- Salto del Angel, Envigado.
A majestic 90-some meters of gorgeous falls tucked along the Quebrada Miel in Envigado, just south of Medellin. The best access is via a 1.5 km forest trail which starts behind La Catedral (which is also now the site of Monasterio Santa Gertrudis La Magna, which comes up when you google “La Catedral”). While the trail is short, it isn’t easy: there is some rope-assisted climbing and rock-navigating involved to get to the base of the falls. You also have to be careful not to miss your turn – if you find yourself headed down a steep mountain you’ve gone too far. The good news is that the local government has been making great strides on putting signs up and marking trails to assist hikers and waterfall-goers.
Swimming?: For those who don’t mind the cold ! Shoes or secure sandals recommended.
Public Transportation: Unfortunately, buses don’t run regularly to La Catedral, but you can get a few friends together and split a 40,000 COP Taxi.
Hiking in the Area: Yes! There are various trails which take to down to lower parts of the river.
Pro-tip: Join Kinkaju’s Tres Cascadas Hike or ask about a shorter hike from Arenales.
- “La Cascada”, Medellin
Marked as “La Cascada Santa Elena” (as a restaurant) on google, La Cascada is the easiest waterfall to get to from Medellin. Despite this, it is little known, so you may be likely to have the whole place to yourself!
Swimming: No
Public Transportation: Take a bus headed towards Santa Elena from the city center and ask the driver to get out at “la Cascada”. The waterfall is tucked around a dirt path entrance from the main road, about a half kilometer after Estadero Cascada and Restaurante Las Truchas.
Hiking in the Area: Unfortunately there are no known trails that connect you to La Cascada, but there is some nice hiking in Santa Elena and Parque Arvi. A stop at the waterfall on the way up or back down can be a nice bonus.
Pro-tip: Go during the wet season, April/May, September-November (but not when its raining!)
- Cascadas Las Golondrinas, Envigado
Trail Map for Wikiloc Subscribers
Complete Trail Map to Reserva San Sebastian
Swimming: No
Public Transportation: To get to the start of the trail, take a bus to Parque Salado from Envigado Metro Station. The buses say “Parque Ecologico” in the window.
Hiking in the Area: This pair of small waterfalls must be hiked to in Reserva Salado. You can do an up and back, or hike all the way to Reserva San Sebastian of El Retiro (second link). Remember to hike safely, as there have been a couple incidents in the past few years for solo hikers.
- Cascada El Hato, Bello
A definite “Hidden Gem” of the Aburra Valley! Part of the Municipality of Bello in the mountain that leads you up to San Felix. Accessible via hiking trail, The waterfalls total over 100 meters in a green, flowered canyon, with views of the Municipality of Bello down below.
Swimming: Not recommended
Public Transportation: The trail begins close to the last drop-off point of the bus that says “Potreritos” that departs from Bello Metro Station.
Hiking in the Area: A steep trail of about 3.5 km will lead you to the base of the waterfall. Some have continued up to mountain to hike all the way up to San Felix, the paragliding home of the Aburra Valley.
Pro-tip: Eat a nice trout lunch at the truchera closest to the start of the trail- the property also has river access for swimming.
- Chorro de las Campanas, Envigado
The most popular waterfall in the Medellin area. A relatively short hike along trail and stream takes you to this 45-50 meter beauty. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet, as there are many river crossings along the way and not always rocks to help.
Map: (bus stop)
Swimming: Yes!
Public Transportation: Take the bus that says “Arenales” from Envigado Metro Station until the last stop (turn around point). There are signs to help.
Hiking in the Area: The hike to the waterfall is about 3.25 kilometers from the Vereda Arenales, but there are more trails in the area for those that want a longer day.
Pro-tip: Join Kinkaju’s Tres Cascadas Hike or ask about the shorter hike from Arenales.
- Cascada Tequendamita, El Retiro
Another easy waterfall to get to! Accessible along the main road in between Medellin and La Ceja, these pretty falls make a nice visit for an afternoon or picnic. The area around the falls is a park with a grassy lawn and a couple restaurants and fills up with locals on the weekend.
Swimming: No
Public Transportation: Take a bus headed for La Ceja from the Bus Stop next to Exposiciones Metro station and let the driver know that you want to get out at La Cascada Tequendamita.
Hiking in the Area: Unfortunately not.
Pro-tip: Go during the week and you may have the whole place to yourself, go during the weekend if you prefer a more lively atmosphere with locals.
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