The Metrocable is an aerial cable car system that connects downtown Medellín with the hillside neighborhoods. The Medellín Metro system features 6 Metrocable lines, 3 of which are highly popular among tourists. Traveling on them is an experience that allows you to appreciate not only the beauty of the city but also its striking contrasts.
If you’re visiting the city for the first time, you might be surprised to learn that what is used worldwide as a system for visiting tourist attractions is used in Medellín to provide transportation access to thousands of families living far from the city’s central areas.
This unique feature is not exclusive to the Metrocables but also applies to other infrastructures like the electric escalators in Comuna 13.
This is precisely what makes traveling on the Metrocable so magical. You get to enjoy various panoramic views of Medellín “from the sky” while getting closer to the daily lives of its residents.
I like to compare the Metrocable to a journey in a multicultural elevator. In a small cabin with a view of the entire city, you can easily encounter tourists from other parts of the world, Medellín residents going sightseeing, locals from popular neighborhoods using it as their mode of transportation, and farmers heading to their rural estates. It’s a magical blend!
What You’ll Find in This Post:
- Tariffs
- History
- Santo Domingo Metrocable (Line K)
- Parque Arví Metrocable (Line L)
- San Javier Metrocable (Comuna 13)
- General Recommendations
Tariffs
The cost of a Metrocable ride is $3,280 pesos ($0.7 USD), except for the “L” line to Parque Arví. For this, you need to purchase two tickets: one for the metro at $3,280 pesos and another for the cable car to Arví, which costs $12,500 pesos.
To fully understand the fare system, note that Medellín Metro operates as an integrated system. A single ticket allows transfers between trains, aerial cables, trams, and buses, making the $3,280 fee an access charge to the system.
Thus, if you enter the system via a train station, you won’t have to pay more as long as you remain within the system.
The main exception is the Parque Arví Metrocable, which requires a differentiated fare due to its tourist nature.
History
The first Metrocable arrived in Medellín nine years after the Metro train system was inaugurated. It was introduced to address the transportation challenges faced by hillside residents, despite the Metro easing transit for central area dwellers.
The project’s success led to the development of new lines connecting various city zones. The next was the San Javier Metrocable, which since 2008 has linked western Medellín with the train system. The network now includes six lines, with five more planned.
These projects have revitalized the urban areas where they were implemented, typically humble neighborhoods with low-income residents, now reconnected to the city via the Metrocable.
Interestingly, Medellín was the first Latin American city to use this infrastructure for public transportation, inspiring cities like Caracas and La Paz. It remains the continent’s second-largest and most extensive aerial cable car system.
Santo Domingo Metrocable (Line K)
The first Metrocable line in Medellín, Santo Domingo, was inaugurated in 2004. Initially, it connected to the imposing Biblioteca España (now closed).
Today, it’s essential for tourists heading to Parque Arví via the Metrocable.
To take this route, get off at Acevedo station, located north of metro line A. Head to the second floor of the station and board a cabin without additional fare.
Parque Arví Metrocable (Line L)
The Parque Arví Metrocable starts where Line K (Santo Domingo) ends. This 25-minute ride connects urban Medellín with one of the city’s key ecological reserves.
The journey is mostly smooth, traversing flat forest terrain without significant bumps.
A crucial warning: if you fear heights or suffer from claustrophobia, this ride may be challenging since there are no stops during the 25-minute journey. Once inside, you cannot exit until you reach the Parque station.
To access this Metrocable, pay an additional $12,500 pesos ($2.5 USD) ticket. This fare covers one way; if you exit the cabin and wish to return later, you’ll need to pay again.
San Javier Metrocable (Comuna 13)
With Comuna 13’s rise in tourist popularity, the San Javier Metrocable has also gained fame. Although this route has no tourist stops, it provides a glimpse into the daily life of Comuna residents.
While the Comuna 13 Grafitour is culturally enhanced (with music, art, and adapted commerce for visitors), the Metrocable ride offers a more realistic view of daily life in the area.
For a visit to Comuna 13 by metro, I recommend taking the Metrocable circuit first before heading to the escalator area, accessible by taxi or bus.
General Recommendations
If planning to visit any of Medellín’s Metrocables, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
Exit Stations Only with a Clear Plan: While Metrocable areas are safe and monitored, most stations lack tourist attractions. The cabin ride can be an attraction itself.
Stay Close to the Stations: If you exit a station to connect better with local culture, don’t stray more than 4-5 streets from the station. The surroundings usually feature merchants and friendly locals willing to share their stories.
Use Sunscreen: On sunny days, direct sunlight can hit your face. Bring sunscreen to enjoy the ride without skin issues.
Stay with Your Group: Cabins hold up to 6 people. You might need to wait for an available spot for your group.
Carry Your Camera or Phone: All Metro and Metrocable stations are safe for using devices. Take advantage to capture panoramic city photos during your ride.
Fear of Heights?: The ride can be daunting if you fear heights. Some sections reach up to 30 meters above ground with minor “turbulences” in the cabin. However, like on planes, these movements may cause discomfort but won’t affect flight safety.