San José del Guaviare

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with San José del Guaviare's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival and Orientation
morning
:

Land at San José del Guaviare airport, check into your jungle lodge. Take a guided walk through lush forest trails. Learn about local flora and fauna from an expert guide.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch at a family-run restaurant. Visit the local handicraft market to browse handmade baskets and textiles. Chat with artisans and learn about their crafts.

evening
:

Dine at a riverside eatery serving fresh fish specialties. Watch the sunset paint the Guaviare River in golden hues. Relax with a cooling tropical cocktail under the stars.

day 2
Explore Petroglyph Caves
morning
:

Take a boat ride along the Guaviare River to reach ancient rock art sites. Marvel at petroglyphs carved by indigenous communities centuries ago. Discuss the significance of these images with your guide.

afternoon
:

Hike through dense rainforest to discover hidden caves adorned with pictographs. Learn about the myths and legends behind each mural. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch by a serene creek.

evening
:

Return to town and unwind at a local café with live music. Sample traditional arepas and tropical fruit juices. Share stories with fellow travelers around a bonfire.

day 3
Visit Caño Sabana
morning
:

Journey by 4x4 to the pristine pools of Caño Sabana. Cool off in crystal-clear waters surrounded by jungle greenery. Snorkel among colorful fish and observe underwater rock formations.

afternoon
:

Relax on smooth river stones while enjoying a homemade picnic lunch. Explore nearby trails to spot exotic birds and monkeys. Dip into hidden lagoons fed by cascading waterfalls.

evening
:

Head back to San José del Guaviare and freshen up at your lodge. Dine on grilled river prawns and plantain chips. Engage in a storytelling session about local legends.

day 4
Overnight at Mavecure Hills
morning
:

Depart early for the iconic Mavecure Three Brothers rock formations. Climb to the base of El Guape for panoramic views of the Guaviare River. Feel the morning mist as you ascend the rocky terrain.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a riverside lunch prepared by indigenous guides. Swim in natural springs with vibrant fish populations. Learn about the geological history of these monoliths.

evening
:

Camp under the stars on a sandy riverbank. Listen to nocturnal jungle sounds as you sip herbal tea. Fall asleep to the gentle lapping of the river.

day 5
Indigenous Community Immersion
morning
:

Visit a Nukak or Guayabero village. Participate in a welcoming ceremony with traditional chants and dances. Learn about medicinal plants from a local healer.

afternoon
:

Share lunch with the community, tasting unique forest ingredients. Practice handicraft techniques under the guidance of village artisans. Swap stories about daily life in the jungle.

evening
:

Join a communal dinner featuring smoked fish and cassava bread. Witness a folklore performance around a campfire. Spend the night in stilted huts alongside your hosts.

day 6
Freshwater Kayaking Adventure
morning
:

Paddle down the serene Guaviare River on a guided kayak tour. Observe river dolphins and giant otters playing in the current. Navigate hidden channels fringed by palms and ferns.

afternoon
:

Stop for a riverside barbecue and enjoy locally sourced meats and tropical salads. Continue kayaking to secluded coves and sandbars. Take a refreshing swim in the river’s calm stretches.

evening
:

Return to your lodge as the sun sets over the water. Relax in a hammock with a cold drink. Watch fireflies light up the riverbank after dusk.

day 7
Birdwatching at Limoncitos
morning
:

Journey to the Limoncitos natural reserve for early birdwatching. Spot macaws, toucans, and parrots in the treetops at dawn. Use binoculars and a field guide to identify rare species.

afternoon
:

Picnic under towering Ceiba trees while listening to jungle symphonies. Hike deeper into the reserve to find hidden bird colonies. Learn recording techniques with a wildlife photographer.

evening
:

Return to town for a hearty meal featuring jungle mushrooms and river fish. Attend a local environmental talk about bird conservation. Stroll through town illuminated by lanterns.

day 8
Waterfall and Hidden Lake Trek
morning
:

Hike through dense rainforest trails to reach a secluded waterfall. Feel the spray on your face as you stand beneath the cascading water. Discover medicinal plants along the path.

afternoon
:

Follow the creek to a hidden jungle lake for a serene swim. Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch on the rocky shore. Relax on a leaf-laden beach and sunbathe surrounded by nature.

evening
:

Return to your eco-lodge and partake in a cooking workshop. Learn to prepare tropical desserts using local fruits. Dine on your creations under candlelight.

day 9
Culinary and Coffee Tour
morning
:

Stroll through a working coffee plantation on the town outskirts. Learn the entire coffee-making process from bean to cup. Savor freshly brewed café grown in volcanic soils.

afternoon
:

Visit a cacao farm to see where artisanal chocolate originates. Roast your own beans and taste homemade dark chocolate. Explore vegetable gardens bursting with exotic spices and fruits.

evening
:

Participate in a farm-to-table dinner showcasing regional ingredients. Enjoy dishes like farofa-stuffed fish and passion fruit mousse. Engage in a Q&A with the farm hosts.

day 10
Departure and Last-minute Exploration
morning
:

Sleep in and savor a leisurely breakfast overlooking the jungle canopy. Take a final walk along a river pier to soak in the sunrise. Buy last-minute souvenirs at the local market stalls.

afternoon
:

Pack your belongings and enjoy a farewell lunch of traditional sancocho soup. Reflect on your Guaviare adventures with your guide. Transfer to the airport with ample time for departure.

evening
:

Depart San José del Guaviare with memories of vibrant landscapes. Have a light snack and Colombian coffee in the airport lounge. Begin planning your return trip to this hidden jungle paradise.

Discover San José del Guaviare

Read more in our San José del Guaviare 2025 Travel Guide.

San José del Guaviare Travel Guide