In brief
In the heart of the Sierra de la Macarena, far off the beaten track and away from the hustle and bustle of the world, the Laguna del Silencio is aptly named. Here, everything invites you to slow down. Right from the start, you’re enveloped by an almost unreal atmosphere of dense jungle,calm waters and natural sounds that gradually replace the noise of everyday life. The air is warm, laden with the scent of tropical vegetation, and the light filters through the trees, creating a fascinating play of shadows. Nestled in a unique ecosystem where the Amazon, Andes and Orinoco plains meet, the lagoon is a veritable biodiversity sanctuary, ideal for observing tropical birds, monkeys and endemic plants.
But getting there is all part of the adventure. From La Macarena, you usually combine boat transport on the Río Guayabero, a 4×4 or horseback ride, followed by a few kilometers of accessible hiking through the forest. Visits are made with a compulsory local guide, as part of an organized tour, to preserve this fragile environment. Plan a full day ( day trip type), leaving early in the morning and returning in the afternoon. Remember to bring water, sun protection, mosquito repellent and suitable footwear: the climate is hot and humid all year round.
Once there, time seems suspended: no engines, just the silent glide of a pirogue, birdsong and the perfect reflection of vegetation in the water. You can often sail on the lagoon, or even swim in it, depending on the conditions.
More than just a hike, Laguna del Silencio is a total immersion in nature, a timeless interlude where you reconnect with what’s essential. An unspoilt, almost secret place that transforms a simple excursion into a profound sensory experience, between adventure, contemplation and total disconnection.
Laguna del Silencio trail
- County: Meta (Llanos)
- Natural area: Sierra de la Macarena National Park
- Distance: 12 km
- Ascent +: 40m
- Difficulty: easy
- Duration: 7h to 10h
- Access: from La Macarena
Our opinion: like a little Amazonian atmosphere ★★
The Laguna del Silencio hike doesn’t try to blow your mind right from the start. There are no colourful rivers or spectacular waterfalls here. And yet… that’s precisely what makes it so special. Very quickly, you enter a completely different atmosphere. The trail plunges into a dense forest, hot and humid, sometimes muddy, where every step brings you closer to a sensation of total immersion. Personally, it really reminded me of the Amazon, with that vegetation that seems alive all around you, and that feeling of being far from everything. It’s also a place where you take the time to observe. If you’re a little attentive (and lucky), you may catch a glimpse of wildlife – we were lucky enough to see some monkeys, which was quite a magical moment. The trail is dotted with rustic cabins, lost in the middle of nowhere, adding a real sense of adventure and disconnection. And then there’s the arrival at Laguna del Silencio. There, the landscape slowly opens up: sun-drenched palm trees, perfectly calm water, and those almost unreal reflections that make you feel like you’re in a postcard. Frankly, this is a hike we’d recommend without hesitation if you’re spending several days in La Macarena and want to discover another, wilder and more intimate side of the region.
Tourist traffic on the Laguna del Silencio trail: the Laguna del Silencio hike is not necessarily the first choice of travelers who come for a few days, often attracted by the colorful rivers of Caño Cristales, and somewhat neglect the rest of the park. As with all trails in the region, access is strictly regulated to preserve the fragile ecosystem. Each day, the number of visitors is limited, and entry is only possible with an authorized local guide. That’s what makes hiking so enjoyable: you’re almost alone with your group, without the usual crowds of tourists. To give you an idea, on our outing at the end of September, we didn’t come across any other groups for the whole day, making the experience even more immersive and intimate.
Regional climate (Meta): the region’s climate is tropical, with pleasant temperatures all year round, generally between 22 and 32°C. There are two main periods: a rainy season from April to November, and a dry season from December to March. It’s during the wet season that sites like Caño Cristales reveal their most impressive colors, thanks to the development of the aquatic plant Macarenia clavigera. But don’t worry: even at this time of year, the rains are often short but intense, then quickly give way to clear spells of sunshine. In practical terms, it’s perfectly compatible with outdoor activities, and even pleasant if you’re well equipped. To make the most of your hike, remember to pack light, breathable clothing, a good mosquito repellent and a waterproof k-way or poncho to cope with unexpected showers.
Our experience
Our feedback is based on a six-day stay. This day at Laguna del Silencio corresponds to Day 5.
On this last day of the trip, I’m going off on my own, with Caro resting her foot. But the adventure promises to be just as exciting. I’m accompanied by Javier, our trusted guide, and four travelers, a group of paisa friends in their fifties, full of humor and energy. Like every morning, we meet again at the main park, but this time we stop off at a store to rent boots, which Javier rightly insists are almost indispensable for the day.
Equipped and motivated, we take to the boat on the Río Guayabero, leaving the reflection of the water behind us. But the real journey begins when a stop leads us to an isolated inca, where motorcycles are lined up, ready to take us further afield. Yes, part of the trip is by motorcycle! It’s also possible to make the journey on foot or on horseback. The guide will ask you for your choice one or two days in advance so that everything can be organized and coordinated correctly. I set off behind Javier, and here we are, winding our way along a dirt track between fields and fences, nature all around us. After about twenty minutes, we land in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by fields and forest. This is where the hiking really begins.
As soon as we take our first steps, we leave the trail to cross muddy fields, confirming the importance of boots. One of my companions hasn’t found his height and is already sinking into the mud… but his smile and Colombian sense of humor remain intact. After the fields, the dense forest rises up before us, with majestic trees and a ground dotted with ruts and puddles. We make slow progress, taking the time to listen to Javier tell us about this unspoilt corner of the park.
Soon, a partially flooded area appears. To cross it, a trunk bridge with wooden fences awaits us, fragile and rustic, crossed one by one. Further on, a sound catches our attention: squirrel monkeys jumping from branch to branch, a magical moment in the wild. The path then widens into a dirt and gravel track, with the forest edge in the distance.
We leave the forest and return to plains and pastures, with an isolated hut where we make our first stop. The finca is simple but welcoming, offering a few cabins and even a small bar. We enjoy the shade and a moment’s rest before setting off again.
The hike continues between fields and forest, until we meet up again with our morning guides, this time with canoes. The forest is partially flooded, and we glide silently through the water, carried by the strength of our boatmen’s arms. The calm is breathtaking, the vegetation is reflected in the water like a mirror, and the landscape is reminiscent of theAmazon. This is where the Laguna del Silencio begins.
Absolute silence envelops us, punctuated only by turtles basking in the sun and birds stalking their prey. We reach the widest part of the lagoon, surrounded by dense forest, giving us the impression of being lost at the end of the world, Robinson Crusoe style. After crossing the lagoon, we disembark on a pontoon before continuing on to a new hut where we have lunch.
The meal is simple but delicious: fish for me, prepared with care by our hosts. We discover their pets: a curious dog and, above all, a macaw that roams freely across the room. Some enjoy the hammocks, others feed the bird or listen to local stories, such as that of a six-meter anaconda recently spotted in the area.
Eaten up and amazed, we return to the canoes. Every moment is magical: the palm trees are reflected in the water, the air is calm, the light soft, and the feeling of being far from everything is total. The Laguna del Silencio reveals its simple yet profound beauty, a place of silence, contemplation and pure immersion in nature.
We finally return to our bikes and head back to the starting point, the Río Guayabero, satisfied to have experienced a unique day of hiking, adventure and wilderness, far from the crowds and colorful rivers, but just as memorable.
Prices and Agencies in La Macarena
It’s important to know that all excursions to the Sierra de la Macarena National Park must be accompanied by an official guide. To help you plan your stay with peace of mind, this section gives you an overview of average rates and reliable local agencies, so you can make the most of the region’s wonders.
Note: for those who dream of admiring the famous river of five colors, Caño Cristales, near La Macarena, remains a rather expensive destination. A more accessible alternative can be found around San José del Guaviare, an area less frequented by tourists, where it’s also possible to discover beautiful, colorful rivers while enjoying a more intimate, authentic experience.
Agencies
We organized our stay with a local agency, whose contact details are given below. Everything went off without a hitch, from the initial contact and quotation to payment and on-site services. During our stay, Caro slightly injured her foot and had to go to the clinic: the agency’s insurance took care of the situation immediately, and the manager even accompanied us there. We sincerely appreciated this gesture, which reflects the seriousness and quality of their support.
Agence Aventura Tours SAS
Registro Nacional de Turismo 22085
Website: https: //www.cano-cristales.com
Whatsapp: +57 (300) 693 9988
Email : info@cano-cristales.com
Mandatory supervised excursions
Unlike many other nature destinations, it’ s impossible to visit Caño Cristales or the park’s trails on your own. Regulations require the presence of an official guide, and groups are divided into different itineraries to limit the impact of tourism and protect this fragile ecosystem.
The number of visitors is strictly limited each day, making prior reservation with the park authorities compulsory. To make life easier for you, most local agencies take care of all the formalities: entry permits, registration with environmental authorities and guide organization. Thanks to them, you can enjoy your stay to the full, in complete safety and peace of mind, without having to worry about administrative formalities.
The role of local agencies
Most travelers prefer to use a local agency to organize their stay. These agencies generally offer multi-day packages including accommodation, meals, boat transfers on the Río Guayabero, 4×4 trips and guided hikes through the park.
Even when national or international agencies offer these tours, they are almost always accompanied by local guides, experts in the park’s trails, wildlife and environmental rules. Their presence guarantees a safe, ecosystem-friendly experience, while allowing you to take full advantage of the region’s natural riches and unique landscapes.
Can you organize your own trip?
Theoretically, it’s possible to get to La Macarena without a reservation and find a guide or agency on the spot. But many travelers soon realize that the logistics can get complicated: obtaining permits, paying taxes, organizing transfers and checking trail availability all take a lot of time and organization.
That’s why most visitors opt for a complete package. These packages greatly simplify the preparation of your stay, allowing you to take full advantage of the region’s hikes, waterfalls and natural pools, without having to worry about administrative formalities or logistical constraints.
A supervised but immersive experience
On site, days are generally well structured: first a boat trip on the Guayabero river, then a transfer by vehicle to the trailhead, before setting off on a guided hike through the park. Along the way, you’ll explore different areas of the river and contemplate the spectacular scenery of the Serranía de la Macarena.
This organization, which is sometimes perceived as highly structured, aims above all to protect the unique ecosystem of Caño Cristales. It also allows travelers to enjoy a complete, immersive experience, fully discovering the region’s wealth of nature and exceptional biodiversity, while guaranteeing safety and respect for the environment.
Rates
Here’s an account of our six-day stay, including the Laguna del Silencio.
| Price (for 2 people) | 5,614,410 COP |
| Duration | 6 days – 5 nights |
| Included | Accommodation Hotel La Fuente Full board (breakfast – lunch – dinner) Guided activities Local transport (boat and 4*4) |
| Not included | Airline tickets Motorcycle transport to Laguna del Silencio Taxes Boot hire (8,000 – 10,000 COP per day) |
How to get to Laguna del SIlencio?
Laguna del Silencio lies at the heart of the Sierra de la Macarena National Park, a protected area where access is strictly regulated. To ensure both visitor safety and respect for this fragile ecosystem, it is compulsory to be accompanied by an official guide.
The guide also takes care of transport to the start of the hike. From the village of La Macarena, board a lancha for a 15-20 minute crossing of the Río Guayabero to the trailhead. This short river crossing already adds a touch of adventure and lets you enjoy the scenery before you even start walking.
Important: Once you’ve arrived at the starting point, you’ll have discussed the first part of the hike to the forest with your guide one or two days beforehand. You can reach the forest either on foot (approx. 1h20 walk), on horseback (30 minutes), or by motorcycle (20 minutes). If you choose the horse or motorcycle option, a supplement of around 40,000 COP per person will be charged, which is not included in the package. Don’t forget to bring enough cash, as you’ll have to pay the service providers directly on site on the day of the activity.
For all these reasons, most travelers choose to use local agencies offering complete packages. Organizing a hike on your own is a complicated business: between the logistics of transport, the park’s strict rules and the obligation to be accompanied, the simplest and safest solution is to entrust the excursion to professionals.
Where to sleep La Macarena ?
If you want to explore the Laguna del Silencio or any of the other routes in the Sierra de la Macarena National Park, the village of La Macarena is the ideal starting point. Located at the gateway to the park, it welcomes travelers in search of immersive hikes and an authentic experience, simple and close to nature.
Please note: Most accommodations in La Macarena are not listed on Booking.com or other standard platforms. So it’s often necessary to go through a local agency offering organized stays of several days, or to contact hotels directly via Instagram or WhatsApp, methods that are very common in the region.
The accommodation on offer at La Macarena is simple and authentic, reflecting the charm of this isolated village in the heart of nature. Most hotels are modest but comfortable, perfect for resting after a day’s hiking. In the center of town, some establishments even offer air-conditioned rooms, a real plus in the tropical heat.
For those looking for an even more immersive experience, a number of cabins and lodges are located outside the village, often in the heart of nature or close to rivers. These accommodations offer a wild and peaceful setting, ideal for reconnecting fully with the exceptional environment of the Serranía de la Macarena.
Please note: hot water is not generally available in accommodation, but this is rarely a problem thanks to the region’s hot, humid climate.
$ – Economical budgeting
Cabane
Hotel Campestre el Refugio
Hotel Campestre el Refugio gets mixed reviews: some travelers appreciate the proximity to nature and the friendly staff, emphasizing a simple, authentic atmosphere. Others note that installations can be dated. On the whole, it’s a functional and inexpensive option, but not without imperfections.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Hostal Cano Nevera
The Hostal Caño Nevera is a very pleasant place for a simple, authentic stay. Rooms are basic but clean and comfortable, often with fans and mosquito nets. The atmosphere is family-friendly and the hosts are renowned for being very attentive, helping to organize excursions. The equipment remains modest, but offers very good value for money.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Casa Hotel Real
Travelers’ impressions are of a simple, functional hotel. Rooms are clean but rather small, and sometimes poorly ventilated, so it’s best to choose those with air-conditioning. A warm welcome. Wi-Fi, a swimming pool and breakfast are just a few of the practical facilities on offer, although the overall package remains fairly basic.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Hotel La Fuente
We stayed in this hotel. The rooms are simple but comfortable, with air conditioning, which is appreciated in the heat. There’s also a pleasant swimming pool after a day’s excursion, and the restaurant serves a variety of local cuisine. Easily accessible on foot from the airport, it’s a good option without looking for luxury.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
La Manigua Lodge
The experience at La Manigua Lodge is exceptional. The cabins are comfortable and well integrated into nature, with a real rustic charm. The service is often described as very attentive, and the organization of activities well organized. The cuisine is much appreciated, even if some people point out minor shortcomings (repetitive breakfasts or sometimes cold water).
Notes & tips
Pants + long sleeves for hiking
For your hikes around La Macarena, opt for lightweight pants and a long-sleeved t-shirt or shirt. This outfit provides effective protection from insects and the sun, especially as many of our trails are open to the sun under bright, open skies all day long.
Take mosquito repellent with you
Although the region is not particularly infested with mosquitoes, some are still present. It is therefore advisable to apply mosquito repellent, especially on long walks in the open countryside and near wetlands such as rivers, waterfalls or lagoons.
Bring sunscreen
Part of the hike takes place in the forest in the shade, but the rest is done in full sun, particularly during the canoe trip on the Laguna. That’s why it’s essential to carry at least a 50 sunscreen to protect your skin all day long.
Carrying cash
Remember to bring plenty of cash with you, especially if you choose to ride a motorcycle or horse (around 40,000 to 50,000 COP per person). It will also be useful for buying drinks and snacks at the various cabins along the route.
Bring a hat / cap
To protect yourself from the heat and direct rays, cover your head. A hat or cap is very practical for long walks on exposed trails, and prevents sunstroke or prolonged discomfort during the hike.
Bring a water bottle
In the Sierra de la Macarena National Park, entry with plastic is strictly forbidden, including water bottles. You’ll need a reusable water bottle, which you can refill at your hotel or at authorized water points in the park.
Bring a poncho
You’re likely to visit the region during the rainy season, from April to November. In this case, a poncho or waterproof jacket will be very useful, as it can rain heavily and suddenly, as we found on several days out of five during our stay.
Rent boots
The trail in and around the forest is likely to be muddy. It is therefore advisable to rent boots, stopping off at a store along the main park. For our group, we had planned a stopover before setting off on our hike (count around 8,000 to 10,000 COP per person per day).
