CHARCO AZUL

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 the 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.