Vaupés: Rivers, Rock Formations and Traditions

Vaupés reveals itself through rivers, rock formations, rainforest, and cultural traditions. A trip can revolve around very different themes: the natural environment of the wider Yaigojé-Apaporis area, hikes to the Cerros, or the offerings of Maloca Ipanoré. Experiences range from a stone gallery above dark water to music, dance, and the exchange of knowledge.

River and Rock Landscapes in the Wider Travel Area

Yaigojé-Apaporis National Park extends across the departments of Vaupés and Amazonas. It entirely overlaps with the Indigenous reserve of the same name and covers 1,056,549 hectares. The area's landscape mosaic consists of tropical humid forests, floodplains, and rock formations such as the Serranía de Taraira.

The reserve's water system includes lakes, oxbow lakes, and rapids. It supports fish reproduction and the preservation of endemic and threatened species, including the Charapa turtle and the Black Caiman. There is preliminary evidence of various mammal species; many of them had not previously been documented in Colombia or in other national protected areas.

The Túnel de Apaporis is a stone gallery above deep, still, dark water. Its walls are five or six meters high and provide a resting place for thousands of swallows migrating south. In the wider travel area, Lago Taraira is home to threatened aquatic species, including the Manatee and two species of freshwater dolphins.

Cultural Traditions and Encounters

The Indigenous peoples of the Yaigojé-Apaporis area are deeply connected to their traditional territory, spiritually and culturally. They call it Hee Hoari (mk) or Ᵽoimajãja sirikaõtoarika na rakakaja (tk); it is also known as the “Territory of Yuruparí.” For seven Indigenous communities whose lives, customs, and traditions are to be respected in the reserve, Remanso del Tigre is a spiritually significant place that provides knowledge about nature and humanity.

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

Boat Trips, Hikes, and Swimming Spots

A boat trip on the Río Vaupés takes seven hours to reach the Yurupary Rapids, passing numerous waterfalls along the way. Hikes to the summits of the rocky Cerros, also called tepuis, offer views of the Vaupés rainforest. These provide different perspectives on the landscape: the journey along the river and the views from the rocky peaks.

The 620-meter-high Cerros de Vay Reariku can be reached via a trail that passes numerous caves. At Cerro Urania, visitors can observe bird species unique to the region; Cerro Tipiaca is rich in biodiversity. Each of these places therefore has its own distinctive features: caves along the trail, special bird species, or diverse plant and animal life.

The swimming spots also have different characteristics. Caño Sangre is a swimming spot; its intensely earthy-colored water is attributed to algae in the river. Caño Ceima, Caño Cucura, and Caño Mituseño are considered places to swim and learn about the Indigenous communities living along their banks.

Discover More Destinations

Mitú, Norte De Santander, Casanare, Vichada, Atlántico, Caquetá, Quindío, Cundinamarca

For the main travel overview: Colombia.