Guatapé River Canyon Waterfalls Day Trip

Natural waterfalls and pools await you on this excursion, featuring a scenic 10 km (6.2 mi) trek through the rich greenery of the Guatapé River Canyon. Be sure to bring along your swimwear and comfortable footwear!

Excursion Overview

We'll convene at the scheduled time in front of the Church of Guatapé located in the city's main park. From there, a brief vehicle ride will take us to the beautiful mountainous jungle that shelters the Guatapé River Canyon.

Winding through the scenic paths, our adventure begins at the starting point of the 10 km (6.2 mi) trek as we put on our hiking boots. Our first destination will be the Cirpes coffee farm, where the inviting aroma of coffee will greet us as we explore the expansive crop fields.

We will enjoy a delightful break for half an hour, where we can savor a cup of coffee brewed from locally sourced beans. With guidance from the farmers, we’ll uncover the fascinating process that transforms the ripe fruit into Colombia's beloved beverage.

Rejuvenated, we will continue our journey on foot, passing through areas filled with bromeliads, ferns, and vines that lead us to three stunning waterfalls and six natural pools in the vicinity. Key locations include the Cacique Waterfall and the inviting El Toro and La Ilusión pools, perfect for soaking in the natural beauty.

As we traverse the forest, the sound of cascading water will signal our arrival at the first waterfall after a hike of 3 km (1.8 mi). Here, a clear 5 m (16.4 ft) drop creates a dazzling turquoise pool inviting us to take a refreshing swim!

After our swim, we’ll continue our trek beneath the lush native trees, where, with a bit of luck, we might spot grey marmosets leaping through the branches. Additionally, the vibrant feathers of native birds like tanagers and toucans will add a colorful touch to our surroundings, perfect for photography!

When it’s time to refuel, we’ll take a break for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours at a restaurant near the Cacique waterfall, allowing you to enjoy lunch at your leisure.

Following our meal, we will proceed downstream, exploring more natural pools surrounded by waterfalls that provide perfect spots for cliff diving and swimming. As the path opens up, the grand waterfall of the canyon will rise in front of us, a majestic 15 m (49.2 ft) drop that echoes powerfully amidst the rocky landscape.

At the conclusion of our hike, we will return to the vehicle for the ride back to our starting point in Guatapé, wrapping up our 6-hour adventure together.