Parque Arví - A park filled with lots of green trees
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Parque Arví

4.7
·24k reviews·, Colombia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful hikes

CrowdLow
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Parque Arví - A park filled with lots of green trees

Parque Arví

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful hikes

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.7
(24k reviews)

"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."

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TIP

🗺️ 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Cable Car Ride

Scenic Cable Car Ride

From Acevedo Metro Station

Breathtaking panoramic views of Medellín and the Aburrá Valley unfold during this iconic ascent.

Reddit
Eco-Trails & Hiking

Eco-Trails & Hiking

Various marked and unmarked paths

Explore diverse ecosystems, from conifer forests to lush jungle. Download offline maps for unguided hikes.

Reddit
Local Market & Crafts

Local Market & Crafts

Near the main cable car station

Discover local produce, artisanal crafts, and delicious food stalls. A vibrant taste of Antioquian culture.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Parque Arví Trails

Trails at Parque Arví are largely unmarked. Download an offline map app like AllTrails before you go. Consider a guided hike for better navigation and insight into the park's flora and fauna. Don't hike alone, especially on less-trafficked paths. Reddit

Cable Car Logistics

The cable car is the primary way to reach Parque Arví from the city. While offering stunning views, it can be a significant cost for families. Factor this into your budget. Arrive early to avoid longer queues, especially on weekends. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful hikes
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively market atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Parque Arvi vs El Penol Rock? (Also paragliding?)

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Trails are unmarked! Essential for unguided hikes. AllTrails is a popular choice. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking on varied terrain. Reddit

reddit.com

Recommendations- just got to Medellin

reddit.com

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. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

While vendors are available, having your own is convenient for hikes. Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking on varied terrain. Reddit

💰 Budget for Cable Car

It's a significant cost, especially for families. Factor it into your trip budget. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

While vendors are available, having your own is convenient for hikes. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Consider a Guide

Enhances the experience with local knowledge and ensures you don't get lost. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(24k reviews)

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

Spectacular cable car views
Beautiful natural scenery
Vibrant local market

What People Dislike

Unmarked hiking trails

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The journey via Metro and Metrocable typically takes around 45-60 minutes from the city center, depending on connections and wait times. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

While you can walk around the main plaza and market area for free, accessing the designated eco-trails usually requires a small entrance fee. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Parque Arví offers hiking, bird watching, exploring local markets, enjoying nature, and picnicking. Adventure sports like ziplining are also sometimes available. Reddit

No, many trails are not well-marked. It's crucial to download an offline map or hire a guide to avoid getting lost. Reddit

Yes, families can enjoy the cable car ride, the market, and shorter, easier trails. However, longer hikes require caution and good navigation. Reddit

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. Reddit

Bike and horse rentals are often available for exploring the park's larger areas, providing a different way to experience the landscape. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a vibrant food market near the cable car station offering local snacks, fruits, and traditional Colombian dishes. Reddit

You'll find fresh fruits, arepas, empanadas, local sweets, and various artisanal food products. It's a great place to sample regional flavors. Reddit

Food prices at the market are generally reasonable and offer good value, especially compared to restaurants in the city center. Reddit

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. Reddit

While many options are meat-based, you can often find fresh fruit, arepas, and other vegetarian-friendly choices at the market stalls. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The cable car ride offers stunning panoramic city views. The lush greenery, diverse flora, and market scenes also make for great photos. Reddit

Definitely! The park's diverse plant life, potential for bird sightings, and varied forest landscapes provide ample opportunities for nature photographers. Reddit

Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour light over the valley. Reddit

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. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Be mindful of local customs and ask permission before photographing individuals, especially vendors. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Parque Arví offers a refreshing escape for families. The Metrocable ride itself is an adventure for children, providing incredible views. Near the main station, there's a market with food and crafts, and shorter, easier trails are suitable for little legs. Downloading an offline map is crucial if you plan on any longer hikes, and consider a guide for added safety and engagement. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as trail access can be limited. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Parque Arví can be enjoyed on a budget, though the Metrocable fare is a fixed cost. To save money, pack your own food and drinks for a picnic, as market prices are reasonable but can add up. Focus on the free-to-access areas like the main plaza and market, and choose shorter, unguided hikes if you're comfortable navigating with an offline map. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Parque Arví's Trails

Parque Arví boasts an extensive network of trails, ranging from paved paths near the main station to more rugged, unmarked routes deeper within the forest. Visitors can opt for self-guided hikes, but it's crucial to be prepared. Downloading an offline map is highly recommended, as cell service can be spotty and trails are not consistently signposted. For those seeking a more immersive experience, hiring a local guide is invaluable. Guides can share insights into the park's rich biodiversity, medicinal plants, and indigenous history, while also ensuring you stay on the right path. Reddit

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. Reddit

The Iconic Metrocable Experience

The journey to Parque Arví is almost as much of an attraction as the park itself, thanks to the Metrocable Line L. This aerial tramway ascends from the Acevedo Metro station, offering unparalleled panoramic views of Medellin's sprawling cityscape and the lush Aburrá Valley. It's a breathtaking experience that provides a unique perspective on the city's geography and development. The ride itself is smooth and offers ample opportunities for stunning photography. Reddit

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. Reddit

Local Flavors at the Market

Upon arrival at Parque Arví, you'll be greeted by a lively market near the cable car station. This is a fantastic place to sample local produce, artisanal crafts, and delicious Colombian snacks. Vendors offer a variety of fresh fruits, homemade sweets, arepas, empanadas, and other regional delicacies. It's a vibrant hub where you can experience the flavors of Antioquia and support local businesses. Reddit

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. Reddit

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