Starting the Day in El Poblado

Our day began with coffee at our Airbnb in El Poblado. From the elevator and balcony, we enjoyed beautiful views overlooking Medellín as the city slowly came to life. Since we had visited Pueblito Paisa the previous afternoon, today was dedicated to seeing another side of Medellín.

Instead of taking a taxi, we decided to experience Medellín the way many locals do every day—using the Metro and Metrocable.

Walking to the Metro

From our Airbnb, we walked through El Poblado to the Metro station. The streets were already busy with commuters, cafés opening their doors, and people heading to work. It immediately gave us a better feel for everyday life in Medellín.

The Metro stations are clean, organized, and surprisingly easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors.

Riding the Medellín Metro for the First Time

This was my first time riding the Medellín Metro, and I quickly understood why locals are so proud of it. The trains were spotless, efficient, and arrived every few minutes.

Unlike many subway systems around the world, Medellín’s Metro feels safe, modern, and well-maintained. Riders respect the system, and it shows.

The ride itself was enjoyable as we watched different neighborhoods pass by through the large windows before arriving at our transfer station for the Metrocable.

Taking the Metrocable into the Mountains

The real adventure began when we boarded the Metrocable.

As our gondola slowly climbed the mountainside, Medellín spread out beneath us. The views became more impressive with every minute. Apartment buildings gave way to hillside neighborhoods before the city stretched across the valley below.

Watching Medellín from above gives you an entirely different appreciation for just how large and beautiful the city really is.

My wife couldn’t stop looking out the windows, while I found myself constantly reaching for my camera.

Helpful Tip

A single Metro fare generally includes your Metro and connecting Metrocable rides when using the same journey, making this one of Medellín’s best values. Fares are only a few thousand Colombian pesos—roughly one U.S. dollar—allowing visitors to experience breathtaking mountain views without spending much money.

Arriving at Parque Arví

After reaching the upper station, we walked toward the entrance to Parque Arví.

Almost immediately, the atmosphere changed.

The busy sounds of Medellín were replaced by cool mountain air, birds, tall trees, and walking paths surrounded by nature. It felt like we had traveled hours away from the city instead of only riding public transportation for less than an hour.

We stopped for photos at the entrance before beginning our walk through the park.

Exploring the Park

Parque Arví offers a peaceful mix of forest trails, gardens, cultural exhibits, and open spaces to relax. We wandered through several areas, admired the landscaping, and enjoyed seeing traditional structures that reflect the region’s history.

One of my favorite parts was simply slowing down and enjoying the peaceful surroundings after spending time in the city below.

We also stopped for lunch before continuing our walk through the park.

The Local Market

Near the station we found a small local market selling handmade crafts, snacks, fresh produce, and regional products. It wasn’t large, but it added another enjoyable stop before beginning our trip back to Medellín.

Markets like this always give me a chance to see a little more of local culture beyond the major tourist attractions.

Returning to Medellín

The return ride down the mountain was just as enjoyable as the trip up.

The afternoon light gave us another opportunity to photograph the incredible views over Medellín as we descended back toward the city.

After returning to El Poblado, we relaxed before finishing the evening with dinner and another beautiful nighttime view from our Airbnb overlooking Medellín.

Was Parque Arví Worth It?

Absolutely.

For anyone spending several days in Medellín, I highly recommend setting aside at least half a day for Parque Arví. The Metro and Metrocable are attractions by themselves, and the park offers a refreshing change of pace from the city’s busy streets.

It’s affordable, easy to reach, and gives visitors a completely different perspective of Medellín.

Sometimes the journey becomes just as memorable as the destination—and this was one of those days.

Final Thoughts

Riding the Medellín Metro and Metrocable wasn’t simply transportation—it became one of the highlights of our trip. Between the stunning views, the smooth public transportation system, and the peaceful escape into Parque Arví, this turned into one of my favorite days in Medellín.

If you’re planning your own Medellín itinerary, don’t overlook this experience. It’s one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips you can take while visiting Colombia’s City of Eternal Spring.