Review: Natural Medellin, Garden, Arvi Park & El Volador With Lunch

So, thinking of scoping out Medellin’s nature spots and also grabbing some grub, is that right? I recently did that Natural Medellin tour – you know, the one with the Botanical Garden, Arvi Park, El Volador Hill, plus some eats. And really, I thought I should pass on what I experienced. Just putting it out there, this isn’t your standard travel blog stuff. It’s more like a “what I genuinely liked and, also, didn’t like” kinda vibe.

First Stop: The Medellín Botanical Garden

Now, first up, it’s almost like everybody tells you that you have to hit the Botanical Garden, and I guess, yes, you kind of do. That’s where the Natural Medellin tour actually gets rolling. What I wasn’t really expecting was a genuinely chilled atmosphere. It’s almost like slap-bang in the middle of a pretty hectic city, there’s this peaceful, green escape. It tends to be crammed with folks, that’s for sure, locals included, which, really, I usually see as a pretty good sign.

Apparently, the orchids got me all starry-eyed – I mean, honestly, who wouldn’t be? But, I guess it’s that whole Zen garden area that very, very nearly stole the show. I’d just advise taking your time ambling. Don’t just tick things off a list. In some respects, I thought the guides were very informative and I guess they also really let you roam freely. I think this part of the tour, for me anyway, was almost virtually a total win.

Arvi Park: A Breath of Fresh Air

Okay, so, after the Botanical Garden, then we all headed over to Arvi Park, and also, let me just tell you, this bit involves a cable car – something I am always thrilled to do. The views on the way up? Stunning, and that’s very nearly an understatement. Yet, in a way, that park is totally huge, which means you very likely only see a chunk of it with a guided tour.

What I will say is, you really need walking shoes. What with all the trails, you can’t go that far wearing flip-flops! Anyway, as a matter of fact, I thought the local market we popped into felt just a bit touristy, but still kind of fun to wander through. Overall, though, Arvi Park, while really pretty, feels like it could use more than just a quick visit to really soak it all in. Next time, that, I am very nearly certain, I’m going to plan a whole day.

El Volador Hill: Views and a History Lesson

Next up, it was that El Volador Hill, is that right? I’ll just say straight away, that climb to the top, you know, is no joke! But, hey, in my view the view is actually completely worth it. Very very, really the guide was spilling some interesting facts regarding the history of the spot. Which I appreciated.

Anyway, as a matter of fact, that’s supposed to be Medellin’s hugest park, which I couldn’t quite get my head around when I was standing up there, as I was saying. Also, do watch your step – it’s kind of rugged up there, so you know. Overall, it’s just slightly marred due to people leaving trash. It’s just really a crying shame. Though, arguably, it really is one awesome spot to catch that sunset, as long as the litter bugs aren’t putting you off!

Lunch: A Taste of Local Flavors

Okay, that lunch. Typically, lunch comes as part of this whole shebang, is that right? We actually, usually, rocked up at some place local, you see, the type that, in my view, is rammed with natives – which tends to be what I see as an awesome sign. Very very many of them seemed to have Bandeja Paisa, I think. Just so you know it’s virtually, almost, a mega-plate, crammed with eats. Anyway, as a matter of fact, the meal, I am sure, filled me, that’s for certain!

For instance, you just slightly might need a nap afterwards! What with it all I think it’s quite decent grub, though perhaps nothing gourmet. But then again, you just usually will not catch genuine Colombian taste if you’re seeking posh restaurants. This element, it could be, usually, will get a big thumbs-up.

What I Liked (and Didn’t Like) – The Honest Lowdown

Alright, it could be, breaking things right down for you:

• The Botanical Garden really seemed like it was seriously peaceful, a welcome break from all the traffic sounds.
• Arvi Park definitely felt a bit rushed. We might be needing more time there.
• That El Volador Hill has great lookout points. So it also has some litter issues.
• The lunch stop. Great if what you enjoy is sampling real local dishes, very little if that’s not something you like doing.

The Natural Medellin Tour: Final Thoughts

So, to sum up: Should you give this Natural Medellin tour a bash? Definitely, probably, maybe. The places you visit can all be well worth seeing. Yet be prepared it might be a bit full-on. From that perspective, I very nearly recommend doing this right at the start of your trip. Now, it’s not only that, if you were to rock up at Medellin not knowing much about that local scene, you will not be seeing these popular bits in one fell swoop. Just make sure your shoes work for trails, that’s all!