Guainía Sacred Highlands
Among Ancient Rivers and Sacred Mountains
Duration
5 Days
Departure
Inírida, Colombia
Next dates
Nov · Mar · May · Aug
Group size
Small group
The rivers here don’t just flow. They carry memory.
Guainía is one of Colombia’s last true frontiers — a territory where ancient rivers run red with tannins, monolithic mountains rise from unbroken jungle, and Indigenous communities have guarded their traditions for centuries, fiercely and beautifully.
On this expedition you’ll navigate the Inírida River by boat to reach the majestic Mavicure Hills base camp, ascend Cerro Mavicure to watch the sunset from its summit, paddle Caño San Joaquín through red waters and white-sand beaches, and witness the Estrella Fluvial de Occidente — the breathtaking point where three of South America’s great rivers converge.
Every day is guided by native community members who have called this territory home for generations. Your journey directly supports their families and contributes to the preservation of a land unlike any other on Earth.
The Mavicure Hills
Sacred monolithic mountains rising from the Orinoquía jungle summit sunset included.
Intentional Red water rivers & white beaches
Caño San Joaquín’s tannin-stained waters create one of the most striking landscapes in Colombia.
✦
Where three rivers meet
The Estrella Fluvial confluence of the Guaviare, Atabapo, and Orinoco rivers.
Day by Day
Your journey
through Guainía
Day 1
Origen → Inírida → Base Camp
Arrival · River navigation · El Venado
- Welcome in Inírida · Ground transfer to river port
- 2-hour river navigation to El Venado Base Camp
- Views of the majestic Mavicure Hills on arrival
- Guided walk to the El Venado community
- Natural viewpoint for sunset observation
- Welcome bonfire (weather permitting)
🏨 Shared cabins at El Venado Base Camp
Day 2
Raudales – El Remanso
River rapids · Cerro Mavicure ascent · Cultural night
- River journey along Inírida to Samuro & Cualet rapids
- Hike through Orinoquía rock formations
- Trek and ascent of Cerro de Mavicure
- Unforgettable sunset from the summit
- Exciting nighttime descent
- Cultural night: talking circle with local elder · Traditional dances
🏨 Shared cabins at El Venado Base Camp
Day 3
Cerro Mono y Pajarito – San Joaquín
Mountain trek · Red water canoeing · Dolphin watching
- Trek across Cerro Mono and Cerro Pajarito to El Remanso
- Canoe journey along Caño San Joaquín
- Red tinted waters and white sand beaches
- Dolphin watching pink and gray river dolphins
- Traditional workshop: preparation of mañoco and casabe
Shared cabins at El Venado Base Camp
Day 4
Estrella Fluvial – Isla Yupinai
Three rivers · Beekeeping · White-sand island
- Visit to La Ceiba community · Beekeeping project tour
- Transfer to Vichada department
- Estrella Fluvial de Occidente confluence of Guaviare, Atabapo & Orinoco
- Cozy beachfront cabins on Yupinai Island (Atabapo River)
- Bonfire night with stories and traditional legends
🏖 Beachfront cabins on Isla Yupinai (Atabapo River)
Day 5
Inírida → Origen
Final morning · Departure
- Relaxed breakfast in Inírida
- Optional visit to a nearby Indigenous community (subject to flight schedule)
- Opportunity to purchase locally made handicrafts
- Transfer to Inírida Airport
- End of the expedition
✈️ Breakfast included · Departure day
Want the full detailed itinerary?
Download the complete PDF with day-by-day breakdown, included activities, and accommodation details.
A glimpse of the Guainía
What´s covered
Include in your expedition
✅ What’s Included
- ✓ Round-trip flights Bogotá – Inírida – Bogotá
- ✓ Shared accommodation in comfortable cabins at base camps and natural reserves
- ✓ Inírida entrance tax
- ✓ All internal transportation — land and river
- ✓ Full board: traditional Orinoquía cuisine (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
- ✓ All activities and experiences described in the itinerary
- ✓ 4 exclusive travel souvenirs from partner brands (travel towel + 10L dry bag + Buff + cap)
- ✓ Drinking water and hydration throughout the expedition
- ✓ Two native guides + expedition guide and audiovisual team
- ✓ Audiovisual package: professional photo session and expedition highlight video
- ✓ Relaxation, meditation, and yoga experiences
- ✓ Direct contributions to local communities
- ✓ Comprehensive all-risk travel insurance
- ✓ Assistance with airline ticket purchasing
❌ Not Included
- ✕ Airfare from your city of origin to Bogotá
- ✕ Tips and services not specified in the itinerary
The expedition begins in Bogotá early in the morning. We recommend arriving at El Dorado International Airport well in advance. Flights to Inírida depart starting at 9:00 a.m. (schedules may vary). There is also the option to purchase flights from Medellín via Satena for an additional cost.
The Summer route (Nov 12–16, 2026) features a different sequence for Days 2–4, adapting to seasonal river conditions. Toggle between routes in the itinerary section above. Download both PDFs for full details.
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