BEST Hiking Trails in Medellin 2025

We spent a month in Medellin and had plenty of time to explore the mountains surrounding the city. If you like hiking, Medellin is a great place to be. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls, short and challenging hikes with great views, and long hikes through the forest – all within an hour of the city! Here are our five best hikes in Medellin, Colombia that can easily be completed in a day if you are staying in the city!

Best Hiking Trails in Medellin

Medellin has a TON of hikes that are easily accessible via public transport and taxis. I don’t think we’ve ever been to another city in the world with so many hikes that are so easily accessible! Medellin is built into the mountains and naturally comes with a TON of hikes! Here are our top ones…

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1 – Cerro de las Tres Cruces – Overall BEST Hike in Medellin

Nestled into the neighborhood of Belen, this hike is awesome because it can be completed in an hour and a half, and comes with amazing views of the city. There’s people selling fresh fruit drinks on your way up, and there’s a beautiful calisthenics park at the top. What more could you need? 

💡Tip : The trailhead can be reached in 15 minutes from El Poblado or Laureles. Plus, it’s very safe and well-traficked. (and not too touristy)

➡️ Read: Complete Guide to Cerro de las Tres Cruces 🗻

2 – La Catedral Hike in Envigado – Best Waterfall Hike

Just a 15 minute taxi ride from the heart of Envigado (just south of El Poblado), La Catedral is the prison that Pablo Escobar built for himself back in 1991. The prison is not the main attraction though, as it is now a monastery and there isn’t much to see here besides the beautiful view of Medellin.

From La Catedral, you can hike down to beautiful waterfalls along the river. It’s pretty crazy there is this much natural beauty so close to the city! Once you’re done you can take a bus back to Envigado – the “Brooklyn of Medellin”. 

‼️ READ : 💦 Hike from Arenales to Pablo’s Prison – The Best Waterfalls in Medellin

3 – Cerro Quitasol – Most Challenging Hike in Medellin

This hike is not for the faint of heart. It is very difficult and very steep. If you like hiking and you like a challenge, then this is the hike for you. All the way in the North of Medellin, take the metro as far North as you can go, then walk 20 minutes and you’ll be at the trailhead.You will be exposed to the sun pretty much the whole time here, so be prepared. (sunscreen and a lot of water)

The neighborhood of Bello is a very authentic and safe Colombian neighborhood and is wonderful to explore after the hike. We got dinner at La Chocolatera and still talk about how amazing it was to this day!

READ 👉 Complete Guide to the Cerro Quitasol hike 👈

4 – Parque Arvi – Easiest Hiking in Medellin

This is the most popular nature area in Medellin. (closed on Mondays) The famous ‘Ancestral Trail’ is 2.7 miles out and back with minimal incline, and gives you a chance to see the park and the wonderful views of the city.

To get here, take the Cable Car up the mountain. Visiting Parque Arvi is easily one of the top things to do when you come to Medellin. The cable car that takes you up the mountain is absolutely amazing!

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5 – Cerro Tusa

This mountain is a literal pyramid and is very challenging but very short. However, its 1.5 hours by car and 2.5 hours by bus and taxi. If you don’t have a lot of time in Medellin, don’t waste your time on this one as this is going to take you a whole day with transportation.

This hike starts near the town of Venecia which is Southwest of Medellin. You might need to hire a guide as this hike is very difficult. Unless you are very experienced you probably don’t want to do this on your own.

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Summary – The Best Hikes in Medellin Colombia

A lot of people come to Medellin to work remotely, to party, to see the city where Pablo Escobar reigned, and to experience Colombian culture.

BUT, Medellin has a ton of hikes that are very close to the city that you definitely should try out. They are very easily accessible, with varying difficulties for everyone – no matter who you are. We consider Cerro de Las Tres Cruces a must for anyone who comes to Medellin! When you come to Medellin, whether it’s for a few days or for a few months, make sure you get out into the mountains around the city. The waterfalls, views, and nature make it very worthwhile.

Enjoy Hiking!