Medellin to Guarne: ATV Mountain Tour with Waterfall & Farm

Summary

Ride ATVs from Medellin into Antioquia’s wild hills meet locals taste fresh empanadas

You’ll ride ATVs from Medellin into Antioquia’s green hills with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Stop at a quiet waterfall, visit a working dairy farm (yes, cows included), and share empanadas plus sweet aguapanela for lunch. It’s more about connection than speed — you’ll come back feeling lighter somehow.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever milked a cow?” That’s how our guide, Diego, broke the ice as we stood outside a little dairy shed in Guarne. I laughed and shook my head — I mean, not unless you count that one time at summer camp. He grinned and handed me a battered tin mug anyway. The air out there was all grass and faint woodsmoke, nothing like Medellin’s city buzz. Even the cows seemed to eye us like they knew we were out of place.

The drive up from Medellin was quick but wild — city fading fast into green folds and coffee farms. We hopped onto these chunky Honda ATVs (I’d never actually driven one before, but Diego made it seem less intimidating than I expected). The trail started off muddy, tires kicking up that earthy smell after last night’s rain. My hands got cold gripping the handlebars, but then the sun came out sharp and bright over the hills. We stopped at this waterfall — not huge or anything, just this quiet spot where you could hear water on rocks and nothing else for a minute. I didn’t expect to feel so far away from everything so quickly.

Lunch was empanadas and something called aguapanela (sweet cane drink), eaten sitting on a log while Diego told us about growing up in Antioquia. He pointed out birds I’d never seen before — bright flashes in the trees — and tried teaching us some slang. Li laughed when I tried to say “parcero” right; probably butchered it. There was mud on my boots and crumbs everywhere, but honestly? That snack tasted better than most fancy meals back home.

On the way back, I kept thinking about how fast city worries faded out here — just engines humming, wind in your face, someone local showing you their favorite places without any fuss. It wasn’t perfect (my helmet hair was tragic), but it felt real in a way that sticks with you long after you’ve washed off the mud.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Medellin to mountain ATV adventure

• Pick up at Medellin accommodation
• Drive to eastern Antioquia mountains
• Pass through Guarne town and coffee farms
• Safety and driving briefing at Medellin Adventure Trails
• Ride ATV through nature trails and viewpoints
• Stop at waterfall for photos
• Visit dairy farm and interact with cows
• Enjoy empanadas and traditional drink

Top questions

How long does the ATV tour from Medellin to Guarne take?

The experience is a day trip starting with pickup in Medellin and includes several stops before returning.

Is hotel pickup included for this ATV tour?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup in Medellin is included.

What kind of ATVs are used on this tour?

The tour uses Yamaha and Honda 4x4 full automatic ATVs in excellent condition.

Are meals provided during the ATV tour?

The activity includes lunch or dinner depending on your departure time, featuring typical snacks like empanadas.

Is this ATV tour suitable for beginners?

A safety briefing is given before riding; previous ATV experience isn’t required but moderate physical fitness is recommended.

What should I wear for the Medellin ATV mountain tour?

You’ll be provided with helmet, breastplate, and swamp boots; wear comfortable clothes that can get muddy.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Do we visit any local farms during the tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at a dairy area where you can meet local cows and interact with them.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Medellin, private transportation into Antioquia’s countryside, accident medical insurance for peace of mind, use of Yamaha or Honda 4x4 ATVs plus all safety gear (helmet, breastplate, swamp boots), photos and videos taken along the way so you don’t have to worry about your phone getting muddy, an ecological walk to a waterfall where you can take it slow or snap some pictures, plus lunch or dinner depending on when you go — usually homemade empanadas with traditional drinks shared outdoors before heading back down into town.