Not sure if I want to let our secret out, but we have discovered a hidden gem in the eastern hills of Medellín. Cerro Pan de Azúcar (Sugar Loaf Hill) is the location of one of the city's newest parks ... and has definitely become one of our favorite walks in the ''jardín'' (garden).
Like many of our RVentures, the journey to Cerro Pan de Azúcar is part of the fun. From where we are currently staying, we walk about twenty minutes to the Envigado Metro station and pay our 2355 cop (about $.70 usd) fare to take the subway north to the San Antonio station.
From this central Metro station, we get off and walk east across the street to the Tranvia and head to the Miraflores stop. At Miraflores, we head over to the adjacent Metrocable cars and take them to top of the hill to the 13 de Noviembre stop. Because they don't charge for transfers, this whole trip costs us just the price of the original fare (about $.70 usd).
From there, get ready for some amazing views ... after a short but intense two block hike up a neighborhood street. While we couldn't measure it directly, our friend estimated the street to have a gradient of at least 35%. Yes, the adventure begins!
The street is always bustling with pedestrians, vendors, cars, motorcycles, buses, and garbage trucks all competing for the same space on the very narrow roadway. It is always best to be prepared to jump onto the entryway of one of the homes or businesses, especially when a huge bus or truck is heading your way ... and hope that their engines and brakes are functioning properly!
After the two block urban uphill climb, you will reach a leveling of the road where El Camino de la Vida (the road of life) walkway begins. This paved, relatively flat walkway circles a portion of the hillside. Alongside it you will find colorful gardens of plants and flowers along with entertaining garden displays.
Completed about four years ago, a walk along the flat perimeter of Cerro Pan de Azúcar offers a fairly easy stroll as well as some amazing views of the neighborhoods below.
But for an added challenge with even greater payoff, head to ''La Cima'' (the summit) ... only about 1000 steps to the top!
Yes, you heard right ... 1000+ steps await you, but the rewards will be well worth the effort! The concrete and stone steps lead you by blooming flowers, through pine forests, and past scenic overlooks. Every rest stop (and believe me, you will need a rest stop every now and again) will reward you with magnificent views.
Make sure you stop to admire the flowers, banana trees, and play areas along the way.
And just when you think that you can't climb another step ...
... the summit with its 360 degree panoramic view awaits you!
''La Virgen de la Candelaria'' welcomes you to sit down and relax for a while. Swarms of butterflies dance in the breeze. Flocks of birds glide in the wind currents. The Virgin's shadow cools you off as you enjoy the views of the city below.
The Cerro Pan de Azúcar hike has all the elements that make it a great way to discover the beauty of Medellín. The process of getting there allows you experience three unique types of public transportation for just the cost of a single Metro ticket. The walk through a typical barrio (neighborhood) gives you an ''up close and personal'' look into everyday paisa lifestyles. The hike up to the summit provides a good work-out while rewarding you with amazing views. And the view from the top makes you realize the incredible vastness and beauty of the Aburrá Valley.
So, while I would love to keep the beauty of Cerro Pan de Azúcar a secret ... I really think that it is something that everyone who lives in or visits Medellín should discover.
The ''ruta de campeones'' (route of champions) is quietly waiting in the eastern hills of Medellín.
Climb a few steps ...
... in order to enjoy the ultimate walk in the ''jardín''!
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