Jungle Trek and Homestay from Medellin

The Jungle Trek is a 3 day adventure entering one of Colombia’s last untouched tropical humid rainforests, the rio Samana watershed, located 2 hours east of Medellin.

Traverse the mountains from the village of San Francisco, to Sonson. Cross the head waters of the Rio Verde and the Rio Samana, while enjoying rural home stays. Trek into tunnels of lush jungle and climb on ridges to get stunning views. There are countless rivers and waterfalls to swim in!

Have meaningful encounters with the locals who call this rainforest home and experience their lifestyle first hand.

Average trekking time is 7 hours per day.

What to expect

Day 1: Medellín to the Jungle, Antioquia

Meet at Expedition Colombia Adventure Café at 5:30 a.m. (Cra. 43e #11-13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia). Travel to Pailania by public bus (2 1/2 hours). Travel across the plateau of Rio Negro to reach “El Alto Bonito”, the highest point on the Medellín/Bogotá highway.

Once in Pailaina, use a private 4×4 to reach the trailhead! Trek for approximately 5 hours from El Retiro and finish the first day in La Vereda el Porvenir (7 hours) with multiple swimming breaks at natural pools. At night, enjoy the hospitality of a campesino family for the evening and stay overnight in beds. Take in “campesino” hospitality by eating a traditional, home-cooked meal typical of the region.

What To Bring Today:

• Sturdy hiking shoes
• Backpack
• Rain jacket
• Appropriate clothing for sunny 80F climate: lightweight pants or shorts and breathable shirt
• Insect Repellent
• Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
• Extra clothes (end of the activity)
• Refillable water bottle
• Bathing suit

Day 2: Valley crossing and River swims

After breakfast, start the 5 hour hike towards ” Rio Verde de los Henados”. Trek through the most pristine part of the canyon to soak in incredible biodiversity and birds. Stop for lunch at the beautiful view at “La Esperanza”. 

Walk on an impressive crest let your guide show you the countless birds and plants species. Enjoy snacks with locals in a remote farm and hike to “Rio Verde de los Henaos”. Stay overnight in beds, in a campesino house at “La Vereda La Playa”.

What To Bring Today:

• Sturdy hiking shoes
• Backpack
• Rain jacket
• Appropriate clothing for sunny 80F climate: lightweight pants or shorts and breathable shirt
• Insect Repellent
• Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
• Extra clothes (end of the activity)
• Refillable water bottle
• Bathing suit

Day 3: Final ascent and Sonson Village

Wake up early and gear up for the longest hiking day of the trip! After breakfast, hike for 5 hours uphill to enjoy stunning views of the rainforests and mountains of the Rio Verde valley. Reach “Sonsón Páramo” at (2700 m high) and discover a high-altitude environment. 

In the afternoon, arrive to the “Vereda Manzanare” and then drive to the colonial village of Sonsón. Drive for 2 hours 45 minutes to return to Expedition Colombia Adventure Café (Cra. 43e #11-13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia) by 7 pm.

*transport and arrival time can vary depending on traffic.

What To Bring Today:

• Sturdy hiking shoes
• Backpack
• Rain jacket
• Appropriate clothing for sunny 80F climate: lightweight pants or shorts and a breathable shirt
• Insect Repellent
• Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
• Extra clothes (end of the activity)
• Refillable water bottle
• Bathing suit
• Change of clothes for after the trip

• Professional bilingual guide and comfortable transport
• For groups under 4 people we utilize public bus transportation as it follows a sustainable model of tourism reduce footprint and reduces the price for the customers
• Treated Water
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, and snacks.
• Excellent vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options  *Tell us 1 day in advance if you have any dietary needs or allergies
• Expert bilingual adventure and cultural guides (languages: Spanish, French, English)
• Colombian insurance

• Visas
• Flights
• Travel/Medical insurance
• Personal items such as sunscreen, insect repellant, etc