15 Best Medellín Hikes And Multi-Day Treks In Antioquia
Medellín has become a top destination for digital nomads, remote workers, and nature lovers in South America. With perfect spring-like weather, fast Wi-Fi, and a growing coworking scene, it’s easy to live and work here comfortably.
What makes Medellín special is how fast you can get into nature. Within an hour, you can be hiking through cloud forests, swimming in waterfalls, or exploring high-altitude cloud forests. It’s a dream for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Nearby spots like San Rafael, Belmira, Paramo Del Sol and Tatamá National Park offer weekend escapes full of jungle trails, coffee farms, and páramo landscapes. You’ll find everything from rugged treks to laid-back ridge walks with stunning views of the emerald valleys below.
But as beautiful as it is, safety matters. Many trails are remote, unmarked, and have little to no cell signal. Weather can shift quickly (plan to avoid the afternoon rains), and it’s easy to get lost in unfamiliar terrain.
I’ve included some links to trail maps but it’s best to hike with a group or hire a local guide. They know the land, speak the language, and can show you hidden spots you’d never find on your own. Plus, your money supports the local community and conservation efforts.
Best Local Hikes In Medellín:
Here are some of the best hikes you can do without leaving the city limits of Medelín.
1. Parque Arví To Cerro Pan de Azúcar
This is my favourite hike in Parque Arví and probably the best hike for views of the Aburrá Valley surrounding Medellin. You can either start from Cerro Pan de Azúcar or the top of the Parque Arví gondola.
On the edge of Parque Arví, you will find the beautiful Laguna de Guarne. In this area, you will also find some mysterious ancient ruins of the pre-Hispanic culture that once inhabited this region. The photo above was taken by my drone.
If you start at the top, the trail follows some ridges and some dirt roads down from the Laguna to Cerro Pan de Azúcar. Along the way, you’ll get some sweeping vistas of the city of Medellín. I’d only recommend doing this one in a large group because there have been some robberies in this area.
- Highlights: Native forest, Arví Park, scenic ridge views
- Distance: 8–10 km
- Elevation Gain: 500 m
- Time: 3–4 hrs
- Trail Map: AllTrails
- Location: Medellín to Santa Elena
2. Cerro De Las Tres Cruces
This is a popular short but steep hike right on the edge of Medellín. This is a local favourite for sunrise and sunset workouts with sweeping views of the city. The climb is direct and finishes at a ridge with three large crosses.
Along the way, you’ll find people working out, climbing stairs, and even doing yoga at the top. There’s an outdoor gym and juice vendors, giving it a fun and social vibe. It’s also a great intro hike if you’re new to elevation.
No guide needed for this hike. Just make sure you bring water and go early before the sun hits hard or during the golden hour before sunset.
- Highlights: Sunrise views, city overlook, outdoor gym
- Distance: 2.6 km roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 320 m
- Time: 1–2 hrs
- Trail Map: AllTrails
- Location: Belén / Altavista, Medellín
3. Cerro Nutibara And Cerro El Volador
If you’re looking for a quick scenic hike right in the city of Medellín, then I highly recommend El Volador in the north of the Laurelles neighbourhood and Cerro Nutibara in the south of Laurelles.
When I lived in Medellin, Laurelles was my favourite neighbourhood because of all the excellent trails, green parks and Olympic-calibre exercise facilities. I disliked the sleazy atmosphere in Poblado and all the superficial Gringos who frequent that neighbourhood.
Both Cerro Nutibara and Cerro Volador are perfect for a quick morning walk or birdwatching trip. Locals use these parks for jogging, picnicking, and outdoor yoga. I also really enjoyed Pueblito Paisa, a replica Antioquian village on Cerro Nutibara (there’s also an interesting archaeological site here).
- Highlights: Urban forest, archaeological zone, city view, jogging loop
- Distance: 3–5 km (varies)
- Elevation Gain: 80 m
- Time: 1–2 hrs
- Trail Map: AllTrails
- Location: Central Medellín
4. La Catedral To Arenales Hike
This famous trail starts at Pablo Escobar’s old prison, La Catedral, which is perched high on a mountain overlooking Medellín from above the southern neighbourhood of Envigado.
The hiking path passes through pine forest and lush forests, passing cascading waterfalls like Salto del Ángel and Chorro de las Campanas before ending at the scenic Arenales viewpoint.
From the waterfalls, it’s a mostly downhill route to get back to the edge of Envigado, where you can call an Uber. Expect steep sections, ropes for tricky slopes, stream crossings, and rocks underfoot. Conditions can be slippery and rugged, especially after rain.
Alternatively, Cuevas del Higuerón & Waterfall and La Romero Waterfall are also great hikes in Envigado that are accessible by public transit.
- Highlights: Beautiful waterfalls, jungle streams, Pablo Escobar history
- Distance: 6 km one way
- Elevation Gain: 610 m descent
- Time: 3–5 hrs
- Trail Map: AllTrails
- Location: Envigado, Antioquia
5. Cerro Quitasol
Cerro Quitasol is one of the steepest day hikes near Medellín, starting from Niquía metro station in the north of the city. This is a great hike if you’re in good shape and you want to challenge yourself.
You’ll follow an old stone path to a summit with panoramic views of the Aburrá Valley. It’s quite physically demanding, with around 1,200 meters of elevation gain. At the top, there is a small plateau for resting, and on the way down, you can detour to a hidden swimming hole.
This area is best hiked early morning to avoid the heat and make sure to carry plenty of water.
- Highlights: Valley views, pre-Hispanic stone trail, summit challenge
- Distance: 11 km roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 m
- Time: 5–7 hrs
- Trail Map: AllTrails
- Location: Bello, Antioquia
Best Hikes In The Antioquia Mountains:
If you’re looking for a bigger adventure, here are some excellent day hikes in the surrounding mountains.
6. Cerro Tusa
Cerro Tusa is a popular bucket-list hike near Medellín. The steep, pyramid-shaped mountain rises above the town of Venecia and makes for one of the most dramatic climbs in the area.
The ascent is short but intense, with loose dirt and rock scrambling required. It’s best for those who like vertical challenges and are in good physical shape.
The summit offers sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. If you’re looking for a classic Antioquia hike, you’re not going to want to miss this one.
- Highlights: Pyramid-shaped peak, intense climb, summit views
- Distance: 6 km roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 900 m
- Time: 3–5 hrs
- Trail Map: AllTrails
- Location: Venecia, Antioquia
7. Cerro Bravo
This is one of the most challenging single-day hikes within striking distance of Medellín. Cerro Bravo towers above the town of Urrao, and the trail takes you through forests, fields, and steep rocky sections to a breathtaking summit.
The trail is remote and best done with a local guide, especially since cloud cover can roll in quickly. It’s physically demanding and suited for experienced hikers with good fitness.
Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with views over valleys, rivers, and endless ridges of the Western Andes.
- Highlights: Steep summit, solitude, panoramic views
- Distance: 12 km roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 m
- Time: 6–7 hrs
- Trail Map: AllTrails
- Location: Urrao, Antioquia
8. Páramo de Belmira
Nestled above the quaint village of Belmira lies the stunning Páramo de Santa Inés (also called Páramo de Belmira), which is rich in unique high‑altitude flora including Colombia’s iconic frailejones.
This trek starts in oak-and-cloud forest, ascends gradually into the grassland páramo, and often passes a small lagoon and panoramic ridges. It rewards you with sweeping Andean views and it’s a local ecological hotspot as this area feeds Medellín’s watershed.
Expect around five to six hours of walking at altitude. Some itineraries include a detour to a beautiful waterfall tucked into dense páramo forest and I recommend doing the full loop if you have time.
- Location: Belmira municipality (2 hours north of Medellín)
- Distance: 14 km loop
- Elevation Gain: 600–700 m
- Trail Map: AllTrails
- Highlights: Frailejones, high‑altitude páramo, scenic ridge, waterfalls
9. Cueva del Esplendor
The “Cave of Splendour” hike starts in Jardín with a scenic drive or jeep ride up rugged country roads for about 50 minutes into the mountains (it can also be done as a 2-day trek).
From the trailhead, you hike roughly 4–5 km uphill through farmland, streams, and narrow paths until you reach the cave where a waterfall drops from a skylight into a mesmerizing pool. At the cave, sun rays filter through the opening above, spotlighting the cascade, which makes it a magical setting ideal for photos or dipping toes in the cold water.
Local guides or small-group tours make the experience smoother. Most include jeep transport, entry fees (around 20,000 COP), and expert insight on regional flora, fauna, and storytelling as you go. The cave site limits visitors (about 40 per day), so guides help secure access.
I would recommend spending at least a weekend in Jardín, it was my favourite town in Antioquia and I’d also recommend hiking to Cerro De Cristo Rey, Cascada del Amor & Mirador La Herrerita in the area.
- Location: Near Jardín, Antioquia (2.5–3 hrs from Medellín by car)
- Distance: 20–25 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: 600–700 m
- Trail Map: AllTrails
- Highlights: Massive waterfall inside a natural cave, green pastures, narrow mountain paths, swimming
10. Cerro Las Nubes
Cerro Las Nubes offers one of the best ridgeline hikes in the coffee region. Starting in Jericó, the trail climbs gradually past farmlands and forest into the clouds. It’s known for sweeping views of the Cauca Valley and Cerro Tusa in the distance.
The trail can be done as a loop or out-and-back. A ridge path connects the town with a high viewpoint and abandoned cable car station. The trail is mostly moderate but can get slick after rain.
Locals recommend going with a guide, especially for navigating the descent. Sunset hikes are particularly beautiful with golden light over the hills. The Jericó Mirador is also an excellent hike in the area.
- Highlights: Ridge views, peaceful forest, sunset hikes
- Distance: 8 km loop
- Elevation Gain: 350 m
- Time: 2.5–3.5 hrs
- Trail Map: AllTrails
- Location: Jericó, Antioquia
Best Multi-Day Treks Near Medellin:
1. Páramo del Sol
If you want to experience the unique ecology of Colombia, then you have to visit a páramo. These landscapes full of magical frailejones and mist are crucial for both protecting biodiversity and the drinking water supply for the majority of Colombians.
The best páramo to visit near Medellín is the Páramo del Sol. Here you can climb to Alto Campana, the highest place in the mountains of Antioquia at 4080 m (13,385 feet). Nearly everywhere you walk in this páramo, you will have some of the best panoramic vistas in the world.
I highly recommend hiring a local tour company to visit the Páramo del Sol and camping or staying at a finca near the páramo because you need to spend 2-3 days here to experience its full majesty. The páramo becomes a surreal, otherworldly landscape during the golden hour after sunrise and before sunset each day.
Note: Páramo del Sol in Urrao is closed to all visitors until August 29, 2025. It will be reopened with a renewed focus on ecotourism to protect this fragile ecosystem so you should only visit with a certified ecotourism guide.
- Highlights: Páramo ecosystem, solitude, alpine views
- Distance: 20 km
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 m
- Time: 2-3 days
- Location: Urrao, Antioquia (4 hours from Medellín)
2. Farallones del Citará
Farallones del Citará is home to the second-highest mountain in Antioquia, Cerro San Nicolás at 4050 m (13,287 feet), which is visible from hundreds of miles away and looms large in the cultural heritage of this region.
This mountain range is one of the best places for trekking in Colombia. In these spectacular mountains, you will pass countless waterfalls, giant old-growth trees, and lush páramo on the upper ridges.
This trek is best done with a local hiking guide as many of the hiking trails are unmarked and the weather changes here quickly. Birdwatchers often report rare sightings in this area and the views you’ll get of the mountains of Antioquia are breathtaking.
The hiking route is long but rewarding for those wanting solitude and intense biodiversity. You can see this mountain range from the town of Jardín and I recommend visiting it as well because it’s one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia.
- Highlights: Cloud forest, waterfalls, rare birds
- Distance: 10–12 km
- Elevation Gain: 800 m
- Time: 2 days
- Location: Ciudad Bolívar region (3-4 hours from Medellín)
3. Tatamá National Park Trek
Tatamá is a key biodiversity hotspot in the most biodiverse country in the world per square mile, and yet it remains blissfully off the radar due to its remote location on the edge of where Antioquia meets Choco, which is one of the wildest, most dangerous and least developed regions of Colombia.
If you want to experience Colombia at its wildest edges, this multi-day trek takes you through untouched cloud forests into the high-altitude páramo. This is the kind of place where you will see species of flora, fauna and fungi that have never been documented by modern science.
Along this hike, you’ll pass waterfalls, mossy trails, and ancient trees dripping with bromeliads and orchids. The mix of microclimates offers a wild display of flora and fauna with sweeping views once you gain altitude.
This national park is a naturalist’s dream and this area is legendary in birdwatching circles. Tatamá National Park is home to more than 500 species of birds including the rare Gold-ringed Tanager.
- Highlights: Cloud forest, páramo, rare birds, orchids, waterfalls
- Length: 3–4 days
- Distance: 35–40 km
- Elevation Gain: Up to 1,800 m
- Location: Between Risaralda and Chocó (5–6 hrs from Medellín)
4. Valle De Las Cascadas Trek
This trek is all about hidden waterfalls, jungle immersion and disconnecting from tech. The Valle de las Cascadas (Valley of the Waterfalls) route explores a lush corner of Antioquia few tourists see, winding through the rainforest with beautiful natural pools for swimming.
Each day involves 4–6 hours of hiking through dense forest and along jungle ridges. You’ll pass up to a dozen waterfalls, including some you can jump off or swim beneath. The trails are muddy and steep in parts but accessible to moderately fit hikers.
Nights are spent in rustic homestays or a jungle lodge like Casa de Piedra. Food is locally cooked, and there’s no cell signal for miles. If you want to reset your nervous system and reconnect with nature, this multi-day trek is my recommendation.
Location: Near San Carlos, Antioquia
Length: 3 days / 2 nights
Distance: 30 km
Elevation Gain: 1,200 m
Highlights: Jungle hikes, river crossings, natural pools, local homestays
5. Camino Verde Trek
Camino Verde is a multi-day trek between San Rafael and Guatapé that follows rural paths between remote villages, coffee farms, and forests. You’ll meet campesinos, cross rivers, and sleep in family-run fincas that serve local meals and strong tinto.
This trekking route offers a great mix of terrain. Expect bamboo forests, rolling hills, and occasional waterfalls where you can cool off. Wildlife sightings include howler monkeys and tropical birds. One bonus is that it ends near Guatapé, so you can tack on a rock climb up El Peñón or a lake tour afterward.
This trek is designed to be immersive but not too tough. You’ll hike 5–7 hours per day, with some steep climbs but no extreme altitude. A hiking guide makes the experience richer and ensures you get the stories behind the communities you pass through but you could easily organize this one yourself.
Highlights: Coffee farms, cloud forest, waterfalls, rural communities
Length: 3 days
Distance: 40 km
Elevation Gain: 1,400 m
Location: Eastern Antioquia, between San Rafael and Guatapé
I have been running mindful hiking retreats for the last 7 years that integrate mindful awareness, experiential learning and community building practices.
I love exploring new places, flying my drone and sharing my adventures on my Instagram.
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