
Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
1. El Retiro Eco-Park
A lush green space in the heart of Medellín with a focus on environmental education and conservation.
- Eco-Education: Offers workshops and activities promoting sustainable practices.
- Biodiversity: Home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the endangered Yellow-eared Parrot.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by public transportation.
2. Arví Park
A vast natural reserve offering hiking trails and educational tours about the region's flora and fauna.
- Natural Beauty: Features various ecosystems, from cloud forests to wetlands.
- Community Engagement: Works with local communities to promote sustainable development.
- Size: One of the largest urban parks in Latin America, spanning over 12,000 hectares.
3. El Salado Bird Sanctuary
A protected wetland area home to a rich avian population and an essential stopover for migratory birds.
- Bird Watching: Over 200 bird species can be spotted, including several endangered ones.
- Environmental Conservation: Dedicated to preserving the region's unique wetland ecosystem.
- Community-Based Tourism: Supports local guides and promotes responsible tourism practices.
4. Comuna 13 Eco-Tour
A guided tour through the famous urban redevelopment project in Medellín, focusing on sustainable initiatives and community development.
- Urban Regeneration: Highlights successful community-led regeneration projects.
- Cultural Exchange: Provides an opportunity to engage with local residents and learn about their culture.
- Sustainable Development: Supports locally-run businesses and sustainable initiatives.
5. Mirador del Río Surecí
A scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking vistas of the Serranía de las Quindío, with an emphasis on environmental conservation and education.
- Natural Beauty: Showcases the stunning landscapes of the Western Cordillera.
- Eco-Education: Provides information about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.
- Community Engagement: Supports local businesses and promotes responsible tourism practices.
6. EcoHabs Guatapé
An eco-lodge located near the famous Peñol Rock and offering sustainable accommodations and activities.
- Sustainable Accommodation: Built using locally sourced materials and designed to minimize environmental impact.
- Community-Based Tourism: Supports local businesses and cultural exchange opportunities.
- Access to Natural Attractions: Easy access to popular eco-tourism sites, such as the Piedra del Peñol and Guatapé Lake.
7. El Viejo Café Organico
An organic coffee farm offering tours, workshops, and sustainable accommodations.
- Organic Agriculture: Practices sustainable farming methods, promoting biodiversity and soil health.
- Community Engagement: Supports local farmers and provides educational opportunities about coffee production.
- Sustainable Accommodation: Offers eco-friendly cabins for guests to stay in.
8. Canoa Colorada Ecolodge
A lakeside eco-lodge offering sustainable accommodations and activities in the Serranía de los Yariguíes National Park.
- Sustainable Accommodation: Built using locally sourced materials and designed to minimize environmental impact.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Canoa Colorada Lagoon and surrounding mountains.
- Community-Based Tourism: Supports local businesses and cultural exchange opportunities.
9. Cerro Toro Ecological Park
A protected area offering hiking trails, bird watching, and environmental education.
- Biodiversity: Home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the Andean condor.
- Eco-Education: Offers workshops and activities promoting sustainable practices.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by public transportation.
10. Parque Natural El Sapo
A natural park featuring various ecosystems and offering guided tours focused on environmental education.
- Natural Beauty: Showcases the diverse landscapes of Medellín, from cloud forests to wetlands.
- Eco-Education: Provides information about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.
- Community Engagement: Supports local businesses and cultural exchange opportunities.
11. La Ceja Eco-Lodge
A sustainable eco-lodge located in the heart of the Eastern Cordillera, offering guided tours and eco-friendly accommodations.
- Sustainable Accommodation: Built using locally sourced materials and designed to minimize environmental impact.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Eastern Cordillera mountain range.
- Community-Based Tourism: Supports local businesses and cultural exchange opportunities.
12. El Tucán Ecological Reserve
A protected area home to the endangered Santa Marta Parakeet and offering guided tours focused on environmental education.
- Biodiversity: Home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the endangered Santa Marta Parakeet.
- Eco-Education: Offers workshops and activities promoting sustainable practices.
- Community Engagement: Supports local businesses and cultural exchange opportunities.
13. Parque Arví Eco-Tour
A guided tour through the Arví Park, focusing on sustainable practices, local culture, and environmental education.
- Eco-Education: Provides information about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.
- Cultural Exchange: Offers opportunities to learn about local culture and traditions.
- Community Engagement: Supports local businesses and sustainable development initiatives.
14. El Salado Butterfly Farm
A butterfly farm offering educational tours about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.
- Eco-Education: Provides information about the life cycle of butterflies and their importance to the ecosystem.
- Biodiversity: Home to a variety of butterfly species, including the endangered Glasswing Butterfly.
- Community Engagement: Supports local businesses and provides economic opportunities for nearby communities.
15. Finca El Rosal
An organic farm offering sustainable accommodations, workshops, and tours focused on environmental education.
- Organic Agriculture: Practices sustainable farming methods, promoting biodiversity and soil health.
- Eco-Education: Offers workshops and activities promoting sustainable practices.
- Sustainable Accommodation: Offers eco-friendly cabins for guests to stay in.