Mirador Balcones

Escape the city heat with a scenic motorcycle ascent from our shop in La Candelaria up to the crisp mountain air of Santa Elena. This route is a favorite for riders who love winding roads and lush, ever-changing landscapes.

Colombia Adventure Moto Tours Dirección: (Calle Cl. 38 #50-29, La Candelaria, Medellin)

10:00 AM – Departure from La Candelaria: We kick things off at our shop, getting the bikes prepped and hitting the road just as the city hits its midday rhythm. The climb begins almost immediately as we leave the urban sprawl for the foothills.

10:45 AM – Stop 1: The Valley Overlook: Our first stop is at Zarzal positioned perfectly to look back at the city. It’s a great spot to pause, check your gear, and snap a panoramic photo of the Aburrá Valley as it starts to shrink beneath you.

12:15 PM – Stop 3: The Forest Waypoint: Before the final push, we’ll take a brief break at a woodland clearing. This high-altitude stretch is known for its cool mist and towering trees, offering a quiet moment to soak in the mountain silence.

1:00 PM – Arrival at Mirador Balcones: Reach the stunning summit! This iconic viewpoint offers a dramatic, bird’s-eye perspective of the landscape. It’s the ultimate place to park the bikes, swap stories, and capture some incredible wide-angle footage or drone shots of the winding roads you just conquered.

2:00 PM – The Descent: After taking in the views and some mountain air, we begin the exhilarating, gravity-fed descent back into the city to wrap up a perfect day on two wheels.

Light Layers: A breathable base layer (like a t-shirt) topped with a windbreaker or light fleece. Even if it feels warm in Medellín, the temperature at the Mirador is usually colder. Sun screen, polarized sunglasses

Hydration & Energy: A reusable water bottle is a must. While there are local vendors, having your own water helps with the altitude adjustment.

Small Daypack: A lightweight bag to stow your layers as you peel them off or put them back on.

Camera or Smartphone: You’ll definitely want to capture the 180-degree panorama of the Aburrá Valley.

Small Change (Pesos): Most vendors at the Mirador are small, local businesses. Having coins or small bills (1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 COP) is handy for a quick coffee, arepa, or canelazo