| Duration: | 4 Day(s) - 3 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Eco Tours |
A captivating destination in Colombia that unveils the allure of untamed landscapes, vibrant cultural experiences, and amazing rock paintings dating back more than 12,000 years. Nestled amidst lush tropical surroundings, this small town stands as a gateway to the breathtaking Amazon rainforest. As you explore, anticipate encounters with unique flora and fauna and archaeological wonders. San Jose del Guaviare beckons adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and cultural explorers alike to immerse themselves in a truly extraordinary Colombian experience.
DAY 1
Departure - 1 hr 15 min
Flight Bogotá San Jose del Guaviare
Enjoy a relaxing 1 hr flight to San Jose del Guaviare, arriving in the late morning to early afteroon. Given the limited availability of flights to this destination, it is recommended to secure your booking well in advance to ensure a seamless travel experience.
On arrival, you'll be collected from the airport and be taken directly onto your tour.
4 hr
Gate of Orion and The Red River or The Black Lagoon
On arrival, you'll travel a short distance to arrive at the fascinating area of rock formations such as the Puerta de Orión (Gate of Orion).
This grand rock structure is approximately 15m (50ft) in width and 12m (40ft) in height. The Puerta de Orión actually has 2 large holes within it and during the month of December, it is possible to see the star constellations of Orions Belt through the upper hole.
Red River (July to October):
Here you'll enjoy walking through this wonderful area for approximately 2km (1.25mi) before heading to Caño Sabana to enjoy the wonderful scenery of this magical river which displays the colorful water plant Macarenia clavíagera. (Colombia is the only country in the world to have this beautiful plant.) Here you'll be able to relax and take many photos. Unfortunately swimming here is not allowed.
Please Note: The Red River is only available during the wet months of July to October. As the water plant, Macarenia clavíagera does not display any color without water. During the months of November to June, a tour of the Black Lagoon is provided.
Black Lagoon (November to June):
The color of the Black Lagoon is caused by the number of “guios” (a kind of serpent) that live in the lagoon. Or is possibly due to the dry leaves that accumulate at the bottom of the lagoon. Here you'll enjoy a short boat ride, view monkeys in the nearby trees, and a wonderful abundance of birds flying around. You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a swim in these refreshing waters.
You can swim here without fear and enjoy the “ichthyotherapy”: the local, tiny fish will nip the dead skin off your feet.
Check In - El Guaviare Hotel
Accommodation choices in San Jose de Guaviare are limited, and it's important to note that luxury options are scarce. Due to the consistently hot and humid climate of this destination, it's common for most hotels not to provide hot water facilities.
DAY 2
9 hr 30 min
Cero Azul
Leaving shortly after breakfast at around 7:30 am you'll travel for approximately 2 hours to get to the archeological site of Cerro Azul. Once here you'll be walking through a natural jungle and a cave measuring 210m (688ft). This is also where you'll enjoy your first encounter with the rock paintings of animals, people, plants, and daily life dating back more than 12000 years bp.
NB. This walk is rated a 3 out of 5 for difficulty.
Following this, you'll be heading off to enjoy a late lunch of the region before traveling back to your hotel and expected arrival of 4:30pm
DAY 3
7:00 - 9 hr
The Pink Dolphins of the Nare Lagoon
Leaving before breakfast around 5:30 am you'll journey in a 4x4 for 2.5-3 hours to the Laguna Damas de Nare. (Stopping for breakfast along the way)
Once here you'll enjoy an hour's walk (with a few stops) for approximately 3.5km (2mi) through a beautiful natural forest full of exotic plants, birds, and monkeys.
At the conclusion of this walk, you'll stop for a short break before climbing into a canoe to explore the lagoon in search of the Pink Dolphins.
You'll also have the opportunity to swim in the lagoon, with the odd dolphin possibly playing with your feet while you're enjoying the warm waters.
Next, you're back to land for a wonderful typical lunch before walking back through the magical forest and your waiting transport to your hotel.
DAY 4
8:00 - 4 hr
Nuevo Tolima
Today will start with a relaxing journey of approximately 95 min to the Pinturas Rupestres Nuevo Tolima. That is a 60 min drive and a 35 min hike.
Although it is a short hike it is mostly uphill, so a basic-medium level of fitness will be required. But once you arrive at the site it'll all be worthwhile. You'll actually only find one rock face with paintings here, but it is longer than either of the walls at Cerro Azul. Not only that, but it's less visited and usually is less crowded.
Estimations of these rock paintings are up to 12,500 years BP. But with some possibly as recent as three or four hundred years ago, after the introduction of the conquistadors and their livestock. Here you'll enjoy walking around this area for an hour or more before relaxing with a fantastico lunch and a transfer to the airport for the next part of your Colombian Adventure.
NB. This walk is rated a 3 out of 5 for difficulty.
14:51 - Departure - 1 hr 30 min
Flight San Jose - Bogotá
After your morning tour and some lunch, it'll be off to the airport to catch your flight back to Bogotá.
Hablamos pronto, safe travels home, and visit again soon!
OPTIONAL TOURS
8:00 - 8 hr 30 min
Raudal del Guayabero Canyon
Leaving at 8:00am following breakfast, you'll start this day with a ride in a 4x4 for around 80-90min before climbing into a boat ride for a short 15 min ride. Followed by a short but tough hike of around 20 min to get to the paleolithic rock art site of Raudal Guayabero.
Located past the narrow rapids of the Guayabero River west of San José del Guaviare, this site is only recently opened up to visitors. And situated outside the tiny town of El Raudal del Guayabero, this site is much less developed and a bit more difficult to reach, including a section that has to be traversed with the aid of a rope, and the incline is quite steep. But not to worry, as your local guide will be with you to lend a helping hand when needed.
Although there is only one wall of paintings accessible here, and it has not been as well preserved as Cero Azul and Nuevo Tolima, it is still very impressive and also has an incredible view from the top of the hill.
Once you've studied every image and enjoyed the view from up high, you'll hike back down to your waiting boat and another short boat ride to get back to the small town of El Raudal del Guayabero. Here you'll stop for some typical lunch before making your way back to San Jose in the 4x4, with an expected arrival of 4:30pm.
8:00 - 2 hr 30 min
Natural Rock Tunnels
Today you'll be starting your tour around 8 am. Traveling the short distance of less than 30 min you will arrive in the amazing area of the Túneles Naturales (natural rock tunnels) You'll be enjoying this area for 2-3 hours, including walking for 6km (3.7mi) before enjoying a fantastico lunch and a transfer to the airport for the next part of your Colombian Adventure.
NB. This walk is rated a 2 out of 5 for difficulty.
13:00 - 3 hr
Natural Pools
Following a stop for lunch, it's off to explore the Los Pozos Naturales (natural water wells). A peaceful and relaxing location for a swim. Here you can dive into the natural pools that have been carved into the rocks by the water over thousands of years. The minerals and vegetation of the area make the tones of the water change from yellow to red, to brown, and onto black. So when submerged the color of your skin changes and varies. Some of these water holes actually have a depth of 8 meters.
Whats Included
Accommodations
Breakfasts
English-speaking guide during all excursions.
All entrance fees
All airport transfers
24-hour support group
Whats Excluded
International & Domestic flights
Travel Insurance
Meals and Services not mentioned
