The Rise of Cycling Culture in Medellín
If there's one thing that turns the idea that Medellín is only about the metro and taxis on its head, it's seeing the local cyclists taking over the streets every Sunday. For a few years now, the city has become a paradise for those who pedal. It's not just because of the eternal spring weather (around 24°C most of the year), but because people have taken over the bike lanes and turned them into an extension of their living rooms. In July 2026, the routes are no longer the same as a decade ago: cyclists have ventured into the hills, neighborhoods, and hidden cafés. Here I'll tell you how to ride like a local, without falling into generic tourist maps.
Cycling culture in Medellín isn't new, but it has exploded in the last five years. Groups like "Biciéntricas" or "Medellín en Bici" organize rides ranging from family outings to heart-pumping climbs up Cerro Nutibara. The cool thing is you don't need to be an athlete: anyone here can hop on a public bike and join the organized chaos. What makes this city special is that each route has its own flavor: while in Laureles the ciclovía is a party of colors and music, in Envigado you come across dirt trails that smell of guava and coffee. And that's exactly what we're going to explore.
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Laureles Ciclovía: More Than a Ride, an Experience
The Laureles Ciclovía is the quintessential Sunday plan. It starts on Avenida 33 and extends along Carrera 70, passing by the Unidad Deportiva Atanasio Girardot. But careful: it's not just a street closed to traffic. It's a rolling carnival. On Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the road fills with families on bikes, dogs in baskets, skaters, and even ladies selling mango biche in little bags. The best part isn't the route itself, but the stops you find along the way.
Must-Stop Spots on Laureles Ciclovía
- Frutería La 70: At Carrera 70 with Calle 47. Order a lulo juice with milk or a fruit salad. Prices from $5,000 COP. Open Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Parque de Laureles: A shady respite right in the middle of the route. There are benches to stretch your legs, and if you're hungry, a man sells arepas de chócolo with cheese for $4,000 COP.
- Public bikes at Estadio station: If you didn't bring a bike, the Encicla system has stations nearby. They are free with prior registration (bring your ID or passport). Sunday hours: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
A curious fact few know: the Laureles Ciclovía has a section that goes up Calle 44 to Cerro El Volador. It's a short but steep climb that rewards you with a view of the entire city. Locals call it "the little Sunday hill" and it's the favorite challenge for those who want to sweat a bit before breakfast.
Envigado's Lesser-Known Trails: Nature and Tranquility
Envigado, the neighboring municipality south of Medellín, is the cyclists' best-kept secret. While most stay in the city, those in the know head to Vereda El Vallano or the La Ayurá area. Here there's no traffic or honking, just the sound of birds and wind through the trees. The star route goes from Envigado's main square up to Alto de Las Palmas, but not the paved version everyone knows, but the dirt detour that goes into the forest.
How to Get There and What to Expect in Envigado
To get there, take the metro to Envigado station and then a public bike from Encicla (there are stations in the park). The dirt route starts on Calle 37 Sur, behind the Viva Envigado shopping center. It's about 8 kilometers of gradual climb, with constant shade. Don't expect asphalt: it's a loose stone and mud path if it has rained. But it's worth it: halfway there is a natural viewpoint known as "La Piedra del Chivo," where locals sit to drink tinto and watch the valley.
- Mandatory stop: Cafetería El Bosque: In Vereda El Vallano, 4 km from the start of the route. They sell regional coffee for $3,500 COP and pipián empanadas for $2,000 COP. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Frutería La Ayurá: At the end of the trail, before going down to the river. Order a soursop juice with milk (a delicacy). Prices between $6,000 and $8,000 COP.
- Local tip: Bring repellent. The mosquitoes in Envigado are fierce, especially after 4:00 p.m.
What makes this route special is that it connects you with a Medellín that doesn't appear in the guides: the one of farmers selling avocados on the road, of stray dogs that accompany you for a stretch, and of silences only heard in the countryside.
Mandatory Breaks: Cafés and Fruit Stands Recommended by Locals
Medellín isn't just about pedaling; it's about stopping to eat something that gives you back your energy. Local cyclists have their fixed spots, and they aren't the American coffee chains. Here are the ones that never fail:
Cafés to Recharge Your Batteries
- Café Velvet: At Calle 10B # 36-25, in El Poblado. It's small, with sidewalk tables. Their filtered coffee costs $4,500 COP and they sell an addictive artisanal chocolate brownie. Open Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- La Tienda de los Abuelos: At Carrera 45 # 22-10, in the La América neighborhood. This place looks like it's from the 80s: formica tables, old photos on the wall, and a house coffee with milk for $3,000 COP. It's the meeting point for cyclists coming down from Cerro El Volador.
- Frutería El Mango: At Calle 44 # 70-50, Laureles. It's not a café, but they sell natural juices and a fruit salad that revives you after a long route. Prices from $5,000 COP. Open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Roadside Fruit Stands
- Doña Marta's fruit stand: On the road to Las Palmas, kilometer 3. It doesn't have an exact address, but you recognize it by the hand-painted sign that says "Jugos y frutas." It sells lulo, passion fruit, and a mango with lemon mix they call "chilacoa." Prices: $4,000 COP for a large cup.
- Frutería La 33: At Avenida 33 with Carrera 68, Laureles. It's a cart that parks on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. The owner, Don Carlos, makes you a papaya with orange juice that is pure vitamin.
A tip a veteran cyclist gave me: "Never ask for soda at a fruit stand. Natural juice is cheaper and hydrates you better." In July 2026, prices remain affordable, but it's always good to carry cash because some stalls don't have card machines.
Practical Tips: Safety, Public Bikes, and Schedules
Riding in Medellín has its tricks. It's not dangerous if you know where you're going, but you have to be smart. Here's what every local cyclist would tell you:
Safety on the Routes
- Avoid solitary routes after 5:00 p.m.: The Envigado trails and hills lose light and people. Better to get up early: leaving at 6:00 a.m. gives you light and peace of mind.
- Bring a U-lock: Stolen bikes are a headache. If you leave your bike at a fruit stand or café, lock it to a pole or fence. Cable locks are easy to cut.
- Use front and rear lights: Even during the day, tunnels and densely shaded streets can be dangerous. At any bike shop downtown (Calle 49 with Carrera 48) they sell them from $15,000 COP.
Public Bikes (Encicla)
- How to register: Go to any Encicla station with your ID or passport. Registration is free and they give you a magnetic card. You can also do it online on the Encicla website, but the physical process is faster.
- Hours: Stations operate Monday to Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On ciclovía Sundays, some stations open from 7:00 a.m.
- Usage limit: You can have the bike for up to 3 hours. If you go over, they charge a symbolic fine of $2,000 COP per extra hour. The bikes are basic but functional: hand brakes, 3-speed gears, and a basket.
Recommended Times to Ride
- Weekdays: The best hours are from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (less traffic) and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (the sunset at Cerro Nutibara is spectacular).
- Weekends: Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for the ciclovía. Early Saturdays for long routes like Envigado or the Valle de San Nicolás.
A fact they don't tell you: on Wednesdays there is a night ride called "Bici Luna" that leaves from Parque de los Pies Descalzos at 7:00 p.m. It's free, open to everyone, and ends with a coffee in the San Diego area. Ask in Facebook groups like "Bici Rodada Medellín" to join.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to ride a bike in Medellín for a tourist?
Yes, as long as you follow the recommended routes and avoid solitary areas at night. The ciclovías in Laureles and El Poblado are safe, and the Envigado trails have a good flow of cyclists on weekends. Carry only what you need (phone, cash, a water bottle) and don't wear visible jewelry. If you use Encicla, the bikes don't attract thieves' attention because they are standard models.
Do I need to bring my own bike or can I rent one there?
You can use the free public Encicla bikes, but if you want something more sporty, there are several rental shops in El Poblado. For example, "Bici Rent Medellín" at Calle 10 # 38-20 rents mountain bikes from $40,000 COP for half a day. There are also options in Laureles like "La Bicicletería" at Carrera 70 # 44-10, with similar prices. It is recommended to book in advance on weekends.
What clothing and gear should I bring for a long route?
Wear breathable clothing and closed-toe shoes (sneakers or cycling shoes). A helmet is mandatory if you use Encicla, but you can buy one at any sports store downtown for $30,000 COP. Bring a light waterproof jacket because it rains suddenly in Medellín, even in the dry season. And don't forget sunscreen: the sun on mountain routes burns quickly, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Things to Do
Ciclovía Ride
On Sundays, the Medellín ciclovía transforms the main avenues into a paradise for cyclists. The route extends for over 30 kilometers and connects various neighborhoods. It's the perfect time to explore the city by bike, enjoy the fresh air, and see how locals gather to share their passion for cycling. Insider Tip: Bring a good thermos of aguapanela or sugarcane juice; it's a very popular drink among cyclists and will help you stay hydrated.
Visit Parque Arví
This ecological park offers an escape from the city's hustle and bustle and is ideal for nature lovers. You can get there on the metrocable from Santo Domingo station, which adds a special touch to the experience. Once there, there are multiple trails to explore and enjoy the local flora and fauna. Insider Tip: Don't miss the local markets that set up some weekends, where you'll find fresh produce and crafts from the region's farmers.
Explore the Botanical Garden
A green space in the middle of the city that houses a great diversity of native and exotic plants. Additionally, the Botanical Garden often organizes cultural events and workshops celebrating biodiversity. It's an ideal place to rest and enjoy a picnic. Insider Tip: Make sure to visit the Orchid inside; it's a perfect spot for photos and learning about local species.
Comuna 13 Tour
Known for its vibrant culture and urban art, Comuna 13 is a must-see destination. You can join a guided tour that will take you through its colorful murals and tell the story of the area's social transformation. Insider Tip: Choose a tour that includes local guides who grew up in the community; their perspective will enrich your visit and connect you more with the reality of the place.
How to Get There and Transportation
To explore Medellín in the best way, bicycle transportation is an ideal option, especially on Sundays when the streets fill with cyclists. However, if you prefer to get to know the city in another way, here are some options to get there and move around without complications.
Metro
The metro system is one of the most efficient ways to get around Medellín. Make sure to get off at key stations like Poblado or Parque Berrío, where you can connect with other transportation lines. Insider Tip: On Sundays, the metro is quieter and allows for a more relaxed experience. Remember you can take your bike on the metro at specific times.
Public Bikes
Public service bikes, like the EnCicla system, are an excellent option for exploring the city. You can find stations at various strategic points. Insider Tip: If you are a tourist, download the EnCicla app to make it easier to use and find available stations.
Public Transportation
Buses and the tram system are other means of getting around. Make sure to check the routes that interest you. Insider Tip: Use apps like Moovit to get updated information on routes and waiting times.
Taxi or Ride-Hailing Platforms
Taxis and services like Uber are widely used in Medellín. They are a comfortable option if you prefer to avoid public transportation. Insider Tip: Always check that taxis have their meter visible, and if using platforms, make sure the address is written correctly to avoid confusion.