Santa Rita Waterfall
Discover the stunning Santa Rita Waterfall, a natural gem with historic tunnels and adventurous trails near Salento and Bucaramanga.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Santa Rita Waterfall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the stunning Santa Rita Waterfall, a natural gem with historic tunnels and adventurous trails near Salento and Bucaramanga.
"The hike is great! The view is great, the mountains, the air, the sound of the river, everything is beautiful."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be uneven and involve crossing bridges. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable hike.
💰 Entrance Fee
There's a small entrance fee (around 5000 COP) to access the route.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Santa Rita Waterfall
Mesa de los Santos, Santander / Salento, Quindío
A stunning cascade offering a refreshing dip and breathtaking views. The hike is an adventure in itself!
Historic Tunnels
Reserva Natural Santa Rita
Explore old railway tunnels, remnants of a past era, adding a unique historical layer to your nature walk.
Suspension Bridges
Trails to Santa Rita Waterfall
Cross charming, sometimes rickety, suspension bridges that add an element of thrill to your journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be uneven and involve crossing bridges. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable hike.
💰 Entrance Fee
There's a small entrance fee (around 5000 COP) to access the route.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
Trails aren't always well-marked, so pay attention or consider a local guide if unsure.
💧 Bring Swim Gear
The waterfall offers a great spot to cool off and swim.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be uneven and involve crossing bridges. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable hike.
💰 Entrance Fee
There's a small entrance fee (around 5000 COP) to access the route.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
Trails aren't always well-marked, so pay attention or consider a local guide if unsure.
💧 Bring Swim Gear
The waterfall offers a great spot to cool off and swim.
🥓 Local Snacks
You can find delicious chorizo near the falls – a tasty reward after your hike!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Santa Rita Waterfall and the adventurous hike to reach it, often highlighting the refreshing swimming opportunities and unique historic tunnels. While the trails can be challenging and sometimes poorly marked, the natural scenery and the overall experience are highly praised, especially on weekdays when crowds are lower.
"We entered through Boquia before arriving in Salento, and the hike is just 30 to 40 minutes, the view is great, the mountains, the air, the sound of the river, everything is beautiful. The place was super clean. Since it was a Tuesday, there were only like 6 or 8 other people around. You need to pay at the entrance. This is a great plan to do with kids, very safe and healthy."
Julian (Koala bear)
"Great walk, not too difficult to the falls. I hope you like crossing rickety bridges."
Kevin Karch
"Great hike! Just beware that the trails aren't marked super well making it a little harder to navigate. Some cool suspension bridges and swimming holes. You can also get se nice chorizo once you get near the falls."
Andrew Simpson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The path from Salento is considered more natural and is for pedestrians only, taking about 1.5 hours of walking. Alternatively, you can enter through Boquia, which is a shorter 30-40 minute hike.
Yes, Santa Rita Waterfall is located near Bucaramanga, accessible via La Mesa de Los Santos in the Santander region.
Many visitors recommend the route from Salento for a more natural and pedestrian-friendly experience.
While some routes might be accessible by car, the path from Salento is specifically for walkers, offering a more immersive nature experience.
The trails are not always clearly marked, so it's advisable to pay close attention to your surroundings or consider hiring a local guide for navigation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small entrance fee, typically around 5000 Colombian pesos, to access the hiking route.
Advance booking is generally not required. You can pay the entrance fee upon arrival at the trailhead.
While specific hours aren't always listed, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and the best experience. Weekdays are recommended to avoid crowds.
Information on parking fees can vary depending on the access point. It's advisable to inquire locally or be prepared for potential charges.
It's best to carry cash (Colombian Pesos) as smaller attractions may not accept credit cards for entrance fees.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is considered moderately difficult, involving uneven terrain and some rickety suspension bridges. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Yes, the waterfall offers a beautiful spot for swimming and cooling off. Don't forget to bring your swimwear!
Basic facilities might be available near the entrance or along the route, but it's always a good idea to use restrooms before you start your hike.
Yes, it's considered a great plan for families with kids, as the hike is manageable and the environment is safe and healthy.
Expect lush nature, beautiful mountain views, the sound of the river, and historic tunnels along the way.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the waterfall's beauty.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the waterfall and surrounding landscape. A waterproof bag is useful if you plan to swim.
The trails offer various vantage points, including from the suspension bridges and the base of the waterfall itself.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and respect the natural environment and other visitors.
The main waterfall, the historic tunnels, and the suspension bridges are all highly photogenic elements of the Santa Rita experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey: Trails and Tunnels
The natural beauty surrounding the trails is consistently praised, with mentions of beautiful mountain views and the soothing sound of the river. The overall experience is described as healthy and safe, making it a worthwhile endeavor for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Experiencing the Waterfall
While the hike can be a bit challenging, the reward of reaching the waterfall and its invigorating waters is consistently rated as worth the effort.It's a place that encourages connection with nature, offering a chance to disconnect and immerse yourself in the Colombian landscape. The sound of the river and the fresh mountain air contribute to a truly revitalizing experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit