Charco La Planta - Image 1

Charco La Planta

4.6
·491k reviews·Tanamá, Puerto Rico

A deep, natural pool fed by a stunning waterfall, accessed via a challenging but rewarding descent in San Luis, Antioquia.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dry season mornings

Clearer water, less risk

CrowdMedium
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Charco La Planta - Image 1

Charco La Planta

Best Time

Dry season mornings

Clearer water, less risk

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A deep, natural pool fed by a stunning waterfall, accessed via a challenging but rewarding descent in San Luis, Antioquia.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The descent is tough, but the deep blue charco and cascading waterfall are absolutely worth the effort!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key

Wear non-slip shoes for the steep stairs and rocky paths. Flip-flops are a no-go!

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

There are no facilities at the charco. Pack essentials for your visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Deep Charco

The Deep Charco

Main pool

A vast, deep natural pool, often described as a natural swimming pool, with depths ranging from 11 to 25 meters.

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Cascading Waterfall

Cascading Waterfall

Adjacent to the charco

An impressive waterfall that feeds into the charco, creating a stunning natural spectacle.

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The Staircase Descent

The Staircase Descent

Trail entrance

The journey down to the charco involves hundreds of stairs, offering scenic views and a sense of adventure.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for the Descent

Reaching Charco La Planta involves a significant descent, often over 500-600 stairs or a steep trail. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and be prepared for the strenuous climb back up. Many visitors recommend bringing water and snacks, as amenities are limited once you start the trek down. Instagram+1

Water Levels & Safety

Charco La Planta's appearance can change dramatically with rainfall. While high water levels can be impressive, they can also make the area risky. Always check local conditions and heed any warnings before visiting, especially if you're not an experienced swimmer or hiker. Instagram

Best Times

When
Dry season mornings
Why
Clearer water, less risk
Crowd
Medium
When
After periods of rain (with caution)
Why
Witness impressive water flow
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

El Río Tanamá es uno de los lugares más impresionantes en todo el mundo. Si quieres visitarlo solo escribenos para llevarte de una manera segura. #puertorico #naturaleza #impresionante
@cavetubingpr
16.1K likes • 111.9K views

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key

Wear non-slip shoes for the steep stairs and rocky paths. Flip-flops are a no-go! Instagram+1

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

There are no facilities at the charco. Pack essentials for your visit. Reddit

¡Siempre puesto pa’ la aventura! Esta vez nos fuimos de cave tubing por el río Tanamá. Una experiencia 10/10 👌 #arecibo #riotanama #cavetubing #puertorico #Hiking #zipline #explore #adventure #aventura #enjoyingpr #viajandoporpr #turisteatepr #mibandera787 #puertoricogram #voyturisteando #ruteandomiisla #adventure_puertorico #destinospuertorico #cavetubingpr #vamospa
@vamospapr
4.3K likes • 80K views
El Charco La Planta ubicado en en Municipio de San Luis Antioquia, es nuestro lugar recomendado y preferido para todos los amantes de la aventura acuática, naturaleza e historia regional, ya que en San Luis se encuentran uno de los complejos y vestigios arqueologicos más grandes de esta subregión, este charco es el más grande del Oriente Antioqueño y lo custodia un majestuosa cascada de 30 metros,...
detourporantioquia
13 likes • 821 views

⚠️ Assess Water Levels

Be cautious after heavy rain; the charco can become dangerous. Instagram

🏊‍♀️ Experienced Swimmers Only

The charco is very deep; strong swimming skills are recommended. Instagram+1

La furia del charco la planta 💚💙 gumorni jajajaja
soy_thecoyote
64 likes • 1.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key

Wear non-slip shoes for the steep stairs and rocky paths. Flip-flops are a no-go! Instagram+1

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

There are no facilities at the charco. Pack essentials for your visit. Reddit

⚠️ Assess Water Levels

Be cautious after heavy rain; the charco can become dangerous. Instagram

🏊‍♀️ Experienced Swimmers Only

The charco is very deep; strong swimming skills are recommended. Instagram+1

📸 Capture the Views

The descent and the charco itself offer incredible photo opportunities. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Charco La Planta is lauded for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its deep, clear waters and impressive waterfall. Visitors are captivated by the sheer scale of the charco and the scenic descent. However, the challenging and steep hike down, followed by a strenuous climb back up, is a significant factor for many, requiring good physical condition and proper footwear.

What People Like

Deep, natural pool
Impressive waterfall
Scenic descent

What People Dislike

Strenuous hike/stairs
Deep water requires caution

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

To reach Charco La Planta, you'll typically travel to San Luis, Antioquia. From Medellín, you can take a bus to San Luis, which takes around 2-3 hours. Once in San Luis, you'll need local transport (like a moto-taxi) to get to the trailhead for Charco La Planta. The journey involves a significant hike down. Instagram+1

While you can drive to the town of San Luis, the final approach to Charco La Planta involves a hike. There isn't direct car access to the charco itself due to its natural setting and the steep terrain. Instagram

From San Luis town, you can hire a moto-taxi or arrange for a local guide to take you to the starting point of the trail. The descent is the main challenge, so be prepared for that. Instagram+1

Yes, several local operators in San Luis offer guided tours to Charco La Planta. These tours often include transportation from San Luis and can provide valuable insights into the area's nature and history. Instagram

The travel time from Medellín to San Luis is about 2-3 hours by bus. The hike down to the charco can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and the trail conditions. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Charco La Planta is generally considered a natural attraction and is often free to access. However, if you opt for a guided tour, there will be a fee for the service. Instagram+1

As a natural site, Charco La Planta doesn't have official opening hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or at night. Instagram

If you are visiting independently, no advance booking is typically required. If you are booking a guided tour, it's advisable to book a few days in advance, especially during peak seasons. Instagram

Yes, you can visit Charco La Planta on any day of the week. Weekdays might offer a less crowded experience compared to weekends. Instagram

There are no official age restrictions, but the strenuous hike and deep water mean it's best suited for those who are physically fit and strong swimmers. Parents should exercise caution with young children. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Charco La Planta is known for its significant depth, with estimates ranging from 11 to 25 meters (approximately 36 to 82 feet) in its deepest points. Instagram+3

The main activities include swimming in the deep charco, admiring the waterfall, and enjoying the natural scenery. Some visitors also engage in photography and simply relaxing by the water. Instagram+1

Swimming is possible but requires caution due to the depth and potential for strong currents, especially after rain. Strong swimming skills are essential. Instagram+2

Bring sturdy, non-slip shoes, swimwear, a towel, plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. A waterproof bag for your phone and camera is also a good idea. Instagram

Typically, there are no developed facilities like restrooms or changing rooms directly at Charco La Planta. You'll need to use facilities in San Luis before or after your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The top photo spots include the view from the top of the stairs looking down, the cascading waterfall, and the deep blue waters of the charco itself. Capturing the scale of the charco is key. Instagram+2

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and respect the natural environment. If permitted, drone shots can offer spectacular aerial views of the charco and surrounding landscape. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the charco and waterfall. A waterproof camera or a good waterproof phone case is highly recommended for capturing shots near or in the water. Instagram

Morning light can be beautiful, offering softer light and fewer crowds. Midday sun can be harsh, but it also highlights the vibrant blue of the water. Consider the angle of the sun for the waterfall's spray. Instagram

While not specifically advertised as photography tours, local guides can often take you to the best vantage points for photos and may have insights into the best times for lighting. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Charco La Planta with children requires careful consideration. The extensive and steep descent (over 500-600 stairs) can be very challenging for younger children, and the climb back up can be exhausting. Instagram+1 Furthermore, the charco itself is extremely deep, making it unsafe for non-swimmers or young children to enter without very close supervision. Instagram+1 While the natural beauty is undeniable, families with very young children might find other, more accessible natural attractions in the region more suitable. If you do go, ensure everyone has sturdy shoes and you carry plenty of water and snacks. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Charco La Planta is an excellent option for budget travelers as the entrance to the charco itself is typically free. Instagram The main costs will be transportation to San Luis and potentially a local moto-taxi to the trailhead. Instagram+1 Packing your own food and water is also a cost-saving measure, as there are no vendors at the site. Reddit This makes it an ideal destination for those looking for an adventurous natural experience without a high price tag, provided you are prepared for the physical demands. Instagram

🏃‍♀️ Adventure Seekers

For adventure seekers, Charco La Planta offers a thrilling experience. The challenging descent and the deep, powerful waters provide a sense of accomplishment and excitement. Instagram+1 The opportunity to swim in such a deep, natural pool is a major draw. Instagram Consider visiting after some rain to witness the waterfall's full force, but always prioritize safety and assess the water conditions carefully. Instagram Exploring the surrounding natural beauty of San Luis also adds to the adventure. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Journey Down: A Test of Endurance

The descent to Charco La Planta is a significant part of the experience. Visitors often describe it as a challenging but rewarding trek, involving hundreds of steep stairs or a rugged, rocky path. Instagram+1 This requires sturdy, non-slip footwear; sneakers or hiking boots are highly recommended, while flip-flops are strongly discouraged. Instagram The climb back up can be particularly strenuous, so pace yourself and stay hydrated. Many travelers suggest bringing ample water and snacks, as there are no facilities once you begin the descent. Reddit

This challenging access deters some, but for those who make it down, the reward is a secluded natural wonder. The effort involved often enhances the feeling of discovery and the appreciation for the pristine environment. It's a good idea to gauge your physical fitness before committing to the hike. Instagram

Understanding the Charco's Character

Charco La Planta is renowned for its impressive depth, with estimates varying but consistently pointing to it being one of the deepest natural pools in the region, potentially reaching up to 25 meters. Instagram+1 This depth makes it a thrilling spot for strong swimmers, but also necessitates a high degree of caution. Instagram The charco is fed by a beautiful waterfall, adding to its scenic appeal. Instagram+1

The water levels and intensity of the charco can change dramatically depending on recent rainfall. While a fuller charco might be more visually striking, it can also become more dangerous. Instagram Visitors are strongly advised to assess the conditions upon arrival and to avoid visiting during or immediately after heavy rains, as the currents can become powerful and unpredictable. Instagram Local advice or a guide can be invaluable in understanding the current safety of the charco. Reddit

San Luis: Gateway to Natural Wonders

San Luis, Antioquia, serves as the primary gateway to Charco La Planta and is a municipality rich in natural beauty and archaeological significance. Instagram Known as the 'City of Rivers,' San Luis boasts numerous waterfalls and natural pools, with Charco La Planta being one of its most celebrated. Instagram The area offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it a destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Instagram

Beyond the charco, visitors can explore other natural attractions like Cascada La Cuba, adding to the allure of a day trip or extended stay in the region. Instagram The municipality also holds historical importance, with significant archaeological vestiges found in the area, hinting at its ancient past. Instagram This blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage makes San Luis a compelling destination for those looking to explore the diverse landscapes of Antioquia. Instagram

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