Darién

The Lago Calima reservoir is a dreamy landscape. Here, your eyes will take in its lush, rolling green hills descending to the crystal-clear waters of a sparkling lake. Located near the picturesque village of Darién, it is equally cherished by nature lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts.

Due to the strong, consistent winds, the lake has become one of the best places in the country to practice kitesurfing. Rarely is there a day when conditions aren’t ideal for surfing its waters. On the other hand, with its many secluded and sheltered coves, this area is also perfect for kayaking.

Beyond water activities, there are plenty of things to do: hiking trails through mountainous nature and horseback rides that let visitors further enjoy the spectacular city views.

Calmer travelers won’t be left out either, as besides being the perfect spot to relax with a book, Darién hosts one of the region’s most fascinating archaeological museums.

Sights and Activities

Kitesurfing at Lago Calima

Kitesurfing enthusiasts come to Darién from all over the world to enjoy its fantastic combination of steady winds and the calm waters of Lago Calima. You don’t need to be an expert to glide through these stunning landscapes; many local operators offer courses for those wanting to try this thrilling sport. Kitesurfing is so significant here that there’s even a manufacturer of handcrafted boards using local materials like coconut fibers and guadua bamboo.

Adventure Sports

Boat Tours

A popular way to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Lago Calima is aboard a tourist boat. Larger boats follow a fixed route with scheduled departures, while smaller boats can be rented on demand to visit different sites based on passengers’ interests.

Outdoor Life

Paragliding

For the best views of the Lago Calima reservoir from above, try tandem paragliding and glide through the thermal winds sweeping the steep surrounding mountains. Excellent wind conditions ensure flights here last much longer than elsewhere, giving visitors ample time to soak in the scenery with all their senses.

Adventure Sports

Calima Archaeological Museum

This attraction is wonderfully unexpected in such a small town. It’s a professionally managed museum displaying nearly 2,000 artifacts left by the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of the Cauca Valley, including elaborate pottery and intricate gold work. You can also visit its beautiful gardens, filled with recreations of homes from different indigenous groups.

Museum

Alto Tribunas Viewpoint

Perched on a mountain ridge at 2,100 meters, this panoramic viewpoint is surrounded by forest and offers spectacular views of nearly the entire Calima reservoir. A must-visit, it’s just eight kilometers from Darién. The viewpoint is popular among adventure cyclists, as most of the route features steep, unpaved trails.

Viewpoint

Practical Details

Accommodation

While there are some hotels in central Darién, most visitors prefer staying outside the town along the lake’s edge, where guesthouses and rural lodges open their attractive gardens to the public.

Getting There

Darién is about two hours by car from the international airport in Cali, which has excellent national and international connections. The city is linked to southern destinations in the Eje Cafetero of the western Colombian Andes by well-maintained multi-lane roads.

Useful Tip

During the weekend, Darién and Lago Calima are busy with residents from Cali and other parts of the Cauca Valley seeking cooler climates. However, during the week, these attractions are wonderfully tranquil.