Salento Hike: Howler Monkeys, Birds & River Swim

Spot elusive howler calls and cool off in a hidden river pool

A guided hike through gallery forest near Salento where you walk among howler monkeys, birds, dragonflies and butterflies, then cool off with a swim in the Barbas River. The Jeep pickup runs from 8am to 3pm on your schedule. The hike itself takes three to four hours total. A live guide speaks English or French, and children from age 7 are welcome. Howler monkeys are wild, so sightings are not guaranteed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike and swim in gallery forest

• Take jeep between 8:00am and 3:00pm
• Drive 20 minutes to hike start
• Hike through forest and enjoy nature
• Swim in Barbas River swimming hole
• Return to town

The experience

The day starts with a Jeep pickup at whatever hour suits you between 8am and 3pm, then a 20-minute drive into the forest. Once you arrive, the hike begins through gallery forest (the kind that grows thick along riverbanks), where the wildlife is active and visible. Howler monkeys are the draw, though the forest also holds birds, dragonflies, butterflies and millipedes. Your guide will point out the Guadua, the indigenous bamboo that grows here, and explain what you're seeing as you move through.

The hike ends at a swimming hole in the Barbas River where you can cool off after the walk. The whole outing (hiking, spotting, swimming) fits inside three to four hours, then the Jeep takes you back to town. Your guide speaks English or French, and binoculars are provided so you don't miss the canopy activity. Bottled water comes with you.

What’s included

• Private Jeep transportation with pickup at your chosen hour.
• binoculars.
• bottled water.
• a live guide in English or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 13:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Youth (7 to 17 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Pajareros Birding Tours

Is this one for you?The flexible pickup window lets you time the hike to the rest of your Salento day, and the three- to four-hour total means it fits before or after other plans. The swim at the end cools you down after the forest walk, so bring a second shirt or plan to dry off in the Jeep on the way back.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What are the chances of actually seeing howler monkeys on this hike?

Howler monkeys live in the gallery forest and are often present, but they are wild animals, so sightings are not guaranteed. Your guide will know where they are most likely to be and will listen for their calls, which carry far through the trees.

Can I choose what time the Jeep picks me up?

Yes. Pickup runs from 8am to 3pm, so you pick the hour that fits your day in Salento. The hike and swim happen after that, and you're back in town within three to four hours of starting the walk.

What's the Barbas River swimming hole like?

The Barbas River has a designated swimming hole where the hike ends. It's a natural pool where you can swim after the forest walk. Bring a change of clothes or wear something you don't mind getting wet.

What wildlife besides monkeys might I see?

The gallery forest holds birds, dragonflies, butterflies and millipedes. Your guide will point out the Guadua bamboo and other plants as you walk, so there's plenty to notice beyond the monkeys.