Reviewed · WATERFALL TOURS

Aerial Hammocks, Zip and Waterfall Trek on Medellin Private Tour

★ 5.0 · 39 reviews 9 to 10 hours (approx.) From $249 Operated by Ecoexperience · Bookable on Viator
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Feel the canyon open beneath you. This full-day trip from Medellín pairs two long zip-line flights with a waterfall hike, mountain roads, and hammocks suspended high above the Salto de Buey Natural Reserve. I like the mix of active and restful moments, and I like having private transportation and a guide for a remote outdoor day. The main catch is the long drive from Medellín, plus some confusion about whether lunch is included, so I would confirm that before paying.

The scenery is the star. You get a close look at the powerful Salto del Buey waterfall, not just a quick photo stop, then finish with time in the sky hammocks. Guides such as Felipe and Philippe have been praised for their energy and help, but this is still a demanding day for anyone who dislikes heights, uneven paths, or hours in a vehicle.

Key points to know before you book

Aerial Hammocks, Zip and Waterfall Trek on Medellin Private Tour - Key points to know before you book

  • Two 700-meter zip-line flights: The included flights cross a dramatic canyon and provide the day’s biggest rush.
  • A real waterfall hike: Expect about an hour walking to the base of Salto del Buey, followed by the return climb.
  • Sky hammocks at about 2:00 pm: This is the unusual part of the outing, with hammocks positioned high above the surrounding terrain.
  • Private transport and private group: Your group travels together, with pickup from your Medellín hotel or chosen location.
  • A long but full day: Pickup is around 8:30 am, and return to your hotel is expected near 5:30 pm.
  • Weight and weather limits matter: The zip line has a maximum operating weight of 99 kilograms per passenger, and poor weather can cancel the activity.

From Medellín to the Salto de Buey Natural Reserve

Aerial Hammocks, Zip and Waterfall Trek on Medellin Private Tour - From Medellín to the Salto de Buey Natural Reserve

The day begins with pickup at about 8:30 am. From Medellín, you travel toward the Salto de Buey Natural Reserve, arriving at Los Saltos Ecoparque around 10:00 am. The timing leaves little room for a slow morning, so I would have breakfast before pickup and keep water, sunscreen, and a light layer close at hand.

The drive is part of the bargain. One of the clearest cautions about this trip is the amount of time spent in the car going to and from the mountains. If you enjoy watching Medellín give way to rural Antioquia, the journey helps set the mood. If long mountain drives wear you down, nine to ten hours door to door may feel like a lot for a few main activities.

Private transportation makes the long transfer easier. You are not coordinating several public connections or waiting for a large group to assemble at each stop. The activity is private, so only your party takes part, which also gives you more freedom to move at your own pace within the schedule.

The ecopark sits in a natural setting rather than an urban attraction. The combination of forest, steep canyon views, and the distant sound of falling water gives the first zip line more impact than a short ride at an amusement park. This is a day built around the setting, not a collection of unrelated thrills.

The first zip line at 10:30 am

Aerial Hammocks, Zip and Waterfall Trek on Medellin Private Tour - The first zip line at 10:30 am

The first flight is scheduled for about 10:30 am. Two zip-line flights of 700 meters are included in the price, giving you more than a token taste of the activity. The route crosses a canyon, with wide views of the mountains and the reserve below.

I would expect this to be the moment when the trip changes from scenic outing to genuine adventure. The flight is long enough for you to take in the view rather than simply launch, brake, and step off. One description of the experience highlights a hike down to a long zip line with striking canyon views, which gives you a useful sense of the setting.

Height is a serious part of the experience. Descriptions of the zip lines refer to them as hundreds of meters above the ground, so this is not ideal if you have a strong fear of heights. The published operating limit is 99 kilograms per passenger. That is a firm practical detail to check before booking.

Accident insurance and a guide are included. Those provisions do not remove the need to follow instructions, but they are useful parts of a guided outdoor package. Felipe and Philippe are two guides associated with especially positive experiences, with Felipe noted for his energy and knowledge and Philippe praised for making the day enjoyable.

Hiking to the base of Salto del Buey

Aerial Hammocks, Zip and Waterfall Trek on Medellin Private Tour - Hiking to the base of Salto del Buey

At about 11:00 am, you begin the hike to the base of the main waterfall. The walk takes approximately one hour. That sounds manageable, but the return route and the terrain matter more than the clock. A path leading down to a waterfall base usually means you must climb back up, so save some energy after the first zip line.

The reward is a close view of Salto del Buey, described as powerful and impressive. This is not a quick roadside waterfall stop. You go down toward the base, where the scale and force of the water become the central experience.

I like this part of the day because it gives the outing some substance. You are not only flying over a canyon for a few minutes. You are also walking through the reserve and seeing the waterfall from below, where spray, rock, and sound make it more memorable.

Still, the hike deserves honest expectations. The supplied information does not give a trail difficulty rating, surface description, or exact elevation change. You should be comfortable with an outdoor walk of about an hour each way and prepared for a route that may feel more strenuous than a flat city stroll. The tour notes say most people can participate, but that broad statement does not guarantee an easy path for every person.

At around 1:00 pm, the schedule allows time for lunch. Here the details conflict: one part of the tour description says lunch is included, while the included-items section says lunch is not included and the excluded-items section lists lunch as not included. I would ask Ecoexperience to confirm the current policy in writing. Do not assume the $249.99 price covers your meal.

The meal is described as taking place at a small café among the trees. That setting adds to the appeal, even if you need to pay separately. Food and drinks not specifically included are your responsibility, so carrying a little spending money is sensible.

Hammocks in the sky at 2:00 pm

After lunch, the schedule moves to the hammocks at about 2:00 pm. This is the tour’s most unusual feature. Rather than resting beside the waterfall, you relax in hammocks positioned high above the ground, with the mountain setting spread around you.

The hammocks provide a useful change of pace. The morning has a zip line and a substantial walk, so a slower period is welcome. You can enjoy the views, take photographs, and let your body recover before the final flight.

Of course, the word hammock may sound calmer than the actual experience. If you are uncomfortable with height, this could be more challenging than relaxing. The attraction is specifically about being suspended in the air, so people who want a gentle nature day should think carefully before booking.

For an adventure-focused visitor, this is likely the feature that justifies choosing this tour over a standard waterfall visit. You get both motion and stillness: a fast crossing over the canyon, then time hanging above it. That contrast gives the day a better rhythm than an activity that stays at one speed.

The second flight and return to Medellín

Aerial Hammocks, Zip and Waterfall Trek on Medellin Private Tour - The second flight and return to Medellín

At about 3:30 pm, you take the second zip-line flight. Afterward, transport takes you back toward your hotel, with arrival expected around 5:30 pm. The second flight means the excitement does not finish after the morning activity, though it also means you have a full schedule after the hike and hammock stop.

The return timing is approximate. Mountain roads, weather, and the pace of your group can affect the day. I would avoid booking an evening reservation in Medellín that cannot be changed. Give yourself room after 5:30 pm, especially if you have a dinner booking or a flight.

The final drive may feel long, but the private format helps. You are not making your way back by public transport after a day of walking and zip lines. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or selected location keep the logistics straightforward.

What the $249.99 price really covers

At $249.99 per person, this is not a budget half-day activity. The price makes more sense when you count the private vehicle, guide, two long zip-line flights, waterfall access, sky hammocks, and accident insurance. You are paying for a complete day outside Medellín, not just a single ride.

The private arrangement is especially important for couples, families, or small groups who value control over the day. Only your group participates, which avoids the stop-and-start feeling that can come with a large tour. For solo visitors, the cost may feel harder to justify unless you place a high value on private transport and a dedicated guide.

Lunch is the major value question. Since the supplied details disagree about whether it is included, confirm that before booking. Food and drinks not specifically provided are excluded, so budget for those items unless the operator gives you a clear answer.

The tour has a strong satisfaction record, with a 4.8 rating from 39 published ratings and a 97 percent recommendation rate. Those numbers suggest the overall combination works well for people seeking scenery and adventure, but they do not erase the two main concerns: the long drive and the physical demands of the day.

Who should choose this Medellín adventure

I would recommend it to you if you want a full day in the Antioquia mountains and prefer several activities in one outing. It suits people who enjoy zip lines, waterfall walks, high viewpoints, and a little controlled discomfort. The private format is also useful if your group wants to stay together from hotel pickup through the return drive.

It may suit you less if you want a relaxed sightseeing day. The waterfall hike, high hammocks, and two flights require more energy and nerve than a simple excursion. You should also reconsider if a long car ride is a deal breaker.

Most people can participate according to the tour information, but you still need to consider your own fitness and comfort with heights. The trail details are limited, so ask the operator if you need a precise description of the path. Check the 99-kilogram zip-line limit as well.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.

What to pack for a better day

Pack light, but bring the basics for a mountain outing. You will want water, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and clothing that lets you move easily on the trail and around the zip-line equipment.

A small bag is more practical than a large one. Keep your phone and valuables secure, especially during the flights and the hike. The supplied information does not specify storage arrangements, so ask the guide where personal items can be left during each activity.

Bring money for lunch and drinks unless Ecoexperience confirms that lunch is covered. The café setting sounds appealing, but the pricing details are not clear enough to rely on a free meal.

Most importantly, leave flexibility in your schedule. The official day runs from about 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, but the return time is an estimate. This is rural outdoor travel, not a timed city walking tour.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want Medellín’s mountain country with real activity attached. The strongest reasons are the two 700-meter zip lines, the close hike to Salto del Buey, and the rare chance to rest in a hammock high above the ground. Private transport and a private group add comfort to a long day.

Skip it if you dislike long drives, steep or uncertain walking routes, or high places. Before booking, confirm the lunch policy and check that every member of your group meets the 99-kilogram zip-line limit. For the right person, this is a well-rounded outdoor day with plenty of scenery and a memorable amount of height.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately nine to ten hours. Pickup is scheduled around 8:30 am, with return to your hotel expected around 5:30 pm.

Where does the tour take place?

The activity takes place at Los Saltos Ecoparque in the Salto de Buey Natural Reserve, near Salto del Buey in Antioquia.

How many zip-line flights are included?

Two zip-line flights are included. Each is listed as 700 meters long.

Is lunch included?

The tour details conflict on this point. One section says lunch is included, while other sections say lunch is not included. Confirm the current lunch policy with Ecoexperience before booking.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Private transportation from your hotel or selected location is included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private tour or activity.

What is the maximum zip-line operating weight?

The zip line has a maximum operating weight of 99 kilograms per passenger.

Does the tour include accident insurance?

Yes. Accident insurance is included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

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