Everything You Need to Know About Las Tres Cruces in Medellin
By Kaveh Paymayesh
Cerro de las Tres Cruces has emerged as the hottest hiking spot in the city thanks to its accessibility, infrastructure and awesome views of the valley. The hill, although daunting, can be completed in 2 hours!
It is a great way to get in shape, meet others and escape the congestion of the city. In this guide we shall cover everything you need to know about this hill.
Basic Info
Thanks to its proximity to the rest of the city, Cerro de las Tres Cruces (Hill of Three Crosses) is now one of the valley’s finest hiking destinations. On weekends it is frequented by hundreds of locals, and nowadays, a respectable number of foreigners.
The hill, only since recently, has been protected as an ecological reserve of the city. The government bought the land and has since 2019 planted over 70,000 native trees.
Cerro de Las Tres Cruces makes up one of the city’s 7 tutelary (protected) hills. The rest are Cerro el Volador, Cerro la Asomadera, Cerro Nutibara, Cerro Pan de Azúcar, Cerro el Salvador, Cerro el Picacho.
Cerro de las Tres Cruces attracts people of all different ages. However, do not underestimate the hill; it is a challenging endeavour for those not accustomed to steep-gradient hikes.
It does not come without its rewards, the views from each and every point of the hill offer stunning perspectives of not only the city but the entire valley.
Here are some basic facts about the hill:
Distance: 1.1km – 1.3km each way (0.68 miles – 0.8 miles).
Duration: depends! 30 -50 minutes each way.
Elevation: 335m between base and peak. From 1,600m to 1,935m.
Difficulty: modest to challenging depending on the route.
Area: 107 hectares
How to Get to Cerro de las Tres Cruces?
Cerro de las Tres Cruces is located in the Altavista district, southwest of Medellin. If you’re in Poblado, you’ll be able to see it directly on the opposite side of the valley.
The hill is located within Comuna 16; Belén. The neighbourhood is called Loma de los Bernal.
An Uber from Poblado should cost somewhere between 15,000 COP-22,000 COP ($3.26 – $4.35). Not all taxi drivers know where the entrances are, Cl. 8 #84f-25 will take you to the main entrance.
Alternatively, tell them to take you to Colegio Padre Manyanet, which is a private school located on the same road.
We also recommend that you utilize the public transport system. Take the Medellin Metro to Los Aples station, located near Los Molinos mall. From there you can either walk uphill for 12 minutes or take a $7,000 COP taxi to the entrance listed above.
There are Two Entrances
There is a quieter, more beautiful entrance to the hill. This trail is steeper but more densely populated with mature vegetation and greenery. The entrance is located next to the Aura urbanization in Loma de los Bernal. The address is:
Cra. 84f #3C-40, Medellín, Altavista, Medellín.
I’m lucky enough that I could see it from my previous home!
The trail is slightly different and snakes around to the left of the primary route. It is quicker but steeper. I also think it is prettier as you are closer to the trees.
Unlike the main route where you’re likely to find people blasting music, the atmosphere of this trail is a lot more subdued. This makes it ideal for nature lovers as you can hear birds and other fauna in your surroundings.
What to Expect During the Hike
Tres Cruces is busiest during weekends, especially on Sundays. The peak hours are during the morning as there is little shade on the trail.
Speaking of the trail, it is mere hard-packed dirt which can be slippery, especially when wet!
You will find ‘steps’ shaped out of the dirt which provides better purchase on the trail.
These steps are not very wide though and are shared by people ascending and descending. You may struggle to access them when busy as many others will be trying to do the same.
As you climb the hill, you will notice an abundance of young trees. It wasn’t always like this. Historically, the hill had always struggled with vegetation thanks to numerous fires throughout its history. More on that below…
The midpoint of the trail
You’ll know when you’re at the midpoint when you see a calisthenics gym and drink/fruit vendor located within a small plateau.
There is also a small playground for kids.
Be aware that the stand is not open at all times. I went on a Wednesday at 4 pm and it was shut. They are definitely open on weekends.
Given that this is the midpoint of the hike, it’s a common spot for people to take a breather and recuperate.
In my opinion, the second half of the journey is harder but others disagree with me. Either way, you’ll be spoilt with fantastic views of the city. On a clear day, you should be able to see as far as Bello in the north.
When you get to the top
As you march to the top of the hill, you’ll notice steps that take you to the three crosses. These steps are a new feature built in 2020 and are surrounded by a garden of flowers and orchids (also new).
At the top of the hill is a platform, by the iconic three crosses. From there, if conditions are good, you’ll have a view of the entire valley. It is a popular place to snap a few photos.
A few steps behind the platform you’ll find ANOTHER outdoor gym and some new sheltered benches. The gym is chiefly calisthenic-based with chin-up bars etc. There are also weights if that is what you’re looking for.
In addition to the gym, there is also a stand which sells water, fruits and juices. They do NOT accept card payments. Bring cash!
If you walk past the gym and down a hill you will find another look-out point and another stand selling the same type of stuff.
Cerro de las Tres Cruces was Burnt in 2019
The Three Crosses Hill is no stranger to fires.
In September 2019, three minors triggered a devastating fire when messing around with fireworks. By the time firemen extinguished it, the damage was extensive and much of the land scorched.
Las Tres Cruces had always been vulnerable to igniting during dry spells because of its lack of vegetation. When it burnt in 2019, the grass was dry and acted as a tinder.
The good news is that this was the impetus for a brighter future…
Reforesting Cerro de las Tres Cruces
As we see repeatedly, Medellin loves to flip a disaster into an opportunity.
Such is the recent story of the Tres Cruces. In late 2019, shortly after the fire, the government purchased 103 of the total 107 hectares making up the hill.
It is now protected land!
Coincidentally at the time of purchase, EPM (Medellin’s utility company) announced a donation of 1,000,000 new trees for the Aburra Valley.
- 74,303 trees have been planted throughout the Cerro.
- The top of the hill has also been embellished with a new garden and plenty of new plants.
- 6,500m2 of new trails, balconies, platforms and a viewing area.
Tres Cruces looks better than it has in recent history and is now protected by the city as a new ecological reserve.
The area is abundant in wildlife and is hopefully going to benefit from this reforestation effort. You can find the royal woodpecker, rattlesnake parakeet, hummingbird, angel-flight butterflies, night monkey, anteater, bush dog, bush fox, red-tailed squirrel and more who call this place home.
The Hill is Popular for 2-wheelers
One of the great things about the hill is that it attracts a broad mix of people, from fitness-freaks, families & friends, seniors all the way to adrenaline junkies.
You’ll want to watch out because Cerro de las Tres Cruces has some crazy dirt tracks which are popular amongst motorists and cyclists. Check out the photos below:
Is Cerro de las Tres Cruces Safe?
Yes, for the most part. It depends though.
Before going to the hill I was warned by my apartment security and neighbour. They did not recommend I venture off alone and much less on a weekday when it would be quiet.
Unfortunately, nature trails are a popular scenario for armed theft in not just Medellin, but Colombia.
In recent years, the hill has become significantly safer. It was long known as a hotspot for robbery as mischievous kids would loiter and wait for their next victim.
Anyhow, I did not heed the advice of my porter. I decided to venture alone at 4 pm on a Wednesday. I did not have any issues.
That’s not true actually. When I got to the top of the hill it began to rain. Alone, I was in a very dangerous situation. The dirt path I used to get up turned into a treacherous stream with no grip.
I fell many times and feared for my safety.
Tips to Have in Mind When Going to Las Tres Cruces
It is best to climb the hill early in the morning. Medellin typically experiences high UV indexes of 11 (extreme) and there is little shade throughout the hike. In the morning you can escape the worst of the sun. The mornings are also peak hours.
We also recommend that you back lots of sun protection, for the same reason.
Although I had no problem going during the week when it was quiet, it is riskier. The best days to go are from Friday – Sunday (with Sunday being the busiest day).
Use common sense! Have fun but remain sceptical of people you meet, especially youngsters.
The weather! Do your due diligence. Don’t allow yourself to get caught out by heavy rain. It will make your descent more treacherous. I found this out the hard way.
Unless you’re going with a big group, I would avoid going at night.
Don’t be surprised if you smell marijuana at the top. It is also a popular place for recreation (of all types).
Finally, remember that the stands throughout the hill DO NOT accept card payments. Make sure to bring cash if you want to buy water, juices or fruit.
Conclusion: Cerro de las Tres Cruces
Cerro de las Tres Cruces is absolutely worth a visit. For many of Medellin’s inhabitants and visitors, it is a regular feature of their lives. Climb the hill 3x a week and your health will thank you!
Although challenging, do not be intimidated. The hill attracts a broad range of people, from fitness fanatics to those even those physically handicapped. I’ve seen it all!
For peace of mind, remember to follow the tips I have provided in this article.
Whether it’s to get some fresh air, see the valley from a bird’s eye view, or simply get in shape, you will love the Tres Cruces!
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