A Genuine Review of the 2025 ‘3 Element Tour’ from Medellin
So, you are thinking about a big day of excitement outside Medellin, and, like, this ‘3 Element Tour’ probably popped up on your screen. It’s actually a really big promise, right? ATVs, then some flying high with paragliding, and to top it all off, a good few hours of river rafting. To be honest, I was a bit curious if one single day could really deliver on three pretty huge activities without feeling rushed. I wanted to see for myself what the whole thing was about, so I just went for it. I mean, the entire point of a trip to a place with so much beautiful country around it is to get out there and actually experience it, you know?
This review is basically me walking you through how the day actually felt, minute by minute, just so you have a clear picture. There were some really amazing moments and, of course, a few things that are just good to know ahead of time. I’ll go over each part of the day, so you can sort of decide if this jam-packed schedule is the right kind of adventure for your trip. At the end of the day, it’s about making sure your time and money give you the kind of memories you’re hoping for.
The Gritty Start: A One-Hour ATV Rip Through the Hills
Okay, so the day pretty much starts with a pickup, and then you find yourself out in the Colombian countryside, which is, honestly, completely stunning. The air just feels a little cleaner out there, you know? They get you all set up with an ATV, and you get a quick rundown on how to handle the machine, which is all pretty straightforward stuff. First, you just kind of get the feel for the four-wheeler, with the engine making a low sound beneath you. The guides are right there, so they are pretty much making sure everyone is comfortable before you all head out.
As a matter of fact, the one-hour time limit is something I was really wondering about. Would it honestly be enough? Once we got going, I sort of understood the timing. You are taken on a circuit through some seriously beautiful terrain, with green hills rolling all around you and these little farms here and there. It’s more or less a guided tour, not a free-for-all race, which I think is a good thing for safety. The path itself has enough turns and little bumps to keep it from being boring; it’s really a fun way to get a little dirty and see the landscape up close. You definitely feel the wind and the sun, and the hour seems to pass by at just the right speed, kind of leaving you energized for what’s coming next.
Soaring with the Birds: My Paragliding Experience
Next up was, like, the part that had my stomach doing some light flips: the paragliding. From the muddy trails, you are taken to a launch point that sits way up on a mountain. You can, I mean, literally see the whole valley spread out below, and it’s a view that is just breathtaking. The team that manages the paragliding is seriously professional, and you can just tell they have done this thousands of times. They lay out the canopy, which is sort of like a giant, colorful piece of fabric, and get you strapped into the harness with your pilot.
Frankly, the weirdest part is the ‘takeoff’. Your pilot tells you to just run towards the edge of the mountain, which, you know, goes against every instinct in your body. But you do it, and in just a few steps, the ground is just… gone. Suddenly, you are not running anymore; you are actually sitting comfortably in your harness as if it’s an armchair in the sky. The feeling is, to be honest, not one of falling but of floating up. It’s almost completely silent up there, except for the sound of the wind. You get a real bird’s perspective of the world, seeing tiny cars and houses below. It is surprisingly peaceful and a little bit unreal, really. It’s an experience that’s sort of hard to put into words, but you definitely feel a huge sense of calm and wonder just floating up there.
The Grand Finale: Three Hours Rafting on the Calderas River
Alright, so after you come back down to earth, the final part of this three-part adventure begins. The rafting portion is the longest element, clocking in at around three hours, and it takes place on the really beautiful Calderas River. By this point in the day, you are probably feeling pretty adventurous anyway. You get your life jacket and helmet and a paddle, and after another safety briefing, you and your group get into the raft. The guides are actually really good at creating a fun group dynamic, getting everyone to work as a team, you know?
Now, this isn’t the most intense, scary rafting in the world, which I think makes it good for most people. The rapids are somewhere between class II and III, so they are just splashy and fun enough to get your heart rate up without feeling like you are in any real danger. The three hours on the river are broken up nicely, so it’s not all just paddling. There are these really calm stretches where you can just float along, look at the amazing jungle scenery all around you, and even hop out for a swim in the clear water. They had a stop where you could do a little cliff jump into the river, which was a pretty awesome bonus. It’s a long time to be on the water, but it actually doesn’t feel like it, and it’s a very refreshing way to finish off a hot day.
Practical Stuff: What to Expect from the Day as a Whole
So, a few practical things you should probably know. The whole tour is basically a full-day commitment, starting early in the morning and getting you back to Medellin in the early evening. There is quite a bit of driving between the spots for each activity, so just be prepared for some time in a van. Actually, I kind of liked it, as it gave me a chance to see more of the area and just chat with the other people on the tour.
As for what to bring, I’d say you should definitely have a small bag with you. You will want sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sure. Since you will be getting wet during the rafting, you will absolutely need to bring a full change of clothes and a towel. For footwear, I’d suggest something like water shoes or old sneakers that you don’t mind getting soaked. They do provide a lunch, which for us was a traditional Colombian “bandeja paisa,” and it was honestly very tasty and filling after all the activity. At the end of the day, you will be a bit tired, but it’s the kind of good tired that comes from a day well spent, you know?
So, Is This Three-in-One Adventure the Right Choice for You?
At the end of the day, the question is whether this tour is a good fit. I mean, if you are someone who has a short amount of time in Medellin and you really want to get a big taste of the adventure on offer, then this is an absolutely fantastic option. You get to sample three very different kinds of thrills in just one day, and it’s all organized for you. It’s pretty much perfect for solo travelers who want an easy way to meet people or for groups of friends who are looking for a day packed with activity. The guides for each part were really skilled and made everything feel very safe.
On the other hand, if you are a person who really wants to deeply get into one specific sport, like if you’re a hardcore rafter or an experienced paraglider, this might feel a little bit like a sampler platter. For example, the one hour on the ATV is more of a scenic ride than a technical challenge. But honestly, for the vast majority of people who are just looking to have a lot of fun and try new things, it strikes a really great balance. It’s a day that is physically active and totally full of memorable moments, and you will come back with some pretty great stories and photos. Seriously, seeing the world from under a paraglider is something you just don’t forget.
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