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What characterizes Putumayo
This beautiful destination is distinguished by its exuberant natural beauty, being one of the departments with the highest biodiversity in Colombia. Its territory, composed of tropical rainforests, Andean mountains, and rushing rivers, hosts a rich flora and fauna, including species unique in the world. The climate of Putumayo is warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging between 24°C and 28°C. Additionally, rainfall tends to be abundant throughout the year.
It also stands out for its cultural diversity. Some indigenous peoples of Putumayo are the Kichwa, Murui, and Koreguaje, each with their own traditions, languages, and worldview. This cultural diversity is reflected in the cuisine, crafts, and festivals of the department.
On the other hand, if you have wondered what the 13 municipalities of Putumayo are, we tell you: Mocoa is the capital of Putumayo. Additionally, municipalities such as Colón, Leguízamo, Orito, Puerto Asís, Puerto Caicedo, Puerto Guzmán, San Francisco, San Miguel, Santiago, Sibundoy, Valle del Guamuez, and Villagarzón stand out. Each of these municipalities contributes to the diversity and development of the department.
What does the name Putumayo mean?
The name Putumayo comes from the Quechua language and translates as ‘river that comes from the sky’. This denomination refers to the Putumayo River, the main watercourse of the department, which originates in the Andes and flows into the Amazon River.
How to get to Putumayo
To access this region, there are two main options: by air and by land.
Regarding air travel, you can find cheap flights (depending on the season) to the airports of Villagarzón or Puerto Asís from cities like Bogotá (airlines such as Clic or Satena with prices starting from $325,000 COP) and Cali (airlines such as Clic or Satena with prices from $360,000 COP).
For those who prefer to travel by land, there are different routes from Bogotá, Cali, and Pasto:
From Bogotá, the route passes through Neiva, Pitalito, and finally reaches Mocoa, with an estimated travel time of approximately 12 hours. The transportation companies are: Coomotor and Bolivariano with prices starting from $67,000 COP per trip.
If you go by car, from Cali, the route you can take is Popayán, Pitalito, and Mocoa, with an approximate duration of 10 hours.
Finally, from Pasto, the route continues to Sibundoy and then reaches Mocoa, with an estimated travel time of around 5 hours.
Did you know...?
The name Putumayo means ‘river that comes from the sky’.
This department owes its name to the majestic river that crosses it. In Quechua, Putumayo translates as ‘river that comes from the sky’, a poetic description that refers to the river’s origin in the high mountains of the Andes and its impressive course to the Amazon.
This ancestral denomination reflects the deep connection that exists between the indigenous peoples of the region and the Putumayo River, considered a source of life and a sacred element.
Things to do in Putumayo
From the depths of the Amazon rainforest to the mountains of the Andes, this southwestern region of Colombia offers a wide range of activities and plans for all tastes.
Visit the famous El fin del mundo waterfall
If you are a hiking enthusiast, this is your chance to practice in Putumayo! Dare to walk 40 minutes towards this wonderful internationally recognized destination. You will hike through beautiful landscapes of the Andean jungle, swim in refreshing freshwater pools, and visit a restaurant built inside a rocky formation.
Take a walk through the Mandiyaco Canyon
If you love tranquility and connection with nature, we recommend this plan. Keep in mind that the entrance costs $2,000 COP and it is only 10 minutes from Mocoa.
It is located at kilometer 25 of the road connecting Mocoa with Pitalito, after crossing the bridge over the Caquetá River, which marks the natural border between the departments of Cauca and Putumayo. This canyon, carved by the river that crosses a volcanic rock formation, exhibits extraordinary cuts in the stone, with unique shapes that spark the imagination of the observer. Located in the municipality of Santa Rosa, Cauca, the Mandiyaco Canyon is an essential destination for those visiting Mocoa, in Putumayo.
The Mandiyaco Canyon offers an excellent opportunity to capture landscape photos and challenge our creativity and skill with the camera. Additionally, you can enjoy spectacular views from the bridge. For the more adventurous, a walk through the rocky formations of the canyon is an exciting option. When the river is not high, you can also explore the canyon by canoe, which provides a unique perspective of its vastness and beauty.
Great tips! The minibuses covering this route depart from the market square, although it is also possible to make the trip in a private vehicle, with an estimated time of around 40 minutes.
Explore the Donde se oculta el sol Natural Reserve
This is a true Amazonian paradise, one of those must-visit nature destinations in Putumayo located 20 minutes from Villagarzón. There, you can walk along majestic trails and take a dip in one of the department’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Discover the Amazon Experimental Center
This is a place for the preservation of fauna and flora with services such as a transit home to return animals that have been victims of trafficking. In this natural enclosure, a variety of projects focused on the conservation and reproduction of Amazonian species are carried out, along with research on medicinal plants and ancestral knowledge.
Enjoy the Kindiwayra natural waterfalls
This beautiful place is located 10 minutes from Villa Garzón and will leave you amazed with its three incredible waterfalls where you can bathe and appreciate the natural landscapes and fauna present.
Butterfly watching at the Paway Natural Reserve
In this incredible place, you can marvel at observing various species of butterflies from Putumayo. If you don’t know how to get to the Paway Putumayo Reserve, we tell you: head towards the right bank of the Pepino River from the Mocoa to Villagarzón road, just 650 meters from the Dantayaco Tourist Inn. The Tree House Paway offers a unique lodging experience in a ceiba tree 25 meters high, with solar energy, bathrooms, and an impressive view. In the Paway reserve, you can explore the world of butterflies, spot various birds, and enjoy a small natural pool in a nearby creek.
Visit the Kawai viewpoint in Mocoa
If you don’t know what to do in an afternoon in Mocoa, visit this viewpoint located in the Villa Docente neighborhood. The entrance costs $4,000 COP, and you can enjoy landscapes both day and night that are worth it. Additionally, you can enjoy a charming colorful swing, live music, and more.
Explore the Vides Corner
A beautiful navigable river surrounded by lush vegetation. This charming tourist spot is located in the municipality of Villagarzón, in Putumayo. Upon arrival, you will be surprised by the spectacular emerald green color of its waters, and sometimes you can even see fish swimming in them. There are elevated areas ideal for practicing launching or canyoning, and you can also bring a float and relax in the water or simply swim.
Marvel at the beautiful Hornoyaco waterfall
An imposing waterfall of 55 meters high, it is a notable tourist attraction in Putumayo. Located in the El Zarzal neighborhood, in Mocoa, this waterfall offers the opportunity to explore the Amazon piedmont landscape, enjoy the Mocoa River, and admire the region’s diverse flora and fauna.
Accessing it involves crossing a suspension bridge over the river and then walking through the forest to reach its base, where its grandeur can be appreciated.
Observe birds and hike in the El Escondite Reserve
Located at kilometer 27 on the Puerto Asís - Mocoa road, this wonderful destination awaits you to carry out activities such as hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching.
Are you one of those who don’t like to worry about the logistics of trips? We have a super plan that you will love: Jungle expedition to the End of the World in Putumayo 4 days
Must-try dishes and restaurants in Mocoa Putumayo
With its rich cultural diversity and a wide range of local ingredients, Mocoa offers a unique culinary experience that you cannot miss. From traditional dishes to innovative proposals, the restaurants of Mocoa are a window into the authentic cuisine of the Amazon region.
Plan your trip around the must-try dishes and the best restaurants in Mocoa, get your palate ready for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure!
Amazónico is a restaurant that combines culture with haute cuisine, where you can try palm heart with butter and pirarucu scales, fish broth with pirarucu, mojojoy (one of the most exotic foods of the region), lemon ant, casabe, among others.
El solar is a country restaurant in Putumayo that offers gastronomic experiences at another level with a varied and healthy menu or if you prefer, executive dishes.
In the center of Mocoa is the Piskuwasi Café, whose menu is based on healthy and gourmet food, cakes, and desserts that will delight your palate.
If you are looking for a fast-food place in Putumayo and a charming environment, your must-stop will be Parapeto.
Another must-visit is Calderos, where you can taste pirarucu with tacacho and other dishes with ancestral flavors.
If you are looking for Mediterranean food in Putumayo, you will have to visit Kilote and try a delicious pirarucu ceviche.
How many rivers does Putumayo have?
The department is within the basins of the Caquetá and Putumayo rivers. In the Caquetá River basin, the rivers Mocoa, Mandur, Mecaya (which in turn receives water from Sabilla), and the Yurilla River that collects the waters of these, Sencella, and Nasaya contribute. On the other hand, the Putumayo River collects water from the Orito, Guamués, San Miguel, San Juan, Cohembi, Piñuña Blanco, and Piñuña Negro rivers, all with influence in the department. Finally, the Putumayo River flows into the Amazon River in Brazilian territory.
Recommendations for visiting Putumayo
Clothing: try to bring comfortable and fresh clothes, suitable shoes for walking, raincoat, hat, and insect repellent.
Health: it is advisable to have the yellow fever vaccine; if you don’t have it yet, you should get vaccinated at least ten days before your trip. Remember that there are free vaccination points nationwide.
Respect: be respectful of local communities, their customs, and the environment. Do not leave trash in any of the natural paradises.
Set your budget: Putumayo offers accommodation options and activities for all budgets. Decide how much you are willing to spend and plan your trip accordingly.
Pack what is necessary:
Comfortable and fresh clothing: suitable for the warm and humid climate of Putumayo. If you wish, you can also bring sealable bags for better protection of your clothes.
Suitable shoes for walking: for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Raincoat: to protect yourself from the rain.
Hat and sunscreen: to prevent burns.
Insect repellent: can help you avoid mosquito bites and other insects.
Your basic medications.
Camera: to capture the beautiful landscapes and memorable moments.
Cash: although some places accept credit and debit cards, it is advisable to carry cash for payments in small shops and others.
Frequently asked questions
Which mountain range passes through Putumayo?
The Eastern Cordillera of the Andes crosses Putumayo from north to south, forming a mountainous landscape of great beauty.
What is the most important thing about Putumayo?
Putumayo is a territory of great ecological, cultural, and economic importance. Its natural wealth makes it a vital green lung for the planet, while its cultural diversity contributes an invaluable heritage to the country.
Economically, Putumayo stands out for the production of oil, gold, and other natural resources. Additionally, agriculture and livestock play an important role in the department’s economy.
What are the people from Putumayo called?
The inhabitants of Putumayo are known as putumayenses.
What are the customs of Putumayo?
The zɨkɨi, an ancestral dance practiced by men and women of the Murui Muina indigenous people, represents a ritual of seeking harmony and healing for their community, aimed at curing ailments and diseases that have affected it. Additionally, weaving and carving allow the creation of beautiful crafts made with natural materials; meanwhile, the varied cuisine includes typical dishes that delight palates.
Remember that there is a recommended plan waiting for you: Jungle expedition to the End of the World in Putumayo 4 days
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Tatiana García Rivera,
SEO travel writer.
Cover image credits: RTVC.