Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia
1. Serranía de la Macarena
A remote and diverse national park offering challenging hikes through lush jungle, towering canyons, and breathtaking waterfalls.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to many endangered species like the Andean condor and the giant otter.
- Unique Landscapes: Features unique geological formations such as the 'Salt Cathedral', a church built inside a salt mine.
- Remote Location: Requires a short flight from Villavicencio followed by a multi-day hike to reach the main attractions.
2. Caño Cristales
A seasonal river known for its vibrant red waters, offering a unique and stunning hiking experience.
- Rare Natural Phenomenon: The red color is caused by the presence of a type of algae called Macarenia clavigera.
- Seasonal Availability: Can only be visited during the rainy season from July to November.
- Stunning Scenery: Hikes through lush jungle, waterfalls, and the vibrant red river itself.
3. La Catedral del Agua
A stunning rock formation resembling a cathedral, offering challenging hikes with breathtaking views.
- Natural Architecture: A unique geological formation created by erosion over millions of years.
- Challenging Terrain: Requires experienced hikers due to its steep and rocky terrain.
- Stunning Views: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and mountains.
4. El Cisne Blanco
A challenging hike to a remote white-tailed eagle nesting site, offering opportunities for birdwatching.
- Rare Birds: Home to the critically endangered white-tailed eagle.
- Remote Location: Requires a multi-day hike through rugged terrain to reach.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Provides opportunities for birdwatchers to observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.
5. Los Nevados National Natural Park
A high-altitude park offering challenging hikes through glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and volcanic landscapes.
- Glacier Hiking: Offers unique opportunities for guided glacier hikes.
- Volcanic Landscapes: Features active volcanoes and varied volcanic landscapes.
- High-Altitude Hiking: Requires proper acclimatization due to the high altitude.
6. El Turbio Reserve
A reserve offering challenging hikes through dense cloud forest and home to many endemic species.
- Endemic Species: Home to several species found nowhere else on Earth.
- Dense Cloud Forest: Features a unique and diverse ecosystem with constant mist and fog.
- Challenging Terrain: Requires experienced hikers due to its steep and slippery terrain.
7. El Fisgón de San Jose
A challenging hike to a natural rock formation resembling a gun barrel, offering panoramic views.
- Natural Architecture: A unique geological formation created by erosion over millions of years.
- Challenging Terrain: Requires experienced hikers due to its steep and rocky terrain.
- Stunning Views: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and mountains.
8. El Paujil
A challenging hike to a remote indigenous community offering insights into their culture.
- Indigenous Culture: Provides opportunities to learn about the traditions and way of life of the indigenous communities.
- Remote Location: Requires a multi-day hike through rugged terrain to reach.
- Challenging Terrain: Requires experienced hikers due to its steep and slippery terrain.
9. El Acevado del Guayuriba
A challenging hike through a dense jungle, featuring a stunning waterfall and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities to observe various species of monkeys, birds, and other wildlife.
- Dense Jungle: Features a dense jungle environment with lush vegetation and diverse wildlife.
- Challenging Terrain: Requires experienced hikers due to its steep, slippery, and muddy terrain.
10. El Salto del Tequendama
A challenging hike to a stunning waterfall, offering opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities to observe various species of birds, monkeys, and other wildlife.
- Stunning Views: Provides breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle and mountains.
- Challenging Terrain: Requires experienced hikers due to its steep, slippery, and muddy terrain.
11. El Parque Nacional Natural de Chiribiquete
A remote and diverse national park offering challenging hikes through dense jungle, towering canyons, and breathtaking rock formations.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to many endangered species like the Andean condor and the giant otter.
- Unique Landscapes: Features unique geological formations such as the 'Salt Cathedral', a church built inside a salt mine.
- Remote Location: Requires a short flight from Villavicencio followed by a multi-day hike to reach the main attractions.
12. El Cerro de la Neblina
A challenging hike to the highest peak in Colombia, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
- High-Altitude Hiking: Requires proper acclimatization due to its high altitude.
- Stunning Views: Provides panoramic views of the surrounding jungle, mountains, and glaciers.
- Challenging Terrain: Requires experienced hikers due to its steep and rocky terrain.
13. El Parque Nacional Natural de la Serranía de los Yariguies
A remote national park offering challenging hikes through dense jungle, towering canyons, and breathtaking waterfalls.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to many endangered species like the Andean condor and the giant otter.
- Unique Landscapes: Features unique geological formations such as the 'Salt Cathedral', a church built inside a salt mine.
- Remote Location: Requires a short flight from Villavicencio followed by a multi-day hike to reach the main attractions.
14. El Parque Nacional Natural de la Sierra de San Luciano
A remote national park offering challenging hikes through dense jungle, towering canyons, and breathtaking waterfalls.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to many endangered species like the Andean condor and the giant otter.
- Unique Landscapes: Features unique geological formations such as the 'Salt Cathedral', a church built inside a salt mine.
- Remote Location: Requires a short flight from Villavicencio followed by a multi-day hike to reach the main attractions.
15. El Parque Nacional Natural de la Sierra del Pinche
A remote national park offering challenging hikes through dense jungle, towering canyons, and breathtaking waterfalls.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to many endangered species like the Andean condor and the giant otter.
- Unique Landscapes: Features unique geological formations such as the 'Salt Cathedral', a church built inside a salt mine.
- Remote Location: Requires a short flight from Villavicencio followed by a multi-day hike to reach the main attractions.