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Rafting through the Cañon del Güejar means traversing through 500 million-year-old rock formations amid the Sierra de la Macarena (Macarena Mountain Range), one of the world’s most biodiverse areas. It is part of the Guiana Shield, an ancient geological formation that spans parts of Colombia, Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and southern Venezuela. It is a ride through archaic landscapes, primeval forests, and the cascading waterfalls of the Rio Güejar (Güejar river).
The region is relatively new to tourism. Until about 10 years ago, it was controlled by FARC guerillas and classified as a “red zone” conflict area, one of the most dangerous areas in the country. Now it’s attracting adventure tourists looking to experience the natural beauty of Colombia’s more remote topography. Since it is also a wildlife refuge surrounded by national parks, prepare for an abundance of animal sightings including bears, otters, and a variety of bird species. One of the notable landmarks is the El Cerro del Indio Acostado, an ancient rock formation that looks like a man’s profile and is beloved by locals.
During the rafting experience, there are myriad opportunities to bathe in waterfalls and swim in the crystalline waters of the Rio Güejar in between navigating the gushing rapids. Don’t rush to leave the region after the rafting adventure because there’s a variety of nature activities to fully immerse yourself in, like tubing, horseback riding, and hiking; all of which support the local families who are building tourism options in their communities.
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Know Before You Go
While the entrance to the canyon is in Mesetas, most tours leave from nearby San Juan de Arama which is approximately a seven-hour drive from Bogotá. However, the route consists of roads carved into the mountainside, so be prepared for delays due to landslides, road blocks, or crashes. It’s wiser to take the bus to San Juan de Arama instead of driving because the route’s hairpin turns, tunnels, and steep descent can be dangerous for someone unfamiliar with the area. There are also flights available from Bogotá to the town of Villavicencio, which is a three-hour drive from San Juan de Arama and avoids a harrowing and unpredictable mountain journey. A few tour companies offer trips to the canyon leaving from Villavicencio.
Visiting the canyon is free, but visitors are only allowed to enter with a guide and rafting tour. Single-day tours generally last about five hours and require rafting to the canyon so you should be in moderate physical shape. There are also multiple-day packages available that include accommodations plus other local activities. Visitors can find modest cabins and homes serving as hotels near the beginning of the tour in Mesetas, as well as San Juan de Arama; and there are also camping and glamping options available. Most of the lodging options also operate restaurants.
Bring or wear proper non-slip water shoes, a hat, sunblock, and insect repellent, and be prepared for warm temperatures. Visiting from December to March is ideal for clearer and calmer waters (class 2 or 3 rapids), blue skies, and sunny days. From May through December, expect more intense rapids (class 4), muddy water, and cloudier days with peeks of sunshine.
This post is sponsored by ProColombia. Click here to explore more.
Published
December 19, 2024
