Things to do in Parque Arví

Hiking around Parque Arví

The park is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. During these times, you can book a tour, shop in the local market, or enjoy a Colombian coffee. If you are looking for a close encounter with nature, these are the things you should do while visiting Medellín.

Trekking

There are nine different hiking trails in Parque Arví to explore the vegetation and animal species that live there. They are designed for the whole family, because they do not require a high physical exertion. These are the most popular ones, but you can also check out the rest on the official website.

• Arroyuelo (2.4 km. 1 to 2 hours. Low level): This is a river basin that lets hikers appreciate natural resources. They can also witness how the ancient communities channeled the waters for their use. You can spot different species of butterflies within the heavy bushy vegetation.

• Ancestral (4.7 km. 2 hours. Medium level): This trail has the best views of the city, Aburrá Valley, and the mountain range that surrounds the area. It is also ideal for birdwatching and mountain biking.

• Flora (1.6 km. 1 hour. Low level): It is a very short trail, but you will be immersed in a pine forest. Along the way, you will cross paths with El Arroyuelo. You will also spot more native flora, from small bushes to the giant trees that have been there for more years than we can count.

Night trekking

Even though they are the same trails, this is a completely different experience, because you will discover the nightlife of animals in Colombia. The quietness serves as the perfect background for the old tales, myths and legends, while people enjoy a late snack around a campfire.

Biking around Parque Arví

More than just having an adventure in the middle of the forest, the authorities want to promote the bicycle as a friendly form of transportation for the city. All tours are guided, and the package includes the bike rental, a power snack, a tote bag and insurance.

Depending on the pace of the group and the type of bicycle, the ride can last up to 3 hours. Night rides are also available to enjoy the cool weather after the sunset. And to finish the tour, all adventurers will gather around a fire to listen to the stories keeping tradition alive.

Birdwatching

Among things to do in Colombia, birdwatching must be one of the most rewarding. Colombia has the highest number of bird species in the world, so paradise would be the proper word to describe this place.

You can take a birdwatching tour in Parque Arví. It starts very early in the morning, so it includes a breakfast stop. And if you are not an expert, you do not have to worry, the guides will have binoculars handy for you to have a closer look at those elusive creatures.

The two sighting towers in the middle of Parque Arví will make this birdwatching easy for you. The towers will take you up to 9 meters (30 feet) closer to the top of the trees. In this way, you can observe the more than 65 species of birds that fly around the park. To name a few, you will find the Blackburnian warbler, the Amazonian motmot, the masked trogon, the red-bellied grackle, and many more.