El Poblado verde: rutas ecoamigables para caminantes y ciclistas
If you think El Poblado is only shopping malls, bars, and traffic, you're missing half the neighborhood. This area of Medellín, known for its nightlife and upscale restaurants, holds a secret few tourists know: a network of green routes connecting parks, streams, and natural viewpoints. In May 2026, with the city increasingly focused on sustainability, walking or cycling these trails has become one of the best ways to experience the city without adding to the vehicular chaos. Here I'll tell you about the routes that are truly worth it, the hidden parks few visit, and how to get around without stress.
Introduction: the green you don't see from the car
El Poblado is the densest neighborhood in Medellín, but it also has more green areas than you imagine. The key is knowing where to find them. While Avenida El Poblado is a river of cars and buses, just two blocks away you'll find dirt paths, centuries-old trees, and the sound of streams. This is no coincidence: the neighborhood was originally designed as a residential area of estates, and although buildings grew, many of those natural spaces were preserved.
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What makes these routes special is that they don't require leaving the city. You don't need to go to Guatapé or Parque Arví to feel like you're in nature. Here, in the middle of the urban sprawl, you can walk in the shade, listen to birds, and even find viewpoints overlooking the Aburrá Valley. And the best part: these are routes you can do on foot or by bike, without relying on a car or the metro.
What to do: the best green routes in El Poblado
The Ciclovía of Avenida El Poblado
The Sunday ciclovía is the most well-known plan, but not the only one. Every Sunday and holiday, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Avenida El Poblado is closed to cars from Parque Lleras to Parque de El Poblado. It's a flat route, ideal for beginners or those who want to ride without worrying about traffic. But if you come during the week, there are also options.
A lesser-known route is the one that goes up Calle 10 towards the Manila neighborhood. From there, you can take Carrera 43B (the road that goes up to Parque del Poblado) and continue to the Los Balsos hill. It's a challenging climb, but the reward is a panoramic view of the entire city. Local cyclists call it "the Thursday workout." If you're not fit, better do it on an electric bike or walk.
The Quebrada La Presidenta Trail
This stream crosses El Poblado from south to north, and along its course there is a pedestrian trail that many ignore. The easiest access is on Calle 10 with Carrera 38, right behind the centro comercial Monterrey. The path is flat, shaded, and follows the water for about 2 kilometers until it reaches Parque Lineal La Presidenta, on Avenida 34. It's perfect for a 30-minute walk without inclines. However, after heavy rains, the trail can be slippery; wear shoes with good grip.
Fun fact: this stream was the natural boundary between the old estates of the rich in Medellín in the 1950s. Today, its waters are still so clean that sometimes you see herons and wild ducks. That's not common in such an urbanized area.
El Parque Ecológico El Poblado
This is the true green lung of the neighborhood. It is located on Carrera 43A with Calle 10, behind the Colombo Británico school. It has 3 hectares of native forest, with internal trails that go up and down among guayacán and carbonero trees. There is a picnic area with tables and benches, and a small viewpoint overlooking the center of Medellín. It's free and open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The best part: it's one of the few places in El Poblado where you can see squirrels and toucans without leaving the city. On weekends it tends to fill up with families, but during the week it's almost empty. If you're one of those looking for silence, come on a Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.
The Mirador Route: from Parque Lleras to Mirador de La Aguacatala
This is a walk of about 2 hours (round trip) that combines gentle ups and downs. It starts at Parque Lleras, goes up Calle 8 to Carrera 37 (the road that goes towards the Santa María de los Ángeles neighborhood), and then continues along the hill to Mirador de La Aguacatala, right on the border with the municipality of Envigado. From there, the view of the Aburrá Valley is impressive, especially at sunset.
The path is mostly paved, but there are dirt sections. Bring water, because there are no stores along the way. And if you go by bike, be careful on the descents: there are sharp curves and sometimes loose dogs come out (though they are not aggressive).
Where to eat or drink: sustainable stops along the route
Café de la Tierra: the cyclist's refuge
On Carrera 43A with Calle 12, right next to Parque Ecológico El Poblado, is this café that has become the meeting point for local cyclists. They have a free bike rack, Colombian origin coffee (from $4,000 COP) and vegan options like chócolo arepas with vegan cheese. The owner, Don Carlos, is a cycling enthusiast and always gives route recommendations. They are open Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
La Huerta: organic market in Manila
If your route passes through the Manila neighborhood, don't miss La Huerta, a small market that sells fruits, vegetables, and local products without plastic packaging. It's on Calle 10 #38-45. On weekends they have natural juices and vegetable empanadas (from $3,000 COP). It's perfect for recharging energy without generating waste. Plus, they have a bench outside where you can sit and rest.
Restaurante Verde: farm-to-table cooking on the hill
On the Los Balsos hill, at Carrera 25 with Calle 7, there is a restaurant called Restaurante Verde (yes, that literal). They use ingredients from urban gardens in the area and have a daily menu for $22,000 COP. They offer vegetarian and gluten-free options. The space has outdoor tables under a guadua roof, ideal after a hike. However, they are only open Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
How to get there and transportation: getting around without a car
Getting to these routes by transporte público is easier than you think. The metro doesn't go directly to El Poblado, but the bus lines and the tram leave you nearby.
- For the Ciclovía: Take the metro to Poblado station (line A). From there, walk 10 minutes south along Avenida El Poblado. On Sundays, the ciclovía starts right in that area.
- For the Quebrada La Presidenta Trail: Get off at Industriales station (line A) and take a bus towards el centro comercial Monterrey (any bus that says "Poblado" or "Manila" works). The trail is two blocks away.
- For Parque Ecológico El Poblado: Use the Ayacucho tram to San José station, then walk 15 minutes south along Carrera 43A. You can also take a bus from Poblado station that says "Colombo Británico".
- For Mirador de La Aguacatala: Take a bus from Poblado station heading towards Envigado ("Envigado" or "La Aguacatala" bus). Get off at the stop of the same name and walk up for about 10 minutes.
If you prefer the bicycle, Medellín has a public bicycle system called EnCicla, with stations in El Poblado (one at Parque Lleras and another on Avenida 34). It's free, you just need to register with your ID or passport. The bikes are basic but work well for flat routes. For climbs, better bring your own or rent an electric one at shops like BiciMarket (Carrera 37 #10-20, from $30,000 COP per day).
Local tips: what no one tells you
- Timing: The green routes are safer and more pleasant between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. After noon, the sun is strong and there is less shade. In the rainy season (April-May and October-November), bring a raincoat because downpours are sudden.
- Safety: El Poblado is generally safe, but avoid solitary trails after 6:00 p.m. The Quebrada La Presidenta trail, for example, becomes dark and there are few people. Better do it early.
- Hydration: There are no drinking water fountains on most routes. Bring your own reusable bottle. At Parque Ecológico El Poblado there is a tap, but it doesn't always work.
- Footwear: Wear closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles. The climbs can have loose stones, and after rain, the mud is treacherous.
- Pollution: Avenida El Poblado has heavy traffic, so if you do the Sunday ciclovía, use a face mask if you are sensitive to smog. The internal routes (like the one at Parque Ecológico) have cleaner air.
- Fun fact: The name "El Poblado" comes from the fact that the first Spanish settlement in the Aburrá Valley was established here in the 17th century. The streams you cross today were the routes the indigenous people used to descend to the Medellín River. Walking these trails is, in a way, following in the footsteps of history.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to do these routes alone?
Yes, generally they are safe during the day. The busiest routes like the ciclovía and Parque Ecológico have a good flow of people. The Quebrada La Presidenta trail can be more solitary during the week, but if you go between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., there's no problem. Always let someone know your route and bring your cell phone with a charged battery.
Can I do these routes with small children?
Most of them, yes. The Sunday ciclovía is perfect for children on bikes or walking, because it's flat and closed to traffic. Parque Ecológico El Poblado has short trails and play areas. The Quebrada La Presidenta trail is also easy, but be careful with the water edges if you have very young children. The mirador route has climbs that can be tiring for children under 8 years old.
Are there public restrooms on these routes?
Not on all of them. Parque Ecológico El Poblado has public restrooms (clean, with toilet paper). On the ciclovía, there are portable toilets at the starting points (Parque Lleras and Parque de El Poblado). On the Quebrada La Presidenta trail and the mirador route, there are no restrooms, so plan your stops at nearby cafés or restaurants. Café de la Tierra and Restaurante Verde allow you to use the restroom if you consume something.
If you want to keep exploring sustainable options in Medellín, don't miss our guide to natural corregimientos, where we tell you how to get to villages like San Sebastián de Palmitas or Santa Elena without leaving a trace. El Poblado verde is just the beginning.