A city surrounded by hills and mountains, I was drawn to Medellín because of its green and vibrant reputation, about an hour’s flight from Colombia’s capital of Bogotá. When I arrived for the first time a year ago, I was set on exploring hiking trails in and around what’s called The City of Eternal Spring. Cerro de las Tres Cruces (Hill of the Three Crosses) is a popular hike in Medellín for locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss one of the best views of Medellín’s impressive cityscape!
Last Updated: January 2026
In 2023, I spent a couple of months living and working remotely in Medellín, Colombia, one of the top destinations for digital nomads worldwide. I enjoyed my time in Colombia and decided to return in 2024 to avoid the dark and cold Canadian winter (though I’ll confess, I missed it a little). While hiking Cerro de las Tres Cruces with a group of traveller friends, I was reminded of how impressive this short (and steep!) trail really is. For some of the best hiking in Medellín, add the Hill of the Three Crosses to your itinerary!
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Cerro de las Tres Cruces Trail Map
About Cerro de las Tres Cruces (Hill of the Three Crosses)
Location: Medellín, Colombia
Distance: 2.6 km out and back
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (due to steepness)
Elevation: 320 metres of elevation gain
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, many people bring their doggos.
Features: The Cerro de las Tres Cruces hike is a short and steep dirt trail leading up to three crosses on top of the hill. Along the way, visitors and locals sweat their way up the strenuous route, with vendors offering fresh fruit juices and snacks. If you’ve got excess energy on top of the hill, check out the outdoor fitness gym and the panoramic views of the city of Medellín.
Finding the Cerro de las Tres Cruces Trailhead
The Cerro de las Tres Cruces Trailhead is located in the southwestern part of Medellín, in Belén’s La Loma de Los Bernal neighbourhood. An upper-middle-class area, Belén is generally considered to be a safe neighbourhood. If you’re travelling from Laureles or El Poblado, the most convenient public transportation is either a taxi or Uber. Be prepared to pay somewhere around 10,000 – 12,000 COP (between CAD $3.50 – $5.00) for transportation. Travelling from Laureles typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes by Uber.
Pssssst. Before or after your hike, enjoy a delicious and refreshing fruit juice from Berry Nice Bowl at the trailhead. In case you’re wondering, passion fruit (or maracuya) juice is my absolute favourite.
Cerro de las Tres Cruces Hike — One of the Best Hikes in Medellín
Don’t underestimate this hike. While the trail isn’t long, some steep sections become more challenging in the day’s heat. Start by trekking on the hard-packed dirt path with sporadic steps and rocks to maneuver around. You’ll gain over 300 metres in elevation from the trailhead to the top of the hill, with a brief plateau at the halfway point. I suggest wearing supportive trail runners or hiking boots. Or if you’re feeling up to it, you could go barefoot like fellow Canadian, Chase!
Most visitors reach the top of Tres Cruces in 40 minutes or so, with the entire hike taking somewhere between 1 to 2 hours. It’s about 2.6 km up and down. Time needed really depends on your fitness level and altitude comfort, so have the hike that’s right for you! One thing’s for certain: plan to visit on a clear day to find those panoramic city views.
If you’re feeling energetic at the top, there’s an outdoor fitness gym with pull-up bars and other equipment, or you can simply rest and enjoy the view. If you forget to bring food, why not head to the little restaurant to grab a drink and a bite? Honestly, the watermelon slices at the halfway point hit the spot on. 10/10 — highly recommend!
Read next: Cerro Tusa Hike in Colombia: World’s Largest Natural Pyramid
What to Bring for Hiking Cerro de las Tres Cruces
For Cerro de las Tres Cruces, it’s best not to bring too much along. I carry a day pack with my water bottle and a little snack (though there are concession stands with fresh-pressed fruit juice and snacks). Carry a little cash if you plan to buy something en route. In the afternoon, bring sun protection like sunscreen, sunglasses, or a hat. On your feet, wear something with decent tread as the hard-packed dirt trail can be slippery. There are several lookout points at the top, so bring a phone or camera for a photo.
Note: I have heard reports of visitors having their phones and other valuables stolen on Cerro de las Tres Cruces, though less likely to happen during the day. I haven’t personally had any issues, but I still suggest hiking with a group and avoiding a nighttime visit.
Know Before You Go
Transportation: Taxi or Uber is typically the most efficient and cost-effective transportation option. Budget some extra time if you’re travelling during rush hour.
Water: Bring a water bottle to avoid single-use plastic.
Toilet: No toilet or outhouse near the trailhead. I haven’t used toilets at the top of the hill, but there are supposed to be.
When To Hike: You can hike Cerro de las Tres Cruces any time of the year. But I would postpone your visit if it’s raining, as the trail can become quite slippery. As a popular hiking trail, you won’t be the only person here during the day.
Guide: No hiking guide needed for Cerro de las Tres Cruces.
Safety: I have always felt safe on Cerro de las Tres Cruces. However, there have been reports of robbery, theft, and violence in the past. I do not recommend evening or nighttime hiking, and suggest hiking with a group. Leave your valuables at home.
Navigation: With an obvious hiking trail and many other people around, it’s next to impossible to get lost. But you can download Cerro de las Tres Cruces on AllTrails.
Leave No Trace: If you pack it in, pack it out. Don’t leave any garbage on the trails (including fruit peels or organic waste). Use the bins for waste.
Be Considerate: While this hike isn’t a quiet walk through the forest, it’s still important to be considerate of others. Leave the speakers at home and enjoy the sounds of nature. Smoking, consuming alcohol, or consuming drugs is not permitted.
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
Have you hiked Cerro de las Tres Cruces in Medellín, Colombia? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
