San Carlos
An eastern Antioquia town of waterfalls and clear river pools on granite beds.
Updated 21 October 2026
San Carlos sits in steep wet country where a series of rivers drop off the eastern Antioquia plateau, and the result is a concentration of waterfalls and clear granite-bedded pools within walking distance of the town - La Planta, Charco Redondo and others, some reached on short walks and some needing a guide.
What's there
- Waterfalls and clear river pools - within reach of the town.
- Granite beds - keeping the water clear.
- La Planta and Charco Redondo - the best-known pools near town.
- Guided walks - to the pools that need a local guide.
When to go
December to March. A full day or overnight.
Before you go
Currents and flash rises after rain are dangerous at the pools. Some sites need guides. Roads in are winding and slow.
Nearby
San Rafael is north; Guatape is west.
What to pack for San Carlos
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
- Shelter suited to the place - Tent, tarp or hut booking - match it to the terrain and rules. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- A warm sleeping bag + mat - Rated a little colder than you expect the nights to be. Find on Amazon
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links - if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
All packing kitsPlan your trip
Where to start if San Carlos is going on the list.
Booking links on this page are affiliate links - if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write about a place.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
