Cerro Pan de Azúcar: Medellín's Overlooked Gem
Hike Medellín's Cerro Pan de Azúcar for panoramic city views and a refreshing escape into nature. A must-see spot in the Greenbelt!
Cerro Pan de Azúcar, rising over 2,100 meters above sea level, is one of Medellín's eight guardian mountains, offering incredible views of the city. Located in the Villa Hermosa commune, this 'tutelary hill' holds historical, ecological, and tourist significance. In the 17th century, it was a key point of contact for Medellín, with the Piedras Blancas road leading to the Magdalena River. The mountain is composed of Dunite, a rock of oceanic origin. The ascent to the top involves a pleasant path, El Camino de la Vida, which is a 7-mile paved trail that's part of the Metropolitan Greenbelt project. This project aims to expand recreational space, promote sustainable food growth, and reduce landslides. The trail cuts through gardens and agricultural patches, offering a mix of tropical plants and green forest trees. At the summit, a stunning 360-degree view of Medellín awaits. The park infrastructure is well-maintained, with staircases and railings. There are also vendors selling snacks and drinks along the way. While the mountain offers beautiful scenery, some safety concerns have been reported, so it's advisable to take precautions.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, as the trail can be steep in some sections.
- Bring water and snacks, although vendors are available along the trail.
- Hike with a group and be aware of your surroundings, as there have been reports of robberies.
- Visit during the day to fully appreciate the views and ensure safer hiking conditions.
- Consider taking a guided tour to learn about the area's history and culture.
A brief summary to Cerro Pan De Azúcar
- Versalles II, Medellín, Santa Elena, Medellin, Antioquia, CO
- +573013945812
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
To reach Cerro Pan de Azúcar, take the Metro to San Antonio station and transfer to the Tranvía (tram). Ride the tram five stops to Miraflores station. From there, transfer to the Metrocable (Line M) to the '13 de Noviembre' station. From the cable car station, walk approximately 300 meters up the steep road to the entrance of Pan de Azúcar park. A single Metro/Tram/Cable ticket costs approximately 3,480 COP.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From the city center (e.g., Parque Berrío), a taxi or ride-share to the entrance of the walking path (El Plan) will cost approximately 15,000 - 25,000 COP, depending on traffic and time of day. Be sure to specify that you want to go to 'El Plan' near Cerro Pan de Azúcar.
