Part of our Colombia guide.
Colombia’s best hiking ranges from Santander’s high‑altitude páramos to Antioquia’s iconic rock climb and the seasonal rainbow river in Meta. Each destination demands its own plan: Santander for cloud‑forest treks, Guatapé for a 740‑step monolith, and Caño Cristales for a short‑window aquatic hike.
Related travel guides: Things To Do In Colombia, Itineraries For Colombia, Where To Eat In Colombia, and Beaches In Colombia.
The Best Places For Hiking In Santander, Colombia
Santander, in the northeastern part of the country, offers trails that traverse mountains, forests, and rural villages. The terrain includes sprawling paramos, canyons, and clear rivers. From the peaks of the Páramo de Santurbán to the Piscinas Naturales, the region's hikes demand attention to season and gear.
Santander’s signature hike is the multi‑day trek through the Páramo de Santurbán, a fragile high‑altitude ecosystem filled with frailejones and glacial lakes. Trails here typically start near the town of Vetas or California, and guided trips cost around COP 150,000–200,000 per person per day (as of 2023). The best months are December–February and June–August, when the dry season keeps the muddy sections passable.
Guatapé's Mysterious Rock Climb
Guatapé's rock climb centres on El Peñol (or Peñón de Guatapé), a 650‑foot monolith with 740 steps carved into its side. The climb leads to a panoramic view over the Embalse del Peñol reservoir and the surrounding lakes. Guatapé, a town in Antioquia, is known for its vibrant streets.
The rock is located in Guatapé, Antioquia, not in Santander. Entry costs COP 18,000 (about USD $5) as of 2024, and the climb takes most people 20–30 minutes. At the summit, a small café sells drinks and snacks. For a quieter experience, arrive before 9 am or after 3 pm.
Caño Cristales – The River of Five Colours
Caño Cristales is located in the Serranía de la Macarena in the Meta department, not in Santander. This short, non‑technical hike follows a series of crystalline pools and waterfalls where aquatic plants turn the riverbed red, yellow, green, blue, and black during the dry season (June–November). Access is restricted: you must enter with a registered guide from La Macarena town, and the current park fee is COP 47,500 (about USD $12). The trail distance is roughly 4 km round‑trip, and swimming is allowed in designated Piscinas Naturales. Because of its fragility, the river closes to visitors from December to May each year.
Practical Notes for Hikers
- Santander’s trails require sturdy boots and warm layers; paramo temperatures can drop to 5°C even at midday.
- For Guatapé, bring water and sunscreen – the steps are exposed and there is no shade on the climb.
- Caño Cristales permits are limited; book at least two weeks ahead through a licensed agency in La Macarena.
- If you’re planning a broader trip, check our Colombia guide for travel planning essentials in Colombia and hidden gems in Colombia.
