Colombia is much more than its traditional tourist destinations. In different regions of the country there are hidden paradises that few travelers know aboutbut that surprise with their crystalline rivers, natural hot springs, and imposing mountains.
Cali News
Far from mass tourism and the most promoted destinations, Colombia hides amazing natural settings that seem taken from another world. After traveling the country for more than six months, this route reveals hidden paradises that very few tourists visitideal for those seeking adventure.
Also read:
Colombia is one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity in the world, but beyond traditional destinations, there are hidden paradises that very few tourists know about and that surprise with their natural beauty, history and resilience.
1. Termales El Sifón, a hidden gem in Caldas
In the department of Caldasan hour and a half from Manizales and very close to the Los Nevados National Natural Parkthere is one of the most impressive hot springs not only in Colombia, but in South America: the El Sifón hot springs.
It is a completely natural hot water riverlocated more than 4,000 meters above sea levelsurrounded by frailejones, fog and moor vegetation. The landscape is complemented by a privileged view of the Nevado del Ruiz and its fumarolecreating a unique experience.
Admission is cheap: just pay around 15,000 pesos to a local farmer, who indicates the exact path. The route along the road that connects the Nevado with Murilloa picturesque mountain town, makes this trip an unmissable experience.
2. Norcasia, river tourism and memory in the east of Caldas
In the northeast of Caldas there is Norcasiaa municipality that was hit by the armed conflict and that today is betting on nature and river tourism as an engine of development.
One of its main attractions is the Amani reservoirideal for water activities or simply to enjoy its panoramic viewpoint. Furthermore, the Honey River offers experiences of body raftingtraveling more than seven kilometers, letting yourself be carried away by the current while observing birds and natural landscapes.
Very close is the Manso Rivera true paradise of crystal clear waters, natural pools and walks along the riverbed. This destination is approximately five hours from Bogotá or Manizales and six hours from Medellín. Visiting during the week is the best option to avoid crowds.
3. Guaviare, the gateway to the Colombian Amazon
For many years, the Guaviare It was one of the least explored regions of the country. After the signing of the Peace Agreementthis territory went from being a restricted area to becoming one of the most surprising emerging destinations in Colombia.
Known as the Gate of the Amazonthe Guaviare is home to crystalline rivers, unique rock formations and rare natural phenomena, such as a pink riverwhose color is due to natural processes in the environment.
Very close are the cave paintings of Cerro Azulan archaeological jewel thousands of years old and of incalculable cultural value. These sites can be visited through organized tours or on your own by vehicle, making Guaviare an ideal destination for those seeking adventure, history and nature.
4. Güéjar River, nature and reconciliation in Meta
About five hours from Guaviare is the Güéjar riverin the department of Goala territory that for years was the epicenter of violence and that today represents an example of community tourism and reconciliation.
People affected by the conflict, young leaders and ex-combatants are the ones who now guide visitors through this amazing river. Among the most recommended activities is rafting through the Güéjar river canyonwhere you can see hidden waterfalls, rock formations such as the famous stone known as the titanic and a canyon full of biodiversity.
In the municipality of Distanceswhere the river is born, it is possible to enjoy waterfalls, rapids and natural pools. In the dry season (December to February) the water is more crystal clear, while in winter the flow increases and the landscape is filled with waterfalls.
5. El Cocuy National Natural Park, a challenge in the heights
In the eastern mountain range of the Andes is the El Cocuy National Natural Parklocated between Boyacá, Arauca and Casanare. This destination is one of the most challenging and beautiful in the country.
From the municipality of The Cocuya town of white houses and Andean landscapes, access to high mountain hikes begins. One of the most demanding is the route to The Devil’s Pulpita rock formation located more than 4,700 meters above sea level.
Entry to the park must be done with an authorized guide.
