HIKING IN VALLE DEL CAUCA
Three Waterfalls Trail
Walk through tropical rainforest, rivers and waterfalls.
Follow the water through the tropical rainforest of Colombia’s Central Andes, surrounded by lush vegetation and three waterfalls where you can stop and swim.
A shorter mountain experience, but an immersive one — very different from hiking along open trails.
5 km – +400m
Approx. 3h
Moderate
Into the forest
Walk beside the water, surrounded by rainforest
Just a few minutes from Santa Elena, the landscape changes completely.
The trail enters the tropical rainforest of the Central Andes, surrounded by trees, ferns, moss and dense vegetation growing alongside the river.
The sound of water accompanies much of the hike as we make our way toward three waterfalls hidden within the forest.
A shorter route than our full-day mountain hikes, but intense and deeply immersive. Here, you don’t admire the landscape from a distance. You walk right through it.
THE JOURNEY
Three waterfalls hidden in the forest
01. Into the rainforest
From Adventure Ride, we travel approximately 20 minutes to the trailhead.
From there, the path enters the tropical rainforest along narrow trails surrounded by dense vegetation, roots, rocks and small streams.
The environment changes quickly. Humidity rises, the sound of the river becomes stronger and the forest gradually closes in around the trail.
02. Walking beside the river
Much of the route follows the water.
The trail alternates between forest paths, wet terrain and sections alongside the river, creating a much more intimate experience than hiking across open mountain landscapes.
Here, the terrain sets the pace: walk, observe, cross and continue deeper into the forest.
03. The three waterfalls
The route connects three waterfalls, each more than 15 meters high.
They appear through the vegetation as natural pauses along the trail — places to stop, cool down and enjoy the surroundings.
When conditions are safe, you can swim at all three waterfalls.
04. Back through the forest
After reaching the final waterfall, we begin the return journey toward the trailhead.
The hike ends back at the forest entrance, where transportation will be waiting to take us back to Adventure Ride.
A moderate trail
For active travelers — no previous hiking experience required
The Three Waterfalls Trail doesn’t require previous hiking experience, but you should have a reasonable level of fitness and feel comfortable walking on natural terrain.
Along the way, you’ll encounter wet trails, roots, rocks, elevation changes and sections close to the river that may be slippery.
It isn’t a technical hike, but the environment requires you to move carefully and wear appropriate footwear.
This experience is a good fit for you if:
- You stay active and are comfortable walking for several hours.
- You feel confident on uneven terrain.
- You can manage climbs and descents during the hike.
- You’re looking for something more adventurous than a casual nature walk.
We adapt the pace to the group, always prioritizing safety and time to enjoy the surroundings.
What’s included?
Everything you need for the experience
Transportation
Transfer from Adventure Ride to the forest entrance and back.
Forest access
Entry to the protected hiking area is included.
Certified local guide
A local guide accompanies you throughout the route.
Medical insurance
Coverage during the activity.
Snack
A light refreshment during the experience.
Photos & videos
Photos and video captured during the hike so you can take the experience home with you.
What to know before you go
Total distance
5 km
Elevation gain
400 m
Approximate duration
3 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Previous experience
Not required
Minimum age
12 years
Group size
Minimum 2 · Maximum 10 participants
Typical departure time
7:00 am
Meeting point
Adventure Ride · Santa Elena
Trail access
Approximately 20 minutes by vehicle from Adventure Ride to the forest entrance
Terrain
Tropical rainforest trails following the river, with access to three waterfalls over 15 meters high
Guide
Certified local guide
Languages
Spanish · English · French
Recommended gear
Bring approximately 2 liters of water per person, long pants, insect repellent and hiking or athletic shoes with good grip. Bring a towel if you’d like to swim in the waterfalls.
Booking
We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance. If you’re planning at shorter notice, contact us and we’ll do our best to help.
