If you’re in Medellín and looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, San Rafael Colombia, is the destination for you. This little town, surrounded by crystal-clear rivers and lush mountains, is ideal for nature lovers, adventure seekers, yoga retreats, and full-immersion spanish schools. San Rafael offers a unique experience. Here, you can disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Colombia.
How to get to San Rafael Colombia?
To keep it simple, San Rafael Colombia is “the next town” after Guatape. So you can easily combine both of them. Read here our detailed guide on how to get to Guatape as it is basically the same. Getting to San Rafael straight from Medellín might feel like a long journey, but it allows you to enjoy stunning landscapes. The town is located about 100 kilometers east of Medellín, which translates to a 2.5 to 3-hour drive, depending on traffic and road conditions.
We definitely suggest you go by bus as it will save you the stress of driving in Colombia, we are known to be crazy drivers, and it is a budget-friendly way to reach the destination. Buses to San Rafael Colombia depart regularly from the North Bus Terminal (Terminal Norte) in Medellín. Companies like Sotrasanvicente and TransUnidos operate this route, they are located around the booth #14 in the bus terminal.
How many days to spend in San Rafael Colombia?
To make the most of what San Rafael Colombia has to offer, we recommend spending at least two days or at least one week in case you are going for the spanish lessons.
Although in theory you can also make it a one-day destination if you start your trip early in the morning, we do not recommend such a rush. You will not have enough time to explore the main attractions and mostly to enjoy the serenity that characterizes this place.
What to do in San Rafael Colombia?
San Rafael is a natural paradise, perfect for disconnecting and exploring the outdoors. Here are some must-do activities:
Rivers and Waterfalls
San Rafael is famous for its rivers and waterfalls. Río Guatapé is a popular spot for swimming, tubing, or simply relaxing by the water. Don’t miss Charco El Limón, a place known for its clear waters. For the more adventurous, a hike to Cascada El Salto del Indio is a must. This hidden waterfall is ideal for a refreshing swim after an exciting hike.
Hiking and Nature Trails
If you enjoy hiking, consider Cascada La Honda. It offers a moderate route with stunning views of the forests and mountains surrounding San Rafael. Another option is the Sendero Las Bromelias, an easier trail that ends at a spectacular viewpoint. These trails allow you to connect with nature and discover the local flora and fauna.
IMPORTANT: Before starting any hiking trail, make sure to talk to the locals about the conditions of the hike; Colombia, being a tropical country, gets often heavy rains that damage the conditions of the trails or even worst, erase the trail-signals. So talk to the locals before starting any hike or even better, hire a hiking guide who knows the area, the locals and can maximize your time by taking you to unique places. Esmeralda Ecotours is the local agency we recommend.
Water Sports
For water sports enthusiasts, Río Arenal is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. You can rent the necessary equipment from places like Esmeralda Ecotours and enjoy a fun-filled day on the water.
Spanish School
Back in the early days of Colombian tourism, I was chatting with a German and an American traveler who were exploring the country together. When I asked them how they’d met, they surprised me by saying, ‘In San Rafael, Colombia.’ I was puzzled, as San Rafael wasn’t exactly a tourist hotspot at the time. They explained that they’d discovered a hidden gem: a Spanish language school that offered a unique blend of language lessons and outdoor adventures. It was the perfect combination for their travel goals. The school is called “Ritmo Del Río” and you can get in touch with them here.
Yoga Retreats
Vanadurga Ashram in San Rafael Colombia is an absolute gem and an architectural beauty in the middle of the jungle. It is a peaceful retreat focused on spiritual growth and holistic well-being. Set in lush mountains, it offers yoga, meditation, and workshops for self-discovery in a serene, eco-friendly environment. Ideal for those seeking inner peace and connection with nature. Their website is only in spanish, but nothing that an auto-translate couldnt fix.
Where to Eat in San Rafael Colombia
As it is a small town and you are mostly going to be hiking and enjoying nature far from civilization we recommend you pack your own snacks, but if you have the time to enjoy a typical Colombian dish we recommend you visit the restaurants above.
- Al Carbón: For a traditional Paisa dish, we recommend you visit this restaurant, located within the main park of San Rafel.
- Rustico Lounge: If you’re looking for a cozy atmosphere and an international menu.
- El Rey De La Parrilla: For meat lovers, this is an excellent spot to enjoy a Paisa-style barbecue.
Where to Stay in San Rafael Colombia
If you want to experience San Rafael for more than just one day,
- La Zafra: This is a natural reserve and they put a lot of attention to being respectful with the environment. I stayed there many years ago, when they were just starting, and I loved the energy of the place. They also offer a lot of eco-friendly activities.
- Ecohotel Rio de Oro: This eco-hotel offers the opportunity to be in direct contact with nature, with comfortable cabins surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Hotel La Roca: If you prefer a more comfortable and accessible option, we recommend you this Hotel
In summary, San Rafael Colombia, is a destination for those who have the time to go below the surface of the touristic Colombia. It’s a place that invites you to disconnect, explore nature, and enjoy the authentic paisa culture. From its rivers and waterfalls, eco-hotels, yoga retreats or simply learning spanish, this town is the perfect nature destination.
