Who doesn’t love an epic panoramic view? And in the viewpoints in Medellín provides some of the best in South America.

 

Here’s are my favorite viewpoints in Medellín:

Cerro Volador

 

Cerro Volador is probably the least touristic on this list. In fact, it’s my favorite place to chill if I’m feeling stressed or need to escape the city (while still being in the city).

 

What’s there to do?

 

After a steep-ish walk, you break out of the high trees to a 360-degree view of the city. There’s often people flying kites, exercising (there’s an outdoor gym), and families picnicking. There’s even a bird sanctuary up there. If you couldn’t see the city below, you’d think you were in Parque Arví or in the forest somewhere. It’s beautifully tranquil. Perfect for chilling.

 

When to go?

 

In the day for sure. And best on the weekends. Mainly because the tiendas selling drinks and ice-creams are open. The salpicon up there is the best I’ve had in Colombia. It’s basically a fruit salad with fresh pineapple, papaya, watermelon, mango, apple, banana…  Make sure you get it with Mandarin ice cream.

 

How to get there?

 

I normally walk. Although, I hear the surrounding area can be sketchy. So if you’re alone a taxi might be your best option. It’ll drop you at a car park about 80% of the way up el Cerro. You’ll need to walk the rest of the way (less than 10 mins)

 

If you do walk/ jog there, the entrance is around the back of Estadio. Check out the map below:

 

 

Cerro Pan de Azúcar

 

 

You won’t see many tourists here. In fact, I got told about this one by a local friend. Although walking around Medellin you may have seen a sign on the mountainside that looks like a small Hollywood sign? Instead, it says Jardin. That’s El Cerro Pan de Azucar. And the view is epic. 

 

 

When to go?

 

Either before Sunset or the weekend. I say the weekend because there are more people – – lots of locals do exercise and spend time with the family. I’ve heard it can be a little sketch otherwise (you always hear that though).

 

And I say sunset because it’s the best sunset viewpoints Medellín. There is a nip as the sun goes down though, so bring a jacket.

 

What’s there to do?

 

If you get up there early enough there’s normally a few food stands. There will definitely be a fruit guy and if you’re lucky the chorizo lady. But I usually take some snacks or beers to enjoy at the top.

 

How to get there?

 

It’s a bit tricky this one. Fortunately, the metro in Medellin is a hell of a lot simpler than London’s. Follow these steps:

 

1. Take the metro to San Antonio (orange line)

2. Change at San Antonio for Tranvia (green line) – you need to go down the escalator out of the station to get there. San Antonio is the end of the line so take the first one that arrives.

3. Take Tranvia until Miraflores

4. Change over to the metro cable M (purple line)

5. Get off at Trece de Noviembre

6. Walk up the steep AF hill until you reach the last bus stop (expect a few odd looks)

7. The park entrance is behind where the bus stop area

 

It’s straightforward from there, but you still have an hour-long walk ahead of you to reach the viewpoint. Totally worth it though! The park area is really well preserved and the tall trees and fresh air are a nice escape from the city.

 

 

Mirador El Cielo

 

 

I was a big fan of the vibe at mirador el Cielo. You’ve got music, good food, and dodgy-looking fun-fair attractions. There’s a mini version of one of those sling-shot things you’d see on holiday in Spain. It did not look safe but people were being slung up into the air. Each release of the bungies sounded like the thud of a shotgun. The pure terror coming out of people’s mouths as they bounced and flipped was hilarious. I’ve even seen a few doing the rounds on TikTok.

 

 

When to go?

 

Defo at night. I mean, it opens during the day but the vibe was great at night. It’s more of a parche spot – to chill with friends with a beer or michelada.

 

What’s there to do?

 

Well, apart from the dodgy fairground rides, It’s a great date spot. There are loads of tables and benches facing the city – it’s really cute. And the food there is great. I recommend the picada from the food stand right by the entrance; chicken, chorizo meat, potato, arepa. So good!

 

How to get there?

 

It’s a Cabify/ Uber job for sure. You have to navigate some windy barrio roads to get there.

 

 

Cerro de Las Tres Cruces

 

 

If you don’t cheat the climb, this hill/mountain is a beast – I struggle to describe a Cerro. They’re like a cross between a steep hill and a small mountain. Anyway, this one is an exercise hotspot for locals. At one point, I’d climb it a few times a week as the sun rose up behind the valley. The darkness looked as if it were being burned away like a photograph tossed on a fire. Incredible de verdad.

 

When to go?

 

Early! I’d get to the start at 5:45 am. Most people do for a few reasons. First, enjoy the sunrise as you conquer the climb. And second, because the sun is directly on you the whole way. By 9 am the intensity is too much.

 

Also, I recommend going during the week. El cerro gets rammed on the weekend. And if you want to train at the top, it’s hard to get on the equipment.

 

What’s there to do?

 

Like many cerros in Colombian cities, there are outdoor gyms at the summit. Las tres cruces is no different.

 

If you walk past the gym area toward the sound of pumping techno music (you’ll know what I mean if you go), you’ll find a juice shack called Los Jugos de Natty. A cup of jugo de maracuya (passion fruit) was my reward every time.

 

 

How to get there?

 

Definitely by taxi that early in the morning. But you can’t just type in “las tres cruces” into Uber. If you do, the driver will take you to the top bypassing the climb altogether…I’ve made that mistake a few times. Instead, punch in El Porton de La Fama. Or use the map below. 

 

Most drivers know where it is if you tell them you’re “subiendo Las Tres Cruces” (subiendo = climbing) so you should be fine.

 

 

San Felix (Estadero Vista al Vuelo)

 

 

I’m not talking about the paragliding in San Felix. Obviously, that is touristic. This is a restaurant/ mirador (viewpoint) I found by accident on the way to mirador San Felix. I’ve already written about that fiasco. Anyway, if you’re looking for views from the ground while enjoying good food, this spot is magical. You can probably tell I’m awestruck by this city.

 

When to go?

 

From lunch onwards for sure. We arrived around 3p on a Thursday and it wasn’t busy, but by 5 pm it was filling up. And it was getting bloody cold. Make sure you bring some layers!

 

What’s there to do?

 

Eat, chill, and try the famous hot chocolate. We spent a good few hours there but could easily have been more. I wanted to stay for sunset but I felt bad for our Uber driver, Anders. The lad waited for us – bless him. Again, relates back to the fiasco.

 

 

How to get there?

 

Well, I thought it was easy… go to Bello and grab a short taxi ride to the viewpoint. Not the case. We got turned down by most drivers but the valiant Anders and his well-worn Renault Clio took on the challenge. The journey became a tour through the barrio. He was great. It probably wasn’t the conventional route, but I loved the experience. He even waited for us while we ate before taking us home. Apparently, it can be hard to get a lift back down. Whether that’s true or not, I don’t mind.  

 

If you want to make a day of it email me and I’ll send you his WhatsApp. 

 

Otherwise, go to the Medellín north terminal and get a bus from there. Just keep an eye on your maps so they drop you off at the restaurant.

 

 

Santo Domingo

 

 

So you may have heard about this spot. In general, It’s not “touristy”, but I know city tours stop there. And with good reason, it’s arguably one of the best viewpoints in Medellín. And I love the fact you’re in the barrio. You get to experience the hecticness, the different vibe up in the comuna. It’s like another city altogether.

 

When to go?

 

In the day. I mean, people say Santo Domingo is dangerous at night, but they say that about everywhere in Medellín.

 

What’s there to do?

 

To be honest, I’ve only checked out the viewpoint.

 

How to get there?

 

Super easy. Get on linea A towards Niquia until Acevedo. Change to the metro cable and get off at Santo Domingo.

 

When you get there, walk left out the station and follow the street bearing left. In a few minutes, you’ll see the park area and viewpoint.

 

 

 

En fin.

 

These are the less touristic viewpoints in Medellín I know about. If you visit any others I’ve not mentioned, let me know in the comments!

 

Nick