A day to enjoy nature and have an adventure in the Jordan river

Leave the city behind for waterfalls and forest. This full-day outing from Cali takes you toward the Jordan River, where you can swim, walk through the woods, slide over natural stone, and rest beside mountain views. The setting around Bosque el Descanso feels far removed from Cali’s traffic and heat.

I especially like the included round-trip transfer, which removes the hassle of arranging a taxi into the countryside, and the excellent lunch, a welcome reward after walking on wet rocks. The main point to consider is the physical side: you need moderate fitness, sturdy footing, and patience for a drive that can take roughly an hour to 90 minutes each way.

• Swim in the Jordan River: Cool water, waterfalls, and several spots for photos make this the heart of the day.
• Pass through La Cueva del Mono: The forest route descends through a cave before reaching the river.
• See Pico de Loro: The mountain appears from the forest and from the road near Los Farallones de Cali.
• Enjoy lunch at Bosque el Descanso: Rest in a hammock, use the changing areas, or spend time around the property after the walk.
• Travel in a small group: The maximum is 15 people, which allows guides to give extra help on slippery sections.
• Pack for wet conditions: Water shoes, a towel, a waterproof bag, and light luggage will make the day far easier.

What the Day Near Cali Is Really Like

This is not a sightseeing trip where you step off a bus, take a photo, and move on. It is a nature day built around movement and water. You walk through forest, descend toward the Jordan River, scramble over stones, swim near waterfalls, and finish with a meal and time to rest.

The meeting point is at Holguines Trade Center in Ciudad Jardín, at Cra. 100 #11-60. From there, the transfer takes you out toward the countryside. The ride itself is part of the change in mood. Cali gradually gives way to forest and mountain views, including the western Andes and the peaks of Los Farallones de Cali.

The route can take time, so you should treat this as a full-day outing rather than a quick half-day escape. The listed duration is about eight hours. Since the drive and outdoor schedule can vary, do not plan another tightly timed activity for the evening.

A small group limit of 15 is useful here. Rivers and rocky paths require attention, and a guide can watch the group more carefully than a large bus tour could. Guides Juan, Nicholas, and Manuela have been praised for helping people at different speeds. Nicholas also provided Spanish translation for a family member who needed it, a practical benefit if your language skills are limited.

Forest Views of Pico de Loro

The first important visual reward comes around Fundación Pico Pance. From the forest, you can see Pico de Loro, one of the area’s recognizable mountains. The view gives the walk a clear sense of place: you are not simply visiting a swimming hole, but entering the mountain country that supplies rivers and electricity to Cali.

The forest also provides shade before you reach the water. That matters because the walk becomes more demanding once you are near the river. You may be on uneven ground, and wet rocks can be slick. I would keep your camera packed until you are sure it is protected.

The route near Via Chipaya offers wider views toward Los Farallones de Cali. This group of mountains sits west of the city and forms the source area for several rivers. You can enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee or tea before the walk, and snacks are available for purchase if you want something extra.

This early stop is a good place to look at the larger setting before the route narrows into forest. You get mountains, trees, and open views before focusing on the river itself.

Through La Cueva del Mono to the Water

The most memorable part of the route is the descent through La Cueva del Mono. The cave adds a little adventure to what could otherwise be a straightforward forest walk. You then reach the Jordan River, where the day shifts from walking to swimming.

Expect more than one water stop. The route includes waterfalls and several attractive places for photos. The water provides welcome relief after the walk, and the forest keeps the setting cool and peaceful. For many people, this is the reason to book the trip.

You may also have the chance to jump from a cliff into the water. This is an optional thrill rather than the whole point of the excursion. If you enjoy a little adrenaline, the guides can help you judge the activity. If you prefer to stay on the riverbank or swim without jumping, you can still enjoy the waterfalls and pools.

Guides have been praised for staying close to people who need extra help. That is important for families and mixed-ability groups. One family with a young child and teenagers found the route workable, while other participants appreciated support on difficult sections. Still, do not read this as a fully easy walk. Moderate fitness is required, and the terrain can be rough.

Water shoes are the most useful item you can bring. You will be walking on rocks, and ordinary sandals may not give enough grip. Bring a towel, too. A waterproof bag is wise for phones and other electronics, especially if you plan to swim or take photos near the falls.

The Natural Stone Slide and Jordan River Walk

After the main swimming stops, the walk continues along a cool path beside the Jordan River. The route eventually reaches a natural stone slide, where you can have some fun before heading back toward the property.

This section gives the day a nice change of pace. The waterfalls are about swimming and scenery. The stone slide is more playful. You can choose how active you want to be, but the guides remain important because natural rock can be slippery.

The exact pace depends on the group. Some people will want to stop often for photos and water. Others will want to move quickly toward the river. A maximum of 15 participants helps, but this is still a shared outing, so expect some waiting at popular water spots or during lunch service.

The scenery is the main attraction, not polished infrastructure. That is part of the appeal, but it also means you should come prepared for mud, wet clothing, uneven paths, and a day outdoors. The property does provide clean bathrooms, showers, and changing areas, which makes the return from the river much more comfortable.

Lunch, Hammocks, and Time to Slow Down

Lunch is included, and that makes the $65 price easier to justify. After a morning of walking and swimming, a prepared meal is more than a minor convenience. It means you do not need to carry a full picnic, and you can sit down without searching for food in an unfamiliar rural area.

The meal has received especially strong praise, including a memorable sancocho and fresh fruit juice. Sancocho is a hearty Colombian soup, exactly the sort of food that fits a cool, active day near the river. The meal is not just fuel. It helps turn the outing into a complete visit to Bosque el Descanso.

After lunch, you can rest in a hammock beneath a tree with a mountain view. This quieter part of the afternoon balances the swimming and walking. You can also explore the property’s entertainment areas, take photos, shower, and change before the return transfer.

I like this slower ending. Many outdoor trips keep pushing until it is time to leave. Here, you get a proper pause, which is useful if you are traveling with family or simply want a day that does not feel rushed.

Is $65 a Fair Price?

At $65 per person, the value is strongest if you use the full package: transport, guide support, river access, lunch, and the variety of activities. Organizing the same day independently would require arranging transport from Cali, finding the correct rural destination, locating a guide for the river route, and sorting out lunch.

The transfer is especially valuable for anyone unfamiliar with the area. The meeting point is easy to identify in Ciudad Jardín, and the activity ends at that same point. You avoid bargaining with a taxi driver or worrying about finding a ride back from a remote river setting.

The price may feel less attractive if you only want a short swim and do not care about the forest walk, meal, or mountain views. This is an eight-hour commitment, and much of the value comes from the complete day rather than one single attraction.

A 4.9 rating from 469 reviews, with 99 percent recommending the experience, suggests a very consistent level of satisfaction. The strongest praise centers on the natural setting, helpful guides, food, and smooth transport. The one practical weakness is timing: the day may start later than expected, so keep your schedule flexible.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

You should consider this outing if you want active time in nature without giving up transport and a cooked meal. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like swimming, waterfalls, forest paths, and a little adventure.

Families can benefit from the patient guide support, but adults remain responsible for judging whether young children can manage wet rocks and the walk. The presence of a child on one successful outing does not remove the need for care.

It also works well for people who want to see a different side of Cali. You get mountain views, rivers, and forest rather than city streets and standard urban attractions. The visit offers a direct connection to the countryside around Los Farallones de Cali.

You may want to skip it if you dislike uneven paths, swimming, getting dirty, or spending much of a day away from the city. It is not the right choice for anyone seeking a gentle, dry, or highly structured excursion.

What to Bring for a Better Day

Pack light. You will carry your belongings through a wet outdoor setting, and a heavy bag becomes annoying on rocky paths.

Bring:

• Water shoes with firm soles
• A towel
• A waterproof bag for electronics
• Dry clothes for after swimming
• Drinking water
• A small amount of money for snacks

You can buy snacks near the starting point of the walk, and a coffee or tea is provided. Lunch is included, so there is no need to pack a full meal.

Wear clothing that can get wet and dirty. The clean bathrooms, showers, and changing areas make it possible to freshen up before the ride back, but you should still keep your dry clothes protected from river water.

Good weather matters. If rain causes the outing to be canceled, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. The cancellation rule also allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. A cancellation made later than that is not refundable.

My Booking Verdict

I would book this tour if I wanted a full day of river fun near Cali without arranging the pieces myself. The combination of round-trip transport, guides, waterfalls, mountain views, lunch, and hammocks gives you more than a basic swim stop.

The strongest reason to choose it is the balance between adventure and comfort. You can walk through a cave, swim beneath waterfalls, and try a natural stone slide, then eat a hot meal and rest in the shade. That mix works especially well for a family or group with different energy levels.

Book it with the right expectations. Bring water shoes, accept the long road time, and allow the schedule to move at the pace of the group. If that sounds appealing, this is a worthwhile way to trade Cali’s city heat for the cool Jordan River.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Holguines Trade Center, Cra. 100 #11-60, Ciudad Jardín, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Cali.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $65 per person.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip transfers from Cali are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the experience.

Can I swim in the Jordan River?

Yes. The route includes swimming in the Jordan River, waterfalls, and photo stops.

Do I need good physical fitness?

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness because the experience includes walking through forest and over rocky paths.

What is the maximum group size?

The activity accepts a maximum of 15 participants.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund.