There is no bad time to visit Mesetas, but each season offers different trips. The town sits between the Andes, the Orinoco plains and the Amazon, with temperatures between 18 and 28 °C all year. What changes is the rain, and the rain decides how full the rivers and waterfalls are.
Rainy season: April to November
From about April or May until November, rain fills the rivers and waterfalls.
This is the best time for waterfall hikes. Telares de Cristal, a 40 meter waterfall you can walk behind, runs from April to November. Arenales, an 80 meter waterfall with a white sand beach, reaches its peak flow. The Guejar natural pools have stronger water and more drama.
It is also the season for Caño Cristales, Caño Siete Machos and Caño Canoas. The aquatic plant that turns these rivers red shows its color from June to November. Our 3 day route from Mesetas visits all three.
Rafting on the Guejar River runs all year. In the rainy season the river is higher and faster, and the minimum age is 7.
Dry season: December to March
From December to March the rivers drop and the water turns clear.
This is the only time to go tubing in the Guape Canyon. The municipality of Uribe opens the canyon in these months because the water level is safe. You float past rock formations, a cave with oilbirds and emerald pools.
It is also the best season for families. Kids from 5 years old can raft the Guejar Canyon when the river is low. Tubing on the Cafre River runs in this season too.
December, January and Easter week are Colombian holidays, so weekends book out early. Midweek dates are quieter.
Available all year
Some trips run in every season: Guejar Canyon rafting, the Arenales waterfall hike, the Guejar natural pools and the Santo Domingo waterfall with hot springs inside Sierra de La Macarena National Park.
Our recommendation
Come in the rainy season if you want waterfalls and Caño Cristales. Come in the dry season if you want water sports and a family trip. If you can only pick one month, July to November gives you Caño Cristales and full waterfalls, and the Guejar rafting is running too.
What to pack in any season
Quick dry clothes, water shoes, hiking shoes, a light rain jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent and a reusable bottle. Single use plastic is not allowed on our tours.
Plan your trip
Tell us your dates on WhatsApp at +57 310 312 3705 and we will suggest the best trips for that week. Browse all our trips in Mesetas or read our Guejar rafting guide.