Day 1
TRANSFER IN MEDELLIN
Starting time: According to the scheduled flight
After your arrival in Medellín, our team will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to rest. Our adventure will begin the following day.
Day 2
MEDELLÍN TO LA MACARENA
Starting time: 11:00 am
Our adventure begins around 11 am when we will transfer to the local Medellín airport, Enrique Olaya Herrera, for a flight to La Macarena (flight included), where we will spend the vast majority of our trip. This small town will be our base, from where we will depart and return once the tours to the “caño” are finished. Depending on the arrival time, we can take one of the following alternatives: a 40-minute navigation along the Guayabero River to witness wildlife or a 25-minute journey through the plains of La Macarena. Dinner will be at our hotel. Tonight, rest will be important as the upcoming hikes merit it!
Places to visit:
- Municipality of La Macarena
- Guayabero River
- La Macarena plains
Includes:
- Breakfast
- Transfer to Olaya Herrera airport
- Flight to La Macarena
- Accommodation
- Dinner
- Medical assistance
Day 3
CAÑO CRISTALES (ASSIGNED TRAIL)
Starting time: 08:00 am
Duration: Full day
Before heading out on our outdoor adventure in La Macarena National Park, we will have a presentation by the environmental authorities (PNN, CORMACARENA) to help us keep the park in perfect condition and ensure our visit does not affect the environment. After this short presentation, we will weigh anchor! We will navigate the Guayabero River for 30 minutes to reach the point where 4X4 trucks await us to go to Caño Cajuche. Tie your boots tight and begin walking along the trail approved by environmental entities. In most cases, we visit the Los Pianos trail. Its main attraction is the number of waterfalls. During the hike, we will have the opportunity to have lunch. We will carry the lunch in our own backpacks; it consists of a wrap of rice, meat, and potato in a Biao leaf (this is the leaf of the plantain palm, as plastic is NOT allowed in the park). At the end of the afternoon, we will return to La Macarena for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Important notes:
Sunscreen and repellent are not allowed in the river. Quick-drying clothing and high-grip footwear must be worn. Plastic is not allowed in the park.
Places to visit:
- Caño Cristales
- Los Pianos trail
- Natural pools
- Various waterfalls
Includes:
- Local guide
- Local fluvial and land transport
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Hydration
- Dinner
- Medical assistance
Day 4
CAÑO CRISTALITOS OR BAJO LOZADA
Starting time: 08:00 am
Duration: Full day
We will start the day at 8 am, and just like the previous day, we will take a boat along the Guayabero River, then ride in the 4X4s until we reach Caño Cajuche; from there, we will take a different trail than yesterday to go to Salto del Águila. Prepare to see new landscapes and animals. This trail is quite extensive, so we have enough time to take photos, have lunch outdoors, and enjoy nature. The return will be the same as the previous day. Dinner at the hotel.
Places to visit:
- Caño Cristalitos or Bajo Lozada
- Salto del Águila
Includes:
- Breakfast
- Transport
- Local guide
- Lunch
- Hydration
- Dinner
- Medical assistance
Day 5
CAÑO CRISTALES
Starting time: 08:00 am
Duration: Full day
Our third and final day of walking eco-adventures will take us to Pailones. This day we will immerse ourselves in the natural pool called Pailón and the Las Marimbas mountain. We will have a shorter day at the Caño, as during the night we will have a folk dance show thanks to the local school. We will be able to taste the local cuisine, which is meat roasted in a special way. Likewise, traditional musical rhythms will make our trip a complete adventure. The rhythm is called Joropo and is characterized by its speed and foot-tapping (zapateo). This activity is ideal for finishing our eco-tour and returning to the big city.
Places to visit:
- Pailones trail
- Las Marimbas Mountain
Includes:
- Guide
- Medical assistance
- Hydration
- Private transport
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 6
CAÑO CRISTALES TO MEDELLÍN
Starting time: Between 11 am and 12 – According to the scheduled flight
Morning flight to return to Medellín. Departure is scheduled between 11 am and 12. Once we arrive, you will be transferred to your hotel and we will visit the most important attractions of the city: Botero Plaza, Barefoot Park, Pueblito Paisa, and much more. If you want to know more, visit the Medellín City Tour page.
Places to visit:
- Botero Square
- Antioquia Museum
- Metrocable
- Comuna 13
- Pueblito Paisa
Includes:
- Guide (bilingual English–Spanish)
- Private transportation
- Medical assistance
- Entrance to the Antioquia Museum and Metrocable
- Lunch
- Artisanal ice cream
- Hydration
- Local guide in Comuna 13
Day 7
PEÑOL AND GUATAPÉ TOUR
Starting time: 08:00 am
Duration: 08 hours
Our main attraction in Antioquia: El Peñol Rock. This 220-meter monolith has 700 steps that you can climb to admire the beautiful view. You can be the protagonist of incredible photos, from the top of the rock to the colorful cobblestone streets of Guatapé.
Important notes:
Climbing the rock is not recommended for people with reduced mobility, respiratory problems, elderly people, or children under 5 years old. The journey to El Peñol is approximately 2 hours.
Places to visit:
- El Peñol Rock
- Boat (shared)
- Replica of the old Peñol
- Guatapé town
Includes:
- Guide (bilingual English–Spanish)
- Medical assistance
- Private transportation
- Hydration
- Entrance to the rock
- Shared boat tour
- Typical lunch in Guatapé
Day 8
TRANSFER OUT MEDELLÍN
Starting time: According to the scheduled flight
Our time together has come to an end, so it is time to say goodbye and, after breakfast, drop you off at the Medellín international airport so you can start planning your next adventure.
END OF OUR SERVICES
Caño Cristales Tour
- This tour is available from June to November.
- This tour can be shorter.
- Our rates do not include international and/or domestic airline tickets.
- Transfers between the airport and hotel from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM will incur an additional night surcharge.
- If the travelers are Colombian nationals, a 19% VAT must be added.
- The accommodation rates apply to low season. If you wish to upgrade the hotel category, please contact us for more information.
- If the traveler purchases flights, accommodation, or any other activity independently, please note that any issues or unforeseen events related to these services are beyond the responsibility of Colombia Travel Operator, and we are not liable for them.
- The initial 50% payment will be subject to a 10% administrative fee in case of cancellation, plus any additional administrative costs related to the cancellation.
- 30 days before the start of services: 20% penalty applies.
- Up to 15 days before the start of services: 50% penalty applies.
- Less than 5 days before the service: 100% penalty (non-refundable).
- Flight Changes & Airport Transfers:
- Any flight changes must be reported at least 3 hours before the scheduled service.
- Airport waiting time is 1 hour (unless flight changes are reported in advance). After this, additional waiting hours will be charged.
- If a change in flight schedule or flight number is reported only 1 hour in advance, waiting time will be charged, or the service will be considered a no-show and a new service will need to be scheduled.
- After 2 hours of waiting with no prior notice, the service will be considered a no-show.
- Will there be other people with me during the trip?
No, all of our trips are 100% private. We work closely with each client during the planning phase to build the experience exactly the way you want it. - What is included and not included in the tour?
Included:
Accommodation and meals mentioned in the itinerary
Visits with a private guide
Entrance fees to the mentioned attractions
All transfers (except air travel)
24/7 assistance
Medical assistance
Not included:
Personal expenses
Tips
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Airfare (international and domestic, except the flight to/from La Macarena which is included)
Municipal taxes (approx. $40 USD per person – please bring cash) - Are the tours only in English or Spanish?
We’re very proud of our multilingual team. We offer tours in Spanish, English, French, Portuguese, German, and Italian. We can also provide Russian translators if needed.
Please let us know your preferred language when booking. (Tours in languages other than English or Spanish may incur an additional cost). - Before starting your adventure, we recommend:
Please be aware of the restrictions for entering Caño Cristales:
No application of chemical products (sunscreen, insect repellent, etc.)
Smoking and alcohol consumption are not allowed during hikes
The water in the river is clean but not drinkable – do not consume it
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary are not included, so we recommend bringing cash to enjoy local cuisine during your visit
Flights are not included in tour prices because fares vary; we recommend booking them yourself after confirming your trip with us. We’ll gladly help you find the best flight options that match your travel dates
The municipal tax ($40 USD/person) is not included in the package. Please bring cash to pay this directly - What to bring:
Comfortable clothing for out door activities (preferably quick-dry fabrics)
Long-sleeve shirts for sun protection
Long pants (avoid jeans)
Hat or cap
Sunglasses
2 pairs of water-resistant shoes (ideally hiking boots)
Jacket or poncho
Small daypack for carrying your reusable water bottle and lunch
Swimsuit - Need something different?
If something in the tour doesn’t suit your preferences, no worries—just tell us what you’d like to change. The tour is fully customizable to your needs! - Still have questions?
👉 Please visit our full FAQ page.