San Rafael, Antioquia river pools: which ones and how to reach each
The local tourism network map names more than thirty pools. You do not need to see them all: nearly all fall into five sectors, and each has a couple that draw most visitors.
Wikipedia lists among the traditional swimming spots Gallo, La Chocha, Charco del Amor, El Trocadero, Jamaica, El Burro, Churimo and La Cristalina. The local network map adds Las Tangas, La Chorrera, Laguna Azul, Las Maruchas, El Tahurete, La Oscura, La Cazuela, La Isleta and the Cueva de las Golondrinas, among others.
The sectors at a glance
| Pool | River or sector | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| El Trocadero | Arenal river, Arenales area | Swimming spot with services; start of the Churimo route |
| Las Tangas, La Chorrera, El Gallo, Laguna Azul | El Arenal road, from 1 km out of town | A row of swimming spots; Club Paradise is next to them |
| La Cazuela, La Isleta, Golondrinas | Boquerón creek | La Cazuela is 10 minutes from town, 5 to 7 m deep |
| La Chocha, Jamaica, La Cristalina | Arenal river, downstream | Area of cabins and ecolodges |
| La Oscura, Mina Vieja, La Olleta | La Araña sector, border with Guatapé | Gate access near the hydro plant |
| El Bizcocho | Guatapé and Bizcocho rivers | Camping and lodging 5 km before town |
| Churimo waterfall | El Charco reserve | At the end of a hike of about 12 km |
Locations according to the local tourism network, Puebliando por Antioquia, Oriente Antioqueño and Antioquia de Aventura, checked in October 2026.
El Arenal, the closest sector
Puebliando por Antioquia places the El Arenal area one kilometer from town, with the El Gallo, Las Tangas, La Chorrera, Laguna Azul and El Trocadero swimming spots. You can walk, take a motorbike taxi or drive, and it is where the hosterías with pools are. The Los Cuervos waterfall is 3 km from town.
Before you get in
- Check the color: if the river runs brown or higher than usual, stay out.
- Smooth rocks are slippery. Water shoes beat flip-flops.
- Do not jump without checking the depth, even if others do.
- Take your trash with you; many pools are on private land that can close.
The rainy season matters: check the San Rafael weather before heading out.
Frequently asked questions
Which pool is closest to town?
Do the pools charge an entry fee?
Sources
Checked on October 18, 2026. Prices and opening hours change: always confirm with the official source before you travel.
- Local tourism network: tourist guide and river pool map (PDF, Spanish)
- Wikipedia (Spanish): San Rafael, Antioquia
- Puebliando por Antioquia: San Rafael municipality
- Oriente Antioqueño: La Cazuela, La Isleta and Golondrinas
- Oriente Antioqueño: La Araña river pools
- Antioquia de Aventura: Trocadero to Churimo hike