SUMMARY
3 DaysMedellín trekking

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. Today is a big day, you will have to climb 1000 meters up to reach the Santa Barbara waterfall. To celebrate your success and wash the fatigue you can swim in the natural pools overhanging the valley. One time the battery recharge is time to make your way down to come back to la Casa de Piedra to enjoy a well deserved dinner. 

This is day three and it’s time to enjoy your last breakfast in la Casa de Piedra. Today 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 a total of 30 km of hiking over three days.The fitness level for this excursion is rated 4 out of 5.

Contact us for transportation options from Medellín.

Highlights

  • The ultimate trek near Medellin
  • Authentic experiences and rural homestays
  • Bilingual adventure and cultural guide (Languages: French, Spanish, English)
  • Locally sourced, traditionally made meals
  • No need to carry food or sleeping set up - hike light!

BOOK THE TRIP

Hikers in Valle de las Cascadas, Antioquia – Expedition Colombia trek
Reaching panoramic view in Valle de las Cascadas trek
Jungle trail at 1000m elevation in Antioquia rainforest
Hidden cascade in Valle de las Cascadas, Antioquia
Wild river along jungle hike in Valle de las Cascadas
Ferns and bromeliads in Antioquia rainforest at 1000m
Natural pool below jungle waterfall in Antioquia, Colombia
Watching birds on guided jungle trek – Expedition Colombia
Trekking group resting near waterfall viewpoint – Colombia adventure
Dense mid-elevation jungle in Colombian Andes near Medellín
Poison dart frog in Antioquian rainforest, mid-altitude fauna
Waterfall plunging into canyon – Valley of Waterfalls, Colombia
Crossing waterfall bridge on Expedition Colombia jungle route
Wild river along jungle hike in Valle de las Cascadas
Wild river along jungle hike in Valle de las Cascadas
Discover the Valley of Waterfalls in Antioquia
Native orchids blooming along Antioquian jungle path
fauna of the jungle trek
Guided jungle trekking group spotting wildlife in Colombia

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 hiking
  • 1:00 pm – Arrival at La Esmeralda waterfall and lunch
  • 1:30 pm – Free time to swim
  • 3:00 pm – Hike to La Casa de Piedra
  • 4:00 pm -Arrival at the farmhouse
  • 7:00 pm – Dinner.

Day 2

  • 8:30 am – Breakfast
  • 9:00 am – Start hiking
  • 1:00 pm – Arrival at Santa Bárbara waterfall and lunch
  • 1:30p pm Free time and swimming
  • 2:30 p m – Return hike:
  • 4:30 pm – Arrival at La Casa de Piedra

Day 3

  • 8:30 am – Breakfast
  • 9:00 am Hike to Santa Inés
  • 12:00 pm – Arrival at Santa Inés
  • 1:00 pm – Swim and lunch at the natural pool
  • 2:00 pm – Final stretch of the hike
  • 3:00 pm end of activity
  • 4:00pm – Return to base pm

Begin the day with breakfast at El Palacio de los Frijoles, followed by a 4×4 ride to the trailhead. Hike for about 2.5 hours through jungle paths and hanging bridges until you reach El Esmeraldal waterfall. After lunch and a refreshing swim, continue to La Casa de Piedra, a rustic farmhouse where you’ll spend the night.

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

After breakfast, prepare for the most challenging day of the trek: a 1,050-meter climb to reach the Santa Bárbara waterfall perched high above the valley. Enjoy lunch and a swim in the natural pools before returning to La Casa de Piedra for a well-deserved dinner.

Distance: 11.5 km | Elevation gain: +1050 m | Altitude: 850 m – 1950 m

Enjoy your last breakfast in the farmhouse before descending the opposite side of the valley. You’ll pass through the small rural village of Santa Inés and stop at a natural pool for lunch and one last swim before hiking back to base.

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

Extend your trip by 2 days and 1 night to go on a river rafting adventure on the Rio Verde. The Rio Verde is a 40 kilometer stretch of world-class whitewater (Class 3+/ 4). A pristine, clear green river, she carves through untouched Colombian rainforest and is accessed by a two hour hike with mules that transport your gear. Camp overnight on Day 4 in a jungle camp with sheltered hammocks and enjoy hot meals prepared over the fire. After rafting on Day 5, drive for 2 hours to return to Expedition Colombia Adventure Café (Cra. 43e #11-13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia) by 7 pm *transport time can vary.

CHECKLIST