San Rafael
An eastern Antioquia town on clear granite-bedded rivers, with natural pools that Medellin comes to swim in at weekends.
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The rivers here - the Guatape and its tributaries - run over granite bedrock, which means the water carries very little sediment and stays clear, and the rock has been worn into slides, ledges and pools along the courses. That is what the town lives on at weekends: charcos, natural swimming holes, some free and public and some inside private balnearios with an entry fee, spread along the rivers around the town. There are also waterfalls in the surrounding hills. The eastern Antioquia region was severely affected by the armed conflict and San Rafael and its neighbours lost much of their population to displacement in that period; people returned and the towns rebuilt, and tourism is part of what they rebuilt on.
What you actually see
- Clear rivers over granite - carrying little sediment.
- Charcos along the courses - natural pools, public and private.
- Waterfalls in the hills - around the town.
- A town rebuilt after displacement - during the conflict years.
When to go
December to March; weekends are busy. A full day or overnight.
Honest expectations
Weekends bring large numbers from Medellin and the pools fill. Currents after rain are dangerous and drownings happen. Some of the best pools are on private land with entry fees. Roads in are winding.
Nearby
San Carlos is south; Guatape is west.
What to pack for San Rafael
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.