Ciudad de Piedra

The formations are part of the Guiana Shield, some of the oldest exposed rock on the continent, weathered along joints over an immense span of time into blocks separated by narrow passages - the result reads as streets and alleys between walls, which is where the name comes from, with towers and overhangs above. Vegetation grows in the gaps and the whole thing sits in transition country between savanna and Amazon forest. Some of the rock faces carry pictographs, part of the same tradition as the larger Lindosa panels nearby. Access is through community tourism associations from San Jose with a guide required, and the track in is rough. It is usually combined with the rock art and the sinkholes on the same circuit.

What you actually see

• Sandstone weathered into corridors - walked like streets between walls.
• Guiana Shield rock - among the oldest exposed on the continent.
• Pictographs on some faces - part of the wider Lindosa tradition.
• Savanna meeting forest - the transition country around it.

When to go

December to March. Half a day.

Honest expectations

A guide and community fee are required. The track in is rough and impassable after heavy rain. There is little shade and it is hot. Facilities are nonexistent at the site.

Nearby

Cerro Azul is close; San Jose del Guaviare is the base.