Canon del Rio Claro Reserva Natural
Canon del Rio Claro Reserva Natural
Canon del Rio Claro Reserva Natural
4.5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.5
187 reviews
Excellent
106
Very good
49
Average
17
Poor
4
Terrible
11
jlacevedo
Bogota, Colombia14 contributions
Jan 2022
One of the most beautiful places in the region, a few kilometers from the Hacienda Nápoles. The nature reserve offers hiking, rafting, zip lining (canopy) and caving. The trails are well maintained and feature garbage dumps to prevent tourists from dumping waste.
To improve: Educate the tourist at the entrance about the care of the park and respect for other tourists, since it is an ecological reserve, increase the sanitary batteries and separate them from the dressing rooms.
Uno de los lugares mas bellos de la región, a pocos kilómetros de la Hacienda Nápoles. La reserva natural ofrece caminatas, rafting, tirolesa (canopy) y espeleología. Los senderos están bien cuidados y cuentan con depósitos de basura para evitar que los turistas arrojen desechos.
Por mejorar: Educar al turista a la entrada sobre el cuidado del parque y el respeto a los demás turistas, puesto que se trata de una reserva ecológica, aumentar las baterías sanitarias y separarlas de los vestieres.
To improve: Educate the tourist at the entrance about the care of the park and respect for other tourists, since it is an ecological reserve, increase the sanitary batteries and separate them from the dressing rooms.
Uno de los lugares mas bellos de la región, a pocos kilómetros de la Hacienda Nápoles. La reserva natural ofrece caminatas, rafting, tirolesa (canopy) y espeleología. Los senderos están bien cuidados y cuentan con depósitos de basura para evitar que los turistas arrojen desechos.
Por mejorar: Educar al turista a la entrada sobre el cuidado del parque y el respeto a los demás turistas, puesto que se trata de una reserva ecológica, aumentar las baterías sanitarias y separarlas de los vestieres.
Written 1 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diego
The Netherlands77 contributions
Jun 2021
When you come to Medellin, take at least 2 days to visit Cañon del Rio Claro. The place is amazing, and the tour guides are super friendly. Make sure to go to the caves and rafting. As a piece of advice, bring lanterns and a lot of water with you, since the water in the hotel is not drinkable (and the price for water, soda, or beer is quite expensive).
Written 10 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SoxAHolics1239
11 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
A 2024 update about Rio Claro. This is still a very special place but there's a dearth of recent information available:
--the best rooms in Refugio are panoramic rooms, 1-4. After that, 5-8. Otherwise, there are bigger rooms available in Refugio, but nothing else has that great of a view as trees now block a lot of the views.
--It is wonderful at night to be at Refugio with the sounds of the rushing water and nature.
--food is typical average Colombian fare. For dinner, there was one option for all, sadly with no drink included. For breakfast, traditional arepa/eggs/fruit/coffee. Lunch you have a couple of choices, but again, all of these meals are kind of 'menu del dia' type situations, which would cost 15.000 per person in a restaurant. It would be nice if they offered more and different options; it comes off as kind of cheap, and a missed opportunity for their guests.
--communication and booking is doable but not easy. Website was broken when we tried it for booking. Wound up booking through WhatsApp.
--Rooms are nice and clean. But staff oddly put us as a family next to a young couple, when the place was not full. They kept us up at night. Our young daughter woke them up in the morning. But the Refugio has openings up top, so you could smell the weed they were doing (legal in Colombia), and they could hear our daughter's games
--Bring drinks and bring snacks and bring water. They will discourage it, so they can make more money, but it is worth your while.
--Bring a flashlight. It is very dark at night walking.
--Price of rafting has increased significantly over the years to 50.000 COP per person. It is worth it, and it is cash only like everything else here. Age 7 and up. Other activities are canopy (ziplining), which is age 6 and up (30.000 per). And caving, which is age 12 and up (40.000 per). If you have kids, 11/12 is around the right age for this place. Any younger, and it's probably best to keep driving to Hacienda Napoles.
--It is doable to get there by bus, but it is not a short ride from Medellin. And then it's a 10-15 minute walk from the entrance to the check-in desk. By car, look for a gas station, and turn immediately before that. For first-time visitors, that turn can easily be missed.
And have fun! I liked the place, as it was a bit of adventure out in nature. I wish booking had been easier, we hadn't been put next to a weed-smoking couple, and they did an upgrade to food [at least provide water or juice with lunch & dinner]? But it was a fun Paisa experience that I will remember.
--the best rooms in Refugio are panoramic rooms, 1-4. After that, 5-8. Otherwise, there are bigger rooms available in Refugio, but nothing else has that great of a view as trees now block a lot of the views.
--It is wonderful at night to be at Refugio with the sounds of the rushing water and nature.
--food is typical average Colombian fare. For dinner, there was one option for all, sadly with no drink included. For breakfast, traditional arepa/eggs/fruit/coffee. Lunch you have a couple of choices, but again, all of these meals are kind of 'menu del dia' type situations, which would cost 15.000 per person in a restaurant. It would be nice if they offered more and different options; it comes off as kind of cheap, and a missed opportunity for their guests.
--communication and booking is doable but not easy. Website was broken when we tried it for booking. Wound up booking through WhatsApp.
--Rooms are nice and clean. But staff oddly put us as a family next to a young couple, when the place was not full. They kept us up at night. Our young daughter woke them up in the morning. But the Refugio has openings up top, so you could smell the weed they were doing (legal in Colombia), and they could hear our daughter's games
--Bring drinks and bring snacks and bring water. They will discourage it, so they can make more money, but it is worth your while.
--Bring a flashlight. It is very dark at night walking.
--Price of rafting has increased significantly over the years to 50.000 COP per person. It is worth it, and it is cash only like everything else here. Age 7 and up. Other activities are canopy (ziplining), which is age 6 and up (30.000 per). And caving, which is age 12 and up (40.000 per). If you have kids, 11/12 is around the right age for this place. Any younger, and it's probably best to keep driving to Hacienda Napoles.
--It is doable to get there by bus, but it is not a short ride from Medellin. And then it's a 10-15 minute walk from the entrance to the check-in desk. By car, look for a gas station, and turn immediately before that. For first-time visitors, that turn can easily be missed.
And have fun! I liked the place, as it was a bit of adventure out in nature. I wish booking had been easier, we hadn't been put next to a weed-smoking couple, and they did an upgrade to food [at least provide water or juice with lunch & dinner]? But it was a fun Paisa experience that I will remember.
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antonin D
Lyons-la-Foret, France5 contributions
Nov 2016
To be honest, during my whole trip over Colombia the service of this place really Terrible, i mean, you can find nice and helpful people in the majority places of Colombia, BUT THIS, is the WORST...
i spend one week trying to get and answer for a reservation, also called several times to land line and cell phone but NO Answer... one time they just said me that they were busy on a meeting ... ! What???
Finally i receive the information to make the reservation, which consist in make a deposit of the 100% of the payment. THEY DONT RECEIVE CREDIT CARD - ONLY CASH, THEY LOVE CASH and dont get you any kind of receipt, THEY love No pay TAXES.. so if you dont like after you see what is real, sorry for you...
you are booking with no real pictures of the rooms...
i was booking about 10 rooms for my friends and me... but they just treat you like Mc donalds customer.... i just hate the manner of how they spoke to you... Diana is the name of her..!
finally we arrive there...
*FOOD is disgusting, they include in the price, YOU ARE TRAPPED, no options for decent food or Veggies
* No body speak a word of English...
* The facilities are manage by 3 women (teenagers) who dont care anything to help you with information or just make you easy the process of book the activities or get your keys for the rooms... and YOU have to give 15USD for deposit for each room... which make no sense.. almost pay with my girlfriend 100 USD per night...
* Activities just suck..Zip line ! no way, just boring.
* the guides really try to help you... and you can understand why... they are nice, but they just get paid for 10 hours 7 USD, meanwhile they receive TONS of cash, and treat their people like Slaves.
THE PLACE, is Awesome, IS PURE NATURE, the marble river, the rain forest....really deserve to visit, BUT DONT STAY THERE, DONT EAT THERE, there are some options close, with beautiful facilities and super SERVICE.
Go for the DAY, bring your own quality snacks and TIP the guides please :)
RIO CLARO owners, LOVE to enslave their Guides :(
i spend one week trying to get and answer for a reservation, also called several times to land line and cell phone but NO Answer... one time they just said me that they were busy on a meeting ... ! What???
Finally i receive the information to make the reservation, which consist in make a deposit of the 100% of the payment. THEY DONT RECEIVE CREDIT CARD - ONLY CASH, THEY LOVE CASH and dont get you any kind of receipt, THEY love No pay TAXES.. so if you dont like after you see what is real, sorry for you...
you are booking with no real pictures of the rooms...
i was booking about 10 rooms for my friends and me... but they just treat you like Mc donalds customer.... i just hate the manner of how they spoke to you... Diana is the name of her..!
finally we arrive there...
*FOOD is disgusting, they include in the price, YOU ARE TRAPPED, no options for decent food or Veggies
* No body speak a word of English...
* The facilities are manage by 3 women (teenagers) who dont care anything to help you with information or just make you easy the process of book the activities or get your keys for the rooms... and YOU have to give 15USD for deposit for each room... which make no sense.. almost pay with my girlfriend 100 USD per night...
* Activities just suck..Zip line ! no way, just boring.
* the guides really try to help you... and you can understand why... they are nice, but they just get paid for 10 hours 7 USD, meanwhile they receive TONS of cash, and treat their people like Slaves.
THE PLACE, is Awesome, IS PURE NATURE, the marble river, the rain forest....really deserve to visit, BUT DONT STAY THERE, DONT EAT THERE, there are some options close, with beautiful facilities and super SERVICE.
Go for the DAY, bring your own quality snacks and TIP the guides please :)
RIO CLARO owners, LOVE to enslave their Guides :(
Written 26 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave H
Bogota, Colombia25 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
I really enjoyed it. It reminded me of Fall Creek Falls State Park near Chattanooga, TN - cliffs, paths, virgin forest. A cave of polished marble is a wonder to see. First time I ever went on a zipline. Rafting was calm, but the other activities requiered a little athletic ability. Close to Hacienda Napoles. The youngsters who work at the park were very attentive and knowledgable. We were able to get to the reserve by bus from Bogotá to Doradal, then taxi from Doradal to the Reserve. Security situation looks excellent, which surprised me for this region, which has a rather colorful history.
Written 16 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberto G
Singapore, Singapore50 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
The description of the place is simple.
PROS
Location is the best to enjoy birdwatching, swimming in the river (only during dry season) and outdoor activities.
Is cheap if you are a solo traveler
CONS
booking is extremely difficult because they only accept cash
food is terrible, you only have one option per day. it is called in colombia (almuerzo corriente, o ejecutivo) which is basically a explosion of carbo, mixed with no taste salad (perfect for rabbits) an overcooked meat with a sugar concentrated beverage.
The standard of the place as an hotel is extremely disappointing.
If you are a family traveler be ready to spend more than 300 usd only for one room that is super expensive for what they offer.
Be prepared to share with locals who only go to drink alcohol and listen music in their rooms.
Dont make a mess in your room, they do not offer housekeeping services.
WHAT TO DO
Ask first if is raining season.
bring your own stuff as wine and snacks, remember they do not offer fridges on the rooms.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Visiting the place in raining season. because isn't worth it to spend such precious time, effort and money inside a room, event if the view is fabulous.
PROS
Location is the best to enjoy birdwatching, swimming in the river (only during dry season) and outdoor activities.
Is cheap if you are a solo traveler
CONS
booking is extremely difficult because they only accept cash
food is terrible, you only have one option per day. it is called in colombia (almuerzo corriente, o ejecutivo) which is basically a explosion of carbo, mixed with no taste salad (perfect for rabbits) an overcooked meat with a sugar concentrated beverage.
The standard of the place as an hotel is extremely disappointing.
If you are a family traveler be ready to spend more than 300 usd only for one room that is super expensive for what they offer.
Be prepared to share with locals who only go to drink alcohol and listen music in their rooms.
Dont make a mess in your room, they do not offer housekeeping services.
WHAT TO DO
Ask first if is raining season.
bring your own stuff as wine and snacks, remember they do not offer fridges on the rooms.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Visiting the place in raining season. because isn't worth it to spend such precious time, effort and money inside a room, event if the view is fabulous.
Written 5 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lars E
Lorrach, Germany64 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
How to get there?
The natural park "Río Claro" is located right on the way from Bogotá to Medellin. If you travel there from Bogotá plan about 8-10 hours, from Medellin about 3-5 hours. The easiest way to get there is by public busses which you can book directly at the "Terminal de Transporte (Bogotá) or at the "Terminal del Norte" (Medellín). You don't need to check availability before, there are always leaving busses between the two biggest cities of Colombia. Just tell the ticket seller that you go to "Reserva Natural Río Claro", and make sure that the driver knows where you want to leave. They know the place and it`s unmissable.
The natural park:
From the entrance you have to walk about 20 minutes to reach
The natural park "Río Claro" is located right on the way from Bogotá to Medellin. If you travel there from Bogotá plan about 8-10 hours, from Medellin about 3-5 hours. The easiest way to get there is by public busses which you can book directly at the "Terminal de Transporte (Bogotá) or at the "Terminal del Norte" (Medellín). You don't need to check availability before, there are always leaving busses between the two biggest cities of Colombia. Just tell the ticket seller that you go to "Reserva Natural Río Claro", and make sure that the driver knows where you want to leave. They know the place and it`s unmissable.
The natural park:
From the entrance you have to walk about 20 minutes to reach
Written 10 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crsmeyer
Medellin, Colombia5 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
Fantastic new activity in Rio Claro reserve! Kayaking School called Kayaking Colombia. This school is run by Ron Cannell and is up to US standards of quality of instruction and attention to safety. I had lookedat several similar schools in the US and they were thousands of dollars, at $50usd per day, this an absolute bargain! I have always wanted to Kayak whitewater and this was a great way to learn. We started in the pool and graduated to the river as we built our skills. Although Dora and I were beginners to whitewater, our class included an experienced intermediate kayaker who was there to improve his technique to be able to handle class 3 and 4 rapids. They were able to accomadate both levels with lots of hands on instruction. You can vacation in beautiful Colombia and learn to kayak for less than half the cost of a river trip to Colorado or Idaho! Check out their website at kayakingcolombia.com
Written 20 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sebastian D
Dietlikon, Switzerland18 contributions
Dec 2015 • Couples
We were traveling from Bogotá to Medellín by car and Rio Claro is directly on the way. For those traveling (for leisure) between those two cities a visit is a must.
The place is a privately owned natural reserve, following the beautiful canyon of the river Claro. Here you will really feel like being inside the jungle, despite the reserve being very close to a major road. It is not really possible to hike much here, but some other activities are available. For one you can simply jump into the river, which is very refreshing in this hot and humid place.
There are 4 commercialized activities: rafting, spelunking, via ferrata and canopy.
We did the first two. For rafting a group of about 6 people are put into a boat together with a guide and off you go. This is a very very mild raft with basically no danger and no experience from participants required. The spelunking trip is also rather harmless, but should not be done by quite unfit people (not much fitness is needed, though). After a nice climb/hike through wilderness a cavern is traversed, always along a stream of water that eventually flows into the river. Headlamps are required as, like any cavern, it's pitch black inside. Some jumps into pools of water have to be made, but the cave is rather wide so any feeling of claustrophobia needs to be decently developed to avoid the tour.
Canopy seems nice along the river, if you are into that kind of activity. The via ferrata traverses an altitude of 150m, but is probably not very demanding.
Those activities are all rather affordable with prices of 15000-25000 COP (dec 2015). What is not nicely priced is lodging in their eco hotel, costing 100.000 COP/night/person - while this includes 3 meals a day, those make up at most 20% of the cost and the rooms are anything but luxury.
Tips on staying there (for 1+ nights):
Get a headlamp for each traveler, you'll be blind at night otherwise. Swimsuits. Shoes that are made be dunked and soaked in water will be very helpful for the spelunking trip (you cannot go barefooted and you'll be wading in water most of the time). The air is very humid, hence any clothes that get wet will stay so (and dry clothes will catch on a bit as well), so have some spare clothes. It is a 15min walk from the car park to the rooms, and the walk is irregular, so maybe leave your suitcase in the car and use backpacks.
There is also camping available, so if you have a tent and want to avoid the "hotel", check that option out.
The place is a privately owned natural reserve, following the beautiful canyon of the river Claro. Here you will really feel like being inside the jungle, despite the reserve being very close to a major road. It is not really possible to hike much here, but some other activities are available. For one you can simply jump into the river, which is very refreshing in this hot and humid place.
There are 4 commercialized activities: rafting, spelunking, via ferrata and canopy.
We did the first two. For rafting a group of about 6 people are put into a boat together with a guide and off you go. This is a very very mild raft with basically no danger and no experience from participants required. The spelunking trip is also rather harmless, but should not be done by quite unfit people (not much fitness is needed, though). After a nice climb/hike through wilderness a cavern is traversed, always along a stream of water that eventually flows into the river. Headlamps are required as, like any cavern, it's pitch black inside. Some jumps into pools of water have to be made, but the cave is rather wide so any feeling of claustrophobia needs to be decently developed to avoid the tour.
Canopy seems nice along the river, if you are into that kind of activity. The via ferrata traverses an altitude of 150m, but is probably not very demanding.
Those activities are all rather affordable with prices of 15000-25000 COP (dec 2015). What is not nicely priced is lodging in their eco hotel, costing 100.000 COP/night/person - while this includes 3 meals a day, those make up at most 20% of the cost and the rooms are anything but luxury.
Tips on staying there (for 1+ nights):
Get a headlamp for each traveler, you'll be blind at night otherwise. Swimsuits. Shoes that are made be dunked and soaked in water will be very helpful for the spelunking trip (you cannot go barefooted and you'll be wading in water most of the time). The air is very humid, hence any clothes that get wet will stay so (and dry clothes will catch on a bit as well), so have some spare clothes. It is a 15min walk from the car park to the rooms, and the walk is irregular, so maybe leave your suitcase in the car and use backpacks.
There is also camping available, so if you have a tent and want to avoid the "hotel", check that option out.
Written 9 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Camilo
Bogota, Colombia14 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
The place is not a natural preserve. Is mostly a place for recreation. They have a very bad service. A lot of rules that are not followed either by themselves. You can see people smoking, using drugs, playing music, drinking alcohol among others. Also, it's not a safe place. There are thieves in the surroundings. They do not watch cars and don't guarantee safety. I do not recommend to visit this place.
Written 25 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Buenos días, me podrían decir si está abierto todos los días o solo los fines de semana?
Written 23 August 2021
buenas tardes. Me gustaría saber si se puede alquilar carpa en este lugar y si se podría llegar a un descuento para un grupo de 40 niños entre los 10 y 12 años, son niños de estrato 1, 2 y 3 que posiblemente no puedan tener la oportunidad de volver a realizar una actividad como esta.
Written 22 November 2020
Vestido de Baño indispensable
Repelente contra mosquitos
Bloqueador solar
Linterna
Ropa ligera, hace mucho calor
Todo lo de aseo personal
Written 11 November 2019
I read on the web Rio Claro for zip line, this is true is maximum weight 80kg? I have 90kg, so can`t use this atraction? Somebody real tested with more weight?
Written 9 March 2019
Hola, alguien ha ido a acampar? Que tal es el terrero? Hay opciones de alimentación? Muchas gracias.
Written 16 January 2019
Hola, me puedes decir por favor cual es el nombre del hotel? voy muy pronto a rioclaro y la verdad los precios de las habitaciones dentro de la reserva me parecen carisimos y he leido muchas criticas acerca de la comida. Muchas gracias
Written 28 September 2018
hola ximena como estas? estoy yendo en abril a la reserva del cañon del rio claro, leo que no estuvo bien la comida? me contas un poco de eso? alguna recomendacion o algo a tener en cuenta?
muchas gracias!!
Written 23 February 2018
Referente a la pregunta sobre la comida en el Restaurante que hay en la zona de recreo del Cañón del río Claro, te cuento que yo estuve en una excursión desde Medellín ya organizada, con la comida incluída. Para ser de grupo no estuvo mal, pero si quieres cambiar, tienes un Menú y puedes pedir Carta o Platos combinados. La diferencia no es mucha en cuanto a precio, y puedes pedir una carne o pescado a tú gustro y te compensa. En comparación con otros paises, no es caro. Los paisajes son preciosos y es naturaleza viva. Disfruta tu viaje. Un saludo.
Written 25 February 2018
Buenos días, quisiera saber si se puede ingresar con mascotas
Written 23 January 2017
Lo recomiendan para ir en familia? Es decir con un bebé de 5 meses y un niño de 11? Gracias.
Written 9 July 2016
Buenas tardes, vamos a estar alojados en el Hotel Del Lago, nos gustaria saber a que distancia se encuetra esta acitvidad y los costos de la misma.
desde ya agradezco pronta respuesta.
Written 1 February 2016
Buen día, el hotel del lago queda frente a hacienda Nápoles, es decir a unos 20 o 30 minutos del Cañón de Rio Claro por la vía hacia Medellín.
La entrada vale 10 mil pesos, el parqueo es gratis y las atracciones 20 mil cada una, pero si uno solo quiere estar en el río lo puede hacer sin pagar nada. Pueden llevar comida y hacer picnic, eso si, sin dejar basura en el lugar.
Written 3 February 2016
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