Medellin’s Metrocable

For many people the city of Medellin is synonymous with Colombia’s struggle with violence, crime and the drug-trade – little wonder, since Medellin was home to Pablo Escobar and his infamous drug ring, the Medellin Cartel. Those same people, however, would undoubtedly be surprised to see Medellin today. It’s a strikingly modern city, driven by progressive industries, industrial residents and, more recently, a spike in tourism and culture.

The fall of Escobar’s empire is an obvious thing to point at in order to explain this rapid development, but there are other things at work in bringing improvements and increaded tourism to Medellin. One of the biggest reasons for the city’s lowered crime rates and burgeoning industries is the development of its Metrocable.

Medellin’s Metrocable is a gondola lift system, similar to those you find in ski resorts. It was developed with the intention to connect the city’s centre with some of the less-developed areas of the city, where poverty and crime were rife (these areas also housed numerous hitmen). The success of the Metrocable is palpable, and since its opening in 2006 the situation for those in these communities has improved drastically.

Locals are intensely proud of the Metrocable, as they are with the more traditional overground Metro, and as a result both transportation systems are almost spotless thanks to a shared sense of ownership and protectiveness.

For the tourist, the Metrocable offers opportunities to explore these areas in safety, and to see stunning aerial views of the entire city. But remember, if you’re going to ride the Metrocable and you want to stay on the right side of the locals, keep your feet off the chairs!

A one way journey on the Metro (which can include both the overground and Metrocable) costs 1500 Colombian Pesos.

Ryan