The 7 Whitewater Rafting Tours in Colombia That Set the Tone

1.Fun RAFTING + Awesome PARAGLIDING over giant waterfalls from MEDELLIN

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $369Our pick

Leave Medellín at 9:30 a.m. for Cocorná, where you’ll paraglide over waterfalls and canyons for up to 25 minutes, then tackle 2.5 hours of Class IV rafting. Guides such as Fabian, Diego, Julian, Stephen, and Christian are praised for safety, warmth, and good humor. Lunch is optional, and a weather-related flight cancellation brings a $55 refund.

“The rafting was really fun, some really rapid parts and some relaxing parts to appreciate the great nature!”

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2.Fun White Water Rafting (Optional Paragliding) Private Tour from Medellin

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $278

Travel from Medellín to Cocorná for a private 2.5-hour rafting run on the Calderas River, rated Class III/IV. A driver, rafting guides, safety kayaker, helmet, insurance, hotel transfers, and snacks are included. You need to be at least 16 and reasonably fit. Paragliding is advertised as optional, but its details should be confirmed before booking.

“Rafting and guide - 5 stars. He was excellent and the river was super fun! One of the better white rafting trips I have done! Driver and staff via WhatsApp- 3 stars. They changed our pickup time 8pm the night before. The driver was a bad driver lot of swerving and he didn’t pick us up from the take out point he was 45 minutes late left us cold and wet and didn’t give us any snacks so no food like described. Whoever mans the WhatsApp responded but never followed back up at all at the time of time writing this review.”

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3.Rio Verde Day Trip – Rafting Medellín

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $225

Leave Medellín at 6:00 am for a private Rio Verde rafting trip with roughly four hours on Class III and IV rapids, two portages, a guided rock jump, breakfast, lunch, and round-trip transport. Guides including Stiven and Oscar have received praise for safety and good humor. The day lasts about 14 hours.

“Stephen was our raft guide and he was great thank you so much! Epic day and very long, but totally worth it. AmaoNg views and great whitewater.”

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4.Paragliding and Rafting Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 11 reviews · 9 hours · from $337

Leave Medellín with an English- or Spanish-speaking driver, fly for 25 minutes above mountain canyons and waterfalls, then tackle three hours of Class IV rafting on the Calderas River. Ecoventure provides guides, safety equipment, insurance, photos, and videos. The flight depends on weather, and lunch is paid separately.

“It was a day of first times, we really enjoyed both activities! All the guides we have where amazing, doing there work with passion.”

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5.Rafting Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 7 reviews · 6 hours · from $279

Leave Medellín or Rionegro at 9:00 AM for Cocorná and Playa Loca, where bilingual guides prepare you for a private rafting trip on the Calderas River. You’ll tackle Class III and IV rapids, stop for snacks, pass beneath Calderas Bridge, and return by road. Fabian is the main driver and guide on many departures.

“That was an exhilarating experience! The guides were all fantastic! What a thrill!! I will do this again and recommend it to anyone who seeks a thrill! Fabian- the main guide who picks you up and drives you is very nice and enthusiastic! Great time with him!!”

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6.ATV Ride and Rafting Experience Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 4 reviews · 6 - 9 hours · from $381

Leave Medellín for Antioquia’s rainforest on a private ATV and rafting day. You’ll ride your own ATV for about an hour, then spend roughly three hours on the Calderas River, tackling Class IV rapids and waterfalls with an English or Spanish guide. Guide John Freddy has also recommended lunch and pointed out local plant species.

“This a worthy booking. We spent the entire day adventuring. First, the ATV ride up the mountain. Then our guide John Freddy recommended an amazing restaurant for lunch. After, we went rafting and spent a solid portion of our day on the river. They stop the raft about halfway through for snacks and some mango juice. It was so peaceful. John Freddy is very knowledgeable and knew every specie we encountered. We had the best time!”

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7.White Water Rafting Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3 reviews · 6 hours · from $199Best value

Leave Bogotá with a private bilingual guide and travel north to the Black River, where a certified instructor covers rafting basics before your group takes on seasonal Class 3 to 4 rapids. The six-hour outing includes transport, hotel pickup, activity tickets, and insurance, but not lunch, drinks, or personal cameras.

“Le rafting était vraiment le fun et le paysage à couper le souffle. Par contre, le trajet de 3h pour y aller était beaucoup trop long. Ça en vaut quand même la peine”

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