
Giant Waterfalls
Swim beneath 1,000m tall waterfalls hidden deep in the mountains.

Only reachable by foot, hike the hidden waterfall valley, one of the most spectacular and least-visited landscapes near Medellín
Medellín
Giant waterfalls in Antioquia, adventure paradise of Colombia
Tour Duration
8:00 AM-6:00 PM
3 days
Fitness level
Tour Duration
8:00 AM-6:00 PM
3 days
Fitness level

Hidden Waterfalls
Trek to hidden cascades and swim in natural pools below a 1,000 m waterfall

Medellín Escape
Near Medellín, enjoy a moderate 20km trek into a roadless waterfall valley
Explore the Waterfall Valley over 3 days, hiking through Santo Domingo River canyon, swimming in giant waterfalls and staying with local families in remote mountain farmhouses. A fully supported trek with traditional meals and no heavy backpack.
Starting from $1.206.000 COP / person
Day 1
• Meet us at 8:00AM at our operational base in Cocorná or book an extra private transport from Medellín.
• Traditional Colombian breakfast at our favorite restaurant overlooking the spectacular mountain view.
• 40min 4x4 ride to the start point of the hike.
• Hike for around 2 hours and reach the waterfall valley.
• Enjoy a traditional paisa lunch packed in banana leaves.
• Swim in natural pools below a 1,000m waterfall.
• Short hike to the farmhouse where you will enjoy a campesino dinner.
• Rest and spend the night in this remote farmhouse.
Distance: 7.5 km | Elevation gain: +470 m | Altitude max: 1050 m
Day 2

• Wake up in the middle of the mountains and have breakfast prepared by your hosts.
• Hike all morning before a refreshing swim in the Santa Bárbara waterfall.
• Enjoy a well deserved paisa lunch by the waterfall.
• Swim and relax time before hiking back to the guesthouse.
• Have dinner cooked by the local family and rest before your last day of trekking.
Distance: 6.8 km | Elevation gain: +1100 m | Altitude max: 1760 m
Day 3

• Start the day with a homemade breakfast prepared by your hosts in the heart of the Waterfall Valley.
• Hike to Santa Inés and swim in the natural pools.
• Enjoy a traditional fiambre lunch and relax.
• In the afternoon, hike back down the valley for the last stretch of the hike.
• Reach the end of the hike and get back to the operational base at around 4 PM.
Distance: 7.5 km | Elevation gain: +350 m | Altitude max: 1050 m
Start-point

The tour starts here at our operational base in Cocorná. Near the restaurant el Palacio de los frijoles on the Medellín-Bogotá highway. It’s easy to get there by public transport from Medellín or come in your own vehicle (free parking available).
If you're staying in Medellín, optional transport can be added at checkout, including pickup from Hostel Masaya or other locations. If you wish to organise private transport from another location please get in touch
This expedition includes
- Day 1 -
Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shared accomodation - farmhouse stay in the mountains
- Day 2 -
Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shared accomodation - farmhouse stay in the mountains
- Day 3 -
Food: Breakfast, Lunch
What is the food like ?

Your first breakfast will be at our favorite restaurant El Palacio de los Frijoles with a beautiful view over the mountains.
For your lunches, you will enjoy a typical Colombian meal: the Antioquian fiambre! A traditional packed meal from Antioquia, wrapped in banana leaves and made for days out in nature.
Breakfasts and dinner will be catered for by locals in rural farmhouses and will be traditional paisa food typically prepared in rural Antioquia.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-friendly options are available, just message us!
What is the accomodation like ?

A simple shared dormitory in a traditional mountain farmhouse, surrounded by the peaceful landscapes of the Colombian Andes. Guests stay is simple but comfortable shared rooms with beds, showers, and toilets. A chance to disconnect from the modern world and experience an unforgettable night in the remote Colombian wilderness.
Antioquia's warm tropical climate includes hot and sunny days with temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 30 °C, but rain is always possible. Pack for both sunshine and rain with lightweight clothing, sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water.
• 20km of guided hike
• 2 nights in a rural farmhouse in the mountains
• Experienced and certified professional bilingual trek guides
• Round-trip transport between our Cocorná operational base and the hike start (Medellín transport not included)
• 8 meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners with specific dietary options available upon request)
• Entry access to the waterfalls and natural pools
• Medical assistance policy
• Transportation from Medellín to Cocorná (can be booked as an extra during checkout)
• Guide tips
• Personal clothing, shoes
• Additional snacks or drinks
• Personal expenses
• Gopro photo package (can be booked as an extra during checkout)
What do I need to bring?
• Passport for internationals or national ID for Colombian citizens (physical documents required)
• Hiking shoes or shoes with a good grip
• Lightweight quick-dry clothing
• Rain jacket
• Swimsuit & quick-dry towel
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Water bottle
• Cap or hat
• Headlamp
• Buff or neck gaiter/bandana for protection against wind and cold
Colombia has an equatorial tropical climate, making it possible to travel throughout the year. Temperatures remain relatively stable, although rainfall varies depending on the region and time of year. The main rainy seasons are from March to May and from October to November.
Rainfall generally does not cause significant changes in temperature. However, it can raise river levels, creating excellent conditions for whitewater rafting and kayaking, while activities such as paragliding may be more dependent on weather conditions. Our rafting trips operate year-round.
If you prefer to travel during a generally drier period, consider visiting between December and March or from June to September. Climate varies considerably depending on altitude and location: Medellín enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year, while the Andean regions around Bogotá are cooler, particularly at night. The Amazon region is warmer, more humid and receives more rainfall.
Good to know:
Colombia is a popular destination for international travelers, but as in any country, it is important to take sensible precautions, particularly to reduce the risk of theft and petty crime. By staying aware of your surroundings and following a few simple guidelines, you can enjoy your trip with greater peace of mind.
Here are our main recommendations:
If you have any questions or concerns about safety during your trip, feel free to contact Expedition Colombia. Our team will be happy to provide advice and help you prepare for your journey.
ATMs are widely available throughout Colombia and generally offer more competitive exchange rates than banks or currency exchange offices. However, not all ATMs accept every type of bank card. For example, some Bancolombia ATMs may not accept certain foreign cards.
Before travelling, we recommend contacting your bank to find out which Colombian ATMs accept your card and to check whether any withdrawal or transaction fees may apply.
You should also notify your bank of your travel plans. This can help prevent transactions from being declined or triggering fraud alerts while you are abroad.
If you would like to have some Colombian pesos with you upon arrival, you can usually order foreign currency from your bank before departure or exchange money at certain airport currency exchange offices.
What you need to pack depends on your itinerary and the activities you will be doing with Expedition Colombia. Requirements may vary between a multi-day active holiday and a shorter adventure tour.
For active holidays lasting more than one week, you will find a detailed packing list for each day within your itinerary. For adventure tours lasting 1 to 5 days, scroll down to the “Checklist” section of your tour page and open the “What to Bring” tab.
For most activities, we recommend bringing:
For mountain regions and high-altitude treks, bring warm layers, including a hat and gloves. For cultural visits and village excursions, comfortable and respectful clothing is recommended.
For any specific activity, always check the “What to Bring” section of your itinerary to make sure you have everything you need.
The fitness level, rated from 1 to 5, indicates how physically demanding a tour is expected to be. It helps you choose an experience that matches your fitness level and understand what to expect before booking.
All our trips combine adventure, discovery and cultural immersion, but the amount and intensity of physical activity varies from one itinerary to another. We recommend reading the detailed itinerary of each tour to understand the activities involved and their level of difficulty.
1/5 — Relaxed
A gentle and accessible experience with little physical exertion. No specific fitness preparation is required, and physical activities are generally optional or very light.
2/5 — Easy
The trip includes some easy physical activities, but no specific training is required. A normal level of fitness is sufficient to fully enjoy the experience.
3/5 — Moderate
Several activities involve moderate physical exertion and may raise your heart rate. A good level of fitness is recommended.
4/5 — Challenging
Expect sustained and demanding physical activity. A good level of fitness is required to fully enjoy the experience.
5/5 — Very challenging
This is our highest fitness level. These expeditions can involve significant physical exertion, challenging conditions and situations requiring teamwork in remote wilderness environments. Excellent fitness and adequate preparation are essential.
Most of our itineraries are suitable for travelers with an average level of fitness, although certain specialist expeditions may require some physical preparation beforehand.
Our guides always prioritize the safety and well-being of our travelers. Some tours also have age restrictions due to their level of difficulty. If you have any questions about your fitness level or whether a particular tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.
If you have specific dietary requirements, allergies or a medical condition that may require special attention, please let us know when you book your trip and before paying the 100% non-refundable deposit. This allows our team to assess your needs and make the necessary arrangements whenever possible.
We offer vegetarian and gluten-free options, although available choices may vary depending on the type of trip and location.
For adventure tours, meals may include French cuisine prepared by our chef, meals at local restaurants, or traditional dishes prepared by local families and chefs. When visiting coffee farms, you can also enjoy authentic Colombian meals prepared by the estate’s staff and chef.
For active holidays, breakfast and lunch are included. Dinners are generally at your own expense, and we provide restaurant recommendations based on your preferences and budget. If you would prefer to have all dinners included, this can be arranged upon request.
Alcoholic beverages are not included in our tours, except for champagne served aboard our sailing boat in Cartagena.
Please inform us of any allergies, intolerances, dietary restrictions or medical conditions when booking. We will do our best to adapt your trip and ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Yes. Solo travellers can join a group on any of our day or multi-day adventure tours. Rafting trips require a minimum of 4 people per raft, so we connect solo travellers with other like-minded adventurers to make the experience possible.
Alternatively, you can book a private tour with a guide for our non-rafting adventure tours and active holidays. Private tours are exclusive to your party and can be tailored to your preferences. As a result, they are priced higher than the rates listed on our website.
Yes, you are required to carry your passport with you during your tour. A copy of your passport will be recorded when you check in on the morning of your activity.
If you require medical attention during your trip, your passport may be required to receive treatment at a Colombian medical facility. Colombian law also requires foreign visitors to carry valid identification, as police may conduct ID checks.
Once you arrive, we will provide you with a secure way to store your passport during the activity. However, you remain fully responsible for your passport at all times. You cannot leave your passport or valuables with our driver or inside the vehicle.
We recommend leaving other valuables at your hotel whenever possible. For certain activities, particularly rafting, jewelry and piercings are not permitted as they may cause injuries or become lost during the activity.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes international medical coverage. This can provide protection in the event of flight or trip cancellations, as well as medical issues that may arise during your stay.
Before travelling, check with your existing health insurance provider to understand how you are covered abroad and which regions of Colombia are included in your policy. Expedition Colombia provides insurance coverage for its staff and participants through Colasistencia.
In the event of an accident or medical emergency, you must carry your original passport with you. Medical facilities may require the original document before providing treatment.
Regarding vaccinations, make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling abroad. Recommendations may vary depending on your itinerary, the regions you plan to visit and your individual circumstances. Certain areas of Colombia also require additional precautions against mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, as well as illnesses such as typhoid fever.
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/colombia
We recommend checking the official travel health guidance from your home country and consulting a healthcare professional before departure to determine which vaccinations and preventive measures are appropriate for your trip.
The safety of our travelers is our top priority. Our staff is trained to manage medical emergencies in remote wilderness environments, stabilize and monitor participants, and provide initial assistance until appropriate medical care can be reached.
We have developed an emergency response plan for each of our wilderness destinations. These plans include internal communication procedures and coordination with local emergency services. Please note that emergency helicopter evacuation services are not available in Colombia.
When an injury or medical condition does not require emergency evacuation, our guides will arrange safe transportation to an appropriate medical facility, usually in one of Colombia’s major cities.
You must carry your original passport with you during the tour. If medical treatment is required, Colombian medical facilities may require the original passport before admitting you as a patient; a copy is not sufficient.
To secure your booking, a 100% non-refundable deposit must be paid within the timeframes specified below. This allows us to make the necessary arrangements and prepare our guides and resources for your trip.
As the payment is non-refundable, cancellations do not qualify for a refund. We therefore recommend carefully confirming your dates and availability before completing your booking.
Yes. All our guides speak English and Spanish, although their level of English may vary. Every trip is led by a trip leader who is fluent in both languages. If you speak French, please let us know when booking, and we can also arrange a guide who is fluent in French, English and Spanish.
Our guides are professionally licensed and certified, with extensive expertise in their respective fields. Some are also pioneers in their disciplines. For example, our whitewater kayaking and rafting guides were among the first to explore certain remote Colombian rivers, including the Samaná and Verde Rivers.
Thanks to their experience and knowledge of the terrain, our guides are sometimes the only professionals with the skills required to operate safely in remote and challenging wilderness areas. Their expertise also allows us to offer authentic experiences and meaningful interactions with local communities.
Yes. Expedition Colombia is a company based in Antioquia, specializing in adventure experiences throughout Colombia.
Our mission goes beyond creating exciting and adrenaline-filled trips. We aim to help travelers discover Colombia’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage while developing a deeper understanding of and respect for the places they visit.
Through our experiences in Colombia’s mountains, rivers and culturally rich regions, we promote responsible travel and help highlight the value of the country’s natural environments and local communities.
Our goal is to create meaningful experiences that connect travelers with nature, showcase Colombia’s cultural diversity and encourage greater awareness of the importance of protecting these resources for future generations.
Expedition Colombia offers three payment options for your booking:
By completing your payment, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted the terms and conditions applicable to your booking and participation in your trip with Expedition Colombia.
The Jungle Trek covers a total distance of approximately 36 km, spread over three days:
Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-friendly meals available on request!
Continue your adventure with a 2-day Rio Verde rafting expedition and an overnight jungle camp.
Staying in Medellín? Add optional transport from Expedition Colombia HQ at checkout, or request a different pickup location for an additional fee.
Our specialists are ready to help you craft the perfect journey. Get in touch to customize an itinerary, add extra options, or start planning your next big trip!
Starting from $1.206.000 COP / person