– This post was written by Emma Levin –
The lush Parque Arví is a land of discovery, and choosing one of the best Parque Arví tours can really enhance your trip. Parque Arví is a natural wealth of diverse wildlife, scenic hikes, and prehistoric ruins. A protected forest reserve since 1970, there are over 16,000 hectares of preserved forests and archaeological heritage spots to explore.
Located near Medellín, city-dwellers and tourists alike can easily escape to this magical forest, hop on one of the many Parque Arví tours, and witness its beauty for themselves firsthand.
Parque Arví is home to rare wildflowers, an abundance of butterflies, and miles and miles of scenic hiking and biking trails. A perfect day trip from bustling Medellín, visitors can hop on a gondola ride up the hill that takes no less than 20 minutes. Find out how to get to Parque Arví.
Whether you’re planning to join a Parque Arví tour, peruse the Arví market, or discover how to get to Parque Arví, here’s everything you need to know about Parque Arví.
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Is Parque Arví free to enter?
Good news: Parque Arví is completely free to enter! Visitors should keep in mind that inside the park, there are dining options and the Arví craft market which both cost money. However, you’ll contribute to the local agritourism if you support the region’s farmers, small businesses, and the craftspeople inside the park.
Parque Arví is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. It is closed on Mondays and most National Holidays. Remember, Parque Arví tours are suspended when the park is closed.
Where do I book Parque Arví tours?
Environmentalists and nature lovers have plenty of tour options while visiting Parque Arví. The Parque Arví tours offer valuable knowledge about the region’s pre-hispanic history, and get you up close and personal with the local flora and fauna.
The Hike or Bike Guided Tour is the perfect way to explore and tells you everything you need to know about the ecology of the park, and you can book this tour in advance. You can join an expert guide for a walking tour or a cycling adventure, or rent a bike for a self-guided tour.
Other tours begin at the El Tembo Interpretation Center (where the Metrocable arrives). Starting at 10:00 a.m., tours leave every 30 minutes until approximately 4:00 p.m., with varying themes, difficulties, and durations.
These nature tours provided by Parque Arví include a butterfly and flora tour, tours about myths and legends, and more, which can all be purchased at the ticket office on-site when you arrive.
There’s even a recurring Parque Arvi night tour called Nocturnal Arvi, a very special event including a campfire, camping, night hikes, and more under the Colombian stars. Find out more on the official Parque Arvi website.
Which hikes can I do inside Parque Arví?
There are 13 available hiking trails that expand over 54 kilometers inside Parque Arví, so don’t forget your hiking boots!
One of the most popular trails is the Camino Cienza de Leon, also known as the “pre-hispanic trail” since it’s rumored to be over 1,500 years old! This trail is beautifully preserved and has incredible viewpoints of Medellín and the Aburrá Valley below.
For a full list of hiking trails check the full Parque Arví guide.
Are Parque Arví tours worth it?
Taking a tour of Parque Arví is definitely worth it! Besides walking one of the scenic hikes or joining an official Parque Arví tour, there are plenty of other activities to do inside the park.
Stop by the Mercado Arví or the Arví Market, which is extremely popular for its delicious local food, wonderful crafts, and agricultural products. The market highlights handmade products from the Santa Elena region and is great for the local economy.
You can also pop by the environmental and cultural center, which is home to a food court and weekly events. The center is open year-round as well.
Lastly, you should consider joining a bird-watching group while visiting Parque Arví. There are two bird-watching towers, and you might just see one of the 69 species of birds that call the park their home.
Where can I eat inside Parque Arví?
If you get hungry after a long and beautiful hike, there are a few food options inside Parque Arví. For some local delicacies and fresh food, we recommend planning a stop at the Mercado Arví or the Arví Market. Besides tasty food, the market also has handmade crafts and souvenirs sold by the local people.
You can also stop for a bite to eat at the Environmental and Cultural Center, which has a delicious food court and cafe spot.
Visitors can also bring a picnic basket and choose a spot at the Picnic Chorro Clarín, which is about a 30-minute walk from the Metrocable stop. Adjacent to a quaint stream, this picnic spot is idyllic and a perfect rest area for families. There are BBQ pits in the picnic area as well.
How to get to Parque Arví
Before you book one of the amazing Parque Arví tours, you’ll need to know how to get to this tranquil oasis! The most popular transportation option is to hop aboard the Arví Metrocable car from Santo Domingo Station.
The Metrocable car is famous in the region for its stunning natural viewpoints and its quick and easy ride to the park. Read this blog for the complete list of ways to get to Parque Arví.
Don’t miss out on visiting this diverse ecosystem and joining one of the many Parque Arví tours for a day trip that you’ll never forget!
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