Cycling Colombia’s mountains outside Medellin

Just outside Medellin, in the quiet mountainous region of Santa Elena, is a great bike excursion for those who want to get back to nature.

The bike ride, in the Arvi Ecotourism Park, is organized by a local bilingual company called Barranquero Cicloturismo. In a single excursion you’ll experience the beauty of the area and the peace of nature, see fascinating ancient ruins and eat amazing food, all while getting a good day’s exercise.

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Getting to Santa Elena is in itself an amazing experience. A cable car, built in 2006 to connect Medellin’s poorer hillside residents with its center, affords spectacular views of the city spreading outward from the central valley into the lush green mountains.

On the bike ride you pass through the beautiful Forest of Mist where thick moss blankets the ground, and the whistles and chirps of native birds are the only sounds. As the route continues you’ll pass through dense woods, open meadows and potato fields, before reaching the top of a small mountain with a magnificent view of Medellin.

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You’ll also ride on the Cieza de Leon Road, constructed by the Tahami tribe more than 2,000 years ago as a major trade route for the native population. A few buildings remain, including the ruins of an old schoolhouse. At the end of the path sits the Guarne Lagoon, where Tahami priests would go to perform religious rites and contemplate the universe in the lake’s reflection of the stars.

Barranquero also shares space with Cable a Tierra Restaurante, an unimposing but delicious organic vegetarian restaurant which sources most of its ingredients locally. If you’re not hungry just try the aromatica de maracuya con jengibre (passion fruit tea with ginger).

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Important Details

Directions: Take the metro cable from Aceveeo to Santo Domingo. Transfer to the Arvi Line and ride it all the way to the end. Head down the hill to the right to reach Barranquero Cicloturismo.

  • Rides start at 10AM and 2PM everyday
  • Trip takes 2-3 hours
  • Max six people per tour
  • Trip cost per person:
    Basic Route: 45,000 pesos or $25.50
    Advanced Route: 60,000 pesos or $34
  • Combined cost of cable cars around $4
  • Bring long-sleeved clothing and a light rain jacket and a change of clothes for afterward.

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