– This post was written by Emma Levin –
If you’re planning a visit to the vibrant city of Medellín, you should also know how to get to Parque Arví. This beautiful nature reserve is home to 16,000 hectares of protected wildlife, replanted vegetation, and restored native trees.
There are a few ways to go about getting to Parque Arví from central Medellín. You won’t have to break the bank or decipher a complicated subway system either. If you’re a nature-lover, curious tourist, or environmentalist, keep reading to learn how to get there quickly and easily.
The park is known for its diverse species, peaceful walking paths, and the exciting Arví Market. Only 30 kilometers from central Medellín, this green oasis has a long Indigenous history and is a rich, natural paradise that’s very popular in the Santa Elena region.
In the early 2000s, local entities worked hard to protect this important Colombian ecosystem and make it available for visitation. The park finally opened to tourists and locals in 2010. Parque Arví’s bountiful wildlife, like its rare butterflies and miniature orchids, makes it a top environmental tourist destination.
How to get to Parque Arví by Arví Metrocable
The most popular option for getting to Parque Arví is to board the Arví Metrocable – and for good reason! The Metrocable promises incredible views while traveling up the mountain to Parque Arví. Parque Arví is a desirable day trip from Medellín because the Metrocable is accessible and has stunning views of the city and countryside.
If you’re taking the Metrocable from Medellín, you’ll first start at the Acevedo Metro Station. The Acevedo Metro Station is part of Line A of the Medellín Metro. From Acevedo, you’ll go up the stairs and to the right to transfer to Line K towards Santo Domingo station. After arriving at the Santo Domingo station, you’ll finally board the famous Metrocable to Parque Arví.
The whole Metrocable ride takes about 20 minutes to travel to Parque Arví. If the skies are clear, you’re promised one-of-a-kind views, so make sure to keep your eyes wide open! When you arrive at the park, be sure to join one of Parque Arví’s tours, such as the Tiqets’ Hike or Bike Guided Tour. The tour is available in either English or Spanish and teaches about the pre-Hispanic history of the region and everything there is to know about the native flora.
If you plan to take the Arví Metrocable to leave Parque Arví, then do not leave later than 5:30 pm. You can expect long lines at the end of a beautiful day, and the Metrocable closes firmly at 6 pm. If you do happen to get lost in the lush greenscape, then there is a bus back to the center of Medellín after 6 pm.
How to get to Parque Arví by taxi
If you’ve decided not to take the Metrocable, perhaps you have a fear of heights! Don’t panic, there is another way to get to Parque Arví that keeps you squarely on the ground. Visitors can jump in a taxi from Medellín for an easy, relaxing ride to Parque Arví. However, it’s recommended to ask your hotel or hostel to help arrange your taxi to Parque Arví. The whole ride from the center city to the park’s entrance should take no less than an hour.
It’s not recommended to travel there in your own car unless you are very familiar with the local area. Getting to Parque Arví can be quite complicated and involves traveling on unmarked roads. Get a local guide to assist you on your way to Parque Arví for the best experience.
Always travel with cash while visiting Colombia. Many local businesses do not accept credit cards. There is one ATM available in Parque Arví, but it’s better to arrive at the park with cash.
How to get to Parque Arví by bus
If you don’t want to pay for a taxi, there are affordable buses that run from the center of Medellín straight to Parque Arví. Make sure you board the Transacoop company bus, which runs every 30 minutes starting at 6 am. The bus will leave from the front of Institución Universitaria Escolme from Calle 50, which is between Carrera 40 and 41. The bus ride is beautiful, and you’ll get a glimpse of the local countryside on your way to Parque Arví. The entire bus trip will take around an hour.
Don’t forget, if you miss the last Metrocable car ride at 6 pm, you can hop on one of the Transacoop buses back into the center of Medellín.
Parque Arví is a stunning environmental escape that prides itself on preserving the natural forests of the Santa Elena region. A visit to this serene green space promises beautiful wildflowers, almost 300 species of native trees, and maybe even some rare butterfly sightings. You can’t go wrong with a planned trip to Parque Arví.
