San Cipriano River Tubing from Cali: Brujitas, waterfalls, float

The brujitas (wooden carts powered by motorbike on old train rails) are how locals still reach this reserve.

A full-day river activity from Cali to San Cipriano that mixes tubing, hiking and cultural transport: you ride the brujitas (motorized wooden carts on abandoned tracks), swim in natural pools, hike to a waterfall, and float downriver in inner tubes, with a guide handling logistics and a traditional lunch included. Departures run at 5:30am or 8am, and the activity suits all fitness levels. Relaxed floaters and hikers both fit the same day. Transport, entrance, tubing tires, light breakfast and lunch are all included. Local liqueurs are available to buy.

Step-by-step itinerary

River tubing and waterfall hike

• Ride the brujitas jungle rail carts
• Walk up-river with inner tubes
• Visit natural swimming pools like love puddle
• Float down the river relaxing
• Hike to waterfall to feed fish and see turtles
• Enjoy traditional lunch at local restaurant

The experience

You leave Cali in the early morning (either 5:30am or 8am depending on your choice) in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide who speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese. The drive takes you to the San Cipriano reserve, where the real transport begins: the brujitas, wooden carts that locals built to run on abandoned train tracks. You ride these motorized carts into the rainforest, a method that has worked here for decades and is part of how the community still moves through the reserve. A light breakfast of coffee, oatmeal or a croissant is included before you head in.

Once inside the reserve, your guide handles the rest. You visit natural swimming pools scattered through the river, locals call one the "love puddle", and if you want to hike, a waterfall sits upriver where you can feed fish and spot turtles. The core of the day is tubing: you float downriver in an inner tube, moving slowly enough to soak in the rainforest around you. The pace is yours: some people relax the whole way, others stop to swim or explore. After the float, you walk back upriver to a local restaurant run by people from the community, where lunch is fried fish, stewed chicken or a vegetarian plate, depending on what you choose.

The whole experience runs 8 to 10 hours from pickup to return. Infants can come in a stroller or on an adult's lap. The activity suits all fitness levels because you choose how much to hike. Bottled water is provided throughout the day. Local liqueurs are sold at the restaurant if you want them, but they are not included.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Cali with an air-conditioned vehicle.
• pickup at your hotel.
• a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• light breakfast of coffee, oatmeal or croissant.
• entrance fee to the San Cipriano reserve.
• the brujitas ride on wooden jungle carts.
• inner tubes for tubing.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• and lunch at a local restaurant with your choice of fried fish, stewed chicken or vegetarian plate.

Options for this experience

2 options

5.30amGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 05:30Pickup is included with the 5:30am start

8amGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 08:00Includes pickup, start time 8am

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 05:30 and 08:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Child (under 17)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cali Cultural Tours

Is this one for you?Pick the 5:30am start to maximize time floating and hiking without rushing. The 8am departure gives you the same activities but with tighter margins before heading back to Cali.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 17).

Can I do this trip if I've never tubed before?

Yes. The tubing section is a relaxing float downriver, not a whitewater run, and your guide will show you how to use the inner tube. People of all fitness levels do this trip: some hike to the waterfall, others stay in the pools and float.

What are the brujitas and why do we ride them?

The brujitas are wooden carts that run on abandoned train tracks using a motorbike engine. Locals built and still use them to reach the reserve through the rainforest. Riding them is how you get into San Cipriano. It's the only way in and part of the experience itself.

Is lunch included, and what if I'm vegetarian?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included. You can choose fried fish, stewed chicken or a vegetarian option. The restaurant is run by people from the community.

What time do I need to be ready for pickup from my hotel in Cali?

Pickup happens at either 5:30am or 8am depending on which departure you book. Your guide will confirm the exact pickup location and time when you book.

What should I bring or wear for this trip?

Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and bring a change of clothes for after. Bring sunscreen and a hat. Water shoes or sandals that stay on your feet are useful for the river. The guide provides inner tubes and all entrance fees. You just need to bring yourself and a willingness to float.