Highest Zipline + Giant Waterfall hike & climbing Private Tour

That 100-meter waterfall looks unreal. This is a private Medellín adventure built around the Salto del Buey canyon, with big views plus hands-on climbing. I loved the combo of the highest zipline run and the via ferrata experience right by the falls. I also liked how the guides keep things moving at a safe pace so you can enjoy the scenery. One thing to consider up front: this isn’t a stroll, you need solid fitness because you’ll hike both down and back, often with muddy, wet trails.

Key points to know before you go

• Colombia’s highest zipline (about 1,000 feet) with two zip flights in one day
• 100-meter Salto del Buey waterfall hike to the base, then more walking on the way back
• Via ferrata beside the waterfall, with metal paths over vertical and horizontal sections
• Private guide and private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Bring dry clothes and shoes, because you should expect to get wet on the hike
• Strict body limits (weight, waist, thigh) and a height minimum to join the activity

Medellín’s Buey canyon day: zipline, waterfall hike, and via ferrata

This tour is for people who want adrenaline and scenery in the same package. You start high, you hike down to the base of the Salto del Buey waterfall, and then you climb with the sound and power of the falls next to you.

I like that the experience isn’t just one thrill and then done. You get multiple “wow” moments: zipline views across the canyon, the waterfall up close at the bottom, and then the via ferrata angles that make the falls feel even bigger.

Getting there with a private pickup that keeps the day on track

Your day starts at 8:30 am, with hotel pickup or pickup from your specified address. It helps that transport is included, and it’s air-conditioned, which matters in Medellín when you’re heading out into the mountains.

You won’t be at the ecopark immediately. The schedule calls for a 10:15 am arrival, then activity ramps up. That timing is good for two reasons: you avoid rushing, and you still get a full afternoon back before late traffic.

One logistics detail that’s easy to miss: you’ll need passport information at booking for all participants (name, number, expiry, and country). I’d treat that as a checklist item you handle early so day-of surprises don’t happen.

First zipline flight: high over the Buey canyon

At 10:30 am, you jump into the first ziplining session. The included flights are listed as two big runs with impressive stats: 1080 feet of height and 2296 feet of length total for the zipline portion.

Even if you’re not chasing numbers, the feeling matters more. This is about crossing a wide valley while you look down into the canyon and around at the waterfall area. You get that out-and-back feel, so you see the scenery twice from a similar vantage, which helps when you’re trying to take photos.

The tour includes the essentials: harness and helmet, plus insurance and a professional guide. That combination is why this kind of activity feels manageable instead of intimidating. Still, you should listen closely during instructions. If you’re even slightly unsure about how to clip in or move, ask right then, not later.

Hiking to the base of Salto del Buey: 100 meters up close

Around 11:00 am, you begin a hike to the base of the giant El Salto del Buey waterfall. The walk is described as a Class 3.5 out of 5 hiking difficulty, roughly 30 minutes each way for the “to the base” segment.

What you’re really signing up for here is closeness. The waterfall is not a background scene. When you reach the base, it changes how the air feels, and it makes everything louder and more powerful than photos show.

This is also where your shoes matter most. You should plan for a muddy trail. One runner-up item from past trips is getting wet and having muddy shoes, so expect that. The good news is you’ll have a chance to change clothes later, because you’re explicitly advised to bring dry options.

Via ferrata at 12:00: climbing with the waterfall beside you

At 12:00 pm, the day turns into via ferrata. This is the part many people remember most, because you’re not just watching the falls, you’re climbing near them.

The via ferrata section is listed with 196 feet horizontal and 196 feet vertical paths. That means it’s not just a “touch the wall” experience. It’s a real route on metal elements where you use steady handholds and foot placements.

Here’s what to expect in human terms. You’ll climb while the waterfall’s energy is right beside you, which can make you feel like you’re working your way through the environment instead of above it. It also tends to give more photo moments because there are angles where you can look under or alongside the falls depending on where the path takes you.

If you’re worried it will feel technical, the guides on this tour style the experience to be doable for the right fitness level. One thing I’d still keep in mind: if you get tired easily, pace yourself. Past participants noted that you can rest as needed, which is smart. Don’t sprint at the start.

Lunch window at 2:30 pm: plan for extra time and budget

Lunch is at 2:30 pm and it’s not included. That means you’ll need either cash on hand or a plan for how you want to handle food in that window.

The tour does mention vegetarian options are available if you advise at booking, so if your meal needs are specific, tell the operator ahead of time. Also, since you’re told to bring cash in Colombian pesos, don’t plan on just card payments if you’re stuck finding a last-minute place.

Given the schedule, lunch is likely short and practical. Eat what keeps your energy stable, then be ready to move again for the second zipline.

Second zipline, plus that hike back

At 3:30 pm, you’ll take the second zipline flight. After that, there’s a 30-minute hike and then you head back toward Medellín, arriving around 5:45 pm.

The second half matters because it’s when your legs notice everything you did earlier. Even if you felt okay on the way down, hiking back can feel tougher. That’s normal because the trail conditions and footing are often the same, just in reverse.

If you’re the type who loves a steady pace, this works well because you’re not waiting around forever between activities. If you’re the type who powers through, you still need to save some energy for the return walk.

What I’d pack for this day (so you don’t suffer unnecessarily)

For this tour, the “comfort” list is more important than the “athletic” list. Your feet and clothes take a beating.

Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for muddy ground
• Extra dry shoes and dry clothes to change after the hike
• A change of socks, because wet socks can ruin the last half of the day
• Sun protection, since the schedule includes outdoor time and open views

What not to bring: sandals or flip flops are not allowed. That rule makes sense because you’ll need foot control on the trail and on the climb-related surfaces.

One more practical tip: bring cash in Colombian pesos. Since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want a backup way to pay without stress.

Fitness reality check: who this is for, and who should pass

This tour asks for a strong physical fitness level. You also need to meet body measurement requirements, not just general fitness.

Weight limit and measurements:

• Maximum weight: 99 kg (218 lbs)
• Maximum waist size: 120 cm (47 in)
• Maximum thigh size: 66 cm (27 in)
• Minimum height: 130 cm (4′ 3″)

If you’re within these limits but you’re mostly doing low-impact day hiking, you might still manage, but I’d be honest with yourself about endurance. You’re doing a waterfall hike plus via ferrata plus a second zipline plus return walking. The trip is not described as the most grueling thing imaginable, but it is active.

If you have balance issues, take that seriously too. Via ferrata is often easier than people imagine, but it still demands steady movement and comfort with heights.

Safety, guides, and the value of a private group

Ecoventure includes insurances, plus safety gear like harness and helmet. The whole structure depends on staff helping you feel set up correctly for each part.

The best part, in my book, is that you get a private professional guide who can adjust the rhythm to your group. People have specifically praised guides such as Fabian and Diego for English fluency and for giving context about plants, coffee, culture, and the mountain area. That matters because it turns the day from a checklist into something you actually remember.

Also, since this is a private tour, only your group participates. That reduces the stress of waiting around while others get ready, and it often makes it easier to take breaks at a pace that fits you.

Price and value: why $228 can make sense here

The price is $228 per person for about 8 hours on the calendar, with admission ticket included. When you compare that to the cost of booking separate tours for zipline, a waterfall hike, and via ferrata, the value starts to look more reasonable.

You’re paying for:

• Two zipline flights
• Via ferrata with set vertical and horizontal sections
• A private guide and air-conditioned transport
• Safety gear and insurance
• Admission ticket

The one cost you should plan for is lunch, since it’s not included. So your real budget is the base price plus meal time spending.

For the money, you’re also buying time efficiency. You’re not trying to coordinate transfers between multiple companies. Your day is scheduled and you’re driven directly to the ecopark zone.

Who should book this Medellín tour

You’ll love this if you:

• Want a mixed day of adventure plus big scenery
• Enjoy challenge that feels real, like via ferrata, not just a scenic viewpoint
• Like having a guide who can explain what you’re seeing and keep you moving

You should think twice if you:

• Have limited mobility or low endurance for hiking back uphill
• Don’t meet the body measurement or weight rules
• Don’t want to deal with muddy, wet trails and the need to change clothes

This is also a good fit for couples or small groups who want privacy and a tailored pace, especially compared to crowded group tours.

Should you book it? My straight answer

If you’re comfortable with active hiking and you’re genuinely interested in doing via ferrata, book this. The combination is the point, and the falls add a level of awe that you feel in your body, not just your camera.

If you’re on the fence, use two tests. First, can you handle the walk to the base and the tougher-feeling hike back? Second, are you ready with dry clothes and the right shoes? If yes, you’ll likely come away with a day that feels like more than one activity, it’s a full adventure loop in the Buey canyon.

FAQ

What time does pickup start?

Pickup starts at 8:30 am from your hotel or a specified address.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

Where does the tour take place?

The experience is in the area of Salto del Buey la Ceja Antioquia, with activities at an ecopark in the Buey canyon.

What’s included in the price?

You get harness and helmet, two zipline flights, via ferrata paths, air-conditioned vehicle transport, a private professional guide, and insurances. Admission ticket is included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at 2:30 pm is not included.

What fitness level do I need?

The tour requires a strong physical fitness level and strong physical condition because it includes hiking, via ferrata, and multiple active segments.

Are there height, weight, and body measurement limits?

Yes. Weight must be under 99 kg. Waist must not exceed 120 cm, thigh must not exceed 66 cm. Minimum height is 130 cm.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring extra dry shoes and clothes to change into after the hike, since you should expect to get wet and have muddy shoes. Sandals or flip flops are not allowed.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is private, and only your group will participate.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.