A Day of Thrills: Full Review of the ATV and Rafting Combo from Medellin

A Day of Thrills: Full Review of the ATV and Rafting Combo from Medellin

ATV tour through lush Colombian jungle

You know, there comes a point during any stay in Medellin when the city’s amazing energy makes you want to get out into the famous green hills that surround it. We were really feeling that pull for some fresh air and a bit of a rush. So, we started looking for a day trip that offered more than just pretty sights. Actually, we wanted something that would get our hearts pumping and, to be honest, get us a little muddy. That is that this ATV and rafting combination trip seemed to pop up, promising a full day of exactly that kind of action. Honestly, the idea of kicking up dirt on a four-wheeler in the morning and then battling river rapids in the afternoon was, frankly, too good to pass up. So, we booked it, feeling pretty excited for a day outside the city limits.

The Early Morning Pickup and Scenic Drive

Winding road through Antioquia's green mountains

Okay, our day began pretty early with a pickup directly from our place in El Poblado. The transport, a small and comfortable van, was just about on time, which is always a good start. Basically, our guide for the day introduced himself with a big smile and, you know, immediately made everyone feel welcome. The group was small, which we really liked, making it feel a little more personal right from the beginning. As we started to drive, the city’s tall buildings soon gave way to smaller towns and then, finally, to the winding country roads. Seriously, the change in scenery is almost startling. One minute you’re in urban hustle, and the next, you’re looking at rolling green mountains that seem to go on forever, with little farms dotted here and there. Frankly, the drive itself, which took a little over an hour, was a very nice way to see the real Colombian countryside that you just don’t get in the city.

Gearing Up for the ATV Adventure

Row of ATVs and helmets ready for a tour

Anyway, we arrived at this rustic-looking finca, a sort of country estate, where a line of impressive ATVs was waiting for us. You know, seeing them all parked there definitely got the excitement levels up a bit. First, our guides gave us a really clear and straightforward safety talk. They explained how to operate the machines, what the hand signals meant on the trail, and frankly, what not to do. Honestly, they seemed very focused on making sure everyone felt confident before we started, which was reassuring. We were then fitted with helmets and gloves, and you could feel the group’s mood shift from sleepy travelers to, well, eager adventurers. They gave us a few minutes to do some practice laps in a big open area to get a feel for the handling of the quads. Basically, this practice was a great idea, particularly for the people in our group who had, like, never been on one before.

An Hour of Mud-Slinging Fun

ATV splashing through a large mud puddle in Colombia

Alright, once everyone got the thumbs up, we followed our guide out onto the trails. And seriously, what amazing trails they were. The path twisted and turned through the forest, over bumpy terrain, and, best of all, straight through some massive mud puddles. To be honest, the guides actually encouraged us to hit the puddles hard, and the happy screams from the group showed that was exactly what people wanted to do. The hour seemed to fly by in a mix of engine sounds, laughter, and splashes of mud. As a matter of fact, there were some spots where we paused to take in some incredible views of the valleys below. It’s almost a different world out there, so green and so quiet except for our engines. For instance, our lead guide was great at managing the pace, going a little faster on the open parts and slowing down for trickier sections, so everyone, more or less, felt comfortable.

A Delicious Local Lunch to Refuel

Traditional Colombian Bandeja Paisa meal

After our ATV session, you know, we were completely covered in mud and feeling hungry. The next stop was a small, open-air restaurant nearby for lunch, and it was seriously just what we needed. They served us a massive and absolutely delicious typical lunch, which for many of us was a bandeja paisa. In case you don’t know, this is a huge plate with things like ground meat, beans, rice, a fried egg, chicharrón, and a sweet plantain. Frankly, every single bit of it was amazing. It was such a real taste of the local food culture, very different from the more international restaurants in Medellin. Eating that hearty meal while looking out at the green landscape, still buzzing from the ride, was, I mean, a pretty perfect moment of the day. It gave everyone in our little group a chance to chat and share stories from the muddy trail.

Getting Set for the River Challenge

Group getting a rafting safety briefing by a river

So, with our bellies full, we got back in the van for a short drive to the rafting starting point on the banks of the Río Calderas. Here, you know, we met a new set of guides who were the river experts. Their energy was totally infectious; they were clearly very passionate about the river and, you know, about making sure we had a good time. Basically, we had another safety briefing, this one all about rafting. They showed us how to hold our paddles, the right way to sit in the raft, and what commands to listen for, like ‘forward’ or ‘get down’. Then, of course, we got our gear: a life jacket and a helmet. To be honest, storing our dry clothes and valuables in their lockers was super easy and secure. Standing by the rushing river, paddle in hand, created a whole new kind of anticipation for the second part of our adventure.

Three Hours Paddling on the Río Calderas

White water rafting down Río Calderas in Colombia

Now, pushing off from the riverbank and into the current was literally a rush. The Río Calderas is absolutely beautiful, with clean water and surrounded by what feels like a dense, untouched jungle. The rafting was a really great mix of calm stretches and exciting rapids. Okay, so when the guide yelled, ‘Forward hard!’, we all paddled together, digging in to get through the churning white water, getting splashed and laughing the whole way. I mean, it’s a very real team activity. In the calmer sections, we could just relax a little, float along, and just take in the incredible scenery. The guides, who were really skilled at steering the raft, also pointed out interesting plants and birds along the way. At one point, we even pulled over at a calm spot and had a chance to, you know, jump into the cool river for a swim, which was unbelievably refreshing. Those three hours on the water were just a fantastic experience.

A Few Handy Tips for Your Own Adventure Day

Backpack with change of clothes and sunscreen for a day trip

If you’re thinking about doing this trip, here are just a few thoughts that might help. First, definitely bring a complete change of clothes, and I honestly mean everything from your socks up, because you will get both muddy and wet. Okay, water shoes or some old sneakers you don’t mind getting soaked are pretty much a must for the rafting part. As a matter of fact, don’t forget sunscreen and maybe a hat for the river, as the sun can be quite strong. You should probably bring a little bit of cash for any extra drinks or tips for the guides, who frankly deserve it. And finally, just be ready to have a good time and not be afraid to get a little dirty. You know, that’s what makes it so fun, at the end of the day.

Read our full review: [ATV and rafting Medellin Full Review and Details]

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Medellin Adventure Tour])