The Güejar River Canyon, located in the Meta department, Colombia, is a nature and adventure destination that surprises visitors with its towering waterfalls, unique rock formations, and the perfect opportunity for rafting in its calm waters.
In this travel guide, based on our own experience, you’ll find all the essential information to visit the Güejar River Canyon. Plus, we’ll share a comprehensive plan to help you explore the best of the region safely and in connection with local communities.
Let’s get started:
Where is the Güejar River Canyon?
The Güejar Canyon is located in the rural area of the municipalities of Mesetas and San Juan de Arama, in the Meta department of Colombia. It is approximately 3 hours from Villavicencio and about 6 hours by land from Bogotá.
The Güejar River is part of the Eastern Plains region. This destination remained hidden for years due to the armed conflict. However, thanks to the efforts of the local community, it is now a safe place where you can enjoy natural pools, waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes.
Recommended: Things to do in the Eastern Plains
How to Get to the Güejar Canyon
To reach Güejar from Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali, you first need to get to Villavicencio, the capital of Meta, either by land or by plane. From Villavicencio, take a bus that will take you to the town of Mesetas in about 3 hours—this is the ideal starting point for visiting the canyon.
If you prefer to travel by private vehicle from Bogotá, take the Vía al Llano highway towards Granada and continue on this route until you reach Mesetas. Before traveling, check the road conditions, as the Vía al Llano is sometimes closed for maintenance. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.
If you’re traveling in a group and don’t have a car, renting one is a great idea, as it allows you to travel at your own pace without relying on public transportation schedules. Plus, when splitting the cost among everyone, it could be more affordable than other transportation options. It’s also a much more comfortable choice if you’re traveling with children.
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Book Cheap Flights to Villavicencio
Get a Quote for All-Inclusive Tours in the Canyon
How to find cheap last-minute flights Although it’s always best to book in advance, we know that’s not always possible. In those cases, Skyscanner is a great tool for finding the best fares and deals worldwide.
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Things to Do in the Güejar River Canyon:
1. Enjoy Rafting on the Güejar River
One of the best things to do in the Güejar Canyon is rafting, an adventure activity that involves navigating the river in inflatable rafts. During the journey, you’ll paddle as a team to navigate rapids, ride currents, and avoid natural obstacles such as rocks and waterfalls.
The Güejar River is one of the best places in Colombia for first-time rafters, as it offers an exciting route of approximately 17 kilometers. The course combines fun, stunning landscapes, and rapids that are thrilling yet manageable, with calm sections to enjoy along the way.
Rafting in the Güejar Canyon is classified as Category III (on a scale from I to V), suitable for beginners. However, it should always be done under the supervision of certified guides, following their instructions to ensure a safe experience.
Request More Information About the Rafting and Waterfall Tour Here
You may also be interested in: 10 Must-Do Activities Near Bogotá
What is the rafting experience like in Güejar? The trip lasts about 5 hours. Along the route, you’ll make several stops to rest, swim in natural pools, visit towering waterfalls, enjoy a snack, and see the Titanic Rock, one of the most famous rock formations in this canyon in Meta.
What is the best time to visit Güejar? While rafting is available year-round, the experience varies by season. From January to March, during the dry season, the river has a lower flow, making for a calmer ride and allowing visits to the Guape Canyon.
From April to December, the rainy season increases the river’s flow, creating more waterfalls and making the journey even more exciting. However, it’s best to avoid periods of intense rainfall for safety reasons.
Request More Information About Available Tours Here
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Recommended Tour: 3 Days of Rafting & Adventure in Guejar Canyon
Embark on an exhilarating adventure as you safely explore the Guejar River Canyon and its stunning surroundings, engaging in thrilling activities like rafting in one of Colombia’s most beautiful locations.
This tour starts in Mesetas and includes rafting on the Guejar River, a visit to Arenales Waterfall, and a hike to the Paradise of Waterfalls. The package also includes accommodation, meals, certified guides, safety equipment rental, and travel insurance. Please note that guides speak Spanish.
Available every weekend and during holidays.
Price per person: $975,400 COP.
2. Visit Arenales Waterfall
Another must-visit place on your trip to the Güejar Canyon, Meta, is Arenales Waterfall, a breathtaking waterfall standing at least 90 meters tall. In our opinion, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls we’ve seen in Colombia.
How to get to Arenales Waterfall: You need to leave early from Mesetas town center in a 4×4 vehicle to the rural area of La Argentina. Then, accompanied by a guide, you’ll embark on a scenic hike of approximately 1.5 hours through the mountains of Sierra de La Macarena Natural Park.
During the hike, you will spot the “Sleeping Indian” mountain and immerse yourself in nature before reaching the stunning waterfall. Once there, you’ll find a white sand beach, a beautiful natural pool, and a breathtaking landscape that allows you to connect with the vastness of the surroundings.
Note: Click here to book your trip to Güejar’s natural attractions. If you prefer to explore on your own, consider staying in one of these accommodations in Mesetas: Hostal La Cabaña, Hospedaje El Milagro, and El Prado Hostal.
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You may also be interested in: Best Things to Do in Medellin
Tips for finding great and affordable accommodation: The best way to secure the lowest prices is to book early. If you wait until the last minute, the cheapest and highest-rated places will likely be sold out, and you’ll have to settle for what’s left.
Our favorite platform for finding hotel deals is Booking.com. By booking through this link, you can save up to 15% on your next stay. The best part is that, in many cases, you can pay directly at the property, and cancel for free if your plans change.
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3. Go Tubing in the Cafre River Canyon: Best Activities in Guejar
Now that you know where the Güejar Canyon is, it’s important to mention that it borders the Cafre River Canyon. One of its biggest attractions is that, between January and March, the water level of the Cafre River drops, making it an ideal spot for tubing.
Tubing is a recreational activity that involves floating down the river on an inflatable donut-shaped tube. During the ride through the Cafre Canyon, you can swim in its crystal-clear waters, admire the stunning landscape, and observe numerous bird species as you drift along with the current.
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Also explore: The 10 Best Beaches in Colombia
4. Discover the Wonders of Guejar
Güejar Canyon is an incredible destination that offers more than just rafting. About 2.5 hours from Villavicencio and 1 hour from Mesetas, you’ll find Lejanías, a town known as Colombia’s fruit capital.
Just 40 minutes from downtown Lejanías, you’ll find Güejar Park, an ecotourism initiative led by local families committed to conservation and sustainable tourism. Here, you can explore the Wonders of Guejar, including Caño Lajón, the Caño Jordán Waterfall, and the river’s natural pools.
If you’re traveling or planning to explore the Eastern Plains, check out these travel guides that will undoubtedly be useful for your trip. We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed writing them!
Caño Cristales: How to Visit the River of Seven Colors
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Want to save time and money on your next trip? Planning with the right tools can make all the difference. To find cheap flights, we recommend Skyscanner.com, which operates worldwide and compares hundreds of airlines and travel agencies to help you find the best fares.
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5. Swim at Charco Azul Waterfall
To conclude this list of places to visit in the Güejar Canyon and its surroundings, we recommend Charco Azul, a beautiful waterfall hidden among the mountains and dense vegetation of the Sansa Canyon, in the rural area of Lejanías.
To get to Charco Azul from Mesetas, you need to travel by 4×4 vehicle for approximately an hour and a half. Upon arrival at the entrance, you will have to walk to the waterfall. If you are in good physical condition, you can opt for a longer route that includes other spots such as El Peñón Waterfall, Las Cataratas, and El Tigre Cave.
Upon arriving at Charco Azul, you will be amazed by its waterfall, surrounded by a white sand beach and rock walls covered in vegetation. During our visit, we also had the opportunity to explore the Historical Memory Camp, where we learned about the way ex-combatants lived before the Peace Agreement signed in 2016.
If you want to visit Charco Azul on a guided tour from Mesetas, check out the available plans here.
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Tips for Visiting the Güejar Canyon, Meta
Now that you know how to get to the Güejar River Canyon, it’s important to consider the region’s climate. Being a tropical area, temperatures are high during the day. For this reason, we recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes for walking both in the river and in town.
Additionally, remember to travel responsibly and respectfully towards the environment. Do not leave trash or harm the flora and fauna. Contribute to preserving the natural beauty of every place you visit and always take part in activities with authorized guides committed to environmental conservation.
If you plan to travel on weekends or during peak seasons, such as Holy Week, New Year’s, or long holiday weekends, we recommend booking your visit in advance. Tourism in the Güejar River Canyon is limited, so securing your spot ahead of time is the best way to guarantee your experience.
Click here to inquire about organized tours
Other Trips You May Be Interested In:
4-Day Expedition to the Mavicure Hills from Bogotá
On this trip, you will discover the vastness of the Mavicure Hills and the Guiana Shield, swim in crystal-clear rivers, engage with indigenous communities, and immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful and unexplored landscapes in Colombia.
The package includes round-trip flights from Bogotá, meals, accommodation, and activities such as climbing Mavicure Hill and visiting the Fluvial Star of Inírida, Caño San Joaquín, and the Honey Route, among many more.
Scheduled dates 2025: October 24-27, November 7-10, November 21-24, November 28-December 1, December 5-8 (Holiday), December 12-15, December 19-22, and December 26-29.
Price per person from Bogotá starting at: $2,800,000 COP
Recommended Trip: 4 Days in the Amazon, Mocagua & Puerto Nariño
On this adventure, you’ll explore the jungle, visit Puerto Nariño, and sail along the Amazon River in search of dolphins, piranhas, and wild birds. You’ll also visit the Peruvian community of San Antonio to learn about a responsible tourism project focused on the conservation of sloths and the Victoria Regia water lily.
The package includes boat transfers from Leticia, accommodation in a private room for couples, meals, pink dolphin watching, a night walk in the jungle, and tours of Mocagua, Puerto Nariño, Tarapoto Lakes, and San Antonio (Peru).
This tour is available every day from Leticia!
Price per person from: $1,780,000 COP
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