Cerro El Volador, Natural summit in Medellín, Colombia.
Cerro El Volador is a natural hilltop that rises about 82 meters above Medellín and encompasses roughly 106 hectares of protected land. The site features paved paths connecting several viewpoints and walking areas that pass through forest and open grassland before reaching the summit.
Archaeological evidence shows that indigenous settlements existed at this location from the early centuries of our era. The hill was an important site for centuries, with its later burial complexes indicating its significance as a sacred place throughout the pre-colonial period.
The hill contains burial sites from the 14th to 16th centuries that reflect the funeral practices of the Aburrá people who lived in this region. Walking through the park, you can see how important this location was as a sacred space for the indigenous communities.
The main entrance is located along Carrera 65 near the Universidad metro station, with multiple access points spreading across the site. The trails are paved and relatively easy to walk, though some sections involve gentle slopes typical of hillside terrain.
The protected park is home to roughly 48 plant species, 9 mammal species, 12 reptile species, and about 200 bird species within its boundaries. This biological richness makes the site a surprising refuge for wildlife despite being surrounded by the urban development of Medellín.
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