Colombia travel blog by Mark Berman -
January 2021
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If there ever was a real hidden gem in Colombia then surely Mocoa must be it. Mocoa is usually overlooked by tourists who travel the main route north or south to or
from Ecuador through Pasto and Popayan. It is well worth the effort to take a detour east from Pasto (5hrs) to get to Mocoa, then continue north up to San Agustin
(3hrs 40mins), then west to Popayan. Or starting in Popayan, head east to San Agustin, south to Mocoa, then west to Pasto that way. In fact San Agustin is another
ever so slightly hidden gem in Colombia with its fascinating archaeological parks. If you love nature and the outdoors, waterfalls, rivers, forest walks, activities
and fun, then Mocoa is a place you must experience! Amazon Jungle Experience
Mocoa is bustling with activities and sights and they are all located together along the same road just a
few kilometers from the town center. Spend a few days here to enjoy all that Mocoa has to offer. Your Amazon jungle experience is closer than you think!
End Of The World Waterfall
The
End of the World Waterfall (Cascada del Fin del Mundo) is the most well-known sight and activity to enjoy in Mocoa and is a highlight. A hike through the jungle for
around 3hrs in total. The walk to the waterfall is mostly up hill and takes around 90mins. Along the way there is much flora to see beside the path, rivers to cross,
waterfalls to see and landscapes to navigate. Once you arrive at the waterfall, each person gets a turn to look over the cliff down towards the waterfall and river
while connected to chains attached to the rocks behind. After this, you can buy lunch from the jungle kitchen and restaurant located here. It's much quicker to get
back to the main road afterwards, being mostly downhill, 30-40mins only. The hike to the End of the World Waterfall is a great half-day adventure in Mocoa and
afterwards you may be too tired to do any more activities on the same day. Maybe time to head back to that air-conditioned hotel room. Mocoa sure is hot and sweaty.
We are talking drenched t-shirt hot and sweaty!
CEA (Centro Experimental Amazonico)
CEA (Centro Experimental Amazonico) is another popular acticity in Mocoa with pathways through the forest to
walk, exotic plants and flowers, rescued animals to see including caiman, tapir, capybara, wild pigs, tucan, turtles and monkeys. You can see other animals and birds
naturally as you walk around the park. Guides take you in small groups around the park and explain all aspects of their operation as they go. The tour of the Centro
Experimental Amazonico takes around 90mins and is very easy compared to the hike to the End of the World Waterfall.
Paway Natural Reserve
Paway Natural Reserve is located
right beside the Pepino River about 1.5kms from the entrance to the End of the World Waterfall. Paway Natural Reserve has a butterfly sanctuary, walking paths
through the forest, flora and fauna, jungle huts to stay, education about nature and animals to see including monkeys and birds for which you can interact with.
More Activities In Mocoa
Other attractions in Mocoa include the ITP Botanical Garden, Hornoyaco Waterfall and Salto del Indio. Mocoa is definitely an upcoming destination (hidden gem) in Colombia!
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2 people look over the cliff at the End of the World Waterfall while attached to chains in Mocoa.
Beautiful red flower with yellow interior basks in the sunlight in the jungle in Mocoa.
Waterfall and water pool in the jungle in Mocoa, hike and enjoy nature here.
Large green melon grows in the jungle in Mocoa.
