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Canon del Guejar

A Meta canyon of red and grey rock where the Guejar river runs green, rafted and floated from San Juan de Arama.

Updated 21 October 2026

Typeriver canyon
WhereMeta
Nearest citySan Juan de Arama about 15 km; Villavicencio about 130 km
Best seasonDecember to March
Time to allowA full day
Getting thereRoad south of Villavicencio to San Juan de Arama; trips through local operators
EntryCommunity fees; trips through operators

The Guejar comes off the Serrania de la Macarena and cuts through rock in a series of canyons before reaching the plains, running clear green over pale and red stone with pools, narrow sections and rapids. Rafting runs the easier grades and floating in life jackets through the calmer canyon sections is the more common activity, with local operators from San Juan de Arama and the surrounding villages taking groups. The area sits at the meeting of three ecosystems - Andes, Amazon and Llanos - which accounts for the biodiversity of the wider Macarena region. Community tourism associations run much of it now.

The landscape

  • Green water over red and pale rock - through a series of canyons.
  • Floating and rafting - the standard activities.
  • Three ecosystems meeting - Andes, Amazon and Llanos.
  • Community-run tourism - local associations organise most trips.

When to go

December to March, the drier season. A full day.

Practical notes

Trips run through community associations - book with them rather than intermediaries. Water levels change what is possible. Facilities are basic.

Nearby

Cano Cristales is south in the Macarena; Villavicencio is north.

What to pack for Canon del Guejar

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

  • Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
  • Quick-dry clothing - Board shorts or synthetics that shrug off spray and dry fast. Find on Amazon
  • Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
  • Secure water shoes or reef boots - Grip on slippery launches and protection on rocky shores. Find on Amazon

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Plan your trip

Where to start if Canon del Guejar is going on the list.

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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