Reviewed · WATERFALL TRIPS
Highest Zipline and Giant Waterfall Private Tour from Medellin
This tour is interesting because it mixes adrenaline with a real, physical nature stop. You zip over a canyon for huge views, then you hike down to feel the spray at a giant 100 m waterfall.
I love how it is truly a private tour, so the pace and attention feel more personal than on bigger group outings. I also like the built-in rhythm, with two 700 m zipline flights plus a waterfall hike that makes the day feel earned, not rushed. One key consideration, though, is the fitness and body-size limits, plus the steep hike at class 3.5.
You need solid stamina and good footwear. If that part worries you, this will feel like work instead of fun.
Key things to know before you go

- Private guide and private transportation from central Medellín or Rionegro keeps the day smooth and personal
- Two 700 m zipline flights across a canyon, with standout waterfall views
- A 20-minute hike (class 2) to reach the first station, then a steeper hike (class 3.5) to the waterfall base
- 100 m waterfall time where you get close enough to feel the splash and hear an explanation (Lenard effect)
- Strict limits: under 99 kg, plus waist and thigh measurements, and no sandals or flip-flops
Medellín to La Ceja: why this zipline-and-waterfall day works

This is the kind of trip that pays off fast. You are not spending hours in a van to see one quick photo stop. You get driven to the La Ceja natural reserve area, hike in, zip across, then hike again to a waterfall base that is powerful in a very direct way.
What makes it click for me is that it connects three different thrills: height, speed, and closeness to water. The zipline flights give you the big canyon perspective, while the waterfall hike makes the experience physical, with that wet, misty feel you only get when you are near the source.
The best part is that it stays organized. A professional guide leads your safety briefing, routes the hikes, and keeps you on schedule so the day does not drag.
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Pickup time, the 8-hour flow, and how the day is paced
Your day starts with pickup at 8:30 am from your central Medellín or Rionegro hotel or a specified address. Then it is about 1.5 hours driving to the natural reserve in La Ceja, with arrival around 11:30 am.
Once you arrive, you get a short introduction and safety instructions, then you hike about 20 minutes to the first zipline station. After that, the itinerary tightens into a clear sequence: zip, hike to the base, waterfall time, then back up, lunch break, second zip, and return.
This tour is set up as an 8-hour full day, but your movement is spread out. You hike, zip, and recover in between. If you like “active” travel days, this fits. If you prefer slow sightseeing, you might find the hiking demanding.
Ziplining over the canyon: two 700 m flights and real waterfall views

The headline is two zipline flights, each listed at 700 meters. The first flight is scheduled for 12:00 pm, after your initial hike to reach the station. From that crossing, you get stunning canyon and waterfall views, including what is described as five giant waterfalls.
The practical benefit of doing the first flight early is that you see the full setting before you commit to the tougher hike down. That helps you understand what you are walking toward, and it makes the later waterfall time feel even more dramatic.
Then, after lunch and recovery time, you fly again at 4:00 pm. Doing the second zipline gives you a different angle of the reserve, plus a nice payoff after the hike. It also helps justify the effort, because you get one more height moment once you are done with the waterfall approach.
You should also plan for the fact that zipline conditions matter. One participant described that the operator said wet lines and wind meant ziplining could not happen as planned. The tour can handle changes, but you still want to go in ready for possible adjustments if weather plays rough.
The hike to the giant waterfall base: where fitness really shows
This is where the day turns into an actual workout. After the first zipline at 12:00 pm, you hike for about 30 minutes to reach the base of the giant waterfall. The hike is listed as class 3.5 out of 5, so it is steep and demanding compared with an easy nature path.
The goal is to reach a waterfall base tied to a 100 m height, and the experience is described as you feeling the powerful splash. You also receive an explanation during this part of the visit, including the Lenard effect, which is part of the guide’s interpretation of what you are seeing and experiencing.
From a decision-making standpoint, I think most people underestimate how much this segment matters. You can look at waterfalls from a viewpoint anywhere, but getting to the base means:
- you are moving on a harder trail
- your body is working against gravity on both the descent and the climb back up
- you will want dry clothes and footwear after, even if you think you will stay mostly dry
The climb back is also part of the plan. After waterfall time, you return to the top around 1:45 pm, then the day continues with lunch and the second zipline.
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What to wear and bring: shoes, dry clothes, and mosquito-proofing
Read the footwear rules, then plan your packing around them. Sandals or flip-flops are not allowed. You need comfortable walking shoes, and you should bring extra dry shoes and clothes to change into afterward.
This is not just a comfort tip. If the waterfall mists you, dry clothes turn the second half of the day from miserable to manageable. And since you hike back up, your feet will matter.
One thing I really took from the experience reports is how strong the mosquito presence can be. For that reason, wear clothing that fully covers your body, not just for sun protection, but for bite prevention too.
Also think about weight and gear fit. You will use a helmet, and the tour has strict body measurement limits, so wear clothes that you can move in easily and that do not create strap friction.
Lunch, coffee moments, hammocks, and what you should budget
Lunch is not included, so you should plan to pay for your meal during the day. The schedule gives you lunch time around 2:30 pm, and then you are back on the trail for the second zipline at 4:00 pm.
That said, the day is not only about eating quickly. On at least one tour experience, the group had espresso overlooking the scenery early on, then later took a rest in hammocks while lunch was being prepared. You can treat that as a helpful detail, not a guarantee that you will get the exact same set of refreshments.
Either way, the big practical point is this: bring extra hydration habits and energy snacks if you need them, and do not assume lunch is included just because the day feels like a packaged adventure. Plan for a real meal cost.
Safety, insurance, and the real body limits (no guessing)
This operator includes a professional guide, helmet use, insurances, and private transportation, which is exactly what you want for something physical and high-adrenaline.
But the tour is also very clear about who should not do it. You must be:
- under 99 kg (218 lbs)
- with a waist size no more than 120 cm (47 in)
- with a thigh size no more than 66 cm (27 in)
- fit enough for the hike, including the class 3.5 section
If you are close to those limits, do not “hope it will be fine.” Go by the stated measurements. This is the kind of activity where being within limits can make the day feel safe and enjoyable, while being over can shut the experience down.
For kids, it is also specified as not recommended for children age 6 and under. If you are traveling with a family, this is an adult fitness adventure first.
Price and value: what your $184 actually buys

The price is $184 per person for a private, full-day experience. For that cost, you are getting more than just the zipline.
You have included:
- professional guide
- private transportation
- private tour
- admission ticket
- helmet
- two 700 m zipline flights
- hiking to the giant waterfall
- insurances
When a tour like this is done privately, the value is often in the time you gain and the attention you receive. You do not have to coordinate with a larger group, and you are less likely to feel rushed on the hikes.
Also, private guiding matters on a steep trail. One participant credited their guide, Esteban, with being patient during the hike back up, which changed the experience from stressful to calm. On days with steep terrain, that kind of pacing helps.
The only obvious gaps are simple: lunch is not included, and alcohol is available to purchase.
Guides, professionalism, and how the day feels in practice
The experience level shows in the details. Guides are described as professional and friendly, with safety instruction and clear pacing.
Two guide names came up in the experience stories:
- Esteban, noted for professionalism, friendliness, and patience, including being a personal photographer during the hike and zip segments
- Thomas, described as informative and professional, from pickup through drop-off
That matters because this is not a casual walk. If your guide helps you manage the climb, encourages good pace, and keeps safety tight, you end up with the kind of day that feels like a win, not a battle.
And it is not just about safety. The day includes scenery time, coffee or espresso on site for energy, and a chance to rest before the second zipline.
Weather, wind, and what could change on the day
Zipline experiences are sensitive to conditions. One participant described a situation where the operator said the zipline could not run because of wet line and wind, even though the participant perceived the weather as clear.
I cannot promise what will happen on your date, but I can give you the right mindset: plan for the possibility of adjustments, and avoid scheduling this as your absolute last option on a tight travel timeline.
If your trip is flexible, you will handle day-of changes much better. If you have a hard flight deadline, you will want to think twice about stacking too much onto the same day.
Who should book this, and who should pass
Book it if you:
- want a private, guided active day in the Medellín area
- are excited by high adventure, not just sightseeing
- can handle a hike rated class 3.5 out of 5
- can meet the weight and measurement limits
- have the footwear discipline to go fully enclosed shoes and bring extra dry clothes
You might skip it if you:
- prefer low-impact tours
- do not have strong fitness for steep climbs
- need a stroller or mobility aids, since the tour includes hiking and requires specific equipment and clothing rules
- are bringing young kids, since it is not recommended for children 6 and under
Also, if mosquitoes are a big concern for you, treat this as a reason to dress smart, bring repellent, and keep skin covered.
Should you book the Highest Zipline and Giant Waterfall Private Tour?
I would book this if you are the type who likes earning a payoff. The mix is strong: two 700 m ziplines with canyon views, then a hike down to a 100 m waterfall base where you really feel the water.
The private setup, included guide, and safety gear are a real quality signal for something physical. And when it goes right, it sounds like you get more than adrenaline, you get moments like espresso views and a calmer rest break on hammocks.
But only book if you can honestly meet the limits and handle the hike. If the body constraints or steep terrain are a stretch, you will lose enjoyment fast.
If you want a thrilling Medellín day with a genuine nature stop, this is a solid choice, as long as you show up ready to move.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
It runs about 8 hours from pickup to drop-off.
What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes a professional guide, private transportation, private tour, helmet use, two 700 m zipline flights, hiking to the giant waterfall, and insurances. Admission ticket is included too.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included, and you will have lunch time around 2:30 pm.
What are the weight and body measurement limits?
You must be under 99 kg (218 lbs). The tour also lists limits for waist size (max 120 cm / 47 in) and thigh size (max 66 cm / 27 in).
What should I wear or bring for the activity?
Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring extra dry shoes and clothes for after the waterfall part. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed. It can get mosquito-heavy, so wear clothing that covers your body.
Is this tour suitable for children?
It is not recommended for child age 6 and under.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.
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