Los Viajes de Jham
Los Viajes de Jham
San José del Guaviare, known as the "gateway to the Amazon," surprises with its nature, rock paintings, and natural pools. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to plan your trip: how to get there, where to stay, costs, and what to visit.
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San José del Guaviare is the capital of the Guaviare department, located at the transition between the Amazon and the Eastern Plains of Colombia. It has about 60,000 inhabitants, with a warm climate averaging 27°C and high humidity.
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San José is the best base for visiting nearby attractions. There are options ranging from hostels to boutique hotels.
De Greiff House: Offers accommodation with a garden, free wifi, shared kitchen, and common areas.
Rooms include air conditioning, TV, private bathroom, and some with patio. Click here to see prices and book
Hotel Quinto Nivel: Offers 3-star accommodation with a bar, terrace, free wifi, and 24-hour reception.
Rooms include air conditioning, TV, private bathroom, and some with balcony. Click here to see prices and book
Hotel El Aeropuerto: Offers accommodation with a gym, restaurant, bar, garden, and terrace.
It has free wifi, room service, common areas, and 24-hour reception. Click here to see prices and book
Main options:
Flight from Bogotá: (regional airlines). Prices and frequency vary by season. Book in advance.
Night bus from the Salitre Terminal in Bogotá: 8–9 hours, approx. $130,000 COP
If you arrive by bus, traveling at night and arriving in the morning helps you make the most of your first day. Book accommodation in advance on weekends or holidays.
To get around San José, we recommend renting a motorcycle at the main park, which costs around $100,000 COP per day. You can also rent a Tuk Tuk for the whole day for $200,000 COP (In my case, I decided to rent a motorcycle)
Rock paintings (Cerro Azul, Raudal del Guayabero, Nuevo Tolima): Ancient murals depicting hunting scenes, animals, and human figures. In my case, I went to Nuevo Tolima, which is 20 minutes from San José.
Entrance: $15,000 COP
Local guide: $35,000 COP (covers the group).
The Gate of Orion: An impressive rock formation (12 m high by 15 m wide). The hike is guided through trails between jungle and caves. The entrance fee is $18,000 COP
Trankilandia - Caño Sabana: Caño Sabana shows reddish tones during the rainy season (May-November) due to macarenia clavigera, a miniature version of Caño Cristales.
Photo by: @dievanegas
Laguna Negra: Crystal-clear waters with a dark tone due to decomposed plant material. You can get there by boat. To enter, you must pay $8,000 COP and go on your own or by boat for $16,000 COP 
City of Stone: A maze of rocks, caves, and monoliths amidst the jungle. The trails are well marked, so you don't need a guide, but if you want to go with one, you must hire them in San José. The entrance fee is $18,000 COP
Natural Tunnels: A system of tunnels and stacked rocks with rock paintings along the way. It features unique landscapes and is easy to navigate. The entrance fee is $18,000 COP, and the guide is optional.
Natural Pools: These are pools created by erosion, with crystal-clear water in reddish and orange tones, perfect for swimming. The entrance fee is $14,000 COP, and the guide $40,000 COP (the guide is optional)
The region has significantly improved its security since the signing of the Peace Agreement. As always, avoid traveling alone to remote areas at dusk and check updated local information.
A practical itinerary based on our experience traveling by bus from Bogotá.
Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival in the morning, drop off luggage, rent a motorcycle. Visit Caño Sabana (if in season), the Gate of Orion, and Laguna Negra. Overnight in San José.
Day 2 (Sunday): Vereda Nuevo Tolima (rock paintings), then City of Stone. Return to San José.
Day 3 (Monday/holiday): Natural Tunnels in the morning and Natural Pools. Return to Bogotá in the afternoon.
Download offline maps on your phone before leaving.
Check the time of year: during the rainy season, some access points may close.
Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.
Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and enough water.
Respect the local community and its customs. Hire local guides to support the local economy.
San José del Guaviare offers unique landscapes and experiences in Colombia. During the trip, I felt safe and well-received by the community. If you seek nature, archaeology, and stunning trails, this place is perfect for you.
Safe travels! See you on the next adventure.
🏨 Exclusive discounts on Booking
With Los Viajes de Jham, get 15% off selected accommodations. 👉 View discounted accommodations
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