Parque Arví: Medellín's Mountain Escape
Escape to Medellín's largest ecological park: Hike ancient trails, breathe fresh air, and discover natural beauty just a cable car ride away.
Parque Arví, located in the Santa Elena area just outside of Medellín, is a sprawling 16,000-hectare ecological park offering a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. Accessible via the Medellín Metro system and Metrocable, this natural reserve provides a unique blend of outdoor activities, historical exploration, and stunning scenery. Originally explored by the Spanish conquistador Jorge Robledo in 1541, the area remained largely untouched for centuries, preserving its natural beauty. In the early 21st century, efforts to protect and develop the area led to the park's official opening and the construction of the Line L Metrocable, providing direct access from Medellín. Today, Parque Arví boasts over 54 kilometers of walkable trails through diverse ecosystems, catering to both novice and experienced hikers. Visitors can explore pre-Hispanic constructions, including the ancient Camino Cieza de León, a stone path dating back over 1,500 years. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including over 70 species of birds and 72 species of butterflies, making it a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Beyond its natural attractions, Parque Arví offers cultural and gastronomic experiences. Explore the Environmental & Cultural Center Ignacio Vélez Escobar, which hosts events and features a café and gift shop. Visit the Mercado Arví for local food, crafts, and produce. For those seeking adventure, activities like cycling, horseback riding, and even camping are available.
Local tips
- Wear layers, as the temperature in Parque Arví is typically cooler than in Medellín.
- Bring cash, as some vendors and activities within the park may not accept cards.
- Check the Metrocable operating hours before your visit, especially for the Line L to Parque Arví.
- Consider a guided tour to learn more about the park's history, flora, and fauna.
- Pack water and snacks, especially if you plan on hiking.
A brief summary to Parque Arví
- Via a Piedras Blancas, Medellin, Antioquia, CO
- +576044442979
- Visit website
- Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
- Thursday 9 am-6 pm
- Friday 9 am-6 pm
- Saturday 9 am-6 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-6 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
The most common and scenic way to reach Parque Arví is via Medellín's Metrocable system. 1. Take Metro Line A to Acevedo Station. A single Metro ticket costs approximately 3,300 COP. 2. Transfer to Metrocable Line K (free transfer) to Santo Domingo station. 3. At Santo Domingo, transfer to Metrocable Line L to Parque Arví. This line requires a separate ticket, costing approximately 12,000 COP one way or 24,000 COP round trip. Tickets can be purchased at Santo Domingo station. The Line L Metrocable ride takes about 20 minutes and offers stunning views. The Metrocable operates from Tuesday to Sunday. Consider that the Metrocable shuts at 6:00 pm, lines amass at least 30 minutes before.
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Bus
You can also reach Parque Arví by bus from Medellín, though it's less scenic than the Metrocable. 1. Take a bus from Plaza de Flóres (Terminal de Transporte de San Diego) to Santa Elena. The bus ride takes approximately 45-90 minutes. The cost is around 3,000 COP. 2. The bus will drop you near some of the park entrances. Keep in mind that the bus journey is longer and less frequent than the Metrocable.
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Taxi/Uber
A taxi or Uber is a direct, but more expensive, option to reach Parque Arví. 1. Hail a taxi or request an Uber from your location in Medellín. 2. The ride to Parque Arví takes approximately one hour and costs around 100,000 COP (25 USD). While convenient, finding a ride back from Parque Arví can be challenging.
