Medellin Rafting Tour

Itinerary

On Day 1

• We will pick you up at 5:25 AM
• Start a scenic drive for 4 hours to the village of Narices
• Raft 12 kilometers to your eco-lodge
• Have lunch, while floating down the river
• Paddle down to the waterfalls of the Rio Nuss
• Jungle hike to the cave and cave exploration
• Return upstream to the lodge by motor boat, includes fishing
• An evening of relaxation and good food

On Day 2:

• Stay overnight at the Eco-Lodge Refugio La Pesca
• Breakfast and Yoga
• Motorboat ride back to Narices
• 3 hours of AV´s adventure
• Petroglyph visit + lunch
• Historical tour of El Prodigio
• Return to Medellin

Price: 550$

Rafting is the act, sport, or pastime of traveling on a river or other body of water in a usually inflatable raft. And is a widely recognized term in the realm of adventure tourism and water sports.

Rafting involves descending a river on a rowing boat, using paddles to steer through various challenges like rocks, turbulent currents, and slopes.

The descent is quite literal, starting from a higher point and continuing down to a lower part of the river. This elevation difference allows the boat to pick up high speeds over the water, making rafting a thrilling yet risky activity.

Rivers present different levels of difficulty. Some have almost flat surfaces, making rafting more accessible. On the other hand, there are very fast rivers with large waves, rocks, and waterfalls, making them suitable only for professionals.

Safety is paramount in rafting, and participants must wear life jackets and helmets. The boat should also be equipped with rescue ropes, a whistle, and a first aid kit.

Given the potential risks involved, it is crucial for rafters to follow precautionary measures to prevent unnecessary harm:

• Pay close attention to the guide’s instructions throughout the journey.
• Wear appropriate, non-slip shoes with a good grip.
• Ensure proper nourishment before the activity to maintain energy levels.
• Familiarize themselves with paddle techniques, communication signals, and how to help a fallen companion.
• Carry a whistle to alert others in case of emergencies.
• Always practice rafting with others and never go alone.

Rafting rivers are internationally classified based on their difficulty levels:

• Flat water: Almost flat surfaces with negligible eddies and waves.
• Class I: Very easy, almost flat waters with minimal turbulence and small waves.
• Class II: Easy, slightly turbulent waters with small eddies and holes, suitable for beginners.
• Class III: Intermediate, turbulent waters with medium waves and holes requiring good technique.
• Class IV: Difficult, very turbulent with considerable eddies and waves, necessitating expert skills.
• Class V: Expert, very turbulent and unpredictable with large waves and gaps, requiring extensive expertise.
• Class VI: Extremely difficult or unnavigable, posing a risk of death and considered impassable.

Rafting trips typically take place in Class III and IV rivers, while Class II and lower rivers are more suited for general navigation using different boats and equipment. Class V rivers are for experts only, and Class VI rivers are deemed impassable.

Rafting offers an exhilarating experience but should be approached with utmost caution and adherence to safety guidelines.

Antioquia is a department in the northwest of Colombia that offers several opportunities for rafting due to its mountainous geography and abundant rivers. Some of the main destinations for this exciting activity are:

• Río San Juan: Located near the city of Ituango, Río San Juan is known for its scenic beauty and thrilling waters for rafting. It offers different levels of difficulty, ranging from calmer sections for beginners to more challenging stretches for experts.

• Río Calderas: Situated in the area of San Rafael, Río Calderas offers an exciting rafting experience amidst impressive natural landscapes and thrilling rapids. This river is an excellent option for both beginners and experienced rafters.

• Río Samaná: In the municipality of San Roque, you’ll find Río Samaná, a popular spot for rafting in Antioquia. Its fast and exhilarating waters make it a preferred destination for water sports and adventure enthusiasts.

Rafting in Colombia:

Colombia, in general, boasts a great diversity of rivers and landscapes, making rafting a popular activity throughout the country. Apart from Antioquia, here are some other prominent destinations for rafting in Colombia:

• San Gil, Santander: Known as the adventure tourism capital of Colombia, San Gil offers various activities, and rafting is one of the main attractions here. The Fonce and Suarez rivers are popular choices for this activity, featuring challenging rapids and stunning natural beauty.

• San Agustín, Huila: Besides its famous statues and archaeological sites, San Agustín also provides opportunities for rafting on the Magdalena River. This river offers an exciting challenge for rafting enthusiasts.

• Río Pato, Huila: This river is renowned for having some of the most thrilling and fast-paced waters for rafting in Colombia. Río Pato attracts experienced rafters seeking intense adventures.

It’s important to highlight that when participating in any rafting activity, always follow the instructions of professional guides and adhere to all recommended safety measures. Rafting is an exhilarating activity but comes with certain risks, so having proper safety equipment and considering river conditions before embarking on any trip is essential.

• ID or Passport
• Good closed-toe shoes for the river
• Swimming trunks or lightweight long pants
• Lightweight long-sleeve shirt or t-shirt
• 1 set of dry clothes (to change into after the day trip)
• 1 set of dry shoes (to change into after the day trip)
• Rainjacket
• Sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Headlamp
• Insect repellent
• Refillable water bottle
• Daypack
• Personal toiletries
• Money for drinks and snacks on the road