REVIEW · MEDELLIN
Highest Zipline of Colombia Over Mountains, Jungles & Waterfalls
Book on Viator →Operated by The Andes Adventure Travels · Bookable on Viator
One zipline, then you get soaked.
This is a full mountain day from Medellín where you start with real small-town Antioquia in La Ceja, then head to Colombia’s highest zipline over forests and waterfalls. You’ll also get time on the nature side of the trip, not just one adrenaline moment.
I also like that your trip is built for comfort in the middle of the adventure: private transportation and snacks are included, and the entry is covered so you’re not stuck waiting around. The main drawback is that the day takes real energy—there’s a weight limit of 100 kg for the zipline, plus a trek down (about 35–40 minutes) and back up to reach the waterfall area.
In This Review
- Key things that make this tour worth your time
- La Ceja first: trading Medellín traffic for real small-town rhythms
- Colombia’s highest zipline: 1,000 ft of air over waterfalls
- The trek to Salto del buey’s base: short hike, big effort
- Optional Via Ferrata: ladders beside the waterfall
- What your day actually looks like (7–8 hours) and why timing matters
- Price and value: is $150 fair for what you get?
- What to pack so you don’t ruin your own day
- Guides and the feel of the day: why people keep praising the service
- Who this is best for (and who should think twice)
- Should you book this zipline and waterfall day?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- What’s the starting time?
- What does the $150 price include?
- Is lunch included?
- Do I need to be in good physical shape?
- Is the zipline open to all weights?
- Is Via Ferrata included?
- What if weather is bad?
- What’s the cancellation window?
Key things that make this tour worth your time
- La Ceja stop: a quick hit of local daily life before the adrenaline starts
- 1,000 ft high, 2,200 ft long zipline with waterfall views in sequence
- The waterfall hike: optional climbing on the side and a real rainforest feeling at the base
- Optional Ferrata trail: add-on if you want ladders and heights
- Snacks + insurance included: you’re supported during the rougher parts of the day
La Ceja first: trading Medellín traffic for real small-town rhythms
The day starts with pickup in Medellín, then you head east toward a town many people pass through on the way to nature. La Ceja is small enough that you can actually watch people at work and at home—talking in the streets, moving through their routine, and keeping customs that still feel connected to Antioquia rather than a modern city script.
You’ll get a short stop here, but it sets the tone. It’s not just about leaving town for a hike; it’s about understanding where you are before you leave civilization behind.
What to watch for: this is a morning adventure day. If you’re the type who needs a slow start, plan for the drive and the early pacing.
Other zipline and waterfall adventures in Medellin
Colombia’s highest zipline: 1,000 ft of air over waterfalls
The headline is the zipline at Salto del buey la ceja Antioquia: a ride up to 1,000 feet high and about 2,200 feet long. From that height, you can see up to five waterfalls in a sequence as you cross the mountain. It’s the kind of view where you don’t just look down—you follow the water’s path like it’s a moving map.
This part is built for thrill, but it’s also built for structure. The staff and guides run the operation, and many people note how safe and smooth it felt once they were clipped in and ready.
Two zipline reality checks
- You typically get a go-and-back experience on the ride.
- There can be two zipline runs on site, and the higher one may involve extra walking. If you’re worried about stairs and slope fatigue, ask your guide how the day’s route fits your pace.
The trek to Salto del buey’s base: short hike, big effort
After the zipline, the day shifts from flying to feet. You’ll trek down natural paths to the most dramatic waterfall stop described as the Jump of the Ox. The timing matters: plan on about 35–40 minutes down, and then you’ll do the return hike back up afterward.
This is where your fitness level really shows. Some people find it manageable, but they also describe it as a day that pushes stamina—steeper moments, slippery ground when conditions aren’t dry, and lots of “move slow, breathe steady” energy.
And yes: the waterfall base is wet. People often mention that even standing near it can soak you, with spray that feels seriously cold at the base. Bring or plan on using a change of clothes if you hate the feeling of damp sneakers for the ride back.
The practical trade-off: the hike may be shorter than you expect, but it’s still an uphill day afterward. If you’re only comfortable with easy walking, this will feel like work.
Optional Via Ferrata: ladders beside the waterfall
There’s an optional Vía Ferrata trail beside the waterfall. It’s not just scenic; it’s physically and mentally demanding because it involves climbing with ladder-like sections and exposed moments.
In the tour details, the Ferrata is clearly optional, and the cost is not included in the base price. If you’re drawn to this add-on, treat it like the main event after the zipline—because you’ll earn it with a lot of hands-on effort.
If you hate heights: you can still enjoy the waterfall without choosing the Ferrata. But if you’re comfortable with climbing and want that “I did it” feeling, this is the part that turns a great day into a story you’ll keep telling.
What your day actually looks like (7–8 hours) and why timing matters
The full tour runs roughly 7 to 8 hours, starting at 8:00 am. That early start is helpful because it gives you daylight for the zipline and the return drive.
You spend around 3 hours at the main eco-park area where the zipline and waterfall trek happen. The rest of the time is travel and breaks. People also describe a couple-hour drive from Medellín into the mountains, plus time on rougher roads while getting to the property. Translation: this isn’t a quick half-day you can sleep through.
Bring snacks and water behaviorally
Even though snacks are included, it’s smart to have extra water habits. The day can move in bursts—zipline, then hike, then the waterfall stop—and you’ll feel better if you’re not “just waiting until the next snack.”
Price and value: is $150 fair for what you get?
At $150 per person, the value is strongest if you like your day pre-built. Your price covers:
- Eco-park entrance
- Snacks
- Insurance
- Private transportation
- Zipline entry (skipping queues is a stated highlight)
What’s not included:
- Lunch
- Via Ferrata trail
- Hamacas
For me, the “value” piece is the combination of transportation + entrance + insurance. If you tried to stitch this together on your own—driver, tickets, and entry—you’d spend time coordinating, and time is the hidden cost.
The one pricing catch: if you also want the Via Ferrata, your final spend will be higher than $150. If you’re on a tight budget, decide ahead of time whether you want the Ferrata climbing or just the zipline and waterfall base.
What to pack so you don’t ruin your own day
Most problems on adventure tours are boring: wet shoes, bad footing, sun burn, and “I didn’t expect this much effort.” You can avoid a lot of that with a simple pack plan.
I’d bring:
- Sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes (wet rock is real at the waterfall)
- Long pants if you’re doing more climbing or want comfort on natural paths
- Sunscreen + hat
- Bug spray
- A change of clothes (the waterfall spray can soak you)
- A light day bag you don’t mind getting damp
Also, the zipline has a weight limit under 100 kg. If you’re near that limit, confirm before you go so you’re not stuck making last-minute decisions at the park.
Guides and the feel of the day: why people keep praising the service
This tour is private for your group, so you’re not stuck in a big herd. That matters because the day includes physical effort, timing breaks, and photo moments. When someone’s patient and organized, the whole experience feels easier.
The guides named in the experience stories include Carlos, Luisa, Diego, Laura, Andres, Nikolai, and Javier. The common thread: they’re attentive, they check in, they help with breaks, and they share local tips while you’re driving through the mountains and passing small towns.
One small but important detail: because the day is physical, having a guide who gives you time to breathe and still keeps things moving makes a big difference. People also mention lots of photo time, and that you can relax at the park facilities between activities.
Who this is best for (and who should think twice)
This is for you if you want a Medellín day that feels like the mountains are doing the talking. It’s great if you like:
- ziplining with serious height
- a waterfall stop that includes getting close to the power
- a mix of town culture (La Ceja) and nature
It’s not for you if you:
- can’t handle an uphill return hike after being at altitude
- dislike slippery footing, wet stairs, or steep effort
- need a fully seated, low-exertion day
Also, if you’re traveling with mixed fitness levels, talk to your guide early about pacing. Some people suggest skipping the waterfall climb (Ferrata) if you’re not in shape—doing less can still be an excellent day.
Should you book this zipline and waterfall day?
I’d book it if you want one trip that hits three things at once: a high adrenaline moment, a real rainforest waterfall experience, and a quick stop in La Ceja that helps the countryside feel grounded in local life. The price is reasonable for the included transport, insurance, and eco-park entry.
I’d think twice if you’re below-average fitness, you’re bothered by steep slippery sections, or you’re worried about being soaked. In that case, you can still enjoy waterfalls in Colombia—but this specific tour asks more from your body than a typical sightseeing outing.
If you do go, go prepared: good shoes, sun protection, bug spray, and a change of clothes. That’s how you turn a challenging day into a memorable one.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
It runs about 7 to 8 hours total, with the main eco-park activity taking roughly 3 hours.
What’s the starting time?
The tour starts at 8:00 am.
What does the $150 price include?
Entrance to the eco-park, snacks, insurance, and private transportation are included, and zipline entry is part of the plan.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included.
Do I need to be in good physical shape?
Yes. The waterfall portion involves a trek down and back up (about 35–40 minutes each way), so strong physical fitness is required.
Is the zipline open to all weights?
No. There’s a zipline weight limit of less than 100 kg.
Is Via Ferrata included?
No. The Via Ferrata trail is optional and not included in the base price.
What if weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What’s the cancellation window?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.
