A city built around its transport
Medellin transformed itself partly by investing in public transport that reaches its poorest hillside neighborhoods. The result is a clean metro and a network of metrocable lines that double as some of the best sightseeing in the city. Riding them is cheap, safe, and a genuine highlight.
The best lines to ride
- Line K to Santo Domingo, climbs over hillside barrios with sweeping views
- Line L to Parque Arvi, continues over forest to a huge nature park above the city
- Lines serving Comuna 13, pair the cable cars with a graffiti tour for a full morning
What a city tour adds
| Stop | What to see |
|---|---|
| Plaza Botero | Outdoor sculptures by the artist Fernando Botero |
| Metro and metrocable | Ride the network with context from a guide |
| Hillside viewpoints | Panoramas over the valley and the city |
| Parque Arvi | Forest trails and fresh air above the city |
Tips for riding the metrocable
- Go on a clear morning, the views are best before afternoon clouds build
- Keep your ticket, you may need it to transfer between lines
- Avoid rush hour, the cabins fill with commuters early and late in the day
- Bring a layer for Arvi, it is cooler up in the forest park
See Medellin from above
Book a city tour with the metrocable. Free cancellation on most tours.
Frequently asked questions
A standard metrocable ride that connects to the metro costs only a couple of US dollars and is included with a normal metro ticket on most lines. The separate line up to Parque Arvi costs a little more. It is one of the best value experiences in the city.
The line from Santo Domingo up to Parque Arvi is the most scenic, gliding over the hillside neighborhoods and then over forest before reaching the park. The lines serving Comuna 13 and other hillside barrios also give great views over the city.
Yes, especially on a first visit. A guided city tour ties together the main squares, the metro and metrocable, and key viewpoints in a single efficient day, with context from a local guide. Tours start from around $35 per person.
