Guadalupe, Colombia: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Guadalupe, Colombia is home to one of the world’s most unique natural phenomena – a river with dozens of perfectly circular natural plunge pools carved into red bedrock? This hidden gem in Colombia’s Santander region remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets, with Las Gachas (often called “Colombia’s natural jacuzzis”) drawing adventurous travelers seeking experiences beyond the typical tourist trail.

Flights | Accommodations | Rental Cars

Introducing Guadalupe: A Hidden Gem in Santander

Guadalupe is a charming mountain town nestled in Colombia’s Santander department, approximately 200 km northeast of Bogotá. Sitting at an elevation of 1400 meters, this picturesque village offers a pleasant climate and stunning natural landscapes that remain largely undiscovered by mass tourism.

The town itself centers around a beautiful main square with a distinctive red-roofed church, tall palm trees, and a relaxed atmosphere that perfectly captures small-town Colombian life. While Guadalupe has seen a gradual increase in visitors in recent years, it maintains its authentic character and warm local hospitality.

Guadalupe’s charming main square with its distinctive church

How to Get to Guadalupe

Getting to Guadalupe requires some planning, as it’s located off the main tourist path. The journey is part of the adventure, taking you through beautiful Colombian countryside with stunning mountain views.

From Bogotá

The most common route starts in Bogotá. You have several options:

• Bus + Jeep: Take a bus from Bogotá’s Terminal del Norte to Oiba (5-6 hours), then catch a 4×4 jeep from Oiba to Guadalupe (approximately 1 hour).
• Rental Car: Drive from Bogotá to Guadalupe (5-6 hours). The road is partially paved with some unpaved sections, especially as you get closer to Guadalupe.
• Private Transport: Arrange a private driver through a tour company for a more comfortable journey.

The 4×4 transport from Oiba to Guadalupe

From San Gil or Bucaramanga

If you’re already in Santander region:

• From San Gil: Take a bus to Oiba (1.5 hours), then a jeep to Guadalupe (1 hour).
• From Bucaramanga: There’s one direct transport daily at 1:30 PM, or take a bus toward Bogotá and get off at Oiba for the jeep connection.

Quebrada Las Gachas: Guadalupe’s Natural Wonder

The crown jewel of Guadalupe is undoubtedly Quebrada Las Gachas, a remarkable natural formation often called “the Caño Cristales of Santander.” Unlike the famous Caño Cristales (Colombia’s “rainbow river”), Las Gachas can be visited year-round and is much more accessible.

Enjoying the natural jacuzzi pools at Las Gachas

This extraordinary site features a riverbed with dozens of natural circular plunge pools carved into red sandstone. The water flows gently between these pools, creating a series of natural jacuzzis where visitors can relax and cool off. Some pools reach depths of 2-3 meters, while others are shallow enough for sitting.

Visiting Las Gachas

• Location: Approximately 45 minutes walking from Guadalupe’s town center
• Cost: Free to visit
• Best time: Weekdays to avoid Colombian weekend visitors
• What to bring: Swimwear, water shoes or socks (the rocks are slippery), sunscreen, water, and snacks

The site has two main areas – the upper section with smaller pools (often less crowded) and the lower section with larger, deeper pools. Follow the river downstream to discover all the different formations, and don’t miss the small waterfall at the end of the river.

Aerial view of the incredible Las Gachas natural pools

More Natural Wonders Around Guadalupe

While Las Gachas is the main attraction, Guadalupe offers several other natural sites worth exploring. Plan to spend at least 2-3 days in the area to fully appreciate these hidden treasures.

Balneario El Salitre

Often called “Little Las Gachas,” El Salitre is another natural swimming area with similar rock formations and pools, located just 30 minutes walking from town. It’s less crowded than Las Gachas and offers a more peaceful experience with the same beautiful red rock formations.

The peaceful pools at Balneario El Salitre

Cascada El Perico

This stunning waterfall is one of several around Guadalupe. A moderate hike through beautiful countryside leads to this impressive cascade where you can swim in the pool beneath the falls or even walk behind the waterfall for a unique perspective.

The beautiful Cascada El Perico waterfall

Tres Cascadas (Three Waterfalls)

As the name suggests, this site features three consecutive waterfalls in a peaceful forest setting. The hike to reach them is moderately challenging but rewarding, with opportunities to swim in natural pools between the cascades.

Pozo Gloria

A more developed swimming area popular with locals, Pozo Gloria offers a large natural pool for swimming and relaxing. There are basic facilities here including places to get food and drinks, making it a good option for a leisurely afternoon.

Exploring Guadalupe Town

The town of Guadalupe itself deserves some of your attention. This charming village offers a glimpse into authentic Colombian small-town life, with friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere.

Colorful streets of Guadalupe town

Parque Principal (Main Square)

The heart of Guadalupe is its picturesque main square, dominated by a beautiful church with a distinctive red roof. Tall palm trees provide shade for the benches where locals gather to chat and watch the world go by. The square comes alive on weekends and after church services on Sundays.

Visit the Casa de la Cultura on the square to learn about local history and check if any cultural events are happening during your stay. The town also offers free WiFi in the main square – a welcome surprise in such a remote location!

La Clinica

Don’t miss this local institution – a small bar across from the hospital where you can try homemade guarapo (a traditional fermented sugar cane drink). Served in natural bowls made from dried fruits, this deceptively strong drink costs just 1000 pesos. Note that La Clinica closes early (around 6 PM).

Traditional guarapo served in natural bowls

Where to Stay in Guadalupe

Accommodation options in Guadalupe are simple but comfortable, with several guesthouses and hostels to choose from. Most places are family-run and offer a warm welcome to visitors.

Where to Eat in Guadalupe

Despite its small size, Guadalupe offers several good dining options, from traditional Colombian meals to some surprising international choices.

Traditional Colombian cuisine in Guadalupe

Local Restaurants

• Los Amigos: Excellent set lunches including soup, main course, drink, and dessert for around 8,000 pesos. They offer vegetarian options too.
• Restaurante Vegetariano: Run by Graciela from her home, this vegetarian restaurant serves delicious meat-free meals for 9,000 pesos. Don’t miss her chocolate dessert balls!
• Crepes y Algo Mas: Surprisingly, this small town has a creperie offering both sweet and savory French-style crepes – a welcome change from typical Colombian fare.
• Omar Parrilla: Good for burgers and hot dogs when you’re craving something different.

Drinks and Snacks

For refreshments, try Alfa & Omega for fruit juices and frappes, or visit one of several bakeries for sweet and savory treats. Ice cream lovers should stop by Salon de Onces on the main square for delicious flavors including tiramisu.

In the evenings, Sinaloa Café Bar on the main square is the place for drinks, though nightlife in Guadalupe is generally low-key and ends early.

Practical Tips for Visiting Guadalupe

Best Time to Visit

Guadalupe can be visited year-round, as Las Gachas doesn’t depend on seasonal conditions like Caño Cristales. However, consider these factors:

• Weekdays vs. Weekends: Visit during weekdays to avoid Colombian weekend tourists, especially at Las Gachas.
• Rainy Season: While you can visit during rainy season, the paths to attractions can get muddy, and water levels in the rivers may be higher.
• Colombian Holidays: Avoid national holidays when domestic tourism increases significantly.

Trails can get muddy during rainy season

What to Pack

• Footwear: Bring hiking shoes for trails and water shoes/sandals for Las Gachas
• Clothing: Light layers as temperatures can vary between day and night
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Cash: There are no ATMs in Guadalupe, so bring enough Colombian pesos
• Socks: Extra pairs for Las Gachas (the local trick for better grip)
• Swimwear: For enjoying the natural pools and waterfalls

Local Transportation

Most attractions around Guadalupe are accessible by walking, though some require longer hikes. For more distant sites, you can arrange transportation with local guides or hire a motorcycle taxi in town.

Guided Tours in Guadalupe

While it’s possible to explore Guadalupe independently, local guides can enhance your experience by showing you hidden spots and sharing cultural insights.

Local guides can enhance your Las Gachas experience

José Navarro is one of the most established guides in the area, offering tours to Las Gachas and other natural attractions. He speaks some English and has extensive knowledge of the region. You can contact him via WhatsApp at +57 311 835 1573.

For those interested in more adventurous activities, mountain biking expeditions are occasionally organized in the area, taking participants through rivers, waterfalls, and muddy trails before stopping at Las Gachas for a refreshing swim.

Combining Guadalupe with Other Destinations

Guadalupe works perfectly as part of a larger trip through Colombia’s Santander region. Consider combining it with these nearby destinations:

San Gil

Colombia’s adventure capital, offering paragliding, white water rafting, caving, and more. Located about 2.5 hours from Guadalupe.

Barichara

Often called Colombia’s most beautiful town, with perfectly preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. About 3 hours from Guadalupe.

Charalá

Experience extreme tubing on the river here, about 2 hours from Guadalupe. Not for the faint-hearted, as the rapids can be quite intense!

Travel Insurance for Your Guadalupe Adventure

While Guadalupe is generally safe, the remote location and adventure activities make travel insurance essential. Ensure your policy covers:

• Medical emergencies in remote locations
• Adventure activities like hiking and swimming
• Trip cancellation/interruption
• Lost or stolen belongings

Final Thoughts on Visiting Guadalupe

Guadalupe represents the kind of authentic Colombian experience that’s becoming increasingly rare as tourism grows in the country. With its stunning natural attractions, friendly locals, and peaceful atmosphere, it offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

The town is gradually developing its tourism infrastructure while maintaining its authentic charm. By visiting now, you’ll experience a destination that still feels like a genuine discovery rather than a tourist hotspot.

The peaceful countryside around Guadalupe

Whether you’re sliding between the natural jacuzzis of Las Gachas, hiking to hidden waterfalls, or simply enjoying a guarapo in the main square, Guadalupe offers experiences that will stay with you long after you leave. This hidden gem in Santander deserves a place on any Colombia itinerary that ventures beyond the usual tourist trail.