Illustration
Two caves, two moods
Caving: Cueva del Indio & Cueva de la Vaca
Bats, mud, dark water — pick the cave that matches your nerve.
- Getting bolder
- Ask the front desk
Rappel down a waterfall
Waterfall rappel at Juan Curí
Juan Curí is a tall, multi-tier waterfall in the forest outside town, and the rappel goes straight down its face. You arrive on foot, clip in with a guide and walk backwards down wet rock into the spray. Mornings are best.
- Level: Getting bolder
- Book through SamS
- Water
Waterfall rappel at Juan Curí
Colombia's official tourism site describes Juan Curí as a set of falls dropping about 200 metres into a natural pool, much of it descendable by rappel. Other sources give different totals, so we'll stick to the operator's number for the rope: Parapente Chicamocha lists a 70-metre torrentismo descent. Either way, the wall is high and the water is cold.
Getting there is part of it. The falls sit in rural Páramo on the road towards Charalá; buses leave from San Gil's Terminalito, then it's a walk through forest. Wikivoyage warns your shoes will get wet crossing the stream, with ladders and ropes on the steeper bits.
Friends who don't want the rope can still come: they walk in, swim in the pool at the bottom and take photos of you dangling in the spray. The operator notes they pay an entrance at the gate. Operators recommend going in the morning, so plan an early start, pack a snack and you'll still have the afternoon free back in San Gil.
What to expect
- 01 A forest walk with stream crossings to reach the falls
- 02 Harness, safety gear and a briefing from the guide
- 03 A rappel of about 70 m down wet rock, inside the spray
- 04 A swim in the pool at the bottom if you fancy it
Wear & bring
Wear & bring
- Clothes that can get soaked
- Shoes with grip that can get wet
- A dry change of clothes
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Water and a snack
Before you sign up
- One operator states 8+, with younger participants descending alongside the guide.
- You need to be comfortable at height and in cold water.
- Tell the guide about any injury or medical condition.
Weather, river & operator
- Operators recommend doing it in the morning.
- Wet rock and trail — the guide makes the call on conditions.
- Companions who don't rappel pay park entry at the gate.
Ask before you book
- Which operator and which waterfall
- How you get there — bus, taxi or operator transport
- Whether photos are offered
- Whether the park entry is part of the booking
No prices here on purpose: they depend on the operator, the date and the group. Ask us and we’ll confirm current terms.
FAQ
How high is it really?
Sources disagree: official tourism says about 200 m for the whole set of falls, Wikivoyage says 180 m, and Parapente Chicamocha lists its rappel at 70 m. The rope part is the 70 m.
Can non-climbers come along?
Yes — they can walk in, swim and watch. They pay the park entrance at the gate.
Is Juan Curí in Curití?
No — despite the name, the operator places it in rural Páramo, on the road towards Charalá. Curití is in another direction.
Ask about this adventure
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Pairs well with
Class II–III · first-timer friendly
Rafting the Río Fonce
San Gil's home river: bouncy rapids, swim stops and a finish line by the park.
- Easy start
- Book through SamS
Illustration
Cold streams, warm rocks
Swimming holes: Pozo Azul & Pescaderito
The rest day San Gil does best: natural pools, sun on the rocks, nowhere to be.
- Easy start
- Explore on your own