Things to do in San Rafael, Antioquia: rivers, birds, sugar mills and more
The river is the main event, but not the only one. These are the plans listed by official sources and local operators, from easiest to most demanding.
1. Swim in a river pool
It is why most people come. From the main square there are swimming spots one kilometer away, on the road to the El Arenal area, and others on the Guatapé highway. The San Rafael river pools guide says which ones charge entry, which are free and which need a hike.
2. Tubing on the Arenal river
The state tourism office recommends Experience in Nature (321 726 5172) and Escape Natural (310 362 9235) for floating down the Arenal on a tube. Always ask about a life vest and helmet, and skip it when the river is high.
3. Hike from El Trocadero to Churimo
Antioquia de Aventura sells a one-way route of about 12 km, 5 to 7 hours and intermediate level, starting at the El Trocadero swimming spot, crossing 6 km of forest in the El Charco reserve and ending at the Churimo waterfall, with jumps of up to 12 meters. The first stretch is covered in El Trocadero.
4. Go birding
Abakuá Tours (312 869 2207) runs birding outings, and La Posada de las Aves, on the Guatapé road, shows its conservation work with birds and monkeys. Which species have been photographed in the municipality is covered in birds of San Rafael.
5. Be a beekeeper or panela maker for a day
La Cueva de Morgan and Melipona teach about stingless bees, and Alianza Local Tours offers a five-hour day of honey harvesting, from 190,000 pesos per person for groups of three or more. On the Ruta del Palmar (304 552 7189) you tour a sugar mill and see cane turn into panela.
6. More ideas
- Cacao tour with Con Olor a Cacao (321 835 0647), ending with a cacao scrub in the river.
- Massage and coffee tasting at Spa Todos (315 515 9520).
- Yoga and meditation at the Vanadurga Ashram (316 482 6416).
- A day pass with a water slide: see water park and day pass.
- Walk around town and step into the San Rafael Arcángel church: see history, church and festivals.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a guide for the river pools?
What to do in San Rafael if it rains?
Sources
Checked on October 18, 2026. Prices and opening hours change: always confirm with the official source before you travel.