Zipline over waterfalls sounds unreal. This private day trip is built around two long zipline runs over a canyon and then a hike to the base of a 100-meter giant waterfall.

I especially like that the tour is truly private, so you’re not stuck matching your pace to a random group. I also like the structure: a short climb to the zipline station, then a focused waterfall hike with a clear sense of what’s coming next. The trade-off is physical effort—this isn’t a casual stroll, and there are strict body/fitness limits plus a steep hike section.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel in Your Bones

• Two 700-meter zipline flights with big canyon views and a waterfall perspective.
• Class 2 then Class 3.5 hikes, meaning you’ll earn the adrenaline with real exercise.
• A private guide (including safety support, pace, and photos help from guides like Esteban and Thomas).
• 100-meter waterfall time up close, with a guided explanation of Lenard effect.
• Helmet + insurances included, plus insurance coverage and safety gear as part of the experience.

Why This Highest Zipline and Giant Waterfall Day Feels Different

This tour works because it’s not just about flying. You get a full arc: scenic zipline across the canyon, then the payoff hike straight to the waterfall where the sound and mist become the main event.

The private setup also changes the vibe. You can move at a comfortable pace on the climbs, and your guide can adjust how you handle the timing between the zipline platforms and the waterfall section. Guides like Esteban (noted for being patient on the climb) and Thomas (informative and professional) are the kind of people you want when the day is physical.

One more thing I appreciate: the route is designed so you’re not guessing. The day has set blocks—arrival, safety intro, hike to the first station, zipline, waterfall descent, hike back up, then a second zipline—so you can plan your energy and what to wear.

Getting from Medellín (or Rionegro) to La Ceja

Your day starts with pickup by private car around 8:30 am from your central Medellín hotel or an address that’s convenient, and the drive is about 1.5 hours to the natural reserve in La Ceja.

This matters because it turns a complicated “how do I get there?” problem into a simple one. You don’t have to coordinate transport, find a meeting point, or time multiple connections while you’re excited (and maybe already nervous) about the zipline.

Plan to arrive ready to move. By the time you reach the reserve, you’ll do a short introduction and safety briefing, then start walking toward the first zipline station.

The First Hike and First 700-Meter Zipline Across the Canyon

After you arrive at about 11:30 am, you’ll get an intro and safety instructions, then hike about 20 minutes on a path rated Class 2 of 5. Think of it as “warm-up hike” territory: enough effort to get the blood moving, not so hard that it drains you before the main ride.

Around noon, you’ll fly the first 700 meters to the other side of the canyon. The highlight here isn’t just speed—it’s the wide valley views and the look at five giant waterfalls from above.

A practical tip: if you’re prone to feeling cold once you’re wet, bring a change of clothes in your bag for later. The day includes a wet waterfall section, and you’ll want to switch back into something dry.

The Waterfall Hike: 30 Minutes Down to the 100-Meter Base

Around 12:30 pm, you start the hike to the waterfall base—about 30 minutes on a path rated Class 3.5 of 5. This is the part that turns adrenaline into full-body work. Trails at this grade can feel steep, and you’ll want stable footing.

At about 1:00 pm, you’ll be at the waterfall where you can really feel the power. The mist and splash become part of the experience, and your guide provides a full explanation of Lenard effect—the science piece that helps the awe feel even more real.

Because you’re going to get wet, footwear matters. The tour requires comfortable walking shoes and forbids sandals/flip-flops. I also strongly recommend you bring extra dry shoes and clothes so you’re not stuck hiking in damp gear for the rest of the afternoon.

From there, you return to the top around 1:45 pm. The hike back up is the “okay, now we get exercise” moment. It’s manageable, but you’ll feel it.

Lunch, the Midday Recovery Window, and the Second Zipline at 4:00

Lunch is not included, so budget time and money for food around 2:30 pm. It’s also a chance to reset physically: warm up, catch your breath, and make sure you’re dry enough for the second part of the day.

Then, at 4:00 pm, you’ll do the second zipline flight. The day’s pacing helps here. You’ve already done the biggest “first time” learning curve, so you know what to expect: harness, positioning, the sensation of leaving the platform, and the sound/feel of the canyon air.

If you’re wondering when fatigue hits hardest, it’s usually after the waterfall time and during the hike back up. That’s when private guiding helps the most—someone can slow you down or encourage you without making you feel rushed.

Price and Value: Is $184 Worth It?

At $184 per person, the value comes from what’s bundled and what’s not.

Included items that matter:

• Professional guide
• Private transportation
• Private tour (only your group participates)
• Helmet
• 2× 700-meter zipline flights
• Hiking to the giant waterfall
• Admission ticket included
• Insurances

What you pay extra for:

• Lunch (not included)
• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Anything beyond what you bring (repellent, snacks, extra drinks, etc.)

When I look at the pricing like this, I see a day that’s paying for more than the zipline itself. You’re also paying for a full-day safety team, transportation, and the structure that gets you to the waterfall area. If you hate dealing with group logistics or you prefer having a guide who watches technique and pacing, the private format is where you feel the money was spent.

If you’re the kind of traveler who just wants one short activity and then a long lazy afternoon, this might feel like overkill. But if you want one memorable “wow” day and you’re fit enough to enjoy it, it’s priced in a way that usually makes sense.

Fitness Limits and Safety Rules You Can’t Ignore

This isn’t a soft-adventure tour. The activity includes hiking to a waterfall base and ziplining over a canyon, so fitness and body limits are strict.

Key limits:

• Your weight must be under 99 kg / 218 lbs
• Maximum waist size: 120 cm / 47 in
• Maximum thigh size: 66 cm / 27 in

Also note:

• You must be fit enough for the hikes.
• The trail is graded (Class 2 then Class 3.5), so expecting a gentle walk is a mistake.

Footwear rule: sandals or flip-flops are not allowed. Wear gear that grips and protects your feet.

And bring bug protection. One guest flagged that mosquitoes can be terrible, so plan for insects with long sleeves/long pants and repellent.

Timing You Can Plan Around (and How the Day Feels)

Here’s the flow in a way that helps you plan your own day:

• 8:30 am: pickup from your hotel/address
• ~9:30–11:00 am: drive to the natural reserve in La Ceja
• ~11:30 am: intro, safety, then ~20 minutes hike to the first zipline station
• 12:00 pm: first 700-meter zipline (with views of five giant waterfalls)
• 12:30 pm: ~30-minute hike to the waterfall base (Class 3.5)
• ~1:00 pm: waterfall time + Lenard effect explanation
• 1:45 pm: hike back to the top
• 2:30 pm: lunch time (not included)
• 4:00 pm: second zipline flight
• 5:00 pm: drive back
• 6:45 pm: return to your hotel

One practical note: don’t schedule something tight right before this tour. You’ll be picked up early and you’ll be on the move most of the day.

Also, this is the kind of experience people plan ahead for. The average booking window is around 11 days, so if you’re traveling during peak periods, booking earlier gives you better chances of fitting it into your schedule.

Who Should Book This (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour fits best if you:

• Want adrenaline plus a real hike payoff
• Like having a guide manage safety and pacing in a private setting
• Can handle wet conditions and steep trail sections
• Prefer a structured full day with hotel pickup and drop-off

You should consider skipping if:

• You’re not comfortable with hiking (especially the Class 3.5 section)
• You don’t meet the weight and body measurement limits
• You’re traveling with a child—it’s not recommended for children aged 6 and under

Extras You’ll Want to Prepare Before You Go

These are small but important based on what the tour requires or what guests highlight:

• Bring cash in Colombian pesos (the tour asks for it)
• Pack extra dry shoes and clothes for after the waterfall
• Wear clothing that covers your body for mosquito protection
• If you have diet needs, tell the provider—there’s a vegetarian option available if you request it
• Bring a passport for booking details: the tour requires participants’ name, passport number, expiry, and country

Those details can sound admin-heavy, but they’re the difference between a smooth day and last-minute stress.

Should You Book This Highest Zipline and Giant Waterfall Tour?

If you’re craving one truly memorable outdoor day in the Medellín region—and you can handle steep hiking and get a little wet—this is an easy yes.

Book it if you value:

• Private guiding
• Two big 700-meter zipline flights
• The chance to get close to a 100-meter waterfall (not just view it from far away)
• A guided, safety-first setup with helmet + insurances

Hold off if you:

• Don’t meet the weight/measurement limits
• Want a low-effort outing
• Get overwhelmed by steep trails and long active days

If you’re on the fence, here’s my simple test: can you comfortably hike a steep trail for about 30 minutes, then climb back up? If that sounds doable, you’ll likely love how the canyon zipline views and the waterfall power fit together into one great day.

FAQ

How long is the Highest Zipline and Giant Waterfall Private Tour?

It runs about 8 hours (approx.), from pickup in the morning until return to your hotel in the evening.

Is this tour private or shared?

This is a private tour. Only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a professional guide, private transportation, a private tour, helmet use, 2×700 meters zipline flights, hiking to the giant waterfall, and insurances. Admission is also included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Where do you pick me up?

Pickup is available from your central Medellín or Rionegro hotel, or from your specified address.

What are the weight and body measurement limits?

Weight must be under 99 kg / 218 lbs. You also must fit within a maximum waist size of 120 cm (47 in) and a maximum thigh size of 66 cm (27 in).

Is this tour suitable for young children?

It’s not recommended for children aged 6 and under.

What should I wear or bring for the hike and waterfall?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring extra dry shoes and clothes for after the trip. Sandals or flip-flops are not allowed.

Do I need to provide passport details when booking?

Yes. You’ll need participants’ passport name, number, expiry, and country at the time of booking.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded.

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