The Route of the Night 'Chivas': Karaoke on Wheels Through the Hillsides of Medellín

The first time I saw a night chiva, I didn't see it: I heard it. It was 10 PM in El Poblado and, amidst the noise of the bars, an out-of-tune accordion and a chorus of voices shouting «¡Que viva Colombia!» at the top of their lungs made their way through. The bus, painted in loud colors, passed in front of me with people hanging from the railings, waving bottles of aguardiente and dancing in the aisles. At that moment, I understood that Medellín isn't just experienced in nightclubs: it's experienced on the hillsides, to the rhythm of a carrilera and with the night wind hitting your face.

Chivas have been an icon of rural transportation in Antioquia for decades. They were the buses that went up to the most remote towns, loaded with farmers, market goods, and even animals. But at some point, a local entrepreneur saw the opportunity to turn them into a mobile party: they keep the original wooden structure and benches, add a powerful sound system, and send them out to tour the city at night. The result is an experience with no equivalent in any other Latin American capital: a karaoke on wheels that climbs the hills while you sing, drink, and see Medellín lit up from above.

Available Options

In Medellín, there isn't just one night chiva route; there are several options that cater to what you're looking for. The most well-known one operates from El Poblado, specifically in the area of Calle 10 with Carrera 43A, near Parque El Poblado. Several operators are concentrated there, offering tours ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours, with departures between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM, depending on demand.

The most popular routes are two:

• The El Poblado to Provenza route: leaves from Parque El Poblado, goes down the Milla de Oro, passes by Parque Lleras, and goes up Provenza. It's the shortest (around 1 hour and 20 minutes) and focuses on the bar and restaurant area, ideal if you want a pre-game before hitting the clubs.
• The hillsides route: also leaves from El Poblado but takes Avenida Las Palmas and ventures into neighborhoods like Manrique, Buenos Aires, and other sectors in the northeastern zone. This one lasts between 2 and 3 hours and gives you the best panoramic views of the city from the natural viewpoints.

Some operators offer personalized services for private groups. If you're traveling with 8 or more people, you can hire the entire chiva and define your own route, your own music, and even your own party. Other operators, like those you find at Parque El Poblado, offer shared tours where you join a group of strangers who, I guarantee, won't be strangers after the first hour of partying.

Some companies have added value with local guides who tell stories about the city as the bus climbs. Others include stops at viewpoints like the one in Manrique neighborhood or on Avenida Las Palmas, where you get off for 15-20 minutes to take photos and buy something from the street vendors that set up around the chivas.

Updated Costs

Prices for the night chiva in Medellín vary depending on the operator, duration, and whether it's a shared or private route. As of September 2026, the reference prices are:

• Shared 1 hour 20 min route (El Poblado/Provenza area): between $45,000 and $60,000 COP per person.
• Shared 2 to 3 hour route (hillsides and viewpoints): between $65,000 and $85,000 COP per person.
• Private chiva for groups (8-15 people): between $500,000 and $900,000 COP for the whole bus, depending on duration and route.

These prices usually include transportation, the sound system, and, in most cases, a bottle of aguardiente or rum for every 4 people. But be careful: not all operators include the liquor. Some sell it on board at inflated prices (a bottle of aguardiente can cost you $40,000 COP on the chiva, when you can get it for $25,000 COP at a supermarket). Other operators won't let you bring your own bottle, so ask before booking.

I recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance, especially on weekends. You can do it directly with the operators you find at Parque El Poblado or through platforms like MOVE City Tour (movecitytour.com) or Tur.com, which offer online reservations and immediate confirmation. Prices on these platforms tend to be a bit higher, but they give you the security of a guaranteed spot.

Estimated Times

The duration of the tour depends on the route you choose and the night traffic. Here are the estimated times:

• Short route (El Poblado - Provenza - Milla de Oro): 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. This route doesn't go up the hillsides, so the ride is flatter and faster.
• Long route (El Poblado - Las Palmas - Manrique - Buenos Aires): 2 to 3 hours. The climb up Las Palmas takes about 20-25 minutes, and stops at viewpoints add extra time.
• Customized private chiva: 2 to 4 hours, depending on what you agree on with the operator.

Departures are usually scheduled between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM. The long route that goes up the hillsides is best taken between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, so you reach the viewpoints when the city is fully lit and the sky is clear. Earlier departures (8:00 PM) still have sunset light, which is also spectacular, but it doesn't compare to the sea of lights you see from Manrique at 11:00 PM.

A little-known fact: chivas can't go up Avenida Las Palmas at full speed. The slope is so steep that the bus slows down to about 20 km/h on some stretches. This, which might seem like an inconvenience, is actually an advantage: you have more time to sing, drink, and enjoy the scenery. Plus, the chiveros (drivers) know alternate routes to avoid traffic jams, so don't worry about getting stuck in traffic.

Practical Tips

After having done this route several times (and having convinced more than one group of friends to try it), here are some tips I wish I'd known before my first chiva:

1. Bring your own bottle if the operator allows it. Ask before booking. If they say no, buy the liquor on board but be prepared to pay a 50% markup.
2. Dress in comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Chivas are old buses with wooden benches. There are no seatbelts, and the floor can be slippery if someone spills a drink. Women should avoid high heels: going up and down the bus stairs with a bottle in hand while the bus is moving is an impossible mission.
3. Bring a light jacket. Even though Medellín has a temperate climate, when you go up the hillsides to 1,800 meters above sea level, the night wind can feel cold, especially if you have wet or sweaty hair after dancing.
4. Don't eat a heavy meal before getting on. The curves of Las Palmas plus aguardiente are a dangerous combination. If you're prone to motion sickness, take a Dramamine 30 minutes before or stay at the front of the bus.
5. Bring cash. At the viewpoints in Manrique and Buenos Aires, there are street vendors offering empanadas, buñuelos, and coffee. They don't accept cards, and the nearest CTA (Transfer Center) might be several blocks away.
6. Ask if the tour includes stops at viewpoints. Not all operators do them. If your goal is to see the city from above, make sure the route includes at least one 15-20 minute stop at a panoramic point.
7. If you're going in a large group, negotiate. Operators at Parque El Poblado are used to haggling, especially on weekdays. If you're 8 or more, ask for a 10-15% discount or for an extra bottle to be included.
8. Use the bathroom before getting on. Chivas don't have a bathroom on board. Stops at viewpoints don't always have public restrooms available at that time of night.

A little-known fact: the tradition of party chivas in Medellín was born in the 90s, when drivers of the rural routes that arrived at Terminal del Norte started to