With El Rio being close to Tayrona National Park and The Lost City Trek, it’s easy to overlook the vast array of other activities and hikes that this side of the Sierra Nevada has to offer. Here at El Rio we have several hikes and tours that are a great way to soak up some astounding nature. All tours are run and operated by local guides from the area.

The El Rio Nature Tour

Our flagship nature tour showing off the areas’ outstanding natural beauty, the El Rio nature tour on the nearby Don Diego river takes in all sorts of birdlife, caymans big and small and howler monkeys. Sign up at reception, cost - 50,000 COP

Jungle Hikes

At El Rio we have several hikes on offer on and off the hostel site. The sunrise mirador hike, leaving at 4am, is a tough walk but well worth it, with 360 degree views up and down the coast and of the Sierra Nevada. Sign up at reception, cost - 20,000 COP

The Buritaca river basin isn’t just a good place to go tubing, with stunning walks taking you to places like the hidden waterfalls, around 2 hours from El Rio. Sign up at reception, cost - 20,000 COP

There are some great swimming spots on the Buritaca river that are hard to find. Ask at recepton for “jungle hike 2”, a great option if you’re feeling fit and active! The walk is steep and takes in some jaw dropping views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, ending with an extended tube down the river back to El Rio. Sign up at reception, cost - 30,000 COP

On the El Rio land we have a couple of miradors / viewpoints overlooking the coast and river mouth. Good if you want a sweaty, steep hike. Ask at reception, cost - free

The Cacao Tour

A 45 minute walk each way and operated by our friends at Be Chèvre, the cacao tour culminates in a class teaching you how to make chocolate, from cacao bean to the finished product. Sign up at reception, cost - 70,000 COP

Ask at the kitchen for a delicious home made packed lunch - 20,000 COP including a sandwich, piece of fruit, cake and homemade granola