Hiking in the Aburrá Valley is a must for any outdoor enthusiast visiting Medellin. With its stunning landscapes and diverse terrain, there are countless trails to discover. In this blog post, we’ve put together a list of the top 5 places to go hiking near Medellin that offer beautiful views and challenging treks. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, these destinations will surely impress. So grab your gear and get ready to explore!
Exploring the Aburrá Valley
The Aburrá Valley offers some of the best day hikes near Medellin, with stunning views of waterfalls, mountains and scenic landscapes. Parque Arvi is a popular hiking destination that boasts many trails for all skill levels. For a more challenging trek, head to Cerro Quitasol or Cerro de las Tres Cruces – both offering breathtaking panoramic views at their peaks. Alltrails is an excellent resource for finding the perfect trail based on your preferences and fitness level.
Parque Arvi offers many hiking trails for all skill levels near Medellin.
Another must-see spot in the valley is El Salado nature reserve – a hidden gem known for its well-maintained trails and charming bamboo forest. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, check out Arenalés waterfall hike which takes you through lush vegetation to reach cascading falls that are perfect for swimming or picnicking.
Páramo de Belmira
Located in the Aburrá Valley, Páramo de Belmira is one of the best places to go hiking near Medellin. This trek offers unique flora and fauna that can’t be found anywhere else in Colombia. While this trail presents a challenging elevation gain, it rewards hikers with spectacular views of the valley from its summit.
Here are some highlights you can expect on your hike:
- Unique flora and fauna indigenous to the region
- Challenging elevation gain
- Spectacular views of the Aburrá Valley
For those looking for more day hikes or trails in Medellin, check out Parque Arví for great waterfalls and Cerro Quitasol for stunning views. Alltrails also provides detailed information on other local treks such as Arenal and El Salado.
Cerro El Volador
Cerro El Volador is a significant historical site for indigenous communities in Medellin. It’s a perfect day hike, with easy to moderate trails suitable for beginners. The trek offers stunning views of the city from all angles, making it worth the effort.
The Cerro El Volador trail can be accessed through Parque Arví or Avenida 33 and is one of the most popular hikes in Medellin. The summit provides visitors with a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city and its surroundings, including waterfalls and natural attractions like Cerro de Las Tres Cruces, El Salado, Arenal Madera Park (Parque de Los Arenales), and Cerro Quitasol. AllTrails has detailed information on this hike that will help you plan your trip to this beautiful location!
Cerro Nutibara
Iconic attraction Cerro Nutibara is a must-visit for anyone interested in hiking near Medellin. At the summit, visitors can explore a replica of a traditional Antioquian village and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline. With multiple trails to choose from, this trek is suitable for all fitness levels.
Check out some highlights below:
- Suitable for all fitness levels with multiple trails to choose from
- Iconic attraction with a replica of a traditional Antioquian village at the summit
- Offers stunning views of the city skyline.
Morro El Boquerón
Morro El Boquerón offers an off-the-beaten-path trek through dense forest and rocky terrain. It’s a day hike that rewards visitors with stunning views of Medellin, waterfalls, and a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The trail provides an opportunity to spot a variety of bird species native to Colombia, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts who want to escape into nature. Don’t forget to bring your camera as this trek is full of picturesque moments waiting to be captured!
Cerro Pan de Azúcar
Cerro Pan de Azúcar is a popular day hike located just outside of Medellin in the Parque Arvi area. The trek offers stunning views of the Aburrá Valley and its surrounding mountains, as well as waterfalls along the way. Alltrails recommends taking the Arenales trailhead to reach the summit, which takes about 3-4 hours round trip. For those looking for longer hikes, Cerro de las Tres Cruces and Cerro Quitasol are also great options in this area.
Parque Arví
Parque Arví is a vast nature reserve located just outside of Medellin, offering visitors a chance to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature. The park boasts a variety of hiking trails, including the popular Olador Trail and Cerro Pan de Azúcar. In addition to hiking, visitors can also enjoy activities such as cycling, horseback riding, and ziplining.
Chorros de las Campanas
Chorros de las Campanas is a hidden gem located just a short drive from Medellin. This off-the-beaten-path hike takes visitors through a lush forest, passing by multiple waterfalls along the way. The trail is moderate in difficulty and takes about 2-3 hours round trip. If you’re looking for a serene and peaceful hike away from the crowds, Chorros de las Campanas is a great option.
Cerro Tusa
Cerro Tusa is a unique and challenging hike located in the town of Venecia, about an hour and a half from Medellin. The trail takes visitors up a steep rock formation, eventually leading to the summit with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The hike is considered difficult and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. However, the reward of reaching the summit is well worth the effort.
El Peñol
El Peñol is a must-visit destination for hikers traveling to Medellin. The hike takes visitors up a massive rock formation, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The summit offers a panoramic view of the Guatapé reservoir, which is a popular spot for water sports and leisure activities. The hike is considered moderate in difficulty, taking about 2-3 hours round trip. Visitors can also climb the famous El Peñol rock staircase, which consists of 740 steps to reach the top. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the amazing views!
