Rafting the Guejar Canyon

The stunning scenery and clear waters of the Cañon de Guejar, Meta, Colombia, make for great rafting. It’s a recent conflict area – once controlled by the FARC guerrillas – but now open to intrepid travellers and only a day’s drive from Bogotá.

Posted in February 2024. See related posts: Los Llanos, Colombia´s Cowboy Country, Adventures in Gorgeous Guaviare, Venezuela´s Incredible Orinoco Delta

Waterfalls run over the ancient basalt walls of the Guejar Canyon, in Mesestas, Meta, Colombia.
Waterfalls run over the ancient basalt walls of the Guejar Canyon, in Mesestas, Meta, Colombia.

The small cowboy town of Mesetas, nestled in the foothills of the mighty Andes south of Bogotá, hides a stunningly beautiful Cañon del Guejar that channels mountain waters through 500 millian-year rock formations of the Guainian Shield before they discharge into the wide Llanos plains of Colombia.

And what better way to explore this natural gem than a leisurely raft down the canyon, starting at a Puente El Limón, a popular rafting spot just east of the town, and ending 17 kilometers downstream in the Sierra de La Macarena National Park. Mesetas is a 7 hour drive from Bogotá, depending on road conditions, and close to the larger town of Granada, which is itself 2 hours from the regional capital of Villavicencio (known locally as ´Villao’ and pronounced vee-ow´).

Rapids are a relaxing Grade 2/3 in the dry season (December - April) and a more thrilling 3/4 in the wet (May - November).
Rapids are a relaxing Grade 2/3 in the dry season (December – April) and a more thrilling 3/4 in the wet (May – November).

Practicalities

The rafting experience can vary with rainfall over the year: December to March might have less rain, clear waters, blue skies and an easy (grade 2 or 3) rafting. When the rainy season kicks in (May to November) the waters will muddy, the rapids rise (to grade 4, high adrenaline) and the skies cloud over (though there is usually sunshine some part of the day).

Mesetas and the Cañon del Guejar can be enjoyed on a quick trip from Bogotá, if you are on a tight schedule, or part of a longer visit to the Llanos region, the vast savannahs of the Orinoco River basin. The Llanos areas bordering the Andes are particulalry beautiful, but only recently accessible after decades of conflict. Other interesting areas are the huge cattle hatos (ranches) you can visit in Casanare or the ancient cave paintings of Guaviare, a few hours south of Granada. You can fly to the main town of the Llanos, Villavicencio, from Bogotá, or brave the steep highway by bus (Flota La Macarena). The road down the Andes is full of dangers and delays, see map and notes below, but is an experience. Once on the Llanos the roads are straight and flat, so travel is usually efficient.

How to find a rafting company?

There are plenty of swim spots on the river.
There are plenty of swim spots on the river. The sun is hot here so cover up.
Taking the plunge in Cañon del Guejar.
Taking the plunge in Cañon del Guejar.

Rafting and tourism in Mesetas has boomed since the conflict ended in the region, with NGOs assisting the transition to peace. This has spawned a dozen local agencies in the small town all offering similar trips and toursim packages. You can book ahead with companies such as Turem or Llanos Tours Colombia, or you can simply rock up in Mesetas and stroll around the streets until you find an agency that has space. There local hostals and hotels in the town and eco-hab style cabins on local ranches. Many companies offer 3-day packages which include rafting, tubing, hikes, horse rides and accomodation.

Note that you raft companies will charge you more for less people in the raft, so shop around for a full trip if you want to reduce costs.

The classic raft trip starts at Puente Limón, close to Mesetas, with a short induction, and lasts five hours covering 17 kilometers of beautiful canyon, with snack stops, swim stops and dozens of rapids.

You need shorts, tennis shoes, long sleeves shirt and hat (the sun is hot), sun cream and maybe insect repellent. Only bring waterproof cameras. A minibus will drive you to the pickup and collect you at the end.

The end point of the rafting at Vereda Bajo Curia.
The end point of the rafting at Vereda Bajo Curia.

The rafting ends at a small restaurant where basic lunch is included, in the Bajo Curia village, and from there it is a 40 minute drive back to Mesetas. NOTE: some companies offer pickups and drop-offs in Granada, or include transport to and from cities further away such as Villavicencio or Bogotá.

Safety canoeists accompany the rafts. In the dry season the rapids are easy. Wet season is more risky.
Safety canoeists accompany the rafts. In the dry season the rapids are easy. Wet season is more risky.
View over the Andes from Brisas de Guejar glamping ecocabins a few kilometers south of Mesetas.
View over the Andes from Brisas de Guejar glamping ecocabins a few kilometers south of Mesetas.
View over the Andes from Brisas de Guejar glamping ecocabins a few kilometers south of Mesetas.
Horse riding in a creek close to Mesetas. Tour agencies offer 4 hour trips on local farms.
Horse ride on local farms are a great way to see the local Llanos cattle culture.

One of the many waterfalls you can visit in the area.
One of the many waterfalls you can visit in the area.
Rafts are new and in good condition and the guides are trained and properly equipped.
Rafts are new and in good condition and the guides are trained and properly equipped.
The small restaurant and rest stop at Bajo La Curia, end of the canyon. From here it is a 40 minute drive back to Mesetas.
The small restaurant and rest stop at Bajo La Curia, end of the canyon. From here it is a 40 minute drive back to Mesetas.