Best attractions and places to see in Calima include natural features and cultural sites. This region in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, is known for Calima Lake, one of the largest artificial lakes in the country, nestled between Andean mountain ridges. It offers a blend of pre-Columbian history and diverse natural landscapes, including jungle-like tropical vegetation and rivers.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
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Popular around Calima
You have to prepare for good distances, height, being in the middle of nature, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and much more.
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In the municipality of St. Cipriano there are many food stalls where tasty local specialties are prepared in the simplest way. Due to the proximity to the Pacific (port town of Buenaventura), fresh shellfish are also offered.
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There is a deep swimming area in the Rio Escalarete close to the old bridge. We enjoyed swimming in the crystal clear cool water. The source areas of the river are significantly higher, so that the water is still very cool and refreshing despite the humid heat. In front of the rocks on the impact slope the water depth is over 2 m, on the sliding slope it is almost knee-high. Bring bathing shoes!
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After riding the Motobruja, entrance area to the San Cipriano nature reserve. There is a small entrance fee. In the valley of the Rio Escalarete, jungle-like tropical vegetation.
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To visit the San Cipriano nature reserve, you arrive from Córdoba on the Via Buenaventura - Córdoba - Loboguerrero with the Motobruja of the Coomutransfur cooperative. The journey over the old tracks is an adventure in itself.
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Calima offers diverse natural beauty, centered around Calima Lake, known for its consistent strong winds ideal for water sports. You can also visit the San Cipriano Nature Reserve with its jungle-like tropical vegetation, or find refreshing dips at the Swimming spot on the Río Escalarete. Other natural highlights include the Maria Luisa Waterfalls and the Bosque de Yotoco National Forest Reserve.
For a refreshing swim, head to the Swimming spot on the Río Escalarete. This river offers crystal-clear, cool water, with depths exceeding 2 meters in front of certain rocks, perfect for a dip amidst the humid heat. Remember to bring bathing shoes.
Calima Lake is renowned as one of the top locations globally for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to its consistent strong winds. Visitors can also enjoy pontoon boat rides, jet ski rentals, kayaks, and sunfish sailboats. Beach #5 is a popular spot for these activities.
Yes, Calima has a rich cultural heritage. The Calima Archaeological Museum in Darién showcases pre-Hispanic artifacts from the ancient Calima civilization. You can also visit Fondadores Park, the main square in Darién, and the architecturally notable Church of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro.
The San Cipriano Brujita Railway offers an adventurous journey to the San Cipriano Nature Reserve. You can take the 'Motobruja' from Córdoba, which transports visitors over old tracks, providing a unique and memorable experience.
Beyond the attractions, Calima offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous cycling routes, including touring bicycle, mountain biking, and road cycling options. For example, there are routes like the 'Calima Dam loop' for moderate cycling or more challenging mountain bike trails. Find more details on routes in the Cycling in Calima, MTB Trails in Calima, and Road Cycling Routes in Calima guides.
Families can enjoy the adventurous San Cipriano Brujita Railway ride to the nature reserve. The Seafood Stalls in San Cipriano offer tasty local specialties, including fresh shellfish, which can be a fun culinary experience. Calima Lake also provides opportunities for various water sports suitable for different ages.
In San Cipriano, you'll find many Seafood Stalls offering fresh shellfish and other local specialties due to its proximity to the Pacific. Throughout the region, you can savor traditional dishes like 'sancocho de gallina,' cold meats, and various sweets. Darién also has bakeries and ice cream shops like Machu Cream.
Calima Lake is known for its consistent strong winds, making it suitable for windsurfing and kitesurfing year-round. However, the region hosts summer celebrations in mid-August, which can be a lively time to visit.
Visitors appreciate the jungle-like tropical vegetation and the natural environment of the San Cipriano Nature Reserve. It's an immersive experience in the valley of the Rio Escalarete, often accessed via the unique Motobruja railway, which adds to the adventure.
Yes, for scenic views, consider visiting the Maria Luisa Waterfalls and Tribune Lookout, which can be reached via ecological trails or horseback riding from Darién. Additionally, the Los De Arriba Ecolodge Cabin offers stunning views, being situated amidst nature with vistas of waterfalls, rivers, and lakes.


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