Cali: Jordan River, Waterfalls & Mountain Views Day Trip

Swim, Slide & Rest in Cali's Jordan River Forest

You spend the day swimming in the Jordan River, sliding down natural rock formations, and walking through forest trails with views of Pico de Loro and Los Farallones mountains. Coffee and lunch are included, and the pace is yours: rest in a hammock, explore the different areas, or stay in the water. A guide leads the walk and knows where the best waterfalls and pools are, so you don't waste time finding them yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Bosque el Descanso and Jordan River

• View Pico de Loro mountain
• Enjoy Los Farallones de Cali view
• Drink complimentary coffee or tea
• Descend to river via La Cueva del Mono
• Swim in river and see waterfalls
• Walk along Jordan River path
• Use natural stone slider
• Have lunch with mountain views
• Rest in hammock or explore areas

The experience

So you're standing at the edge of this place called Bosque el Descanso and honestly, the sound just hits you first: the Jordan River running through everything, and you realize you're about to spend the day in water that's actually cold and clear, not the kind of river you wade through in flip-flops. The forest sits where you can see Pico de Loro rising up on one side and Los Farallones, this whole cluster of mountains, on the other, and the guide hands you coffee or tea when you arrive, which is the kind of small thing that makes you feel like someone planned this. You're not just showing up. You're being received.

The walk down starts through La Cueva del Mono, a cave that funnels you toward the water, and then you're in the Jordan River itself, swimming under waterfalls, stopping to take photos that actually look like something because the light is coming through the trees and the water is that color that doesn't photograph right anyway so you just give up and float. After that comes the natural stone slider, and yeah, it's exactly what it sounds like, a smooth rock face where the river runs and you can slide down into a pool, and people do this for actual hours if they want. The path follows the river the whole way, so you're never far from water or shade, and the afternoon is built around not rushing.

Lunch happens when you're ready for it, not on a schedule, and it's prepared there: a proper meal, not a sandwich in a bag. You can eat in a hammock under trees with the mountains still visible, or wander around the different areas of the forest, take more photos, sit by the water. The whole day at Bosque el Descanso is structured around the idea that you came here to feel something shift, not to check boxes, and the inclusion of lunch and the coffee at the start means you're not managing your own food or timing while you're trying to enjoy a river.

What’s included

• Your day includes complimentary coffee or tea upon arrival, a guided walk through the forest to the Jordan River, swimming at waterfalls, access to the natural stone slider, lunch prepared on-site, and time to rest in hammocks or explore different areas of Bosque el Descanso.
• Snacks are available for purchase.
• The guide leads you through La Cueva del Mono and along the river paths, so you don't navigate alone.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 55 years) · Senior (56 to 65 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bosque el Descanso

Is this one for you?Right for people who want a full day in nature without arranging transport, meals, or figuring out which waterfalls are worth the walk. The forest is built around moving at your own pace, and lunch is already waiting.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the hike at Bosque el Descanso?

The walk follows the Jordan River through the forest and includes descending through a cave, swimming at waterfalls, and sliding down natural rock formations. The pace is flexible. You can rest in hammocks or explore different areas, so the total time depends on how long you spend in the water and at each stop.

What's included in the day trip?

Lunch and complimentary coffee or tea when you arrive. Snacks are available for purchase. Entry to the forest and the guided walk are included.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, a towel, water shoes or sandals for the river, and a change of clothes. Sunscreen and a waterproof bag for valuables are recommended.

What if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The river has calm pools and shallow areas. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, and you can rest in hammocks or stay on the paths if you prefer not to swim the entire time.