One of the many adventurous attractions near San Gil, Colombia’s ‘adventure capital’, that’s worth visiting is Juan Curi Waterfall (Cascada de Juan Curi).
At 200 m, the cascade is the tallest in Santander Province, and many tourists come here to see the impressive falls but also to enjoy activities such as abseiling and ziplining.
Juan Curi waterfall lies just 22 km outside of San Gil and in this guide I’ll explain how to get here, what you can do at the falls and practical tips to enjoy your day.
Juan Curi Waterfall overview
- The waterfall has a total height of 200 m split between the upper falls (130 m) and the lower falls (70 m).
- The falls lie within Juan Curi Ecological Park 22 km south of San Gil, Santander.
- Juan Curi Ecological Park is open 8:00 – 17:00 every day.
- Entrance to the falls costs 12,000 COP ($3 US).
- Buses to the ecological park leave San Gil from Terminalito, the small bus station near the city centre.
- Take a bus towards Charalá, which normally leaves every 30 min and costs 8,000 COP ($1.5). Ask to be dropped at Las Cascadas (The Waterfalls).
- Bring cash, swimming gear, sunscreen and snacks for your visit.
Where is Juan Curi Waterfall?
The falls are located just 22 km to the south of Santander’s capital city, San Gil, within the Juan Curi Ecological Park. The main entrance to the ecological park is right by the community of Palenque alongside the main road between San Gil and Charalá.
There is a second entrance a little further down the San Gil-Charalá Road. However, I’m unsure if this is also an official entry point run by the ecological park, or if it’s run by another party.
We left Juan Curi Waterfalls via the second entrance and, having already paid at the first, I can’t say what the fee is if entering here, but I assume it’s the same.
How to get to Juan Curi Waterfall
If you have your own vehicle, then just take the San Gil – Charalá Road southbound from the city to the park entrance. The drive should take no more than 30 min without traffic and parking at Juan Curi Ecological Park is free.
You can get to the ecological park by bus easily too. First head to Terminalito, the small bus terminal near San Gil city centre, then take a bus towards Charalá. The journey lasts around 30 min.
Buses to Charalá leave Terminalito roughly every 30 min and a ticket costs 8,000 COP ($1.5 US). Ask the driver to drop you at Las Cascadas, which refers to Juan Curi Waterfall.
Buses back to San Gil stop just outside the ecological park entrance on the opposite side of the road. Wait alongside the road and flag down any bus heading in the direction of San Gil.
I haven’t been able to find a schedule for the buses between San Gil and Charalá, so you might need to be patient.
Juan Curi Waterfall
The waterfall has a total height of 200 m split between the upper falls (130 m) and the lower falls (70 m).
Entrance to the trail leading to the waterfall costs 12,000 COP ($3 US) and this can be paid at the kiosk when you arrive or online beforehand. If you want to pay online, then the activity to reserve is the Caminata Ecológica (Ecological Walk).
There’s a 20-m deep pool at the base of the waterfall and, although the water comes crashing down into this, you can swim in it, albeit not too close to the falling water. There are lifeguards on hand at the pool.
The Ecological Trail
At the trailhead to the waterfall you’ll find facilities including toilets, a restaurant and a small shop selling snacks and drinks.
The path runs from the main entrance to the base of the falls and it takes roughly 30 min to complete. The underfoot surface is stone and mostly even, with some steeper parts and steps. You mostly walk under the shade of trees and either side of the trail is lined with plants.
As you approach the base of the waterfall, you have to climb up a steep rockface to get to the pool. There are wire ropes built into the rocks to help you climb, but take it easy as the rocks can be wet if the wind has blown spray from the falls onto them.
The second entrance and trail
When facing the waterfall, to the left-hand side on the other side of the river, there’s a narrow dirt trail leading along the canyon side away from the falls into the forest.
This trail runs between the waterfall and the second entrance and is more adventurous and challenging than the Ecological Trail.
There are steeper, slipperier sections and more ups and downs. Also, crossing the river below the falls to get onto this trail is a bit tricky, but there’s a wire to help here too.
I recommend doing a full loop starting at either entrance and finishing at the other. At the second entrance you’ll also find restaurants and buses back to San Gil passing by both entrances.
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What else to do at Juan Curi Ecological Park
While Juan Curi Waterfall is the main attraction, there’s more to do in the ecological park. Other activities include abseiling down the lower falls (70 m) and a 200 m zipline between the falls and Guane Treasure Cave where you travel 90 m in the air.
Here’s the park’s webpage with all its activities, including costs and requirements.
What to bring to Juan Curi Falls
Visiting the waterfall without doing any of the other activities is, at most, a half day trip from San Gil, so you don’t need to bring much.
- Water – 2 L is enough for the walk to the falls and to keep yourself hydrated after swimming
- Snacks – a few little bits to eat are enough. You could also bring a lunch
- Swimming gear – a towel and swimming shorts/bikini
- Flip flops – for walking on the rocky surface around the pool
- Rain jacket – if it rains, there’s no shelter at the falls
- Cash – enough for transport and the park entry fee if paying on arrival
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
When to visit Juan Curi Falls
The dry season in northern Colombia typically lasts from December – April and is the ideal period for exploring waterfalls.
While Juan Curi Falls will be less powerful during these months, the weather is sunnier and warmer and trails are in better condition. There’s also a secondary, shorter dry season throughout June and July.
You can visit the falls during the wet season, but there’s a good chance of being caught in the rain. And if it’s raining, then swimming in the pool won’t be as enjoyable.
More adventure travel guides on A World Over
Juan Curi Waterfall is an easy adventure well worth doing if you’re in San Gil. While it’s more of a curated outdoor experience with crowds, the impressive falls are great to admire and swimming in the pool below is fun.
There are a bunch of adrenaline-filled things to do in San Gil and my favourite is paragliding at Chicamocha Canyon. And you can find all my Colombia travel guides here.
More waterfall adventures: Chima Waterfalls (Cascadas de Chima) in Santander, Colombia