself. You have to pay to hike the loop.
However, if you just want to hang out, enjoy nature, and walk around up there you can. You can also enjoy the food and small businesses selling their products. Reguardless what you are up there for, it's worth it."
Krystina Needham
"What a gem to see when you visit Medellin. It’s a very large park and most of it can only be seen by bus, bike, motorbike or car. However, the gondola ride up has amazing views of the city and valley and their are a few walking paths close to the gondola station, which you pay to enter. There are lots of birds, trees and plants to see and many food and drink vendors. You can also hire a guide or rent a horse. I highly recommend it."
JMQZ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is to take the Metro to Acevedo station, then transfer to the Metrocable Line L (cable car) directly to Parque Arví. This cable car ride offers spectacular views of the city and valley.
The cable car is a separate fare from the metro and can be a significant cost, especially for families. It's advisable to check current prices before your visit.
While there might be limited parking near the park entrance, the cable car is the recommended and most scenic way to access it. Driving may also involve navigating city traffic.
The Metro system combined with the Metrocable Line L is the primary public transport route. Ensure you have a loaded Metro card for seamless transfers.
The journey via Metro and Metrocable typically takes around 45-60 minutes from the city center, depending on connections and wait times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main park area and market is generally free. However, there's a fee to access specific hiking trails and some guided tours. The cable car also requires a separate fare.
The park is generally open daily, but specific trail access and vendor hours can vary. It's best to check the official Parque Arví website or local listings for the most up-to-date information.
While you can walk around the main plaza and market area for free, accessing the designated eco-trails usually requires a small entrance fee.
Yes, local guides are often available for hire near the main station, offering insights into the park's nature and history. This is highly recommended for unguided hikers.
The fee for accessing specific hiking trails is typically nominal. It's a small price for well-maintained paths and the opportunity to explore deeper into the park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Parque Arví offers hiking, bird watching, exploring local markets, enjoying nature, and picnicking. Adventure sports like ziplining are also sometimes available.
No, many trails are not well-marked. It's crucial to download an offline map or hire a guide to avoid getting lost.
Yes, families can enjoy the cable car ride, the market, and shorter, easier trails. However, longer hikes require caution and good navigation.
The park is at a higher elevation than Medellin, so it's generally cooler and can be misty or rainy. Dress in layers and bring rain gear.
Bike and horse rentals are often available for exploring the park's larger areas, providing a different way to experience the landscape.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a vibrant food market near the cable car station offering local snacks, fruits, and traditional Colombian dishes.
You'll find fresh fruits, arepas, empanadas, local sweets, and various artisanal food products. It's a great place to sample regional flavors.
Food prices at the market are generally reasonable and offer good value, especially compared to restaurants in the city center.
Absolutely! Parque Arví is a perfect spot for a picnic. Bringing your own food and drinks is a great way to save money and enjoy the natural surroundings.
While many options are meat-based, you can often find fresh fruit, arepas, and other vegetarian-friendly choices at the market stalls.
📸 📸 Photography
The cable car ride offers stunning panoramic city views. The lush greenery, diverse flora, and market scenes also make for great photos.
Definitely! The park's diverse plant life, potential for bird sightings, and varied forest landscapes provide ample opportunities for nature photographers.
Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour light over the valley.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the views and atmosphere. For more advanced nature photography, a telephoto lens might be useful for wildlife.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Be mindful of local customs and ask permission before photographing individuals, especially vendors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the park is vast, focusing on the areas around the cable car station and a few well-chosen, shorter trails will ensure a manageable and enjoyable experience for younger visitors. The cool, fresh air is a welcome change from the city, and the opportunity to explore nature can be very educational. Remember to dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly at this elevation.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While hiring a guide is recommended for safety and insight, it's an additional expense. If your budget is tight, prioritize a good offline map and stick to well-trodden paths. The cable car ride is a significant part of the experience, so if it's within your budget, it's highly recommended for the views alone.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Parque Arví's Trails
When choosing a trail, consider your fitness level and available time. Shorter loops are perfect for a relaxed stroll, while longer treks can take several hours. The terrain varies significantly, from dense, humid jungle-like sections to more open pine forests. Be aware that some trails can feel remote, and it's advisable not to hike alone. The park's natural beauty is best appreciated with a sense of preparedness and respect for the environment.
The Iconic Metrocable Experience
While the cable car is a must-do, it's important to note that it operates on a separate fare system from the Metro. For families or groups, the cost can add up, so it's wise to factor this into your budget. Arriving earlier in the day can help you avoid longer queues, especially on weekends and holidays. The Metrocable is not just transportation; it's an integral part of the Parque Arví adventure, setting the stage for the natural wonders that await.
Local Flavors at the Market
The market is also a great spot to pick up souvenirs, from handmade jewelry to woven goods. The atmosphere is generally friendly and welcoming, making it a pleasant place to wander and discover unique items. While there are food stalls, many visitors also choose to bring their own picnic to enjoy amidst the park's natural beauty. The market provides a delightful introduction to the local culture before you venture onto the trails.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit