The heart of Guainía and Colombia's sacred jungle.
Traveling to the Mavicure Hills It’s not just about reaching another destination. It’s about immersing yourself in a land where time seems to have stood still, where the jungle breathes with the memory of the indigenous peoples, and where The traveler ceases to be a tourist and becomes a guest.
Here, the days begin with the song of the river and end with a sky that seems endless. Silence is not emptiness: it is life, presence, and respect. Guainía, a land of water and ancient rock, is one of those places that changes you.
Anyone who returns from there brings something new with them: a slower look, a more open heart and a more refined awareness what it means to travel in harmony with nature.
If you've ever dreamed of delving into the deepest, most authentic, and most spiritual parts of the Colombian Amazon, this article is for you.
What makes the Mavicure Hills so special?
The Mavicure Hills or Mavicurú (its indigenous name) are located in the Dapartment from the Guainía, in eastern Colombia, very close to the border with Venezuela and the Brazilian Amazon.
There are three monumental rock formations: Mavicure, Pajarito, and Mono, that rise abruptly alongside its other seven (7) mountains from the jungle and the waters of the Inírida River.
These are part of the Coat of Arms of Guayana, one of the oldest geological structures on the planet, dating back more than 3 billion years: Before the Andes, before the glaciers, before many modern forms of life… These mountains were already here.
This is a ancestral territory inhabited by indigenous communities, especially the town Puinave, whose worldview views these mountains as spiritual guardians of the land.
That's what it feels like to arrive at Mavicure.
Your trip to the Mavicure Hills begins at the El Dorado Airport in Bogotá or from the Vanguardia Airport in Villavicencio with the Satena Airlines bound for the César Gaviria Trujillo Airport in the City of Inírida, capital of the Department/Province of Guainía.
The flight takes between 1 hour and 30 minutes and 2 hours at most, and you'll arrive at the land of many waters, once you've paid the tax and left the airport, you should take a TUK TUK (Local Transportation) which will take you to the city’s river pier. From here, you’ll board the boat that will take you to the Cradle of the Puinave and Curripaco / Kurripaco, beginning your journey through these lands protected by stone guardians.
(Be sure to reserve your spot on the river tour well in advance and arrive before 2 p.m., as this is the last scheduled departure.).
As you journey along the Inírida River, you’ll be able to appreciate the majesty of nature’s boundaries. The river reveals its clear waters as you proceed toward river confluences such as the Guaviare, whose waters are darker due to sediment and plant debris. Twenty-five kilometers further on, this river flows into the Atabapo River, which marks the first natural border between Colombia and Venezuela, and a couple of kilometers further on, it joins the immense Orinoco River.
A few minutes further on, you'll come across several communities where, thanks to advance coordination, you can spend your first night in accommodations designed for your rest and well-being—not only yours, but also that of the nature around you.
Note: Mavicure is not a destination you can visit on your own like other popular destinations in Colombia; a visit there requires preparation and coordination with local authorities.
For this reason, a large portion of the visitors arrive through tours or experiences organized by travel agencies.
As the sun rises, you get ready each day for morning activities and breakfast. Next, you’ll set out—whether by river or overland, depending on where you spent the night—to reach the Mavicure Hills and begin the ascent, which is technical but manageable for those in good physical condition.
Every step is an invitation to the Patience and Listening: The Rock, the Jungle, the River, and History. Once you reach the summit, the reward is complete: a panoramic view of the Inírida River winding its way through the jungle and rock formations. Pajarito, Mono, and Mavicure are the names of these sleeping giants.
In the afternoon, you’ll interact with and exchange knowledge with local families: stories, weaving, ancestral wisdom, and medicinal plants. In the community that protects this natural treasure, you’ll check in and spend the night—but not before getting to know it up close. It's not folklore to us; it's Active Learning.
On the other days, from Day 3 to Day 5 We usually set out to sail toward Matraca Creek, sighting areas for dolphins and natural lookouts, to understand one of the species of stingless bees who live in these lands, processes of spicy cassava in local communities, ancestral knowledge, and plants that grow between the water and the rocks. At night, the sky takes center stage—thousands of stars above the river, with no light pollution and no human noise.
It’s easy to see why so many travelers say: Mavicure isn't a place you visit—it's a place you breathe in.
Our return to Inírida is imminent, and those who welcomed us are now left behind.
Note: This itinerary is typically completed in three days; however, many choose to extend it to four or five days to explore the area at a more leisurely pace.
In any case, the essence remains the same: An authentic immersion in the jungle, its ancient hills, and the life that flows along the river.
Macaws soaring through the skies, pink dolphins in the river, a sweet trail with stingless bees, hikes through the jungle, red rivers, indigenous culture and knowledge, stories like that of Princess Inírida and the brothers who turned into a mountain, petroglyphs, and one-of-a-kind sunrises.
Step-by-Step Directions to Mavicure
Here's everything you need to know about Things to keep in mind for your visit to the Mavicure Hills.
Flight to Puerto Inírida
As we mentioned earlier, the only practical way to get there is by flying from the El Dorado Airport in Bogotá or from the Vanguardia Airport in Villavicencio with the Satena Airlines.
Key Recommendation:
👉 Check flight availability before booking any ground transportation at SATENA.com
- To ensure you have the best possible experience without any setbacks that might interfere with your trip, we recommend taking the first flight of the morning. This will allow you to arrive with plenty of time to spare and without any stress.
- For your return trip, we recommend that you book your flight after 12:00 p.m., This will give you peace of mind, allow you time to shop at local stores, and let you board your flight without rushing and without having to cut short your daytime activities.
- One of the recommendations that many people choose to follow when preparing to visit Mavicure is to arrive a day early and stay very close to the Guainía departure port.
Inírida Income Tax
Each Visitors must pay an entry fee based on their nationality and age:
- National: Adult (+18) $55,000 COP, Young (+15 to 17) $ 41,000 COP, Minors (+7 to 14) $27,000 COP.
- Foreigners: Adult(+18) $96,000 COP, Young (+15 to 17) $55,000 COP, Minors (+7 to 14) $69,000 COP.
Children between the ages of 0 and 5 are exempt.
Boating on the Inírida River.
From Puerto Inírida Take one speedboat along the Inírida River for 2 to 3 hours.
This part of the journey is an essential part of the experience:
Changes in water color (dark hues caused by natural tannins)
Temporary white beaches
Amazonian Birds
Possible sighting of river dolphins
It's not just a move—it's a transition to remote work.
Best time to travel
You can travel year-round, but there are some important differences:
Dry season (December through March)
- Greater climate stability
- Best panoramic views
- Lower probability of heavy rain
Rainy season (April through November)
- A Greener Landscape
- Higher river flow
- A More Jungle-Like Experience
Both seasons have their charm, but it's important to go with realistic expectations.
What is the climb up the Cerros like?
Promotion depends on of the chosen hill.
The most common is the Mavicure Hill:
Initial hike over mixed terrain
Sloping rock section
Direct exposure to the sun
Physical difficulty: moderate
It isn't technically demanding, but it does require stability and basic endurance.
From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the river, the jungle, and the endless horizon of Guainía.
Indigenous Culture and Sacred Territory
The Mavicure Hills are located on the territory of indigenous communities such as the Puinave and Curripaco.
For these communities lyou Hills are not just rock formations. They are spiritual spaces, and therefore...as part of their worldview.
That's why Entry is not permitted without local coordination, nor is We recommend spontaneous tourism and sYou must ask for permission before taking photographs
Traveling here requires respect.
We encourage you to learn more about our coordinated outings and conducted with local businesses, supporting sustainable rural and community-based tourism in a ancestral territory.
No Airline Tickets
5 Days/4 Nights
What should I pack for the trip?
Here is a recommended packing list to ensure that your experience and stay in this corner of Colombia are among the best possible. Remember to pack only the essentials and nothing more:
Lightweight, quick-drying clothing
Hiking shoes with good soles
Cap or hat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent (preferably biodegradable)
Headlamp
Reusable bottle
Lightweight Raincoat
Cash (there are no ATMs in the area)
Everything fits in a 30- to 40-liter backpack.
Important: The infrastructure is basic. This is not a luxury destination.
How much does it cost to travel to the Mavicure Hills?
The cost varies depending on the duration (3, 4, or 5 days) and type of lodging. That is why dYou should consider:
Round-trip flight from Bogotá or Villavicencio
River Transport
Community lodging or ecolodge
Food
Local Guide
Travel Insurance
Some tour packages range from $1,120,000 COP for 3-day activities to over $2,000,000 COP for 5-day trips. Some of these offers are available as shared plans and sometimes include flights from the cities mentioned above.
Options at your fingertips for visiting Los Cerros de Mavicure
If you're looking for a an experience that combines adventure, nature, history, culture, cuisine, and traditions, Here are the options we offer that don't include airfare, but feature very affordable prices and unparalleled service quality.
- Mavicure Hills: Honey, Gastronomy, and Dolphins—3 Days and 2 Nights, $1.1120.000 COP
- Los Cerros de Mavicure Community Expedition: 4 Days and 3 Nights $1,480,000 COP
- Mavicure Immersive: Indigenous Peoples, Bees, and Territory—5 Days and 4 Nights, $, 1,650,000 COP
Because it is a remote destination, logistics costs are higher than at conventional destinations.
Is there cell service or internet?
In Puerto Inírida, cell service may be limited; usually, the mobile carrier the present is Claro Mobile. That's why we recommend bringing a SIM card.
In the mountains and while sailing, there is generally no cell service.
It's a trip to unwind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go on your own?
Yes, you can go to the Mavicure Hills on your own, but It's not the best idea. Logistics are complex because access depends on private boats (with no set schedules) and fuel prices are high, so traveling without a travel agency is usually much more expensive and difficult to organize.
Is it safe?
- Don't travel on your own: The entire trip must be taken with local guides or agencies. They know the river's currents and where the wildlife is found, and they ensure sustainable tourism.
- Physical requirements: The hike to the summit of Mavicure Hill takes about two hours and is steep. Start before sunrise (5:00 a.m.) to avoid the extreme heat.
- Appropriate clothing: Wear long-sleeved clothing and sweatshirts to protect yourself from the sun and insects. We do not recommend using insect repellent or sunscreen while climbing, as your skin won't absorb them because of sweat.
- Directions: The only way to get there is by plane from Bogotá or Villavicencio to Puerto Inírida (with Satena), and from there, take a two-hour boat ride down the Inírida River.
Is it suitable for young children?
- Minimum age: We recommend bringing only children ages 7 and older, provided they are used to walking.
- Alternatives: If the children aren't physically able or old enough to hike up the hills, they can enjoy visiting the indigenous communities, watching pink dolphins, and swimming at Caño San Joaquín.
- Health: It is a mandatory requirement to be vaccinated against yellow fever (the vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel).
Do I need health insurance?
- Medical care for accidents and illnesses.
- Emergency medical evacuation: This is essential if you need to leave the jungle to go to a hospital with more advanced medical facilities.
Agency and Insurance Options
- Comprehensive traveler assistance: You can get quotes for specific plans for adventure sports or domestic destinations through SURA Insurance.
- Packages from local agencies: Many ecotourism operators and agencies include medical insurance in their packages, but you should always confirm this when making a reservation.
Do I need to get the yellow fever vaccine?
- Application time: You should apply it at least 10 days before well in advance of your travel date so that your body can build up the necessary immunity.
- Single dose: The World Health Organization (WHO) states that it is a vaccine that one-time dose for life, so if you've already had it in the past, you don't need a booster shot.
- The ID card: You must always carry your certified vaccination card with you.
Why is it worth traveling to Mavicure?
It definitely is—it’s a destination that captures the essence of this beautiful country and its local culture, with vast bodies of water that flow, bringing life to everything in their path, and also because it's not mass tourism, pBecause the landscape is geologically unique, pbecause it connects nature, culture, and the region, and also pBecause it changes your perception of the country.
It's an experience for those looking for something authentic.
Are you planning to travel to the Mavicure Hills?
If you'd like to plan your trip with guidance, logistical support, and responsible coordination with local communities:
👉 Request personalized information here
👉 Check availability via WhatsApp
👉 Get advice on coordinating flights
Or learn about the itineraries and details of our guided tours in the Mavicure Hills…
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