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The Guaviare, with its capital San José del Guaviare, is located in the heart of the Colombian Orinoquía, a lush region where savannah, humid jungle, and indigenous culture intertwine. Its rich history dates back thousands of years, when it was home to various ancestral communities that left their mark on rock paintings and archaeological sites that can be visited today.
In this area, the economy flourishes in the green fields and winding rivers. The generous lands of the Guaviare give life to crops such as plantains, cassava, and cacao, while sugarcane and rubber add sweetness and elasticity to the economic equation. Under the radiant sun, fishing and livestock thrive, weaving their own history into the network of local subsistence.
But beyond the crops, creativity and artisanal skill are an intrinsic part of the economic fabric. The skilled hands of the Nukak indigenous people bring to life brooms and brushes, transforming the fiber of chiquichiqui palm into cleaning tools that reflect the connection with the land and nature. These crafts, along with other unique creations, carry the history and spirit of the Guaviare, enriching its economy in a way that goes beyond figures and statistics.
5 must-know facts about Guaviare:
A fruit is capturing worldwide attention thanks to its almost miraculous properties. It is the açaí, known for its remarkable antioxidant content. This fruit, consumed since ancient times, has gained fame for its health benefits, becoming a highly sought-after food.
The demonym for the inhabitants of Guaviare is guaviarense.
In the ecosystem of the tropical forest of Guaviare, the average temperature is around 27°C, with an altitude of 175 meters above sea level.
They have one of the 10 longest bridges in Colombia: the Nowen Bridge is an imposing structure that extends 914.4 meters over the Guaviare River, connecting San José del Guaviare with the department of Meta. It is an important link that facilitates transit between these two areas, allowing people to cross the river safely and comfortably.
This region hosts approximately ten indigenous reserves, home to families of different ethnicities such as Sikuani, Tucano, Desano, Cubeo, Puinave, Piratapuyo, Curripaco, Guayabero, and Nukak.
If you don't know where San José del Guaviare is, here's what you need to know
Located in the transition zone between this green paradise and the vast Eastern Plains, the municipality invites travelers to immerse themselves in a world of contrasts and natural wonders.
The municipality of San José del Guaviare borders to the north with the department of Meta, to the south with the municipalities of Calamar and El Retorno, to the east with the department of Guainía, and to the west with the department of Caquetá.
Click here and download the map of San José del Guaviare for your adventure!
Why choose this destination
The Guaviare is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here you can:
Navigate through mighty rivers like the Guayabero, Guaviare, and Inírida, admiring unique landscapes and observing wildlife.
Venture into the humid jungle and discover its rich biodiversity, including jaguars, tapirs, monkeys, and a wide variety of birds.
Meet indigenous communities such as the Sikuani and Puinave, and learn about their culture, traditions, and worldview.
Disconnect from the world amidst the tranquility of nature and recharge your energies.
Enjoy local cuisine, based on fresh products and traditional recipes like mamona, cachama, and morrillo.
Festivals and traditions: one of the most well-known events is the Guaviare Colonies Festival. This lively event honors San José, the patron saint of the municipality, with gastronomic displays, dances, parades of floats, and more. Enjoy music, traditional costumes, and the Day of the Farmer in this festival full of tradition and joy.
How to get to San José del Guaviare
The Guaviare has the Jorge Enrique Gonzalez Torres Airport, which receives regular flights from Bogotá and Villavicencio (only on Mondays and Fridays with the airline Satena: approximate ticket price: $160,000 COP). You can also arrive by land by bus from different Colombian cities.
From Bogotá to San José del Guaviare
By plane
Duration: direct flights usually last about 55 minutes.
Airports: from El Dorado International Airport to Jorge Enrique González Torres Airport.
Price: ranges between $245,000 COP and $365,000 COP on average per trip.
Airlines: Clic Air and Avianca operate for this route on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays; Satena: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
By bus
Duration: approximately seven and a half hours.
Price: about $104,000 COP per trip on average.
Company: Flota la Macarena.
Tour from Bogotá to San José del Guaviare. This trip is made in private vans that maximize time with itineraries allowing you to see the best natural attractions in a short time.
You can check the departure dates of the recommended trips in San José del Guaviare
From Medellín to San José del Guaviare
By plane
Duration: currently, flights usually have at least one stopover, and the total duration is about seven and a half hours.
Airports: from Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport to El Dorado International Airport (with a stop in Bogotá) and then to Jorge Enrique González Torres Airport.
Price: ranges between $435,000 COP and $900,000 COP on average per trip.
Airlines: Clic Air and Avianca operate for this route on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays; Satena: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
Tip! Check schedules carefully in advance as they may change. Consult with the airline for more information.
Local gastronomy and typical dishes of San José del Guaviare
The cuisine of Guaviare is characterized by its fresh and authentic flavor. Don't miss trying:
Casabe and mojojoy: an explosion of textures and flavors
Casabe, a flatbread made from wild cassava, becomes the perfect base for mojojoy, a worm from the Amazon rainforest. The combination of the crispy texture of casabe with the unique flavor of mojojoy creates an unparalleled culinary experience, captivating the most adventurous palates.
Copoazú dessert: a sweet ending to a culinary adventure
The copoazú, a large Amazonian fruit with an exotic flavor, transforms into an irresistible dessert. Its pulp is used to prepare creamy mousse or ice cream, offering a sweet and refreshing end to the gastronomic adventure through the Amazon jungle. The copoazú dessert is the perfect bonus for a culinary journey full of surprises and unique flavors.
Fish a la Llanera: a meeting of two regions
Surprisingly, in San José del Guaviare, Llanera tradition is present at the table. Fish a la Llanera fuses the best of two worlds: the freshness of Amazonian fish with the characteristic flavors of the Colombian plains. Ripe plantain and guacamole accompany the fish, creating an explosion of flavors that will transport you across Colombian geography.
Pirarucú in tucupí sauce: an Amazonian delicacy
The pirarucú, a giant of the Amazon rivers, becomes the star of an exquisite dish. Its meat is cooked to perfection and bathed in a delicious tucupí sauce, a kind of fermented yuca purée. The intense flavor of pirarucú is perfectly complemented by the acidity of the tucupí sauce, creating a unique and memorable gastronomic experience.
Muquiado fish: an indigenous legacy on the table
This is a traditional indigenous dish that represents the cultural heritage of Guaviare. The fish, wrapped in plantain leaves and slow-cooked, retains its unique flavor and texture. The ancestral preparation of muquiado fish brings you closer to the region's ancestral traditions, where nature and gastronomy intertwine harmoniously.
Recommended restaurants in Guaviare
You can go to the Plazoleta del mono, a place where you'll find different restaurants like Monkey Place, with a variety on their menu.
Restaurante Catumare: their highlight dishes are casabe with chicken, bacon, and cheese, fish muquiado, and casabe with Nutella, mango, and strawberry dessert. Usually opens after 4 p.m. and closes around 10 p.m.
Restaurante Nómada: their menu is more focused on fast foods like burgers, quesadillas, burritos, and meats like baby beef and churrasco. Usually opens after 12 p.m.
Salvaje Gastro Bar: a bit more expensive than the others, but offers dishes like seafood casserole, skewers, cocktails, paella, among others. Opens at 12 p.m.
Asadero and Donde Juliana restaurant: their specialty is Llanera meat dishes.
What to do in San José del Guaviare and its surroundings
Serranía de La Lindosa National Natural Park and Cerro Azul: hiking, birdwatching, waterfalls, and rock paintings dating back more than 12,000 years.
Navigating the Guayabero rapids: this Guaviare rapid is formed by large rocks on the sides that generate rapids in the riverbed.
Spotting pink dolphins, birds, monkeys, sloths: you'll have the chance to witness up close the grace and majesty of these fascinating marine mammals. Board a boat and let yourself be carried by the river currents while exploring their natural habitat. Watch them jump and play in the water, enjoying their natural environment.
Don't worry about logistics and take a look at this trip to Guaviare departing from Bogotá: Guaviare Unexplored Ecotourism at the Gate of Chiribiquete
Mirador de la Piedra Alta Guaviare: enjoy a panoramic view of San José del Guaviare and the savannah, a perfect place for photos. It is located on the road to Cerro Azul, kilometers before the Guayabero rapids.
Hiking Cerro Azul: about 47 kilometers on a dirt road from the urban area of San José del Guaviare in Colombia, a mountain rises majestically among the dense jungle. To reach it, you take a car to the nearby farm, from where a walk of approximately 40 minutes begins with a moderate difficulty level to reach the summit. On this hill, fascinating rock paintings adorn the rocks with murals of intense red, vividly contrasting with the lush greenery of the surroundings. These paintings offer a unique and captivating visual experience, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
Birdwatching at the El Diamante de las Aguas Natural Reserve: this is a paradise of natural beauty, dedicated to education and the preservation of local species. Exciting guided tours are available that not only provide knowledge about environmental sustainability but also offer the opportunity to spot a variety of birds in their natural habitat.
Visit to indigenous communities: get to know the culture and traditions of the Sikuani, Puinave, and Nukak up close. Learn about their connection with nature; it is a truly enriching and genuine experience.
Discover the Gate of Orion: located just 20 minutes from San José del Guaviare, this attraction is a rocky formation over 12 meters high that leaves everyone speechless due to its imposing majesty.
Did you know...?
The Gate of Orion gets its peculiar name due to a fascinating astronomical phenomenon. At a specific time of year, Orion's belt, part of the Orion constellation, aligns perfectly with the circumference formed at the top of the stone.
Imagine the magic of observing stars shining through this natural opening! A spectacle that undoubtedly captivates the imagination and connects us with the vastness of the universe.
Adventure at Laguna Negra: just 11 km from San José del Guaviare! Here, options are endless, from swimming in crystal-clear waters to fishing. If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, sailing and kayaking await you with open arms. And if you're lucky, you might witness an exciting show of dolphins playing in the waves. The magic of Laguna Negra lies not only in its exciting activities but also in its natural beauty. The color of the water, painted by the fallen leaves of the surrounding forests, creates a palette of astonishing tones. Covering an area of 900,000 m2, this aquatic paradise hosts an incredible diversity of life, including species like payara fish.
Remember! For water activities, a life jacket must be provided for your safety.
A dip at the Ecotourism Farm Trankilandia: offers a perfect experience for walking and appreciating the stunning colors created by aquatic plants Macarenia clavigera or 'water nymph,' and at the end of the tour, you can take a dip in a beautiful waterfall.
Important!
The plants Macarenia clavigera, with their beautiful pink colors, can only be appreciated from June to November as they have not yet bloomed.
Explore the Natural Tunnels Reserve: on the road to El Capricho, this unmissable destination features majestic caves. Keep in mind that entry costs $15,000 COP (2024), and additionally, if you go on your own, you'll need to pay for the guided service.
Enter here and get a taste of this spectacle that nature in Guaviare has to offer: [video ‘This is how the natural tunnels of San José del Guaviare are’].
Immersion in the La Casa Grande Cultural Center: with its 3,000 square meters of built space, this center is a beacon of creativity and expression. From music and dance classrooms to a well-stocked library, you'll find a wide range of activities to nourish your mind and spirit. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy an impressive view of the Guaviare River from the tourist viewpoint, a perfect observation point to contemplate the region's natural grandeur.
Contemplate the river dock: let yourself be carried away by the majesty of the Guaviare River exploring its river dock. Built in 2002 to improve river operations in the departmental capital, this dock is a testament to the region's dynamism and water connection. With over 400 square meters of built area, the dock offers a floating platform for passenger embarkation and an additional space of over 800 square meters for activities related to cargo vessels.
Tour of the Guaviare waterfalls: around San José del Guaviare, waterfalls abound. Among the most famous are: Las Delicias Waterfall, Tranquilandia, Rainbow Waterfall, and Love Waterfall, reflecting Colombian romance.
During the colorful river season in Guaviare, from June to November, we recommend this great plan: 3 Dream Days through the Wonders of San José del Guaviare
Festivals and celebrations in San José del Guaviare
Colony Festival
The Colony Festival in San José del Guaviare aims to revive the distinctive cultural aspects of each region of those who settled near the majestic Guaviare River. It is a blend of emotions: nostalgia for the land left behind, along with enthusiasm for what still remains in memory, and deep gratitude towards San José del Guaviare, the land that welcomed them.
Summer Festival
During the summer season in San José del Guaviare, the exciting event takes place on the beaches of the imposing Guaviare River. Here, attendees enjoy a wide range of activities, from beach and water sports to an exciting fishing championship. Additionally, the Summer Queen is chosen, adding a touch of glamour to the event. With an attendance exceeding 30,000 people, this event gathers crowds who gather on the warm sands of the Guaviare River to enjoy summer fun and excitement.
Guacamaya de Oro Sports, Tourism, and Cultural Festival
An event that comes to life in the El Capricho corregimiento of San José del Guaviare. This celebration is not only a moment of fun and entertainment but also plays a key role in the economic reactivation of this area. Moreover, nationally renowned artists often attend to delight the audience with their music.
Yuruparí de Oro International Festival
This folkloric event brings to life the local and global culture, including a colorful craft fair, exciting copla meetings, and captivating dance performances, among other activities.
Some recommendations for visiting Guaviare
Comfortable and fresh clothing: ideal for the warm and humid climate of the region.
Pack swimwear: if you plan to do water activities, bring a swimsuit, towel, and waterproof sunscreen.
Comfortable shoes: for walks and excursions.
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen: to protect yourself from the sun.
Mosquito repellent: essential to avoid bites.
Camera: to capture the incredible landscapes and memorable moments.
Cash: although there are ATMs in San José del Guaviare, they are not always available.
Portable battery: you can find electricity in most accommodations and restaurants; however, some places, especially in rural areas or during excursions, may have limited access. It is advisable to carry a portable battery to charge your phone, camera, or other electronic devices.
Travel insurance: it is recommended to purchase travel insurance covering medical expenses, flight cancellations, and lost luggage.
Documentation: carry your original ID document.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Guaviare?
Any time of the year is perfect to visit this beautiful region! However, remember that if you want to see the pink of the Macarenia clavigera plants, the most suitable time is between June and November.
Is it safe to travel to Guaviare?
In general, the area of San José del Guaviare is a safe destination for tourists. The department is very large, and sometimes news about conflicts can be heard, but these are in areas far from the tourist zone.
What are the people of Guaviare called?
The inhabitants of San José del Guaviare are commonly called guaviarenses.
What is the most important thing about Guaviare?
Everything! It is a very beautiful region that stands out for its exuberant biodiversity, its fascinating indigenous heritage, and its impressive landscapes. The Serranía de La Lindosa enchants with its rich flora and fauna, while the Guaviare and Inírida rivers invite adventure with water activities. The rock paintings of Cerro Azul tell ancestral stories, and the indigenous culture, present in communities like the Nukak, offers authentic experiences. Hiking, camping, birdwatching, and visits to indigenous communities complete the offer of this unique and unforgettable destination.
How many days should I stay in San José del Guaviare?
Depending on your budget and interests in the plans, we recommend spending at least three or four days in San José del Guaviare, which will give you more time to explore the area.
Remember to check the recommended trips in San José del Guaviare. Dare to visit this beautiful destination and share this information with your favorite traveler.
By: Tatiana García Rivera.
Travel SEO Writer.
Cover photo credits: Comcaja.