Medellín is a green city, full of trees, meadows and nature. But to tell the truth, it is not a city of parks. Most of what are called “parks” are actually small, picturesque colonial-style plazas. However, the few parks that exist in the city are beautiful and have a very diverse offer.

In Medellín you can find from true green lungs to parks with a more thematic and experiential approach. All the ones you will find in this list are open parks, with free entrance, and we chose them for being the ones of main interest if you are making a tourist visit in Medellín.

Arví Park

It is not only a park but a large ecological reserve of more than 6 kilometers. Arví Park is full of trails, outdoor activities and local food options. It is free to enter, although some activities (such as picnics, guided tours or bird watching) may have a cost.

My main tip is not to miss the Metrocable ride to get there. For this you will have to pay a $3,280 pesos ($0.6 dollars) metro ticket and then a $12,500 pesos ($2.5 dollars) Metrocable ticket. The Metrocable ride takes about 25 minutes, and is a quiet stretch where you can appreciate the forests and pine trees that are part of the countryside area of Medellín.

In this guide we show you everything you need to know about the Arví Park.

River Parks

One of the most impressive linear parks in Colombia, it was created in the heart of the city, right on the banks of the river that divides Medellin in two. Parques del Rio is the perfect mix of nature, good food and cultural activities. If you like nature, but also life and movement, this is an unmissable plan.

One of the best things to do in Parques del Río is to have breakfast or lunch on the weekend. Although the restaurant offer is not very extensive, the few options that there are are very tasty and are not usually so crowded. I recommend a pasta, pizza and pastry restaurant called “Dulce Suiza”, which has very tasty dishes at very good prices. While you enjoy your meal, you can see dozens of people exercising, walking their pets or practicing dances.

Although the park does not have a defined schedule, during the week you will find activity from 12 noon until 9:30 p.m. And on weekends from 9:00 a.m. until 9:30 p.m.

Find out what to do in Parques del Rio here

Botanical Garden

In the middle of the northeastern area of Medellín and right across the street from other tourist attractions such as Parque Explora and Parque Arví, is the largest park within the urban area of the city. This large garden has the largest extensions of lawns, where you can sunbathe, read a book in the shade of a tree or have a picnic.

The best thing about this place is its “living collection”, since the Garden is home to more than 1200 species of plants, 30 species of butterflies and through its meadows you can see very particular animals such as iguanas, ducks and turtles. Get your camera ready to take the best pictures.

Regular hours are Tuesday through Sunday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

See what to do at the Botanical Garden Here

Barefoot Park

Massage your feet on dry sand and then run them through a cold water bath. Walk through bamboo paths or jump through a wooden obstacle course. The Barefoot Park is one of the most sensory experiences you will find in Medellín. It is also the perfect stop to take a break after visiting the downtown area, where there are attractions such as Plaza Botero or the Palace of Culture.

In order to enjoy the park experience, it is advisable to bring a towel, wet wipes or other items that will allow you to clean and dry your body after visiting the different places.

You can also bring your own food or eat at one of the restaurants on site.

The Park does not have a set schedule, but my recommendation is that you plan your visit during the day (between 12 and 5 p.m.).

Read our guide to the Barefoot Park here.

River City

Ciudad del Rio is a linear park that transformed an industrial sector of Medellin into one of the most important residential and leisure areas of the city. This place is a favorite place for many families who come for a walk with their children and pets, people of all ages for sports and cultural activities, and many artisan stores to appreciate the art and local flavors.

One of the main attractions of the place is the Museum of Modern Art, where there is a collection of 233 paintings by Debora Arango, one of the most influential artists in the history of Antioquian and Colombian art.

A tour of the museum, accompanied by a walk through the river city and a good meal at Mercado del Rio, can be an entire afternoon plan for your travel itinerary.

Learn how to make the most of your visit to Ciudad del Rio here.

Wishing Park

One of the things I like to do when I travel is to come across different architectural works. And this may be one of the main attractions of the Parque de los Deseos. This place inspired its design in the ancestral Colombian cultures, but to tell the truth, it looks quite futuristic.

It is a visit that will allow you to take great pictures and, if you are lucky, you will be able to experience some of the cultural events that are frequently held in the place and are free of charge.

Due to its proximity to the Botanical Garden, Explora Park and the Planetarium, it is a must stop if you are visiting the northeastern sector of Medellin.

Learn more about the Parque de los Deseos here.