Hear about travel to off-the-beaten-track regions of Colombia as the Amateur Traveler talks to Justin Barnes about multi-color rivers, granite monoliths, giant palm trees, and deserts.
Why should you go to these places in Colombia?
Justin says, “These locations are all extremely unique. Caño Cristales is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. It’s full of colors, red, green and gold in the river. The area near Inírida called Mavecure is three giant hills. Just imagine something like if you took a half dome or El Capitan and just drop them in the middle of the rainforest, sticking up 2000 feet above. The forest area I was talking about has just thousands and thousands of the tallest palm trees in the world. They’re all fairly close to Bogota.”
Justin suggests an off-the-beaten-path itinerary in Colombia, visiting four unique destinations, all within 90 minutes by plane from Bogotá:
Suggested Itinerary:
- Caño Cristales (La Macarena, Meta) – 3 days, 2 nights
- Fly to La Macarena.
- Visit Caño Cristales, the “Liquid Rainbow,” famous for its vibrant red, green, and gold colors.
- Explore petroglyphs, unique rock formations, and diverse wildlife.
- Take hikes through the Serranía de la Macarena National Park.
- Swim in natural pools (no sunscreen or insect repellent allowed).
- Inírida & Cerros de Mavecure (Guainía) – 3 days, 2 nights
- Fly to Inírida, near the Venezuelan border.
- Take a boat to Cerros de Mavecure, massive granite monoliths rising from the jungle.
- Hike to the top for panoramic views.
- Visit indigenous villages and see the Inírida flower.
- Stop at honey farms producing citrus-infused honey.
- Look for Amazon river dolphins.
- See the confluence of Inírida, Guaviare, and Orinoco rivers.
Suggested adjustment: Instead of spending an extra night in Inírida, take an afternoon flight back to Bogotá.
- Tatacoa Desert (Huila) – 1-2 days
- Fly to Neiva, then drive to Desierto de la Tatacoa.
- Explore Valle de Los Xilópalos, with slot canyons, eroded rock formations, and cacti.
- Visit the Cusco area, which resembles Bryce Canyon with red-orange formations.
- Visit an astronomical observatory for stargazing.
- Either fly or drive to the Coffee Region (recommended due to frequent flight cancellations).
- Tochecito Wax Palm Forest (Quindío) – 1-2 days
- From Salento, take a 2-hour 4×4 jeep ride to Tochecito.
- Hike among the tallest palm trees in the world (up to 200 ft).
- Enjoy stunning views of lush green valleys.
- Return to Bogotá.
Key Notes:
- The trip takes 10-12 days, but can be shortened by skipping a night in Inírida.
- Best time to visit Caño Cristales: July – mid-November (when the river’s colors are most vibrant).
- Expect hot and humid conditions in the rainforest, cold nights in Bogotá.
- Accommodations in some areas (e.g., Mavecure) are basic.
- Bogotá is used as a hub due to unreliable flight schedules.
Alternative Ending:
- Instead of Tochecito, travelers could visit the Valle de Cocora, which has similar wax palms but is more touristy.
This itinerary focuses on Colombia’s hidden natural wonders while balancing logistics and flight reliability.
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Show Notes
Colombia 2024 – Bogotá, Caño Cristales, Inírida, Mavecure, Desierto Tatacoa, La Carbonera
Colombia
Caño Cristales
La Macarena, Meta
Colombia 2024
Inírida, Guainía
Cerros de Mavecure
Tatacoa Desert
Valle De Los Xilópalos (Desierto de la Tatacoa), Huila, Colombia – 24 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Tochecito (Finca La Carbonera): biggest wax palm forest in Colombia and in the World – RandomTrip
Travel to the Coffee Region of Colombia – A 2 Week Itinerary (Podcast)
La Manigua Lodge
Community
Amateur Traveler Trips
