Two waterfalls, one steep jungle climb. You’ll head out from Medellín into Envigado’s mountain forests, then walk quiet paths that mix native trees with pine shade. The day’s built around getting active in the hills near Vereda El Salado, with cooling stops at waterfalls along the way.

What I really liked: the flexibility. You can keep it easy, go medium, or push for more, and the guide adjusts the route and pacing the same day. I also loved the way you don’t just hike through scenery—you learn to notice it, like plants, birds, animals, and even why the trail feels ancient.

One consideration: this is not a lazy stroll. Expect straight up and straight down with little flat time, and there’s no obvious marking system once you start—so doing it on your own would be a bad idea.

Key highlights before you lace up

• Private transport + guide takes you to a remote-feeling area near Medellín without the hassle
• Two waterfalls on the main route, with a chance to bathe if conditions and your timing work
• Route options from 2 to 7 hours so you can match your fitness without guessing in advance
• Steep sections where trekking poles can make the difference between fine and tiring
• Plant-and-wildlife spotting turns the walk into a living classroom
• Ancient trail and cave possibilities depending on the version you choose that day

Getting to Envigado’s Vereda El Salado: close to Medellín, worlds away

The best part of this hike is how quickly you trade city noise for mountain quiet. You start in the morning (8:30 am), and the tour uses private transport, so you’re not piecing together buses and transfers while you’re already thinking about elevation and steep footing.

The walking happens in Envigado, specifically in the Vereda El Salado area. You’ll move along roads surrounded by native forest and pine forest, which matters because it changes the feel of the hike: you get both the cool shade of the pines and the thicker, wilder texture of native growth. It’s the kind of place where you can hear birds more than traffic, even though you’re still close enough to Medellín for this to be a half-day plan.

If you’re the type who worries about logistics, this is a relief. It’s near public transportation, but the tour handles the main travel step for you. And because it’s private, you’re not stuck in a group pace that doesn’t fit your legs.

The hike itself: steep climbs, quiet forest paths, and smart route choices

This is the day you earn your waterfall time. The physical reality is simple: you’ll do real uphill work and real downhill work. One review described it as basically straight up and pretty much straight down, with very little flat in between. If you’re used to city walking, plan to work. If you’re a regular hiker, you’ll probably find it challenging but fair.

The route is customizable the same day, which is a huge value for a private tour. You can choose a shorter version (around 2 hours) or stretch it out toward the full hike (up to about 7 hours), based on how you feel. Even on the medium option, one solo hiker took about five hours to reach the waterfalls, which gives you a practical sense of timing.

Here’s what that flexibility means for you in real life:

• If you’re traveling with mixed fitness levels, you’re not forced into one pace.
• If your legs feel better after the first section, you can keep going.
• If you’re tired from another day in Medellín, you can still have the experience without pushing too far.

One more key point: the trail is not described as having clear trail markings once you start. That’s exactly why the guide is the whole package. The guide isn’t just there for company—he’s there so you don’t waste energy guessing where to go.

Waterfalls and possible swims: when the cool-down actually feels earned

The tour is built around waterfalls. The main plan is to pass two waterfalls, and there’s an option to bathe if you want. That alone is worth getting up early for. There’s a big difference between seeing a waterfall and actually feeling it—especially on a hike where your legs are working the whole time.

How long you spend here depends on your route choice. Some versions focus on the main falls, while other options can include more. One account mentioned visiting up to four waterfalls, and another talked about the day working in waterfall stops around the 3.5-hour mark.

For planning, think of it like this:

• Your hike effort gets you to the falls.
• Your rest breaks at the falls reset you for the uphill feel that comes after.
• If you swim, give yourself time to dry off and cool down before the next steep stretch.

Practical tip from the vibe of the experience: bring a plan for wet breaks. Even if you only dip your feet, a waterfall stop can be long enough that you’ll want sunscreen and a hat ready when you’re back in the sun.

More than waterfalls: ancient caves and trail history you can feel

Even though the day is framed as a forest-and-waterfall hike, the walk can include more “story on the ground.” Several hikers mentioned ancient caves and a trail laid out centuries ago by native communities—one person specifically described an older paved path.

Why that matters: you’re not just moving through the woods. You’re walking a route that has been used for a very long time, and that changes your attention. You start seeing the terrain differently: the path, the old stonework, the way certain spots feel like deliberate stops rather than random crossings.

This is also where the guide earns his fee. You’ll get context while you’re standing in the exact place the story refers to—plants around you, the shape of the terrain, and how people likely navigated it. It’s one of those rare hikes where your brain stays awake, not just your calves.

Erwin Gomez Remirez as your guide: plant talk, bird spotting, and bilingual ease

The standout across the day is the guide. Multiple hikers name Erwin (including Erwin Gomez Remirez), and the common thread is not just that he knows things—it’s how he uses the hike as a classroom.

You can expect:

• Plant and wildlife explanations: native trees, grasses, animals, birds, and more
• Real-world identification, including details people described as great for plant lovers
• Route expertise: he chooses paths and keeps you from getting lost on unmarked trail

One of the best moments (especially if you like nature details) is the way he points out edible flowers and berries and explains what you’re seeing in context. If you don’t care about plants, you’ll still enjoy it, because it makes the forest feel personal instead of generic.

Language is another practical advantage. One solo traveler said that because he speaks Spanish well, they spent the whole hike in Spanish, while another described that Erwin’s English is strong too. So if you’re comfortable in Spanish, you can go deeper faster. If you aren’t, you’re still covered.

What to bring: shoes, sunscreen, lunch, and poles for the steep parts

This hike is active, and the tour does not include meals or drinks. That means you should come ready to fuel yourself. Based on practical advice from hikers who did the medium-length route and the longer options, I’d pack like this:

• Good hiking shoes with grip for uphill and downhill footing
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A lunch and snacks (plus water, since drinks aren’t included)
• If you use them: hiking poles

Poles are not a gimmick here. The terrain is described as a lot of straight climbing and controlled descending, so poles can take pressure off your knees and make the downhill feel less like punishment.

Also, don’t ignore the “small gear” stuff. If you plan to bathe at the waterfalls, consider quick-dry options or a simple change plan. And if you’re sensitive to insects, bring basic protection—one hike report said there weren’t many biting insects, but that can change with weather and season, and the forest is still a forest.

Price and value: $108 for a guided private mountain day

At $108 per person, this isn’t an ultra-budget activity. But when I look at what’s included—private transport, a guide, and the ability to tailor the route the same day—it starts to make sense as value, especially if you compare it to the cost of assembling transportation and paying someone to keep you oriented on an unmarked trail.

This price is also easier to justify because you’re getting more than exercise:

• You’re getting a private hike, so you’re not negotiating for your pace
• You’re getting expert interpretation of plants, birds, and the area
• You’re getting access to a remote-feeling trail above Medellín where going solo would be risky

The “gotcha” is that you’ll pay for your own food and drinks. So if you want to keep it smooth, plan your meal like you would for any day hike: pack enough that you don’t start rushing your waterfall breaks.

If you’re traveling with a friend or partner, a private hike can end up feeling more efficient than group options, because you’re not stuck waiting for slower or faster legs. And that flexibility is real: you can usually choose how long you want the day to be.

Who should book this hike near Envigado

Book it if you want a hands-on nature day and you’re happy to work a little. It suits you if:

• You have moderate fitness and you can handle a steep climb and steep descent
• You like learning while you walk, especially about plants and wildlife
• You want a private experience that can be adjusted without awkward last-minute negotiations
• You’re excited by waterfalls, and you’d consider a cool-down dip

Skip it (or switch to an easier plan) if you:

• Struggle with steep grades
• Want a mostly flat, casual hike
• Don’t like hikes where navigation isn’t straightforward without a guide

Should you book this tour?

If you’re the type who enjoys real hiking, not just a pretty photo stop, I think this one is a strong yes. The combination of steep, rewarding walking, waterfall breaks, and a guide who makes the forest make sense is exactly what turns a mountain day into a memory.

One last gut-check: if you go into it expecting an easy walk, you’ll be surprised—in a tiring, ankle-bending way. If you go in knowing it’s effort plus rewards, you’ll likely have the kind of day where you leave thinking about the plants, the birds, and the old paths long after you’re back in Medellín.

FAQ

How long is the hike?

The hike can last from about 2 hours up to about 7 hours. The route can be adjusted the same day based on your physical condition and how strong you feel.

What time does it start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Meals or drinks are not included, so you should bring your own lunch and snacks (plus water).

What will I see besides waterfalls?

You’ll hike through native forest and pine forest. Depending on the path you choose, you can also experience stops that include caves and older trail features, and your guide will point out plants, birds, and other wildlife.

What if I cancel?

This experience is non-refundable and can’t be changed for any reason. If the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.