Reserva Natural Cañón del Río Claro

The Río Claro runs through a white marble canyon in Antioquia's Magdalena Medio region, down in the hot lowlands. The reserve has about 450 hectares of forest on both sides of the canyon, with trails, green swimming holes and stone walls polished by the water.

Activities are paid separately from the entrance fee. Rafting is on an inflatable raft, with easy rapids (Class I and II). The hike to the Caverna de los Guácharos goes into a marble cave, walking and swimming through the water, and inside live the guácharos (oilbirds), nocturnal birds that come out at night to feed. There's also a zip line, a via ferrata and birdwatching.

The entrance is on the Medellín-Bogotá highway, at km 152. Buses heading to the Magdalena Medio from the Terminal del Norte drop you at the gate if you tell the driver. There are fewer people on weekdays than on weekends and public holidays.

What to see

• The marble canyon and the clear-water pools.
• The Caverna de los Guácharos.
• The rafting trip down the river.
• The forest trails for birdwatching.

Getting there

• Bus: from the Terminal del Norte (Caribe metro station), take a bus along the Medellín-Bogotá highway and ask to be dropped at the entrance to the Río Claro reserve.
• Car: Medellín-Bogotá highway to km 152, about 3 hours depending on traffic.

Tips

• Reserve your activities when you arrive: several only run in the morning.
• For the cave, wear clothes that can get wet and shoes that grip on rock.
• Go on a weekday if you want a calmer river.
• Listen to the guides when swimming: the river has currents.