SUMMARY

Trek into the remote valley of the Santo Domingo river, located in the heart of Eastern Antioquia´s jungle. Discover the authentic lifestyle of the Colombian countryside while Surrounded by 1000 meters high waterfalls.

After riding into the canyon by 4*4, start the journey up the Santo Domingo river. Cross suspended bridges and trek through the jungle for 2.5 hours, to reach the remote “ Valley of the waterfalls”. Cool down by swimming into the crystal clear water at the base of the falls, and enjoy a traditional lunch! In the afternoon, reach la casa de piedra, a local farmer house where you will spend the night.

Wake up the next day surrounded by nature with the music of the birds and the river. After breakfast, it’s time for hiking. You will go down the valley on the other side of the river, passing by the little vereda of Santa Ines and swimming in the natural pool along the way. Expect 6 hours of activity every day, including lunch break and 20 km of hiking over two days. The fitness level for this excursion is rated 4 out of 5.

Contact us for transportation options from Medellin.

Highlights

  • Trek though the jungle at a relaxed paste
  • Experience first hand traditional lifestyle
  • Bilingual adventure and cultural guide (Languages: French, Spanish, English)
  • Observe rare fauna and flora
  • Sublime swims in natural pools throughout the trek
  • Ideal for families or moderate hikers

BOOK THE TRIP

ITINERARY

DAY 1

  • 8:00 am – Breakfast at El Palacio de los Frijoles
  • 8:30 am – 4×4 transfer to trailhead
  • 9:30 am Start of the hike
  • 1:00 pm – Arrival at La Esmeralda waterfall and lunch
  • 1:30 pm – Free time to swim in the natural pool
  • 3:00 pm – Continue hiking
  • 4:00 pm – Arrival at La Casa de Piedra (overnight stay)
  • 7:00 am – Dinner

DAY 2

  • 8:30am – Breakfast at La Casa de Piedra
  • 9:00 am – Start of the hike
  • 12:00 pm – Arrival at Santa Inés
  • 1:00 pm – Natural pool and lunch
  • 2:00 pm – Continue hiking
  • 3:00 pm – Final hike
  • 4:00 pm – End of activity and return to base.

Distance: 11.5 km | Elevation gain: +800 m | Altitude: 850 m – 1500 m

The adventure begins with a traditional breakfast at El Palacio de los Frijoles, followed by a 4×4 ride to the trailhead. From there, a 2.5-hour hike takes you along the canyon of the Santo Domingo River. The trail winds through dense jungle, hanging bridges, and rural landscapes until reaching El Esmeraldal, a stunning crystal-clear waterfall where lunch will be served. After a well-deserved rest and a refreshing swim in the natural pool, the hike continues to La Casa de Piedra, a traditional countryside farmhouse where you’ll spend the night. Enjoy a homemade dinner and a peaceful evening surrounded by nature’s sounds.

Distance: 7.5 km | Elevation gain: +300 m | Altitude: 800 m – 1100 m

After breakfast with a view of the forest, begin your descent along the opposite side of the valley. The trail passes through the small rural village of Santa Inés, nestled in the mountains. Around midday, arrive at another beautiful natural pool where you can swim and enjoy lunch. The final stretch of the hike ends at our base camp around 3:00 p.m., followed by transportation back.

Distance: 23 km | Elevation gain: +800 m | Altitude: 850 m – 1500 m

CHECKLIST

PRICE & RESERVATION

For larger groups and groups who want to customize the trip, please contact us directly for the price. A 100% deposit must be made 3 days before the trip. For last-minute payment and reservation requests, contact Expedition Colombia. All payment must be made through our booking platform or via a deposit in our Bancolombia bank account.

*All our prices above do not include IVA.

  1. According to the Colombian tax system, foreigners are exempt for the IVA.
  2. For Colombian residents, citizens and foreigners living in Colombia IVA will be charged.
  3. For companies or agencies, the total IVA will be charged.

What they say:

RELATED TRIPS

caribbean sea sailboat

Caribbean Sailing Expedition

Sail through a myriad of Afro-Caribbean cultures and mesmerizing blue waters. Take it easy as you cruise and explore the surrounding environment by kayak, snorkel, scuba and hike.

Read more
paramo plants, mountains, trekking

Paramo Trek

Paramo Trek in Belmira, hike through diverse exotic plant and bird life which are only found in these mountains. Stunning views and cloud forest. Medellin.

Read more
cacao farm Antioquia excellence cacao

Chocolate Tour Medellin

Cacao tour near Medellin – Community run Chocolate farm in the Jungle. Make your own Chocolate! Waterfall swim, hike and lunch. Colombian Chocolate

Read more
Paramo Los Nevados hike

Cocora Valley Traverse

Spend 4 days in the Los Nevados National Park and experience its wide variety of ecosystems: snow-capped mountains, tropical glaciers, páramos, cloud forests, volcanic sand dunes, wetlands and the Cocora Valley.

Read more