Medellin Zipline Review: Soar Above Colombia

Have you ever wanted to glide like a bird, taking in breathtaking landscapes from a vantage point that’s, well, simply unreal? Doing the highest zipline close to Medellín, Colombia, might be that kind of experience, is that right? I had heard stories, seen some amazing photos, and thought, “Yeah, I kinda need to see what all the fuss is all about!” Turns out, it was more exciting and thrilling than I had even anticipated.

Why Ziplining in Medellin is very Special

So, there are zip lines, and then there are ziplines set against the backdrop of the Colombian Andes. Big difference, you see. Medellín is sort of cradled in a valley, ringed by majestic mountains that provide a spectacular location for outdoor adventures. Okay, but what sets this zipline experience apart from, for instance, those found in tourist traps? It’s about more than simply the adrenaline rush, you understand. It’s also about fully taking in the kind of overwhelming splendor of the surroundings. As I was soaring between platforms, it felt more like watching a really amazing nature documentary, that too in super-high definition and surround sound, where you get to be right in the middle of it.

What’s especially awesome is the length and height of these ziplines. A number of operators boast they have the tallest or longest ziplines, so I would really do your homework. Do not think of doing a mediocre experience, just because there are better possibilities to do it in Medellin. What I personally searched for and found was a mix of pace, safety and scenery, not simply braging heights. Safety, too, needs to be priority number 1.

Selecting Your Zipline Adventure: Sort of Like Choosing Your Ice Cream Flavor

Alright, not every zipline experience will deliver that, you see? Some cater a bit to families, offering shorter lines and more gentle inclines, which is just a bit like vanilla ice cream. Delicious, certainly, but not very “out there.” Others, you see, really crank up the thrill with crazy long lines and serious heights – the rocky road, as I would phrase it. As far as doing research on safety goes, you’d want to make sure the tour operators follow some international standards. That includes things like using properly maintained gear and employing trained guides who understand the value of double-checking every clip and carabiner. As I was gearing up, I watched to see whether the staff looked careful and really competent and at the same time really calm. If they’re very casual or rushed, those may be some red flags.

Price may be really telling as well, very low cost operations, frequently compromise safety in order to compete. When scheduling I asked specifically about weight limits, as they frequently have that. I personally preferred tours that went in smaller groups, just because it promised more personal attention and kept from getting too crowded at the platforms. Something else to think about is travel. Find out whether or not transportation to the zipline location from Medellín is provided. If that’s not the case, you need to think about arranging it yourself, which might involve negotiating with local taxis or, too it’s almost, renting a car. Either of those possibilities may have some stress that are easily avoidable.

My Zipline Day: Nerves, Views, and a Little Bit of Yelling

From the very beginning I have to state that I’m not an adrenaline junkie, right? I enjoy a very scenic hike or some relaxing kayaking. So, yeah, there was this fluttery sensation deep down in my stomach as I watched the guides hook me up to the cable at the beginning platform. Before I knew it, though, I was flying. The air rushing by my face, the wind whipping around, yet all you see are rolling hills dotted with coffee farms. It all happened so fast that it very well was more instinct than planning that encouraged a brief holler of delight.

There were places during the experience when the zipline crossed into cloud forest, or, too it’s almost, jungle, with dense vegetation right underneath me. This is why having great operators will contribute substantially to the adventure and fun that may come of it. From my vantage point you could spot birds soaring together or simply other animals, all far removed from your day-to-day environment. What felt exciting, yet, were the different ziplines, with a couple that were so long that you felt you had no more speed before touching down. One line, the longest of the day, was so much higher than the others and that may feel a bit stressful. The views though were spectacular so you didn’t think about the height much and felt really amazed after having completed the journey, as if.

Things I Wish I Had Known (Because Nobody Likes Surprises, Right?)

Here’s where you can learn from some of my mistakes, maybe, or rather, my lack of planning. To start, what clothes do I pack? Light layers are that kind of the secret. Medellín is frequently called the “City of Eternal Spring” because of its generally moderate weather; so, even though it can get warm during the day, it could be colder up in the mountains, especially if the sun ducks behind the clouds. The most comfortable option would probably be to wear pants or leggings to prevent the harness from rubbing uncomfortably on the legs. Closed-toe footwear is also important – hiking boots or athletic shoes would be a great option. It is important to have a secure fit to prevent them from sliding off during the ride.

Also very important would be using sunscreen with a high SPF, too it’s almost, protective sunglasses and a hat. You can not only save yourself a bit of suffering afterwards but still enjoy some scenery. Many folks might want to bring cameras and stuff with them to catch video along the tour but might find this difficult when trying to zipline at very high speed, so consider leaving all of those materials to one of the pros from the crew there so you’re still secure. Do not overlook your physical limitations, just because it will be very frustrating when planning on getting there. If there are medical conditions or physical issues which make these tasks difficult, please discuss those things upfront and that might assist you get the maximum out of the trip as is.