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Looking for a wild ATV adventure in Medellin?
Boy oh boy, do we have some fantastic tours for you! Medellin is surrounded by mountains and while living here, we had so much fun exploring them on quad bikes. It’s a great way to cover a ton of ground, not to mention a wicked adventure.
Of course, you want to pick a tour that’s safe, reputable, and doesn’t cost a ton, which is why we’ve rounded up the best ones for you here. There’s a tour for everyone, whether you’re on a budget, looking for a private experience, or just craving as much adrenaline as possible!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE experience is this private ATV tour through the mountains around Medellin. It has you driving on jungle trails to stunning viewpoints and includes a waterfall visit and lunch!
This tour is VERY popular and you can check out the 175+ reviews and book it here!
Tip: Reserve this tour early to guarantee your spot and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
1. Private Half-Day Medellin Mountains ATV Tour with Lunch
- Price: $170 USD
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 9-10 am
- Highlights: Driving along jungle trails, visiting mountain viewpoints, lots of rural scenery, waterfall visit, lunch at a local trout farm
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, private transfer, private guide, lunch, insurance, photos
- Rating: 5 Stars (check 175+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
I’m not exaggerating when I say that this private ATV tour blew me away. We had the most incredible time exploring Medellin’s mountain scenery, the jungle, and the local countryside with scarcely another soul in sight!
Our guide, Esteban, was just fantastic. He was so fun and energetic, and the route he planned for us was epic. We got to visit a gorgeous hidden waterfall, ride through farmland, and tackle tons of hills and dirt tracks. The views of the city from up there were beautiful, too. In short, we had an absolute blast, and this tour gave us some of our best memories of Medellin.
Since it was a private tour, we were able to stop and rest (or hold an impromptu photoshoot!) whenever we felt like it, as we didn’t have to worry about anyone else. This made the experience extra special, so I would highly recommend booking this private tour if you can. We got so much more out of the experience this way.
The tour also ended on a high note, where we got to eat rainbow trout at a local farm. This is a regional specialty and a must-try while you’re in Medellin, so that was another thing that we were able to tick off of our bucket lists!
We had the time of our lives on this tour and really can’t say enough good things about it. We also thought it was great value for a private tour including lunch, so don’t hesitate to book your experience, before someone else gets wind of this amazing deal.
Easily book this epic tour here and you can pay later!
2. 1-Hour Private ATV Ride near Medellin
- Price: $133 – $146 USD per person
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am, 11 am, or 1 pm
- Highlights: 1 hour ATV ride, beautiful views of Medellin, exploring a rural area, driving through rivers and along jungle tracks
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, safety equipment and clothing,
- Rating: 5 Stars (check 145+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Not all ATV tours in Medellin are suitable for families, but this ATV tour certainly is, so snap it up while you can! Kids as young as 3 are welcome to come along for the ride, and infant seats are available – although don’t worry parents, the minimum driving age is 18.
We were able to borrow jackets and gloves for free to help protect us from the worst of the mud because let me tell you, this is a true countryside adventure! It’s so much fun exploring the hills, jungle trails, and even riding through the rivers. We had a blast, but the course isn’t too challenging for beginners, so this is a great tour to choose if this will be your first time riding an ATV.
Plus, it’s a private tour, which means you can chat away with your guide and learn about life in Medellin’s rural surroundings. I found this super interesting, and I felt like we got to see an entirely different side of the area. An hour-long ride may not sound like that long, but we covered a ton of ground, and it’s the perfect amount of time for beginners and little ones.
So if you’re looking for an exciting adventure that’s suitable for all ages and abilities, I would highly recommend booking this tour.
Get free cancellation on this tour if you book online here!
Related Read: Another experience adventure lovers won’t want to miss is booking one of the best-rated paragliding flights in Medellin!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
3. Full-Day ATV Group Tour in the Colombian Jungle from Medellin
- Price: $148 USD
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Jungle trails, 5-hour ATV ride in the mountains, spotting wildlife, lunch in Don Matías, swimming in an infinity pool
- Inclusions: Transport, lunch, pool access, fruit snacks, English-speaking guides, safety equipment, photos
- Rating: 5 Stars (check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
This 9-hour ATV tour is the perfect option for those adventuring on a budget. It’s competitively priced and it’s a full-day tour with lunch and all transport included, so your money goes a long way with this one.
The ride itself is an exciting 5-hour adventure along mountain ridges and jungle trails, so believe me when I say the views are absolutely epic. We also saw a ton of wildlife on this tour as we went through the trees and our guides took amazing photos for us, which were sent to us for free after the tour. How great is that?
There was plenty of time to warm up with laps around the ATV center, and then when everyone in our group was feeling comfortable, we headed out into open space to tear up the landscape. It was so much fun!
After the tour, the speed demons among us were invited to try out a few laps on an advanced 4×4 trail. Those who weren’t up to it, or didn’t want to participate, were free instead to relax and take a swim at the facility’s infinity pool. This was a very welcome treat after a day of getting sweaty, muddy, and dusty!
At $148 USD for an all-inclusive, full-day adventure in Medellin, budget travelers should snap this up ASAP. It’s such a competitive price for what’s offered, so it usually gets booked up in advance by savvy travelers.
Grab your spot on this popular ATV tour here!
Other Activities to do While You’re in Medellin
While an ATV adventure is a must, don’t leave without discovering all the things to do in Medellin. I even moved here for six weeks after my first visit because I loved it so much! These are just a few of our favorite activities in Medellin.
- City tour – Get your bearings and explore Medellin with a local guide. This walking tour with Real City is one of the best free walking tours I’ve done in Latin America! You need to book a day in advance and then you’re all set to see the highlights of downtown Medellin. Alternatively, this bike tour of Medellin covers more ground with plenty of stops for photos as you explore back roads, quiet parks, and colorful neighborhoods.
- See Comuna 13 – What used to be one of the most dangerous places in the world, Comuna 13 has transformed into a vibrant neighborhood! Graffiti art and street food are two main attractions and this Comuna 13 tour includes both. The guides also share personal stories of life here giving you a window into its dark past. We learned so much and it was one of our favorite tours in Medellin.
- Eat amazing food – There are flavors galore here, so get a taste of Medellin by joining a private food tour! You get to try traditional Colombian food and drinks as your guide helps you order at some of the best local spots. If you’re looking for a great meal on your own, the vegetarian pizza at Cafe Zorba is a personal favorite of mine!
- Learn to salsa dance – If you’ve always wanted to learn how to salsa, this is the place! We loved the live salsa music at Son Havana Bar for a night out. If you want to learn a few moves beforehand, this salsa and bachata class is a great way to find your rhythm and get those hips moving!
- Explore El Poblado – This is one of the safest and most touristy areas in Medellin and it’s home to some of the best restaurants, bars, and shopping. In fact, your hotel might even be located here! Head to the local square of Parque Lleras for live music and dancing in the evenings!
Where to Stay in Medellin, Colombia
With so much to see in and around Medellin, chances are you’ll need a solid place to stay in this city so you can explore! And luckily, it’s one of the best places to see in all of South America.
However, picking the right area to stay in a big city can affect your experience, and Medellin is no different. For most people, safety in Medellin is the most important factor when deciding where to stay. Below are the best areas to stay in Medellin along with accommodation options for all budgets.
El Poblado
This vibrant upper-class neighborhood offers amazing nightlife, top restaurants with cuisine from all over the world, and a safe friendly atmosphere. The streets in El Poblado are safe to wander day and night providing you use some care when it’s really late.
This area is a perfect base to explore other parts of the city and the area I recommend staying in Medellin. It’s also the starting point for many of the best tours in Medellin and tours to Guatapé. Some places I recommend staying are:
Los Patios Hostel – A great budget option for backpackers. this hostel is famous in Medellin, and the place is beautiful. There’s a rooftop swimming pool, communal spaces, and a fun terrace. Rooms are themed according to different regions in the country which is a nice touch. While dorm beds aren’t the cheapest (starting at $30 USD), the reviews and standards are really good. You can also easily book on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
14 Urban Hotel – This medium-budget hotel is stunning and perfectly located in El Poblado. The rooms are spacious and modern, the staff is friendly, and the price includes a delicious breakfast. Plus, this hotel can cost as little as $93 USD a night when booked in advance.
Café Hotel Medellín – Cafe Hotel is your typical hotel and comes with everything you’d expect from classic hotel brands such as Hilton. The location is a little up the hill from the main restaurant and bar area of El Poblado, but this makes it much more of a quiet stay. It has a beautiful view and a rooftop jacuzzi which is perfect for relaxing after a long tour! Rooms start from $120 USD on Booking.com.
For luxury travelers, Elcielo Hotel & Restaurant is easily the best choice. Not only is it still affordable (starting at $319 USD), but the hotel comes with a fantastic location, luxurious rooms, a swimming pool, a spa and wellness center, a fitness center, and fantastic views of the city. It’s beautifully decorated, and the quality of the service and on-site food is superb. It’s a popular choice, so best to book this one ahead of time.
Laureles
Laureles is another upmarket neighborhood that’s a great area for tourists to stay. This area is where the stadium in Medellin is located, and it’s very similar to El Poblado. The reason I like Laureles is that it’s closer to downtown and more central so you don’t have to travel as far to visit many attractions in Medellin. Some places to stay in Laureles are:
The Wandering Paisa Backpackers Hostel is a top choice for backpackers in Laureles. It has a fantastic atmosphere perfect for meeting other travelers, a great location, and clean facilities. What more could you want? Plus, a bed in a shared dorm starts from just $11 USD a night. You can check availability and book on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Hotel Vivre – If you want a quiet and comfortable stay then Hotel Vivre will suit you. It’s right off the strip with lots of shops, bars, and restaurants nearby. The rooms here are modern and clean, and breakfast is included in the room rate (which begins at just $66 USD).
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
I hope you’re all set for an incredible adventure taking an ATV tour from Medellin! These tours stood out from the rest for us and I know you’ll make some incredible memories on whichever one you choose.
If you need more travel advice or inspiration, check out all our blogs about Colombia! We’ve extensively traveled around this country and South America and have lots of tips to share.
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