If you want to escape the city’s noise and enjoy a time of silence near the town, we recommend Arvi park.
Arvi Regional Ecotourism Park is an open park located 30 km from the center of Medellín (Colombia) in the township of Santa Elena and the municipality of Guarne (Antioquia – Colombia).
You can enjoy the city view and breathe clean air while doing sports. In addition, you can find local restaurants, and the entrance is free. Discover more places
Arvi Park is a bit far away from downtown Medellin; you can take the highway and get a haircut in El Poblado, an uptown district of Medellin.
Read along to learn more about Arvi Park, its history, flora and fauna, and all the activities you can enjoy 45 minutes away from the city.
Arvi Park History
Arví Park, as it is known today, was discovered in 1541 by the Spanish Marshal Jorge Robledo. According to a chronicler, the Mariscal found paths of cut rock and searched for a town. Still, no matter how much he walked, he could not find a city, only old destroyed buildings.
Centuries passed, and this mountain area remained forgotten for almost 450 years.
At the same time, the country changed: the time of the conquest, of the colony, of independence, and finally, the birth of the Republic of Colombia.
In the 20th century, the population of the Aburrá Valley and Rionegro grew; it was then that the local government decided to do something with the old territory.
The Parque Arví Corporation dates back to 2007. The organization’s goal was to create and finance a recreation space for the people of Valle de Aburrá and Rionegro.
Public and private companies created the Parque Arvi Corporation. The following stand out: the mayoralties of Medellín and Guarne, the Eafit University, the Antioquia School of Engineering, and EPM.
Where is Arvi Park located?
Arví Park is in the northeastern part of the city. It is part of the municipalities of Bello, Copacabana, Guarne, and Medellín. The Park has 16,000 hectares, 1,760 of these hectares are virgin forests, and it has 54 kilometers of hiking trails.
What makes Arvi Park so unique?
Arví Park is an escape from the city. It is a space of native trees and protected fauna. Its entrance is free, and its extension allows you to move to different points in Medellín. It not only has hiking and nature appreciation activities but also has historical interest.
The Park has pre-Hispanic constructions that date back 1,500 years. The old Arví Park settlers built hydraulic works, platforms, roads, orchards, and ditches. That is why the Park’s tour guides created the Pre-Hispanic Route to enjoy this tour. The original path, called Cieza de León Path, is broad and built of hand-made stone.
Arvi Park FAQs
What activities can I do there?
The Park offers a large land area for hiking, biking, marathoning, camping, swimming, horseback riding, and sailing on the lake. Besides sports, you can also enjoy local food at Arvi Market; locals sell cakes, coffee, artisan crafts, clothing, and souvenirs there.
We recommend going during the weekends, as more people go, and all the stands are open. Typically, on weekdays you will find ten stores available, while on the weekends, you will see all 40.
How many hiking routes are there?
You will find maps with all hiking trails available near the metro station. Although, there are trails for everyone. Most of them are low-difficulty so that you can hike without any hassle.
See a list of hiking trails below, from one hour to 4 hours:
- Orchids, Bromeliads, and Anthuriums, 40 minutes.
- Flora trail, 1 hour.
- Guava Gate trail, 1 hour.
- Myths and Legends trail, 1.5 hours.
- Zango trail, from 1 to 2 hours.
- The Brooklet trail is from 1 to 2 hours.
- The bewitched route 2 hours.
- Archaeological course, 2 hours.
- Vital path, 2 hours.
- Biodiverse way, from 2 to 4 hours.
- Trail of the hill, 4 hours.
Although most guides do not speak English, we recommend you follow them at all times. The tourist guides of Parque Arví know the Park very well, you will be safe and they will be able to help you at all times.
Where to eat in Arvi park?
Arvi Park covers several districts of the city of Medellín. Therefore, there are restaurants and cafes within the Park and near the Park as well. You will find small cafes and restaurants selling typical Colombian food on the road from the Park to the metro. For example, follow the park road. You will find El Tambo restaurant, which sells Colombian food with generous portions.
Can I stay in the Park?
You can stay in the Park in the camping area. The Arvi park campsite is in Piedras Blancas. The Posada Piedras Blancas Camping costs two US dollars per night. Suppose you want to stay in the Park, you can rent a tent with a capacity of two to four people for six and a half dollars a night. There are other services such as a cafe on site and also a swimming pool.
If you want more comfortable accommodation, there is also a hotel in Piedras Blancas. The hotel is small, with 24 rooms. Perfect for a weekend getaway. The hotel has prices for high and low seasons. The room’s price includes the stay, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, access to the museum, the butterfly farm, boats, and accident insurance.
Is there anything forbidden?
To ensure the safety of other people and the ecosystem, avoid consuming alcoholic beverages, smoking, and leaving waste in the Park. You can only camp in the designated areas. If you want to cook food, ask the guides for information about the places inside the campsite to do it.
Is it recommended for children?
Yes, of course. You can go with small children. We recommend going on the shortest routes with the little ones. Use sunscreen, protect yourself from the sun and bring bottles of water. There are restrooms in the Park.
Is it recommended for older adults?
Yes. We again recommend following the shortest routes, accompanied by a park guide.
Are pets allowed in the Park?
Yes, you can enter the Park with pets. Owners walk their dogs during the week, but mainly during the weekend, and families play with their pets. Dogs must wear their collar and leash. Suppose your dog’s breed is considered dangerous, such as a pitbull, bulldog, Rottweiller, or other. In that case, it must also wear a muzzle.
Can you bring food and drinks?
Yes, you can bring your food and drinks. You will see many families enjoying a picnic in nature. There are restrooms available.
Is there an ATM available?
Yes, a Bancolombia ATM is in the metro station near Parque Arvi. However, the ATM sometimes works, so we recommend bringing cash.
What should I wear?
Medellín has a humid and tropical climate. You can wear your summer clothes. We recommend wearing a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable, cool clothing. Don’t forget to bring your bottle of water.
