Things To Do
in San José del Guaviare
San José del Guaviare is the capital of Colombia's Guaviare department, a remote frontier town on the Guaviare River. Surrounded by jungle and sandstone formations, it's the gateway to Colombia's famous La Lindosa rock art and dramatic river canyons. The town serves as a base for ecotourism and river safaris, with growing but still modest visitor infrastructure.
Travelers should plan ahead for transport, guides, and weather as conditions can change quickly in the rainforest.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Land at San José del Guaviare airport, check into your jungle lodge. Take a guided walk through lush forest trails. Learn about local flora and fauna from an expert guide.
Enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch at a family-run restaurant. Visit the local handicraft market to browse handmade baskets and textiles. Chat with artisans and learn about their crafts.
Dine at a riverside eatery serving fresh fish specialties. Watch the sunset paint the Guaviare River in golden hues. Relax with a cooling tropical cocktail under the stars.
Take a boat ride along the Guaviare River to reach ancient rock art sites. Marvel at petroglyphs carved by indigenous communities centuries ago. Discuss the significance of these images with your guide.
Hike through dense rainforest to discover hidden caves adorned with pictographs. Learn about the myths and legends behind each mural. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch by a serene creek.
Return to town and unwind at a local café with live music. Sample traditional arepas and tropical fruit juices. Share stories with fellow travelers around a bonfire.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🧃Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short distance) | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-90 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich biodiversity and ancient rock art sites
- Warm, welcoming locals and genuine Colombian atmosphere
- Good value for money for ecotourism
- Growing network of guided tours and safe river trips
- Remote location with variable infrastructure
- Limited upscale dining and accommodations
- Some sites require organized tours for access
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in San José del Guaviare
Visit one of these nice places.
Ancient cave paintings embedded in a humid jungle setting; morning light and guided tours reveal the rock art with an ethereal atmosphere.
Dramatic sandstone formations along the river; wide horizons ideal for landscape photography at sunrise and sunset.
Wide river bends with silhouettes of palm trees and boats; perfect for silhouettes and color-rich skies.
Colorful walls and daily life scenes around the town center offer candid photography opportunities.
Food in San José del Guaviare
San José del Guaviare Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fried freshwater fish served with cassava, lime, and peppers—found in many riverside eateries.
Must-Try!
A fish stew simmered with peppers, yuca or plantains, and local herbs.
Warm corn arepa stuffed or served with fresh cheese; a common accompaniment.
Hearty fish soup with yucca and plantains, a comforting staple after a day outdoors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market stalls selling fruit, arepas, empanadas, and fresh fish—great for a quick bite.
Open-air vendors offering fried snacks, fresh fruit cups, and chilled beverages along the river.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'hola' or 'buenos días'; a handshake is common in formal settings; show respect to elders and guides.
Ask permission before photographing people or indigenous communities; some sites require permission for photography.
Pack lightweight, modest clothing; shoulders and knees covered when visiting religious or cultural sites.
Safety
Tipping in San José del Guaviare
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, check if a service charge is included; if not, a tip of 5-10% is customary for good service. Small tips to guides and drivers are appreciated.
Cash is widely used in markets and smaller establishments; many shops in town accept cards, but plan for cash in remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Less rain, easier access to open trails and river trips; hotter days, dusty roads; still high humidity.
Heavy rainfall can make some routes muddy or temporarily inaccessible; rivers swell, offering lush scenery and wildlife but require guided itineraries.
San José del Guaviare at Night
Hiking in San José del Guaviare
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Guided hike to the archeological rock art sites in the Serranía de la Lindosa; expect jungle trails and meaningful cultural insights.
Airports
How to reach San José del Guaviare by plane.
Domestic flights connect San José del Guaviare with Bogotá and other major hubs; arrange with a reputable operator for transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Mestizo and Indigenous groups with diverse cultural traditions; respectful engagement and permissions are important when visiting Indigenous areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide and in the region; local matches and casual games are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San José del Guaviare.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can rely on plantain, yuca, rice, beans, and vegetable stews; ask for fish-free options and double-check broth stock.