Serranía de la Macarena, Jungle Tour - 4 Days – Colombia

La Macarena National Park 'Serranía de la Macarena' encompasses the ecologically unique meeting point for the flora and fauna of the Amazon, Orinoco and Andes regions.

Embark on a 4-day Amazon jungle adventure, immersing yourself in the finest offerings of this exotic rainforest. Whether it's scenic exploration, canoeing through winding waterways, or trekking in remote areas, this experience promises to broaden your understanding of the jungle's wonders. For those with time constraints, a condensed 3-day option is available, but for a more profound appreciation of the beauty and diversity, we recommend the enriching 4-day journey.

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Trip Itinerary

DAY 1: Bogota to La Macarena

Arriving either from Villavicencio or Bogota airport (subject to flight availability), your welcome to this adventure begins as a friendly FlashpackerConnect representative awaits. Indulge in a welcome lunch featuring local products. The day unfolds with a visit to the botanical garden, offering opportunities for bird watching, hiking, and capturing memorable moments through photography.

DAY 2: El Raudal Hike

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, embark on a boat journey to El Raudal. This natural marvel was sculpted by the Guayabero River as it meandered through Tinigua Park, dramatically narrowing its course from 200 to just 30 meters. The result is a breathtaking display of rock carvings etched by the water's passage. As you navigate the waters, be prepared to witness a diverse array of wildlife and picturesque landscapes.

Following the boat excursion, embark on a hike along the Miradores trail. Here, you'll encounter ancient petroglyphs and have the option to continue your exploration towards the city of Piedras or the Aguas Claras trail (availability subject to confirmation the night before, as determined by local authorities). Enjoy a recreational bath, savor a delicious lunch, and then return to your hotel.

The return journey to La Macarena involves a combination of horseback riding and a scenic boat trip. Your evening will culminate with a guided dinner, offering a perfect opportunity to reflect on the day's adventures.

Day 3: Silent Lagoon

Embark on a captivating journey as we cruise down the Guayabero River, exploring its scenic beauty by boat. A delightful horseback ride awaits, guiding us to the tranquil Lagoon of Silence. Glide through the lagoon's calm waters in non-motorized canoes, immersing yourself in the peaceful surroundings. Our adventure continues with a leisurely walk, leading us to Ricardo's cabins for a regional lunch, offering a taste of the local cuisine. Post-meal, relish the warm waters of Caño Cristales, a mesmerizing location nestled in the foothills of the Serrania de la Macarena. Along the trails, be enchanted by the diverse wildlife, including birds and primates, lush vegetation, and the invigorating freshness of nature's air. As the afternoon unfolds, we make our way back to La Macarena.

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Day 4: Fauna and flora sighting on kayak / Return to Bogota

As your final day dawns, awaken early to embark on an enchanting wildlife boat ride. Following this delightful experience, savor a hearty breakfast at a local farm. Post-breakfast, return to your hotel to complete your packing before bidding farewell to this memorable adventure.

Flights back to Bogota are available at various times, generally ranging between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, subject to availability and the day's flight schedule.

Additional Information

Important

Given La Macarena´s remote location, flights can be delayed by weather. Please make sure to plan any travel after your trip accordingly
WIFI is very spotty. While there is wifi in the central park and hotels, it is not something to rely on. There is one tienda outside town which has the best wifi. Please ask your guide to show you and make sure to buy a cerveza or two to show the owner your appreciation.
Please note that no single use water bottles are permitted in the park to prevent littering. Hikes are long and can be hot even with the intermittent swimming breaks. We recommend bringing a minimum of 2 litres of water. Additional water bottles can be purchased in town for $2.
No sunscreen or bug spray is allowed in the parks as it damages the aquatic plants. Please dress accordingly with long light pants and shirts. Wide brim hats and/or buffs are highly recommended.

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Additional Trip Info

Internal flights round trip - Bogota to La Macerena
Fully guided trips - Spanish speaking guide. English translator headset available for additional cost (+$150usd)
All meals (from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day) in local restaurants in La Macarena (breakfasts and dinners). The lunches are served during the trip to the river as "fiambre" (typical Colombian dish served in banana leaves)
Hotel pick up in Bogota and transfer to airport
Hotel transfer back to hotel in bogota at the conclusion of tour
All camping gear- pillow, sleeping bag, sleeping bag
All transfers (boat, motorcycle, 4x4)
National Park Entrance