A seven-hour boat trip on the Río Vaupés leads to the Yurupary Rapids, passing numerous waterfalls along the way. It is one practical way to get to know Vaupés through its waterways. In addition, hikes draw attention to rocky cerros and the rainforest, while swimming spots, birdwatching and cultural experiences offer other highlights. You can shape your trip around your interests in landscapes, nature and traditions.

River, Rock Formations and Nature Watching

The cerros, also known as tepuis, offer views of the Vaupés rainforest on hikes to their summits. At the 620-meter-high Cerros de Vay Reariku, a trail passes numerous caves. Bird species unique to the region can be observed at Cerro Urania; Cerro Tipiaca is rich in biodiversity. For nature enthusiasts, the two latter places have different focuses: Cerro Urania is known for observing birds of particular regional interest, while Cerro Tipiaca is known for its biodiversity.

Swimming Spots with Different Highlights

Caño Sangre is a swimming spot; its intense earthy water color is attributed to algae in the river. Caño Ceima, Caño Cucura and Caño Mituseño are considered places to swim and get to know the Indigenous communities living along their banks. This gives you a clear contrast when choosing: at Caño Sangre, the water color stands out; at the three other places mentioned, swimming goes hand in hand with getting to know the riverside communities.

Cultural Experiences

The Fiestas del Vaupés are associated with Indigenous traditions and Mestizo culture. In December, offerings of fish, fruit and handicrafts are made. Maloca Ipanoré, the largest in the region, welcomes visitors for conversations, music, Carrizo dances, rituals, handicrafts, exchanges of knowledge and gastronomic offerings.

Yaigojé-Apaporis in the Wider Context of Colombia

Within the broader destination of Colombia, Yaigojé-Apaporis National Park extends across Amazonas and Vaupés. It overlaps entirely with the Indigenous reserve of the same name and covers 1,056,549 hectares. The area comprises a mosaic of tropical rainforests, floodplains and rock formations such as the Serranía de Taraira. A complex system of lakes, oxbow lakes and rapids supports fish reproduction and the conservation of endemic and threatened species, including the charapa turtle and the black caiman. There are also preliminary records of various mammal species in the national park; many had not previously been documented in Colombia or in other national protected areas.

The Indigenous peoples of the Yaigojé-Apaporis area maintain a deep spiritual and cultural connection to their territory, traditionally called Hee Hoari (mk) or Ᵽoimajãja sirikaõtoarika na rakakaja (tk), also known as the “Territory of Yuruparí.” For seven Indigenous communities, Remanso del Tigre is a spiritually significant place that imparts knowledge about nature and humanity.

Discover more destinations: Mitú, Chocó, Huíla, Nariño, Risaralda, Tolima, Amazonas, Cesar.

Return to the broader travel overview: Colombia.