Visit the gorgeous rolling hills of Altavista in Medellin, Colombia

Altavista Township of Medellin

Altavista is one of 5 townships of the municipality of Medellin. It borders the San Cristobal township and urban Medellin to the north, the San Antonio de Prado township to the west, the Itagui municipality to the south and urban Medellin to the east.

Altavista is  located in the southwest of the municipality of Medellin and possesses an area of 9.4 kilometers.

Medellin’s Altavista is…Trails and Horses!

The trails located in Medellin’s district of Altavista were originally built by the Nutibara Indians, and subsequently traversed by Spanish colonists. Today, the Altavista trails, located in the west of Medellin, are considered of great historical and cultural importance for Medellin.

These beautiful, prosperous lands is where the history of Medellin’s Aburra Valley begins.

What to do in Altavista, Medellin

If you enjoy an exciting adventure on horseback exploring the Arrieria trails, then Medellin invites you to travel around Altavista.

On horseback, sporting a traditional sombrero and poncho, visitors to Medellin’s Altavista begin their trip at the Tragedy Inn, or “Fonda la Tragedia,” located on Altavista’s Buga trail.

La Virgen, el Alto El Barcino and the traditional houses are some of the places where travellers can stop to rest, rehydrate and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of Medellin’s Aburra Valley.

Festivities and Events of Medellin’s Altavista

Celebration of the Patron Saint Our Lady of the Rosary of the Rock (Fiestas Patronales Nuestra Señora del Rosario de la Piedra)

In 1857 the Virgen appeared in a rock in Medellin’s Altavista area. Since that appearance, Medellin’s Altavista spends 9 days celebrating this event’s anniversary each year, where individuals can enjoy the markets, mass and offerings to the Virgin.

Altavista’s Kite Festival (Festival de Cometas)

Altavista Kite Festival in Medellin

Altavista’s kite festival takes place each year during the end of June, taking advantage of the breezy winds that grace western Medellin during that time of year.

Approximately 5,000 kite flyers attend Medellin’s Kite Festival, where they enjoy lively music and talented orchestras. The only requirement is that you bring your own kite!

Places of Interest in Medellin’s Altavista

Altavista, Medellin’s Indigenous Groups

An array of cultural groups call Medellin’s Altavista home, where they participate in traditional dances, Andean music and much more.

Altavista, Medellin’s Stone Walls

From the heights of the Llano sector, visitors can appreciate the intricate collection of walls in the valley below, made from stone to separate farmers’ properties approximately 150 years ago. Some stone walls were most likely built by ancient indigenous groups as well.

Altavista, Medellin’s Las Ladrilleras Monument

The Las Ladrilleras monument (Brick Kiln monument) is located in front of the Government’s House, which is Altavista’s first kiln to make bricks. The brick kiln came from Germany and represents the beginnings of modernization for this productive sector.

Medellin’s township of Altavista has been making bricks and profiting off the craft for decades, including records dating back as early as the twentieth century.