The Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in Medellín

TLDR? Medellin has some of the best places to enjoy the sunset and sunrise in Colombia. 

They say, “Sunsets are proof that endings can be beautiful too.” And witnessing sunsets right in the heart of Columbia is undoubtedly a beautiful memory. 

Medellin is not just for tourist attractions and relaxing hotels. You can also find unique spots for the best views overlooking the entire city. The best times to visit these places are sunset and sunrise. You’ll catch amazing views of the sun, making your trip worthwhile. 

In this guide, let’s dig deeper into some of the best destinations in Medellin for your sunset and sunrise admiration. 

Mirador de Las Palmas

Mirador de Las Palmas has the best panoramic sight of Medellin. And it doesn’t even matter if it’s night or day! 

You’ll find this viewing destination along the road to Via de las Palmas, the international airport. Even Medellin locals love visiting this place to watch the beautiful Colombian sunset. 

Mirador de Las Palmas is more than just a viewing deck. And it’s more commonly known as the “inspiration point” for teen romantics. It’s also a family-friendly spot where you can find local vendors selling cold drinks, hot sausages, and ice cream. 

The best views are right after the sun sets when the city lights start to illuminate the valley. Everything you see is like a sparkling treasure chest. We guarantee you can’t find any better spot to top this view. 

You need a cab or an uber to get there. Self-driving or renting a car are great options too. For the perfect panoramic views, choose the second pullover area, where the city view is unobstructed by large trees. 

If you’re heading there to watch the sunset, we recommend bringing a jacket because it gets cold. 

The sunrise happens around 6 am, while the sun usually sets at 6 pm. 

Address: Cl. 19a #27231 a 27-259, Medellín, Buenos Aires, Medellín, Antioquia

Cerro Volador

If you want to view spots with fewer tourists, check out Cerro Volador. The only catch is you need to trek steep trails to reach the best area for sightseeing. But, it’s indeed worth it when you finally see the 360-degree view of Medellin.

When you reach the top, you’d see kids flying kits and adults exercising. Yes, there’s an outdoor gym! Few families would also find a clean spot to enjoy picnicking. And there’s also a bird sanctuary. 

If you’re checking out Cerro Volador, we recommend visiting during weekends right before the sun sets. Weekends are meant for Tiendas or stores selling ice creams and drinks. Find a spot you can chill and wait for the sun to drop. It’s honestly the most beautiful sight! 

You must be aware that reaching the most beautiful spot before sunrise is a bit scary. Tall trees surround you, and everything is too dark! But don’t worry, because the hike is worth it when you catch the magical sunrise. 

Because Cerro Volador is not the safest place, you should have a companion. If you’re going alone, we recommend getting a cab or self-driving. You can drive until almost 80% of the park. And then you’ll have to walk, which can take about ten minutes. 

The sunrise happens at 5:50 am, and the sun sets every 6:10 pm. 

Address: Medellín, Robledo, Medellín, Antioquia

San Javier Cable Car Station

Before catching the sunset, why not ride the cable car for some added thrill?

The cable cars, which are part of the metro system, give you beautiful views of the valley. You don’t need to pay extra fees because cable car routes are part of the regular fare. 

To reach San Javier station, you should ride the cable car on the river’s west side. It will take you over the hill before reaching the last stop. The last stop has a platform where you can get an excellent panoramic glimpse of the valley when the sun sets. 

After spending your time watching the sunset and admiring the night scene, you can ride the cable car back down with no additional fare. 

If you have not reached the last stop by the sun sets, there’s no problem at all! It’s also admiring and beautiful to witness how the sun drops behind the valley from your ride. 

The sunrise usually happens at 5:45 am, and the sun sets at 6:15 pm. 

Cerro Pan de Azucar

Another less touristy spot is one you can find in Cerro Pan de Azucar. If you ask any locals, they’d recommend this place. 

Cerro Pan de Azucar is a mountainside destination. And when you’re on top, you’d see a small sign similar to the Hollywood sign in the states. But instead, the sign reads Jardin. Trust me; the view is beautifully epic. 

Going to Cerro Pan de Azucar to catch the sunrise or sunset is one thing you shot not miss. In fact, locals claim this place has the best viewpoint in Medellin. The weather gets colder when the sun drops, so don’t forget to bring your jacket. 

Aside from the beautiful sunrise and sunset, you can also find food stands in Cerro Pan de Azucar. But you can also bring your own snacks should you wish. To reach Cerro Pan de Azucar, follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Ride the Metro to reach San Antonio.

2. Switch to Tranvia station.

3. Ride at Tranvia and get off at Miraflores. 

4. Switch to metro cable M.

5. Wait for the metro to reach Trece de Novienmbre.

6. Get off the station and hike the steep hill. You should reach the area of the last bus stop. 

7. You’ll find the park entrance behind that bus stop. 

The viewpoint is still an hour-long walk, and it can get tiring. But it’s totally worth it! You’ll admire the sunrise or sunset view when you reach Cerro Pan de Azucar. The fresh air and green trees provide a beautiful escape from the city. 

Address: Medellín, Santa Elena, Medellín, Antioquia

Admire The Beauty of Colombian Sunset and Sunrise

Visiting Medellin will not be perfect without seeing Colombia’s beautiful sunset and sunrise. And if you’re interested, check out the places mentioned in this guide. 

My advice? Always bring a jacket should the weather get colder. And always bring a companion when you’re heading there to catch the sunrise. 

If you like this blog, you might like the Casacol Instagram page to keep up with all the new articles. Anything we need to update or correct? Care to contribute? Email us at blog@casacol.co.