
Río Claro Nature Reserve
Lush nature reserve with thrilling caves, crystal-clear rivers for rafting, and immersive jungle cabins. Prepare to disconnect and embrace the wild.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Nature's symphony awaits

Río Claro Nature Reserve
Best Time
Nature's symphony awaits

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Lush nature reserve with thrilling caves, crystal-clear rivers for rafting, and immersive jungle cabins. Prepare to disconnect and embrace the wild.
"The cave experience was one of the best things I’ve done in my life. Pretty scary but if you can swim you should try it."

Bring Bug Spray & Headlamp
Essential for exploring caves and enjoying evenings. Extra batteries are a good idea! :bug: :flashlight:
Prepare to Disconnect
Little to no cell service or Wi-Fi. Embrace the off-grid experience! :iphoneoff: :wifioff:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Cave Experience
Rio Claro
A thrilling spelunking adventure through a stunning natural cave system. A must-do!

River Tubing & Rafting
Rio Claro River
Float or raft down crystal-clear waters through an impressive canyon. Perfect for beginners!

Jungle Cabins
Rio Claro Nature Reserve
Stay immersed in nature with cabins nestled within the lush rainforest. Wake up to the sounds of wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: Prepare for Nature's Embrace
Getting There: Plan Your Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Bug Spray & Headlamp
Essential for exploring caves and enjoying evenings. Extra batteries are a good idea! :bug: :flashlight:
Prepare to Disconnect
Little to no cell service or Wi-Fi. Embrace the off-grid experience! :iphoneoff: :wifioff:
Rio Claro?
Guatape to Rio Claro in Colombia
Learn Basic Spanish
English is not widely spoken. A few phrases go a long way with friendly staff. :speech_balloon:
Pack Light, but Smart
Focus on quick-drying clothes and essentials. Rooms are basic but comfortable. :t-shirt:
8 days in Medellin with son
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Bug Spray & Headlamp
Essential for exploring caves and enjoying evenings. Extra batteries are a good idea! :bug: :flashlight:
Prepare to Disconnect
Little to no cell service or Wi-Fi. Embrace the off-grid experience! :iphoneoff: :wifioff:
Learn Basic Spanish
English is not widely spoken. A few phrases go a long way with friendly staff. :speech_balloon:
Pack Light, but Smart
Focus on quick-drying clothes and essentials. Rooms are basic but comfortable. :t-shirt:
Swim in the River
The clear, refreshing water is perfect for a dip after a day of adventure. :swimmer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Rio Claro Nature Reserve for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the impressive river canyon and the immersive jungle accommodations. The cave tour and river activities are standout experiences, offering thrilling adventures. While the lack of modern amenities like Wi-Fi and A/C is noted, most find it enhances the off-grid, nature-focused experience. Communication can be a slight barrier for non-Spanish speakers.
"Pretty cool place. Our room opened onto the rainforest. No windows or a/c fyi, they provide mosquito nets on the beds. Bugs birds and water was loud and awesome. River canon looked like something out of an Indiana Jones movie. Food was sufficient, staff were pleasant. It gets hot and humid. Great swimming in the river. 2-3 days is plenty."
rob choma
"Absolutely fantastic and worth making the effort to get there. I stayed 3 nights I'd be happy there for 3 months! My room was at the top of the jungle again 15 minute walk down the river path, so I could hear nothing but nature! Heaven on earth. The tour through the cave is a MUST!! It's in my top 3 in Colombia so far! Also the tubing from Las Dantes is phenominal."
Jennifer Ball
"This beautiful lazy river is great for beginner rafters. The water is crystal clear and it isn't that cold we had and awsome time and we should be back"
Jorge Hernandez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Many travelers recommend renting a car for flexibility, as public transport can be limited and tied to specific schedules. The drive itself offers scenic views. If opting for public transport, research bus schedules in advance.
The travel time can vary depending on your mode of transport and road conditions, but typically expect a journey of around 3-4 hours by car.
While not explicitly mentioned in the provided content, many tour operators in Medellín offer day trips or multi-day packages to Rio Claro, which can simplify transportation and activities.
Yes, it is possible to reach Rio Claro by public bus, but it's advisable to check the latest schedules and routes as availability might be limited. Renting a car offers more freedom.
Pack comfortable clothing for travel, and be prepared for varying temperatures. Don't forget essentials like a camera and any personal medications.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While advance booking isn't explicitly stated as mandatory, it's always a good idea to check the official website or contact the reserve directly, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and accommodation.
The reserve is generally open year-round for visitors to enjoy its natural beauty and activities. Specific activity times may vary.
Typically, there are separate fees for guided activities such as cave tours and rafting/tubing. It's best to inquire about package deals or individual activity costs upon arrival or booking.
Yes, there is usually an entrance fee to access the nature reserve, which contributes to its conservation. This fee may be separate from activity costs.
It is generally possible to purchase tickets and book activities on-site, but pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment, especially for popular tours like the cave experience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Accommodation options include rustic jungle cabins that often open directly into the rainforest, offering an immersive nature experience. Mosquito nets are provided on beds.
Expect very limited to no cell service or Wi-Fi at Rio Claro Nature Reserve. It's an ideal place to disconnect and enjoy nature.
Popular activities include exploring the impressive cave system, river tubing and beginner rafting, zip-lining, and enjoying the natural beauty of the canyon and rainforest.
The cave tour is described as thrilling and potentially scary but manageable if you can swim. It's recommended to bring a waterproof headlamp with extra batteries.
The area is hot and humid, typical of a rainforest environment. Be prepared for warm temperatures and high humidity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Included meals are generally provided and described as pretty good. The reserve likely has a restaurant or dining area for guests.
While not explicitly stated, it's usually permissible to bring some snacks and drinks, but relying on the provided meals is a convenient option.
It's advisable to inquire about dietary options when booking or upon arrival, as specific menus can vary. The provided meals were found to be sufficient.
Information on alcohol availability is not provided, but it's common for lodges in natural reserves to offer a selection of beverages.
Given the rural and remote nature of the reserve, dining options outside the property are likely scarce. It's best to plan to eat at the reserve's facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
The impressive river canyon, the lush rainforest surrounding the cabins, and the unique rock formations within the caves offer stunning photographic opportunities.
A waterproof camera or a good quality phone with a waterproof case is recommended for the cave tour due to potential water exposure. A headlamp is also crucial for visibility.
The high humidity can cause lenses to fog up. Allow your camera to acclimatize to the temperature before shooting, and consider using lens cloths.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's best to check with the reserve management beforehand to ensure compliance with any restrictions.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the canyon's textures. The midday sun can be harsh.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Eco-Tourists
🎒 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Immersive Stays: Cabins in the Canopy
The rustic charm extends to the overall feel of the reserve, with minimal human interference noted by visitors, preserving the natural environment. This focus on eco-tourism means you're truly stepping into a wilder world. Prepare for the heat and humidity, and embrace the opportunity to disconnect from the digital world, as cell service and Wi-Fi are scarce.
Adventure Awaits: Caves, Rivers, and Thrills
For water enthusiasts, the river tubing and rafting on the crystal-clear Rio Claro are a must. The gentle currents make it suitable for beginners, providing a relaxing yet exhilarating way to experience the impressive canyon. Other activities like zip-lining and climbing are also available, catering to a range of adventurous spirits. The reserve's commitment to preserving nature means these activities are integrated thoughtfully into the landscape.
Navigating Rio Claro: Travel and Connectivity
Once you arrive, be prepared for a significant digital detox. Cell service and Wi-Fi are extremely limited, if available at all. This lack of connectivity is often seen as a positive, encouraging visitors to fully engage with their surroundings. Communication with staff might also require some basic Spanish, as English is not widely spoken. Embracing these aspects is key to a fulfilling visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit