Kayak Lesson from Medellin

Experience the relaxing, fun, and exploratory sport of whitewater kayaking in two ideal settings: Guatape Lake & Guatape River. This 2 day Introductory Kayak Course introduces people of all backgrounds to whitewater kayaking in an enjoyable and safe learning environment. In addition to navigating rivers, you have the chance to encounter river villages in every corner of the world. The fitness level for this tour is a 2 out of 5. No physical fitness preparation is necessary to make the most of the journey, but enjoy some easy physical activities throughout the trip.

What to expect

Day 1: Medellin to Guatape

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide at our office in Medellín, at 8 a.m. Start your day with an introduction to all the gear. Select the appropriate sizes of equipment and outfit your kayak. Drive 2 hours to El Peñol, Guatapé and practice your paddle stroke on the lake and learn some new paddle strokes and boat steering techniques. Paddle to a small island for a delicious lunch. Enjoy the late afternoon discovering the colonial town of Guatapé and its local eateries with the optional visit to the rock of Peñol. Drive 45 minutes to the town of San Rafael and stay overnight at a gorgeous Reserva Zafra Turística alongside the Guatapé River. Dine “farm to table” style in a beautiful outdoor eating area and enjoy the reserve’s delicious selection from the permaculture garden. Stay overnight in comfortable beds in your own cabana-style room.

Day 2: Guatape River, Return to Medellin

After fresh food and fruit for breakfast at the reserve, head to the river for your first kayak run on whitewater! Learn how to read the currents and anticipate how they will impact your kayak. In a calm pool in the river, learn how to do a safe “wet exit” from your kayak and river rescue techniques. Your guide will be close by you to help you at any time as you are learning how to safely leave your boat in the event that you flip in the river. Learn about the different types of hydraulics and the potential hazards of a river, so you learn how to identify similar features in other rivers and skillfully and safely navigate rivers. Have a snack by the river and enjoy the day paddling the river with your guide at your own pace to truly learn how to improve your kayak skills and increase your confidence on the river. Return to Reserva Zafra Touristica for a lunch and a shower before driving back to Medellin. After a 2 ½ hour drive, arrive back to our office around 7 pm (time can be flexible)

Included:

• All transportation and equipment
• Experienced and certified professional bilingual raft guides (languages: Spanish, French, English)
• Water, snacks, drinks, and meals
• Accommodation at Reserva Zafra Touristica

Excluded:

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

Accommodation and Food:

• Enjoy dining out in a traditional Colombian restaurant in Guatapé and savoring the fresh meals Reserva Zafra Touristica
• At the permaculture in San Rafael, experience comfortable lodging in pristine environments with onsite restaurant. On day trips enjoy lunches and snacks prepared by a French chef or local, Colombian cooks.
• Excellent vegetarian, vegan, gluten- free, and other dietary options* ask ahead of time
• Treated water is offered to guests, please bring a refillable water bottle or opt to purchase bottled water