Parque Arví and the Cable Car

About this place

A vast nature reserve on the eastern mountains above Medellín, covering some 16,000 hectares of forest and pasture, with old stone paths dating from before the Spanish arrived. It is where city people come for cool air and walks among the trees. Half the fun is the journey: you take the metro, then the city's commuter cable car over rooftops of neighbourhoods stacked on the hills, then switch to the tourist Arví line, which crosses the mountain crest and glides over dense forest for long minutes before landing in the heart of the park. By the station is a small market where farmers sell fruit, cheeses and local crafts, and from there trails lead through forest and along streams, some with guides. You can also cycle or picnic by small lakes. It is much cooler than the city and can rain suddenly, so bring a jacket. The Arví cable car stops on its weekly maintenance day, so check before going, and allow for queues at weekends.