San José del Guaviare

With unique biodiversity, San José del Guaviare is a destination to enjoy nature tourism and learn about some indigenous communities of the Colombian Amazon.

Located to the north of the Department of Guaviare at the border between the Orinoquía and the Amazon, this city is a young municipality, a blend of settlers and indigenous Jiw, Eastern Tucano, and Nukak, where the average temperature is 24 degrees Celsius.

Indigenous peoples from the Tucano, Cubeo, Piratapupuyo, Nahibo, Carijona, Sikuani, and Guayabero tribes, among others, have settled in the region since pre-Hispanic times in a flatland territory along the Guaviare River.

The best places to visit in San José del Guaviare

In the city, you can visit several parks. The Constitution Park is the main square, adorned with ceibas and other native trees, and is a special place to rest and have a drink. Here you’ll find the Catedral de San José del Guaviare, a simple temple with architectural features similar to indigenous malocas where Catholic worshippers, especially on Sundays, gather.

The Parque de la Vida, the Parque del Barrio La Paz, the Parque de la Reconciliación, and the San José del Guaviare Sports Center are other recommended places to enjoy the outdoors and nature, and practice various sports.

Another must-visit destination for those coming to this city is the Port on the Guaviare River. Here, agricultural products and the day's catch arrive. Cachamas and barbudos are sold for local consumption or prepared to be sent to the capital.

Filled with natural tourist attractions, some of the destinations San José del Guaviare has to offer include:

• The Serranía de Chiribiquete National Natural Park, located in Calamar -Guaviare-, spans 4.3 million hectares and is home to ancestral tribes that have not had contact with other communities. This area has significant ecological diversity, as it intersects three regions: the Amazon, Orinoquía, and Andean Region.

2,130 plant species have been reported, of which sixteen are endemic. Tepuyes, or plateau hills, break up the jungle landscape, adorned with ancient pictograms. It is estimated that there are over 75,000 rock images confirming that these geological formations are among the oldest on the planet.

• To see paintings that are twelve thousand years old, visit the Cerro Azul in the Serranía La Lindosa. It is a two-hundred-meter high peak to explore and hike, where you can observe numerous crystal-clear streams, giant trees with enormous visible roots, and native flora and fauna species.

• The Nukak National Natural Reserve is a destination located in El Retorno Guaviare, full of plains and savannas mainly fed by the Inírida River, an area of unique biodiversity conservation, which is also home to the Nukak, Puinave, and Curripaco tribes.

• The Natural Pools are located just eight kilometers from the city. These ancient rock formations create pools of crystal-clear water in different colors due to the rich plant and mineral content of the surroundings. It is a spa where you can learn about geological formations and enjoy a swim.

• Tranquilandia Spa is an ideal location to enjoy the calm waters of Caño Sabana, known for its colors formed by the hues of freshwater macarenias aquatic plants that abound in the area.

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• The Stone City of San José is an enigmatic place consisting of ancient rocks arranged with such symmetry that it is a mystery whether they were altered by humans. With the help of guides, you can explore this site, which features labyrinths, caves, and monoliths with very ancient petroglyphs. It's a special place for hiking and spelunking.

• The Natural Bridges are a top tourist attraction due to their great height. Bridges formed and polished by water over time rise above the ravine, which can be accessed with certified guides.

• The El Diamante de las Aguas Natural Reserve is a place of natural beauty focused on the education and conservation of regional species. Guided tours are available to learn about environmental sustainability and also for birdwatching.

• The Orion Door is an iconic rock formation in the city. It stands twelve meters tall with two natural openings; one above the other. The uniqueness of this natural wonder is that, during the summer solstice, you can see the Orion Belt through the upper window, creating a unique spectacle.

• At the El Arco Iris Waterfalls, Las Delicias and del Amor, ecological walks take place amidst these natural sanctuaries, along with extreme sports like climbing and canyoning, with heights ranging from twenty to thirty meters.

Festivals

In San José del Guaviare, the International Yuruparí de Oro Festival is held, a folkloric celebration showcasing and experiencing Llanera culture through dances, songs, and contests where the joropo is the main attraction. Parades with traditional costumes and displays of indigenous cultures blend into a national celebration.

This city holds a unique treasure in the world; it is an original and dazzling destination, making it one of the most visited by jungle enthusiasts and community tourism lovers.