Natural pools and waterfalls are the highlights of this day trip, in which we'll walk 10 km (6.2 mi) through the lush natural surroundings of the Guatapé River Canyon. Don't forget your swimsuit and some good shoes!
Day Trip Details
At the indicated time, we'll meet in front of the Church of Guatapé, in the main park of the city. There, we'll board the vehicle and take a short trip to the mountainous jungle that guards the Guatapé River Canyon.
After winding our way through the curves, we'll arrive at the start of the 10 km (6.2 mi) trekking route and lace up our boots to begin the walk. The first stop will be at the Cirpes coffee farm, where the aroma of coffee will envelop us, welcoming us as we begin our journey through extensive fields of crops.
For half an hour, we'll have the opportunity to enjoy the surroundings and toast with a cup of coffee made from beans grown on the hillsides. With the help of the farmers, we'll discover the alchemy that transforms the red fruit into Colombia's most beloved drink.
Feeling reenergised, we'll continue on foot through bromeliads, ferns and vines, which will lead us to three waterfalls and six natural pools in the area. We'll visit the Cacique Waterfall and the El Toro and La Ilusión pools to enjoy the surroundings to the fullest.
We'll cross the forest, and after 3 km (1.8 mi), the roar of the water will announce that we have reached the first of the waterfalls. We'll see a crystal-clear veil 5 m (16.4 ft) high that plunges into a natural turquoise-coloured pool. Let's take a dip!
Afterwards, we'll resume our walk under the canopy of native foliage where, if we're lucky, we'll see grey marmosets jumping among the branches. In addition, native birds such as tanagers and toucans will add colour to the canopy with flashes of emerald, blue and scarlet. Your cameras will be filled with picturesque images!
When we get hungry, we'll stop for between 1 and 1.5 hours at a restaurant near the Cacique waterfall so that you can enjoy lunch on your own.
We'll continue downstream to navigate other natural pools among the other waterfalls, perfect for jumping off the rocks and swimming. When the trail opens up, the main waterfall of the canyon will rise in front of us. We'll admire the 15 m (49.2 ft) waterfall, whose roar will echo between the rock walls.
At the end of the hike, we'll return to the vehicle to make our way back to the initial meeting point in Guatapé, where we'll say goodbye after 6 hours in total.
