Parque Arvi

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Parks & Nature

Santa Elena, Medellín

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Entry Fee

Free Entry

Location

Vía Parque Arví
Santa Elena, Medellín

Hours

9am to 6pm
Tuesday to Saturday

8:30am to 6pm
Sunday & Holidays

Official Website

parquearvi.org

Medellin's Largest Ecological Nature Reserve

Parque Arvi is situated in Santa Elena , Parque Arví is a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Serving as one of Medellín’s premier tourist spots, the park spans an expansive terrain teeming with verdant forests, diverse flora, and vibrant ecosystems. The vastness of the park is such that a single day’s visit barely scratches the surface of its myriad activities, from organized hikes to biking and horse-riding.

Spread over a remarkable 16,000 hectares, Parque Arví stands as a testament to the region’s rich biodiversity, housing both endemic and non-native plant species. Recent infrastructural developments have only added to its allure, making it a sought-after attraction for both locals and tourists in the Aburra Valley. Perched at an altitude between 2,300m and 2,700m above sea level, the park offers a distinct climate and atmosphere that feels distinctly removed from the city sprawl below, presenting a unique blend of nature and recreational activities.

History of Parque Arvi

The origins of Parque Arví’s history trace back to the year 1541 when the Spanish explorer and conquistador Mariscal Jorge Robledo arrived in the region. During his explorations of the Aburrá Valley, he ventured into what would later become Parque Arví.

Remarkably, for nearly four and a half centuries following Robledo’s discovery, Parque Arví remained largely forgotten and untouched by urbanization or development. While the surrounding Aburrá Valley experienced rapid growth and expansion, the park’s natural beauty remained untouched, preserved by time.

In the early 21st century, the growing awareness of the importance of preserving natural spaces and the dedication of several prominent organizations sparked the rediscovery of Parque Arví.

Things to Do in Parque Arvi

Parque Arví is located in Santa Elena, a small municipality just outside of Medellín With many acres of pristine forests, diverse ecosystems, and an extensive network of hiking and biking trails spanning 33 miles (54 km), this ecological reserve has a wide variety of activities to be enjoyed. Here’s a comprehensive list of the top activities to experience in Parque Arvi.

Hiking Trails

Parque Arví boasts a diverse range of hiking trails, catering to both novice and experienced hikers. Grab a trail map near the Arví metro station and embark on an adventure through the forest. Most trails are of low difficulty, making them accessible to a wide range of visitors.

If you’re looking for guidance and insights into the park’s beautiful nature, consider joining a guided tour. These tours, led by local guides, offer a deeper understanding of the park’s flora, fauna, and history. Tours typically last from 1 to 4 hours.

Moreover, visitors can explore traces of pre-Hispanic civilizations, including antique buildings, waterworks, roads, and the “Camino Cieza de León”, a stone trail possibly dating back over 1,500 years.

Picnicking

Parque Arví is the perfect location for a delightful picnic with family and friends. Many visitors take advantage of the park’s peaceful atmosphere to enjoy a quiet picnic amidst nature’s beauty. Bring your own supplies, or opt for the park’s picnic service, which offers diverse meal options and even the possibility of musical accompaniment.

Cultural Center Ignacio Vélez Escobar

Explore the heart of Parque Arví’s cultural and artistic scene at the Environmental & Cultural Center Ignacio Vélez Escobar. This multifaceted center hosts various events within the park and features an auditorium, café, gift shop, and small food court. The gift shop, run by female heads of households from the Santa Elena community, offers a bunch of unique souvenirs.

Discover Parque Piedras Blancas

Located within Parque Arví, Parque Piedras Blancas is an ecological park that invites visitors to immerse themselves in nature. With 44.5 acres (18 hectares) of beautiful nature, hiking trails, and a serene lake with rowboats, this park offers a relaxing retreat within the larger reserve. Additional attractions at Parque Piedras Blancas include a butterfly farm and an entomological museum.

Mercado Arví

When you visit Parque Arví you can’t miss out on exploring Mercado Arví, a small marketplace located next to the Arví Metrocable station. This market is a good example of local culture and craftsmanship.

Mercado Arví offers a range of products such as local food and drinks, handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and more. In Mercado Arvi you’ll have the chance to discover unique souvenirs and gifts. The market truly comes alive on weekends when over 40 stands open their doors to visitors. While weekdays see around 10 stands operating, weekends offer a more extensive selection of local goods.

Horseback Riding in Parque Arví

For a unique way to explore Parque Arví, consider renting horses. Horseback riding allows you to travel through the park’s landscapes while taking in the sights and sounds of nature. While renting a horse, you may also have the option to hire a local guide who can provide insights into the park’s natural wonders and history.

Please keep in mind that Parque Arví is extensive, and wandering off on your own without familiarity with the park can be risky. If you’re an experienced rider or have a guide with you, horseback riding can be a delightful way to immerse yourself in the park’s beauty.

Bicycle Riding

Exploring Parque Arví on a bicycle is not only an eco-friendly way to traverse its vast landscapes but also a thrilling adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. Before heading to the park, it’s recommended to reserve bicycles online to ensure availability and make the most of your visit.

Bicycle rental prices vary based on the duration of the rental and the type of bicycle chosen. Rental facilities within the park typically offer different options based on what’s available at the time. Remember to wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets, especially if you plan to navigate the park’s trails. Bicycling in Parque Arví allows you to cover more ground, explore hidden corners, and appreciate the park’s natural beauty at your own pace.

Comfama's Parque

Comfama’s Parque, located within Parque Arví, offers a wide range of adventure activities for both kids and adults. Thrill-seekers can embark on Comfama Adventure, a series of 68 rope course tests set among the treetops, or enjoy a thrilling zipline adventure. Other attractions include a 4D movie theater, a volcano-climbing experience, an interactive mining exhibit, and a chance for kids to become archaeologists for a day. Fees for Comfama’s park vary based on affiliation, age, and the activities chosen.

Camping at Parque Arví

Parque Arví offers camping opportunities at Parque Piedras Blancas. The Posada Piedras Blancas camping. Visitors can choose between renting a solo tent or a tent suited for 2 to 4 people. Comfenalco also offers camping with access to amenities, including cafeteria, swimming pools, and larger tents for up to 7 people.

Night Experience

For those seeking out a nocturnal experience the park offers various packages. The cheapest of which, the night tour, costs 85,000 COP. This includes transport costs, the service of a guide, access to a campfire with a hot drink, refreshments and insurance.

Additionally, the park provides a camping package for 165,000 COP. This includes everything within the night tour as well as a tent and breakfast. This does not include camping elements such as a mat, pillow or blanket so make sure to bring your own.

Ziplining

Ziplining in Parque Arví stands out as a must-do activity for adrenaline junkies and nature enthusiasts alike. This exhilarating experience lets visitors soar above the lush forest canopy, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the park’s verdant landscapes. As you glide from platform to platform, the rush of adventure is matched by the serene beauty of the natural surroundings. With trained professionals ensuring safety at every step, ziplining in Parque Arví is a thrilling way to immerse oneself in the park’s captivating environment.

Enjoy the Stunning Biodiversity

Parque Arví is not just about stunning landscapes; it’s a place where you will find a lot of biodiversity. Over 70 species of birds, 72 species of butterflies, and 19 species of mammals call this place home. Orchid enthusiasts will delight in discovering various orchid species thriving throughout the park.

Restaurants & Drinks

When you exit the Metrocable station you will immediately see Mercado Arvi. Furthermore there are a few options like a small cafeteria and a restaurant very close to the metro station. Of course you can always choose to bring your own food as well.

Along the road leading to Parque Arví from the Arví metro station, you’ll find a few local restaurants offering typical Colombian food. These places serve a range of dishes, from fish to meat and other regional delights. They are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal before or after your park adventure.

Travel Tips / FYI

Parque Arvi enjoys a milder climate than that of Medellin’s due to its higher elevation. Perversely however, the sun is stronger and is known to catch people off-guard. Colombia, given its location within the tropic band, experiences some of the highest UV indexes in the world. We recommend you to wear breathable yet protective materials such as silk or wool.

You should bring cash with you when coming to Parque Arvi. There is a BanColombia ATM however it levies an unavoidable charge on most international cards. It is best to bring cash in the in case the ATM is out of service.

Remember that the Metrocable shuts at 6:00 pm with lines amassing at least 30 minutes before. Try to arrive to the station no later than 5:30 pm. In the case that you miss this there are buses going to El Centro every 30 minutes.

Location Hours

Parque Arvi is public access so you can go any time of day and night. However we’re going to post hours based on the Metro Cable.

Tuesday to Saturday: 9am – 6pm
Weekend & Holidays: 8:30 – 6pm
Monday: Closed

Tour Guides: Every 30 Minutes from 9:30am to 4:30pm

Location Fees

Entry Fee: Entering the Park is Free

Tour Guides:
– Foriegners: $60.000
– Locals: $30.000

Prices an Information on the Tour guide here: https://parquearvi.org/corporacion/publicaciones/81/11/

How to get to Parque Arvi

Going on an adventure to Parque Arví is an exciting part of the complete Medellin experience and an adventure in itself. Fortunately, there are several convenient transport options available to reach this ecological park from Medellín. Let’s take a deeper dive into these options:

Metro: The most popular and picturesque way to access Parque Arví is by utilizing the Medellín Metro and Metrocable systems. From El Poblado you can follow these steps to get there:

– Walk or take a short cab ride to Poblado Metro Station. Walk or take a short cab ride to Poblado Metro Station. – Ride Line A to Acevedo the Station

– Upon arriving at Acevedo Station, proceed to transfer to the Metrocable line that will take you to Santo Domingo Station.

– At Santo Domingo Station, switch to Line L of the Metrocable, which will transport you directly to Parque Arví. This leg of the journey offers breathtaking views of both the city and the park.

Be aware that the metro cable from Parque Arví closes at 6:00 pm. We recommend that you return to the station by 5:30 pm as to beat the last-minute rush. In the case that you stay beyond 6:00pm, regular buses will take you back to El Centro in Medellin.

Bus: For people seeking an alternative to the Metrocable, public buses are an alternative to get to Parque Arví. Look for buses operated by Trasancoop, which depart from Calle 50 between Carrera 40 and 41, in front of Institución Universitaria Escolme in Medellín. Keep in mind that while buses offer flexibility, the journey may take longer than the Metro and Metrocable option.

Taxi / Rideshare: Travelers who prefer a more direct route to Parque Arví can opt for taxis or ridesharing apps such as Uber or InDrive. Taxis are readily available in Medellín, and drivers are familiar with the park’s location. However, this mode of transportation is generally more expensive than using public transit.

Car: If you have access to a personal vehicle or choose to rent one, driving to Parque Arví is an option. The park is well-connected by roadways, and parking facilities are available. Be sure to have a map or GPS navigation to ensure a smooth journey.

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Parque Arvi

Table of Contents

Medellin's Largest Ecological Nature Reserve

History of Parque Arvi