Located in the Santa Elena district, Parque Arví protects a huge swathe of mountain wilderness high above the Valle de Aburra and is a tranquil escape from the city's busy street. It covers more than 1750 hectares of gently undulating terrain at a chilly 2500m that is perfect for hiking, cycling, bird-watching or just enjoying a picnic in the fresh mountain air.
Getting to the Park
Getting to the park is an adventure in itself – the cable car climbs above the densely populated neighborhoods before soaring over the edge of the valley and gliding above the treetops to the visitors center. To access the Metrocable, take the Acevedo station in the north of the city from any metro station. From there, transfer to the Line K to the Santo Domingo station, where you can transfer to the Line L. The trip takes about 20 minutes.
Traversing the Trails
A number of privately run recreational centers offer adventure activities, and there's a butterfly enclosure and a hotel overlooking a lake, but the quietest and most inviting parts of the park are accessed by the 54km of walkable trails (four of which are considered safe to traverse) that lead into the forest. Guided hikes, which are only offered in Spanish, are organized at the information point at the main entrance, but serious nature enthusiasts will probably prefer to head off and explore on their own. It's a good idea to go in a group for better security.
One of the most challenging trails is the 6km Sendero Ancestral, which leads through some of the densest forest and highest points in the park to the Laguna Guarne and Laguna Seca wetlands. For a more relaxing hike, the 2.5km Sendero Arroyuelo follows a tree-lined stream through the heart of the park.
Pack a Picnic
Parque Arví is also a popular place for a picnic, with sheltered tables found at various points around the reserve. Food offerings outside the main entrance area are limited; bring supplies from Medellín.
