Central Andes Active Exploration

On our first morning, we’ll spend the morning exploring by Jeep, horseback and foot the spectacular Valle de Corcora. We’ll pass through striking landscapes as we ascend into the Colombia cloud forest until we reach the Acaime Hummingbird Sanctuary.  We’ll grab an afternoon snack in the chariming ridge top village of Salento.  Then we’ll tour a premium coffee plantation before dinner.   (B,L,D)

Our first day of paddling will take us to the easy Rio La Vieja which features lots of birds, monkeys and a waterfall hike.   There will also be an option of SUP’ing on a locally made bamboo SUP! Late afternoon salsa lessons and happy hour back at the hacienda . (B,L,D)

We’ll get an early start by riding a decorated countryside party bus known locally as a chiva a long way up the foothills to the Andes to El Cedral, and the beginning of Los Nevados National Park (PNN). We will mount horses for a slow, leisurely 5 hr ride up the mountains to our 2 night camp close to the “paramo” (high altitude Andean desert), where we’ll visit Lake Otun which sits in the shadow of the perennially snow-covered La Tolima Peak. All camping gear supplied. (B,L,D)

As we continue our horse ride across Los Nevados NP, we will spend some time wandering through  the other worldly scenery of the paramo, a unique ecosystem that provides water for much of Colombia.  We will end the day at a cloud forest hot springs resort.  (B,L,D)

Today is an unstructured day at San Vicente. There are five different pools to choose from, optional spa services including mud therapy, algae wraps and massage. There are several hikes including exploring the creek that flows from the steep canyon, looking for places where hot water emerges and joins with the creek. Birds are plentiful!  (B,L,D)

We transition to the western edge of the Central Highlands driving through spectacular scenery over the Cordillera and down to the Rio Magdalena valley. By mid-afternoon, we will turn off our gravel road, and take a short, bumpy ride down a dirt road until it ends at Rio La Miel. We’ll meet our local guide and boatman Caliche who will transport us in his long motorized riverboat to our riverside eco-lodge. (B,L,D)

Awaken to the sounds of parrots, parakeets, and toucans. Wander among the dozens of tropical fruit trees. We will explore the beautiful Rio Manso in SOAR canoes today where a myriad of surprises await us.  (B,L,D)

Paddling and exploring the Rio La Miel is on today’s schedule. Birds, monkeys, river otter can all be spotted on the back to our lodge. Waterfalls are plentiful along this steep walled sides of the upper canyon that we will be paddling.

Evening transfer to Puerto Berrio.  (B,L,D)

A relatively easy hike of several kilometers will bring us to a beautiful, little known slot canyon  with a small creek running through it.  We’ll look for petroglyphs hidden on the walls, and play in some of the waterfalls and cascades. Back at our bus, we transfer to an authentic cattle and horse ranch (finca) for a 2 night stay near Puerto Parra   There will be time to enjoy our countryside surroundings and a swimming pool.   (B,L,D)

The last activity of our Central Andes adventure is one where we will most likely see a lot of good bird life and wildlife. Our main activity is a visit to  Fundacion Primates research center founded by University of Los Andes biologist Andres Link..  After 10 years of existence, researchers come from all over the world to research the White Spider Monkey, a unique specimen with a regressive gene .  We will most likely see Spider, Night, White-Faced and Red Howler monkeys.
We will be traveling almost entirely by motor launch as we explore small rivers and lagoons.  In the evening we will return to the finca for a barbecue.

For those continuing on with us for further Colombian exploration, we will be met by a new bus and driver to continue north to the Boyaca Province.  (B,L,D)

Back to Medellin.  Hotel is included. Please let us know if you would like us to book any other adventures or hotels in other parts of Colombia.   (B,L)

Transfer back to Medellin or continue on to another S2A adventure.   Ask us!