In brief
The Los Frailes waterfall, near Pereira (Risaralda), is a 70-metre waterfall surrounded by sub-Andean jungle. The hike to this spot is an easy one of around 2.5 km (3-hour round trip) through vegetation-lined paths. Along the way, you can spot endemic birds such as the pava caucana and, if you’re lucky, mammals such as the red howler monkey.
This spectacular site, in the heart of a rainforest, is an invitation to reconnect with nature: visitors can enjoy the roar of the waterfall and cool off in the cold water basin! The hike is supervised by the local Yarumo Blanco community, guaranteeing a safe and educational experience. Its unspoilt beauty and the mystique of the mountain make this excursion a must for adventurers and ecotourism enthusiasts alike.
Los Frailes waterfall
- County: Risaralda (Andes)
- Height: 70 m
- Altitude: 1,900 m
- Ecosystems: sub-Andean forest
- Climate: temperate
- Direct access from Pereira
Our verdict: an informative guided stroll ★
The hike to the Los Frailes waterfall is easy and relatively short – allow around 2h30 round trip. At the end of the path, a pretty waterfall awaits you. It may not be the most spectacular in the country, but it offers a large natural pool where the most daring can take a dip. Thrills guaranteed! The outing is only accompanied by a Spanish-speaking guide from the Yarumo Blanco community association, which makes for an enriching experience from a natural point of view, especially when it comes to discovering the local flora and fauna. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, with a majority of Colombian visitors. This is not an adrenaline-fuelled activity or breathtaking panoramas, but rather a gentle, authentic way to immerse yourself in the ecosystem of the sub-Andean forests. A simple meal is included, for a welcome local touch. This outing is ideal for an easy-going getaway, provided you have a basic knowledge of Spanish.
Visitor numbers at Los Frailes waterfall
Although no recent official data have been published, in practice visitor numbers are modest: maximum capacity is around 60 people per day, with a concentration in the high season (end-of-year vacations, Semana Santa, public holidays and weekends) and a significant drop in the low season. Visitors are mainly national tourists (from Pereira and other coffee-growing regions), with only occasional foreigners attracted by the hiking and local biodiversity. The best time to visit is during the week, for greater peace and quiet.
Climate at Los Frailes waterfall
The region’s climate is temperate and humid all year round, due to its altitude of around 1,900 meters. Temperatures are pleasantly mild, generally varying between 18°C and 25°C during the day, and dropping to between 10°C and 15°C at night, perfect for walking. The region is characterized by high humidity and frequent rainfall, especially during the wet seasons of April to May and October to November. For sunnier conditions, the periods from January to March and June to August are preferable. Logically, the waterfall will be more impressive during the rainy season, as the flow of water will be greater.
The Yarumo Blanco community association and the Los Frailes waterfall project
In the heart of the Otún River watershed, in the La Florida region of Risaralda department (Colombia), theYarumo Blanco Community Association has established itself as a key player in environmental conservation and local socio-economic development through sustainable tourism. Founded in 2009, this organization, which grew out of the merger of two initial community groups, embodies an exemplary model of collective, responsible management of natural and cultural heritage.
A story of collaboration and resilience
Yarumo Blanco is the result of the merger of the Cooperative Multiactive des Défenseurs de l’Environnement (COOMDEMA) and the Association des Interprètes Environnementaux Soledad de Montaña, two pioneering players in community tourism in the region. After a difficult period marked by the privatization of the Otún Quimbaya Fauna and Flora Sanctuary in 2005 and the liquidation of COOMDEMA, Yarumo Blanco was able to reinvent itself and resume a leading role in conservation and tourism.
In 2009, the association signed a contract with Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia, enabling it to structure its tourism activities and extend its influence. For a decade, it has been developing responsible tourism that values local biodiversity, and has helped make the Otún Quimbaya Sanctuary a recognized destination within the Eje Cafetero, Colombia’s coffee-growing region.
Los Frailes waterfall: a natural jewel serving the community
Since 2017, Yarumo Blanco has been operating the major natural attraction of the Los Frailes waterfall, located in the same region, in collaboration with Aguas y Aguas de Pereira. This strategic alliance has expanded the local tourism offering, diversifying the activities on offer and boosting the economic benefits for local residents.
The Los Frailes waterfall, with its crystal-clear waters and exceptional natural setting, is attracting a growing number of visitors in search of authentic, sustainable experiences. Yarumo Blanco has set itself the task of managing this influx of visitors by ensuring that environmental impact is kept to a minimum, in particular by raising visitor awareness and implementing eco-responsible practices.
A model of sustainable tourism and environmental education
The association doesn’t just welcome tourists: it also offers environmental education programs for visitors and local residents alike. Its team of environmental interpreters, made up of young people from the surrounding veredas, plays a crucial role in passing on traditional and scientific knowledge relating to the sub-Andean forest, water sources and biodiversity.
In addition, Yarumo Blanco leads the Los Yarumitos Ecological Group, an intergenerational project aimed at training younger generations in environmental protection and sustainable management of natural resources in the Otún River watershed.
Participatory management and strong community involvement
Yarumo Blanco embodies participatory management where the community is at the heart of decision-making. Thanks to its partnerships with institutions such as Parques Nacionales, the Corporación Autónoma Regional de Risaralda (CARDER), the Technological University of Pereira, and Aguas y Aguas de Pereira, the association relies on shared governance that combines scientific knowledge, local know-how and collective will.
Despite the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely slowed tourism activity, Yarumo Blanco maintained its social commitment by supporting the families of members affected by the crisis. The association’s resilience and ability to adapt bear witness to its solidity and deep-rootedness in the region.
A future focused on conservation and sustainable development
With a clear vision of balancing nature protection and local development, Yarumo Blanco continues to develop around the Los Frailes waterfall and the Otún Quimbaya Sanctuary. The creation of a scientific station at Hacienda Lisbran combines research, education and specialized tourism.
The association aims to continue strengthening its conservation actions, training new generations of environmental guardians and promoting tourism that respects the region’s rich biocultural heritage. Through its unique model, Yarumo Blanco inspires numerous community projects in Colombia and abroad, demonstrating that protecting nature can go hand in hand with social and economic progress.
Practical information
Our experience
We discovered the Los Frailes waterfall during a guided tour organized by the Yarumo Blanco Community Association. A lovely day out, simple and convivial.
We arrived at around 9.30am, a little over-confident, not realizing that the guided tours had fixed departure times. As a result, we had to wait a good hour and a half before we could start. A word of advice: check the timetable in advance to avoid this mishap.
Apart from that, the organization was well honed. Our guide, a native of the area, enthusiastically led us along the trails of the sub-Andean forest. All along the way, she passionately shared her knowledge of the local biodiversity, the conservation actions undertaken by the community, and cultural anecdotes about this region still untouched by mass tourism. The group was rather large – around twenty people, all Colombians – and the relaxed, cheerful atmosphere quickly made us think of a summer camp.
The waterfall, nestled among lush vegetation, is not particularly imposing, but it exudes a real peaceful beauty. A few brave souls tried a dip in its frozen water – a moment that was both fun and invigorating! Ashumidity is omnipresent, it’s best to protect your camera or any other water-sensitive object.
We return along the same trail, this time without the guide. Everyone went at their own pace, which allowed us to enjoy the beautiful forest passages more calmly. At the end of the trail, however, we were blocked by a gate that only she could open. So we had to wait until the group was back together.
Once through the gates, a ten-minute walk took us back to the association’s hut, the starting point… and above all, the lunch spot. We had reserved the typical fiambrea traditional Colombian dish served in natural leaves. Prepared on site by members of the association, it turned out to be as tasty as it was authentic.
The loop is only 2.5 to 3 km long, with a very slight difference in altitude between 1,860 m and 1,936 m. A leisurely stroll of around 2h30, accessible to all.
That said, there are a few practical points to note. Without a private vehicle, it can be difficult to reach La Suiza from La Florida, especially on weekdays. Sections of the trail – particularly the wooden footbridges – become slippery in wet weather. And as tours only take place on weekends and public holidays, you’ll need to book in advance. Last but not least, tours are only available in Spanish, so it’s best to have a basic command of the language.
In spite of these small details, we’ll keep an excellent memory of this outing. It’s not just a hike, it’s a real encounter with a committed community that takes pride in keeping its territory alive. If you’re looking for an experience that’s simple, local, respectful of the environment and deeply human, the Los Frailes waterfall is a great stopover not to be missed.
If you have time, you can combine it with a visit to the Santuario de Fauna y Flora Otún Quimbaya protected natural area, which is just around the corner (not even 1km)!
Rates
The Los Frailes waterfall is a natural site managed by the Yarumo Blanco Community Association, to which admission is charged. Two visit formulas are available: one includes a traditional lunch(fiambre), while the other only includes admission and a guided hike.
Fiambre is a traditional Colombian dish, typical of rural areas, consisting of a complete meal (rice, meat, eggs, vegetables, etc.) carefully wrapped in large natural leaves like those of the congo tree, making it easy to transport without the use of plastic. A vegetarian fiambre is available on request.
| Options | Included | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Pasadía” plan | Includes typical lunch, visit to the waterfalls, environmental interpretation by a guide and medical assistance policy. | 50,000 COP |
| Recorrido” plan | Includes visit to the waterfalls, interpretation of the environment by a guide and medical assistance policy. | 28,000 COP |
Boots can be hired on site for 5,000 COP per person. The trail, which is dirt and often damp, is best suited to hiking shoes or boots, to ensure optimum comfort and safety while walking.
Mandatory guide, booking and timetable
Mandatory guide
Visits to the Los Frailes waterfall are made exclusively in the company of a local guide from the Yarumo Blanco community association. They take place in groups and at predefined times. The round trip takes around 2h30, on a natural dirt path that is often wet, but accessible to anyone in reasonable physical condition.
Throughout the hike, the guide offers interpretive breaks to explain the fauna, flora and conservation issues of the area. The atmosphere is friendly, with a majority of Colombian visitors, and the experience emphasizes gentle discovery of the environment rather than physical performance.
Reservation
Booking in advance is advisable, as the site is only accessible on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays – generally very busy periods. For a quieter visit, we recommend Fridays.
- Official website: https: //yarumoblanco.co
- Instagram: @yarumoblanco.ac
- Facebook : Asociación Comunitaria Yarumo Blanco
- Email: reservas@yarumoblanco.co
- WhatsApp: +57 3103 635001
Opening hours
Guided group tours depart at fixed times only from Friday to Sunday:
- Friday: 11:00 a.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 am to 11:00 am.
You can visit us outside normal opening days, but only as part of a private tour. Please contact the association in advance to find out prices, check availability and arrange times.
How do I get to Los Frailes waterfall?
The entrance is in the finca Buenos Aires, in the village of La Suiza. You can get there by car, motorcycle, bicycle or on foot, following the road from La Florida to El Cedral, up to kilometer 5.
The Los Frailes waterfall is only accessible by public transport from Pereira, 18 km away. If you’re coming from cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, or nearby villages like Salento or Filandia, you’ll need to get to Pereira first, or opt for private transport.
The nearest airport is Matecaña International Airport, some 27 km away. There is no direct public transport link between the airport and the waterfall.
How to get to Los frailes waterfall from Pereira
En Chiva
Departure: calle 17, in front of the Victoria shopping center
Arrival: intersection via La Suiza, 500m from the office where the walk to the waterfall starts
Times: Monday to Friday from 9.00 am, and Saturday and Sunday at 7.00 am
Duration: 30 minutes
Price (one way): 3,000 COP / person
By bus (Saturday, Sunday and public holidays)
Departure: calle 17, in front of the Victoria shopping center
Arrival: from the village of La Florida, you’ll have to walk about 6 kilometers to reach the meeting point. Many people choose this option on the way back, after the tour, to take a leisurely stroll down to La Florida before returning to Pereira.
Times: departures at 09:00 and 12:00
Duration: 30 minutes
Price (one-way): 3,000 COP / person
Where to stay to discover Cascade Los Frailes?
The easiest and most convenient option for visiting the Los Frailes waterfall is to stay in Pereira, just 18 km away. The town has good transport links, making it easy to organize your travel arrangements, and is also a good base for exploring the region.
You can also choose to stay in Salento or Filandiatwo charming Quindío villages. However, there is no direct public transport to the waterfall from these locations. So you’ll have to go through Pereira, or opt for private transport (car rental or cab) to save time.
Remarks
Don’t forget your bathing suit!
It may seem obvious, but don’t forget to pack a swimsuit in your backpack if you’re planning to jump into the (very) cold waterfall (and a towel!).
Raincoat (poncho, K-Way)
In the mountains, the weather can change very quickly, and sudden showers are common. So it’s a good idea to bring waterproof clothing, such as a poncho or K-Way.
Suitable footwear
Avoid smooth soles that slip on mud or wet rocks. Instead, choose shoes with a good grip, such as hiking boots. Beware also of wooden bridges and footbridges, which become slippery when wet.
Suitable clothing
To protect yourself effectively from the sun and mosquitoes while hiking, we recommend wearing a sweatshirt or long-sleeved shirt. And don’t forget a hat to protect your head and face.
