Cable Car to Arví Park: Medellín Comuna Tour, Waterfalls & Birdwatching
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in normal walking shape; expect some short uphill sections at higher elevation that require steady pace.
Overview
Rise above Medellín in a cable car, walk the streets of Comuna 2, then follow creeks and indigenous trails into Arví Park’s high forest. This five-hour tour pairs urban history with waterfalls, birdwatching and local snacks—ideal for travelers who want a compact nature escape from the city.
Cable Car to Arví Park: Medellín Comuna Tour, Waterfalls & Birdwatching
Select participants and date
The cable car hums and tilts you away from the city’s tight grid; below, colored houses of a comuna pull into a patchwork that climbs the eastern slope. As the cabin rises, the urban noise thins and the air cools—pine, wet earth and a hint of coffee follow. By the time you step out above the valley, Arví Park’s green shoulders have already started to press at your senses: streams daring you to follow, trail edges lined in orchids and bromeliads, and viewpoints that frame Medellín like a city still learning how to hold its mountains.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring layered clothing
Temperatures can drop quickly at Arví’s 2,200 m elevation—pack a light insulating layer and a waterproof shell.
Hydrate and pace uphill sections
Carry at least 1 liter of water and move steadily on brief climbs to avoid altitude fatigue.
Respect trail rules
Stay on marked paths to protect fragile understory plants and nesting birds.
Cash for snacks and tips
Bring small bills for street vendors or to tip your guide for local snacks and services.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean motmot
- Hummingbirds
History
Comuna neighborhoods were shaped by rapid 20th-century urban growth and community-led cultural renewal; Arví occupies older indigenous trails later formalized as an ecological reserve.
Conservation
Arví Park is managed as a protected ecological area—visitors are asked to stay on trails, avoid single-use plastics and support local guides to reduce impact.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Medellín
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Hiking or trail shoes
Provide grip on wet, uneven trails and protect feet during creek-side sections.
Light rain jacket
Afternoon clouds and mountain mists are common—stay dry and warm.
Reusable water bottle
Hydration is important at higher elevation and during walks.
Binoculars or zoom lens
Useful for spotting motmots, tanagers and hummingbirds without disturbing them.