Nestled approximately 152 kilometers (94 miles) southeast of Medellín, the Río Claro Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural Cañón del Río Claro) stands as a testament to Colombia’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty. This private reserve, established in 1970, spans over 650 hectares (1,606 acres) and offers visitors a serene escape into a world of crystal-clear rivers, majestic canyons, and lush tropical rainforests.
The reserve’s unique landscape is sculpted from marble formations, a result of sedimentary deposits dating back to the Devonian Period. Over millions of years, the Río Claro has carved its way through these deposits, creating a stunning canyon adorned with caves, stalactites, and stalagmites. This geological wonder provides a picturesque backdrop for various activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and rafting.
For those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, Río Claro offers an immersive experience in nature. The symphony of birds, insects, and distant howler monkeys enhances the feeling of being in a secluded paradise. Accommodations within the reserve are designed to harmonize with the environment, allowing guests to fully embrace the tranquility and beauty of the tropical rainforest.
Whether you’re an avid adventurer or simply looking to unwind amidst nature, Río Claro Nature Reserve provides an unparalleled getaway, showcasing some of the most captivating landscapes Colombia has to offer.
History of Río Claro Nature Reserve
Established in 1970, the Río Claro Nature Reserve spans approximately 1,606 acres (650 hectares) and stands as a testament to Colombia’s rich biodiversity. Located about 94 miles (152 kilometers) southeast of Medellín along the Medellín–Bogotá highway, the reserve offers visitors a unique glimpse into the region’s geological and ecological history.
Geological Origins
The reserve’s foundation lies atop remnants of a shallow sea and ancient coral reefs. Over millions of years, sedimentary deposits from the Devonian Period (approximately 419 to 358 million years ago) accumulated, forming limestone rich in marine fossils. As the Central Andean mountain range emerged, these limestone deposits underwent metamorphosis, transforming into marble. The relentless flow of the Río Claro river sculpted this marble over approximately six million years, creating the striking canyon adorned with karst formations, including deep caves, stalactites, stalagmites, and intricate rock formations.
Conservation Efforts
The inception of the Río Claro Nature Reserve was driven by a commitment to preserve this unique ecosystem. In the late 1960s, as infrastructure projects threatened the region’s natural beauty, conservationists recognized the need to protect the area from development. Their efforts led to the establishment of the private reserve, ensuring the conservation of its diverse flora and fauna for future generations.
Ecological Significance
Today, the Río Claro Nature Reserve serves as a sanctuary for numerous endemic species and stands as an international example of in-situ ecosystem conservation. The reserve’s unique geological features have fostered the development of distinctive biological habitats, making it a crucial refuge for Colombia’s biodiversity.
Through dedicated conservation efforts, the Río Claro Nature Reserve continues to thrive, offering visitors an immersive experience in one of Colombia’s most remarkable natural landscapes.
An Abundance of Nature and Biodiversity
The Río Claro Nature Reserve offers visitors an immersive experience in Colombia’s rich biodiversity, with views of the river, canyon, and tropical rainforest at every turn. The reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including tropical birds, monkeys, and the beautiful blue morpho butterfly.
The reserve’s unique geological features, such as its marble canyon and karst formations, have fostered the development of distinctive biological habitats, making it a crucial refuge for Colombia’s biodiversity.
Notable species frequently observed by visitors include monkeys, otters, toucans, iguanas, sloths, and the striking blue morpho butterflies. This remarkable biodiversity underscores the reserve’s status as one of Colombia’s 58 endemic hotspots, harboring numerous species found nowhere else on Earth.
The symphony of birds, insects, and distant howler monkeys enhances the feeling of being in a secluded paradise. Accommodations within the reserve are designed to harmonize with the environment, allowing guests to fully embrace the tranquility and beauty of the tropical rainforest.
Through dedicated conservation efforts, the Río Claro Nature Reserve continues to thrive, offering visitors an immersive experience in one of Colombia’s most remarkable natural landscapes.
Rio Claro is one of 58 endemic hotspots in Colombia that has a multitude of species found nowhere else in the world.
This includes all manner of plant life. This is a tropical rainforest set at 350 meters (Medellín is 1,500 meters) so it’s slightly humid and rich with trees, flowers and plants not seen at higher elevations.
Exploration of this vast landscape is a delight, its mysteries and lushness accessible and safe. Just be sure to bring a flashlight or headlight for evening walks, as none of the pathways in the reserve are illuminated.
Activities at Río Claro Reserve
Visitors to Rio Claro can partake in several activities appropriate for a range of abilities.
- Rafting: Embark on a two-and-a-half-hour journey on inflatable rafts navigating Class I and II rapids. This excursion offers opportunities to observe birds, reptiles, and monkeys, along with a leisurely swimming break.
- Canopy (Zip-lining): Experience the thrill of zip-lining over the river, with short cables suitable for children as young as eight, making Río Claro a family-friendly destination.
- Caving in the Cueva de los Guácharos: Participate in a three-hour cave and stream walk, offering sightings of Oilbirds and mesmerizing geological formations. This activity can be moderately challenging, involving wading through waist-high water.
- Vía Ferrata: For climbing enthusiasts, Río Claro offers routes equipped with fixed anchors, allowing for safe ascents along the canyon’s rock formations.
- Birdwatching: The reserve is home to a diverse array of bird species, making it an ideal spot for bird enthusiasts to observe and appreciate the local avifauna.
Activity Costs:
- Rafting: 25,000 pesos per person.
- All other activities: 20,000 pesos per person.
It’s advisable to make reservations for any activities at the reserve’s activities booth, as many take place in the morning. To participate, an overnight stay is often necessary.
Additionally, there are numerous swimming beaches throughout the reserve, most equipped with lifeguards and ropes to allow swimmers to safely cross from one side of the river to the other. However, exercise caution, as the river may appear calm on the surface but possesses strong, deep currents that warrant precaution.
My two favorite beaches were Playa de Marmól (Marble Beach) located directly in front of the El Refugio, with its massive slab of marble for sunbathing and Playa del Manantial.
Playa del Manantial has direct access to the Caverna de los Guácheros (Oilbird cave).
Relaxation sets in almost immediately, deepened by the cool, clear water and an impossibly blue sky.
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Rio Claro Accommodations
The room rates at Rio Claro are per-person and vary depending on if it is high season or low season. High season includes:
- Holiday weekends
- Easter (Semana Santa)
- Mid-year vacations (June, July and August)
- End of year vacations (December and January)
Fortunately, Rio Claro offers a range of accommodations, depending on your interest/budget.
- Hotel Rio Claro – At the entrance is a traditional hotel with pool, restaurant and cabin style rooms. This is a good option for families with small children. The rate per person for a room with air-conditioning is 130,000 pesos during low season and 160,000 pesos during high season. With a fan, the rate is 130,000 pesos per person during low season and 150,000 pesos during high season.
- La Mulata Cabins – Half a kilometer along a dirt road is La Mulata, two multi-story lodges. Rate per person is 140,000 pesos during low season and 150,000 pesos during high season.
- Blue-Morpho Eco-Lodge – At the one kilometer mark, there is the activity center, dining room and Blue-Morpho Eco-Lodge. This is a good place for families and people with limited mobility. Rate per person is 100,000 pesos during low season and 110,000 pesos during high season.
- El Refugio Cabins – A 10-minute walk past the dining room along a rock lined pathway, these three-story lodges set high on the hillside are absolutely stunning and offer panoramic views. Rates here depend on the view and range from 130,000 to 220,000 pesos per person during low season. During high season the rates range from 150,000 to 255,000 pesos per person.
- Camping – Near the entrance gate camping is available along the river. Campfires and barbecues are permitted only in this area. Camping costs 35,000 pesos per person for three nights.
The Rio Claro Restaurant
The room rates at Hotel Rio Claro, La Mulata Cabins, Blue-Morpho Eco-Lodge and El Refugio Cabins include three daily meals at the reserve restaurant. The food is traditional Colombian, ample and delicious. If fish is the main dish for a meal, an extra charge of 2,000 pesos is collected.
Breakfast includes coffee, chocolate or tea. However, beverages are not included with lunch or dinner but are available for purchase. Desserts are also extra. For safety reasons, liquor is not sold, and liquor consumption is not allowed on the reserve.
Restaurant hours are:
- Breakfast – 8 am to 10 pm
- Lunch – noon to 2 pm
- Dinner – 6 pm to 8 pm
How to Make Reservations
Making reservations is mostly easily done by visiting Rio Claro’s office adjacent to Parque Poblado in Medellín. This ensures getting the room you want, clarifying details and instructions on how to deposit funds into Río Claro’s Bancolombia account.
- Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Phone: (574) 268 8855 – (311) 354 0119
- Email: [email protected]
Note that Rio Claro has a no refund policy but customers reportedly can reschedule reservations for a period of up to six months, if needed.
Rio Claro Recommendations
Optimal Visiting Period:
- Dry Season Preference: Plan your trip during the dry seasons, typically from December to January and July to August, when the river’s waters are at their clearest, truly embodying its name, “Clear River.”
- Weekday Visits: For a more tranquil experience, visit during weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy the serenity of the reserve.
Communication:
- Language Considerations: Be aware that English proficiency among the staff may be limited. Exercising patience and utilizing basic Spanish phrases can enhance communication.
Amenities and Services:
- Non-Potable Tap Water: The reserve’s tap water, sourced from natural springs, is untreated and not safe for drinking. It’s advisable to consume bottled water during your stay.
- Cash Transactions: All transactions within the reserve are cash-only. Ensure you carry sufficient Colombian pesos, as the nearest ATM is located in Doradal, approximately 30 minutes away, and may not always be operational.
Packing Essentials:
- Personal Items: Bring a flashlight (torch) due to minimal lighting at night, towels, swimwear, sunblock, insect repellent, sturdy hiking shoes, and water shoes.
- Luggage Recommendations: Opt for backpacks or luggage without wheels, as the terrain may not be suitable for wheeled bags.
Additional Tips:
- Valuables: The reserve does not assume responsibility for valuables left in rooms or common areas. Utilize the front desk’s safe for storing items like cameras, jewelry, and electronics.
- Pet Policy: For safety reasons, pets are not permitted within the reserve. It’s best to make alternative arrangements for your furry companions during your visit.
By adhering to these recommendations, you’ll be well-prepared to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility that Río Claro has to offer.
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How to Get to Río Claro from Medellín
Río Claro Nature Reserve is located approximately 152 kilometers (94 miles) southeast of Medellín, nestled along the Medellín-Bogotá highway. The journey typically takes about three hours by car.
By Bus:
From Medellín’s Terminal del Norte, several bus companies offer services to Río Claro:
- TransOriente: Buses depart approximately every 30 minutes, with tickets priced around 25,000 Colombian pesos.
- Coonorte: Provides services every three hours, with fares approximately 30,000 pesos.
When boarding, inform the driver that you wish to disembark at the entrance of Río Claro by saying, “entrada de la reserva Río Claro.” This ensures the driver will stop directly in front of the reserve’s entrance.
By Car:
Driving from Medellín to Río Claro is straightforward:
- Route: Head southeast on the Medellín-Bogotá highway (Autopista Medellín-Bogotá) until reaching kilometer 152, where the reserve’s entrance is located.
- Duration: The drive typically takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Private Transfer:
For a more personalized experience, private car transfers are available:
- Service: Companies like Daytrip offer door-to-door transfers from Medellín to Río Claro, providing comfortable vehicles and professional drivers.
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes.
- Cost: Prices start from €35 per seat.
Recommendations:
- Advance Reservations: It’s advisable to book your accommodations and activities in advance, especially during weekends and holidays, as Río Claro is a popular destination.
- Cash: Ensure you carry sufficient Colombian pesos, as the reserve primarily accepts cash, and the nearest ATM is about 30 minutes away in Doradal.
- Essentials: Pack essentials such as insect repellent, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, and a flashlight for nighttime.
Top Things to See and Do in Colombia
On the Medellin Guru website, we have been looking at some of the most beautiful places in Colombia in a series of top things to see and do in Colombia. This is due to many readers asking about several of these things to do in Colombia.
We have looked at 20 of the top things to see and do in Colombia, in alphabetical order:
- Caño Cristales – the most beautiful river in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful river in the world by some people.
- Carnival in Barranquilla – the second largest carnival in the world.
- Cartagena – Oozing history, romance and sun-drenched beaches, the allure of historical Cartagena is hard to resist.
- Ciudad Perdida – the site of an ancient city in Colombia that is older than Machu Picchu in Peru.
- Colombia’s Pacific coast – often overlooked by tourists visiting Colombia but offering untamed nature and undiscovered beauty that is off the beaten path for most foreign tourists.
- Desierto de la Tatacoa – the second largest arid zone in Colombia is Tatacoa Desert, which has surreal desert landscapes and some of the best stargazing in Colombia.
- Guatapé – a picturesque pueblo near Medellín known for its huge rock and lake. And it’s likely the most visited pueblo in Colombia by foreigners.
- La Guajira Peninsula – one of the most visually stunning places in South America, which is located on the northern tip of Colombia where the desert meets the sea.
- Las Lajas Sanctuary – the most beautiful church in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful church in the world.
- Medellín’s Christmas lights – Medellín’s annual world-class Christmas lights known as Alumbrados Navideños.
- Medellín’s Feria de Las Flores – Medellín’s world-famous flower festival each year.
- Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados – a popular national park in Colombia located in the heart of the Colombian coffee region.
- Parque Tayrona – known for its beautiful beaches and the world’s highest coastal mountain range.
- Popayán – a colonial gem in Colombia best known for its white buildings and churches, it’s a city off the beaten path for foreign tourists but is definitely worth visiting.
- Rio Claro Nature Reserve – located about three hours from Medellín, Rio Claro is the perfect place to unplug from hectic daily life and enjoy a picturesque crystal-clear river, canyon and tropical rainforest.
- Salento and the Cocora Valley – Salento is a picturesque pueblo in Colombia’s coffee region and the nearby Cocora Valley is one of the most striking landscapes found in Colombia.
- San Agustín Archaeological Park – the largest group of pre-Columbian monuments and megalithic statues in South America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- San Andrés – Colombia’s Caribbean island which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve featuring many beaches, islets and coral reefs that are filled with flora and fauna.
- San Gil – Colombia’s adventure capital that is full of things to do including white water rafting, paragliding, caving, rappelling, hiking and much more.
- San Jose del Guaviare – a hidden gem and eco-tourism location off the beaten path and offering wildlife watching, jungle trekking and delving into Colombia’s prehistoric past.
Also, we included Rio Claro in our list of the top 20 tourist attractions in Colombia.
The Bottom Line – Rio Claro
Give yourself at least two nights at Rio Claro. I highly recommend staying at El Refugio, specifically the third-floor corner rooms. Although they are the most expensive, the jaw-dropping views from the comfort of a queen size bed draped in a mosquito net are unforgettable.
Rio Claro is truly the quintessential place to unplug. There are no TVs here and Wifi is only available at the main entrance reception area. So, let the jungle sounds lull you to peaceful sleep and discover the extraordinary beauty of nature.
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12 thoughts on “Rio Claro Nature Reserve: A Perfect Getaway from Medellín”
Prices for rafting have doubled since this article was written; now 50k per person. Best rooms at el Refugio are panoramic 1-4. Would be nice if dinner had a vegetarian (or kids) food option.
Thanks so much for the article, we wanna go tomorrow to Rio Claro and have booked a room Already. On Friday we need to go back, best would be from. There to Salento directly. Do you know if there is any possibility?
And it’s Tru that every 30 minutes a bus is coming to that can pick us up and drive us to medellin? Do you know if there are seats available always?
Thanks so so much, my best Tine
Great article. If the Rio Claro doesn’t accept credit cards, how would a foreigner reserve a room before flying to Medellin? I assume that doing the high seizing that the good rooms would already be reserved by the time when arrive in Medellin to make a reservation.
You can call to book reservations and I have heard they don’t accept credit cards but you can find out when you call – see: http://www.rioclaroreservanatural.com/en/how-to-reserve/
Great report. Thank you!
Thanks for the helpful article Sonja, I am planning to go to Rio Claro next week.
Thanks Sonja, we look forward to staying in one of the corner rooms at El Refugio!