Rain and waterfalls are part of the plan. This Medellín hike pairs cloud-forest trails in Los Salados Natural Park with the Chorro de las Campanas, then heads to El Salado Ecological Park for the Bells waterfalls and more stream scenery. I love the outdoors-first pace and the way guides like Sebastian and Adrian make the day feel organized, with plenty of stops to look at plants, birds, and the water itself.
The one big consideration: expect to get your feet wet, with repeated stream crossings. Waterproof boots can be rented for a small extra cost, but if you hate slippery rocks or wet shoes, this may not be your kind of day.
In This Review
- Quick hits
- From El Poblado at 9:00: how the timing works
- Stop 1 in Los Salados: Chorro de las Campanas and cloud-forest trails
- Stop 2 in El Salado: salty nature and the Bells waterfalls
- What the hike feels like: stream crossings, waterproof boots, and pacing
- Waterproof boots are a smart option
- Mosquito season matters
- Price and value: $40 with entry tickets included
- Who this is best for (and who should rethink it)
- Who might struggle
- What to pack for a wet-foot waterfall day
- Should you book this Medellín hidden waterfalls hike?
- FAQ
- How long is the Medellín hike and hidden waterfalls experience?
- Where does the tour start, and where does it end?
- What parks and waterfalls are included?
- Are admission tickets included in the price?
- What fitness level do I need?
- Will I need waterproof footwear?
- How big are the groups?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
Quick hits
- Los Salados + Chorro de las Campanas: a morning of real nature with waterfall payoff
- El Salado Ecological Park and the Bells: a second dose of waterfall beauty
- Small groups up to 10 people: easier attention and safer-feeling crossings
- Wet-foot hiking is normal here: plan for waterproof footwear and a dry-backup
- Guides with strong local nature focus: you’ll get explanations as you walk
From El Poblado at 9:00: how the timing works
This experience runs about 5 to 6 hours, starting at 9:00 am. The meeting point is in El Poblado (Cl 10 #43c-5), and the day ends back at the same spot. That matters because you can plan your Medellín day without guessing where the hike ends.
A half-day hike like this is ideal if you want to leave the city but still be back for dinner. You also get that good-morning feel: cooler air, living green around you, and less of the harsh midday light for photos.
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Stop 1 in Los Salados: Chorro de las Campanas and cloud-forest trails
Stop 1 takes you into Los Salados Natural Park, where you’ll walk through cloud-forest terrain and a lot of lush, water-fed scenery. The waterfall highlight here is the Chorro de las Campanas. Even if you’ve seen waterfalls before, the setting tends to feel different once you’re walking right through the habitat around them, not just viewing from a distance.
This stop is about 30 minutes of guided park time (with admission included), but the real value is what you notice while you’re moving: birds and plants along the route, and that damp, mountain-air atmosphere that makes everything smell fresher than the city. Guides such as Sebastian often keep the group moving at a steady pace, with helpful explanations during natural pauses.
One practical drawback: Los Salados is the kind of place where water is part of the trail. You should come ready for stream crossings and occasional muddy patches, not a dry “stroll.” In the reviews, that wet-feet reality shows up again and again, along with the good news that you can rent waterproof boots for a small sum if you want the extra grip.
Stop 2 in El Salado: salty nature and the Bells waterfalls
After the first waterfall run, you’ll head to El Salado Ecological Park. This is the second nature stop and it keeps the day from feeling like a one-waterfall tour. The park is known as the salty nature park, and you’ll spend time around additional waterfall sights, including the Bells waterfalls.
Like the first park stop, this is also about 30 minutes with admission included. That short-and-focused structure is a big plus: you’re not stuck in endless bus time, and the walking time stays connected to what you came for—waterfalls, nature, and the feeling of being out of town.
The Bells section is often where the day clicks for people who want more than one photo spot. If you like the moment when the trail narrows, the sounds of water get louder, and you start to feel the temperature drop under the trees, this second stop gives you that again.
What the hike feels like: stream crossings, waterproof boots, and pacing
This hike is best described as an active nature walk, not a paved path. You’ll need moderate physical fitness, and the route includes multiple stream crossings. That’s why the footwear advice is so consistent: bring shoes you’re okay getting wet.
From the guidance you’ll receive, the goal isn’t to rush you. It’s to keep you steady and safe as conditions change. One review note that shows up repeatedly: guides actively help the group through the water—especially near the waterfall area.
Waterproof boots are a smart option
If you don’t want to soak your shoes right away, there’s a solution. Waterproof boots can be rented for a very small extra cost, and they can be a comfort upgrade for knee-deep crossings that can happen on the way to the falls. If you already have good water shoes, you might skip the rental. But if your current footwear is more “city sneaker” than trail-ready, I’d consider renting.
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Mosquito season matters
One practical tip from the field: bring mosquito spray. Cloud-forest zones and stream sides often mean bugs are part of the deal, especially during certain weather patterns.
Price and value: $40 with entry tickets included
At $40 per person for about 5 to 6 hours, the value is strong because the day isn’t just walking with a guide—it also includes admission tickets for both park stops. You get time in two different nature settings: Los Salados Natural Park and El Salado Ecological Park.
You also benefit from the maximum of 10 travelers. Small-group tours cost more to run, so the pricing here usually reflects the focus on attention and safety during wet crossings.
And then there’s the “soft value” that matters on waterfall hikes: you’re not left to guess what you’re seeing. Guides explain flora and fauna, and they help set expectations so you know what to prepare for before your feet hit the water. In some days, guides also offer simple refreshment moments—coffee and fruit were mentioned in reviews—so the end of the hike feels like a complete experience, not just a workout.
Who this is best for (and who should rethink it)
This is a good fit if you want an outdoors morning and you’re okay with active terrain. The strongest match looks like this:
- You like hiking and you don’t mind getting your shoes wet
- You enjoy learning a bit about local plants and birds as you walk
- You’re traveling with a group size that feels personal (since it caps at 10)
It’s also a “safety-aware” kind of hike. The guides’ job is to keep everyone moving through streams without panic, and reviews highlight that the team is friendly and careful.
Who might struggle
The tour isn’t recommended for:
- Children under 7
- People over 65
- Overweight travelers (as noted by the tour terms)
- Anyone who expects a gentle, dry walk
If any of that applies, don’t force it. There’s a big difference between moderate hiking and a day where water crossings are normal.
What to pack for a wet-foot waterfall day
Pack for water, not comfort theater. Here’s what you should plan around based on what you’ll experience:
- Water shoes or hiking sandals you’re okay soaking
- A way to protect your feet if you’re not renting waterproof boots
- Mosquito spray
- Water and a small snack (bring what keeps you going on a 5 to 6 hour active morning)
- A backpack you don’t mind getting damp
And if you want the full waterfall moment, keep in mind that some parts of the experience can involve getting into the water near the falls. Plan for it like you’d plan for a beach day: you’ll be happier if you have dry options afterward.
Should you book this Medellín hidden waterfalls hike?
I think you should book if you want a real nature escape right outside Medellín and you’re comfortable with the tradeoff: wet feet for memorable waterfall access. The small group size, the included park entry, and the way guides like Sebastian, Alejandro, and Adrian steer the day with nature explanations all add up to more than “just a waterfall stop.”
Skip it if you’re looking for a dry stroll, or if you fall into the groups the tour itself flags as a poor match (young kids under 7, adults over 65, or if you’d be uncomfortable with water crossings). For the right traveler, this turns a morning into a nature-focused reset, with two parks and two chances to feel that rainforest water sound close to your body.
FAQ
How long is the Medellín hike and hidden waterfalls experience?
It runs about 5 to 6 hours total.
Where does the tour start, and where does it end?
You start at Cl 10 #43c-5, El Poblado, Medellín and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.
What parks and waterfalls are included?
You’ll visit Los Salados Natural Park and the Chorro de las Campanas waterfall, then go to El Salado Ecological Park to see the Bells waterfalls.
Are admission tickets included in the price?
Yes. Admission tickets are included for the park stops.
What fitness level do I need?
The tour is described as best for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level.
Will I need waterproof footwear?
Yes. Expect wet feet and stream crossings. Waterproof boots can be rented for a small fee.
How big are the groups?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers.
What happens if the weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
