Things to see and do Orinoquía

After a pleasant, mostly shady climb, you'll discover no less than Colombia's largest waterfall! At a height of 700 metres, the majestic Sardinata cascades down a series of rocky waterfalls to create beautiful natural pools below, allowing you to bathe while overlooking the surrounding jungle. The panorama unfolds as you climb, the horizon takes shape and the surrounding landscape is simply magical. Along the way, you're sure to come across monkeys and perhaps even jaguar tracks.

The "Cerro Azul de Guacari", also known as the "Piedra de Guacari", is an emblematic rock formation, the guardian of prehistoric paintings that have become the region's archaeological treasure trove. Nicknamed the "Lascaux of Amazonia" by the French, Cerro Azul is home to a heritage that is, to say the least, unique in the world: (re)discovered by the scientific community from the 1950s onwards, the oldest remains found on the site date back 12,000 years! This makes Cerro Azul one of the oldest artistic sites in Latin America.

Just 30 minutes by 4x4 from Uribe, a truly unique experience awaits you: the tuning descent of the canyon del Guape. Immersed in nature, the feeling of beauty, freedom and adrenalin will transport you through spectacular rock formations. Sailing on the crystal-clear waters of the Magdalena River, you'll enjoy a landscape untouched by human construction. Surrounded by nature's rich flora and fauna, the riverbanks are home to monkeys, birds and colorful butterflies.

These Moyas de Santa Rita are characterized by imposing rocks whose shape is the result of complex geological processes involving erosion, sedimentation and the formation of limestone rocks. Over time, these rock formations have left their famous "ochos", natural slides and pools. Even more impressive, the site is home to petroglyphs engraved by ancestral civilizations. However, this archaeological discovery has not yet been the subject of detailed or published studies.

The "7 Cascadas" are a group of seven waterfalls in the heart of the jungle. Associated with local legends, their charm is all the more stunning! The site is rich in natural pools, with plenty of places to cool off. Canyoning is becoming increasingly popular here, combining contemplation with sporting activities! The "Cascada del Amor" is said to have the power to bless all couples who visit it with eternal love...

From the Charco Azul site, a hike like no other promises to fill you with wonder in the heart of Colombia's most beautiful canyon... An aquatic hike, combining 3km of canyoning with a shallow water walk. The canyon's majestic walls captivate the imagination, and their time-sculpted lines are home to an astonishing biodiversity. Equipped with a life jacket and suitable footwear, let yourself be carried along by the current and observe this natural setting of dazzling verticality... A truly magical activity!

Once inhabited by the Guayaberos, Guayanes and Guayupes, the Canyon del Guejar is characterized by its sheer rock faces and impressive cliffs, created by the erosion of rock by the waters of the Rio Guejar. The river rushes down the canyon, forming majestic waterfalls and natural pools. Over the millennia, these unique geological formations have forged a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty. Want to discover it? Choose rafting to enjoy the view while getting a good dose of adrenalin!

The Charco Azul site is both a former guerrilla camp and an unspoilt natural setting. It is particularly well known as a former camp of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). However, since the signing of the peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC in 2016, the area has been opened up to visitors and has become a popular tourist destination. But let's go back in history to better understand the workings of this now iconic site: in the 2000s, there were reports that FARC had found refuge and set up camps in the Charco Azul region. These camps often served as bases for guerrilla operations and weapons storage. Marked by community life and military discipline, the armed combatants lived in precarious conditions, often in temporary shelters built from local materials. Their lives were punctuated by military operations, territorial patrols, attack training and propaganda activities. In such an environment, they had to cohabit with the jungle, not always peaceful, and extreme weather conditions. Despite hostile conditions, FARC managed to maintain a significant presence in the region for many years. They often received ideological and political training to reinforce their commitment to the revolutionary cause, so the movement never ran out of recruits. Since then, FARC signed a peace agreement with the Colombian government in 2016, putting an end to decades of armed conflict. Under the agreement, many FARC members have demobilized and reintegrated into Colombian society, while others have been involved in justice and reconciliation processes. Today, the region is slowly being rebuilt after years of conflict, and the Charco Azul still retains traces of those days: rudimentary shelters, makeshift beds, military equipment... It's easy to appreciate the close cooperation that must have existed between members to ensure the survival and security of the community. Don't miss a visit to the old camp! Charco Azul is also famous for its magnificent natural pool and impressive waterfalls: cascada La Honda, cascada El Escondido, cascada La Uva and cascada La Culebra with its natural turquoise pool.

A true natural jewel, the Caño Unión river flows through lush jungle, offering unforgettable escapades: visitors can enjoy pleasant hikes and life-saving swims, while admiring the surprising flora and fauna. Caño Unión is renowned for being home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, thanks to its rich and diverse ecosystems. Emblematic species include the Zocay monkey, an endangered species with abundant reddish-ochre fur.

A tributary of the Rio Guayabero, the Caño Canoas owes its name to the traditional boats of local populations ("canoas" meaning canoes): it is therefore likely that it was named by the natives who navigated its course. Meandering through a wide variety of habitats, the Canoas is home to a unique variety of wildlife, from swamps to jungle treetops. Accessible by guided hike, it's the ideal place for nature lovers to admire toucans, howler monkeys and sloths.

Caño Siete Machos is a canyon formed by the erosion of rock over time by the waters of the Rio Guayabero. Its high, steep walls make it a sinuous, almost mysterious canyon! Local legend has it that seven warriors were once charged with protecting the region, and that the site's name pays tribute to their courage and strength. At the heart of the canyon, water rushes down the rock faces to create a spectacular waterfall: if you want to cool off, it's time for a swim!

Both historic works of art and witnesses to Colombia's cultural richness, petroglyphs are precious relics of the region's pre-Columbian past. Engraved by ethnic groups such as the Guahibo or the Nukak who once inhabited the territory, they often represent a variety of abstract symbols, human figures, animals... As a means of artistic expression, they continue to be considered sacred sites, and often have spiritual significance for indigenous communities.