This submit might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We might obtain a small fee, without charge to you, in case you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
One of many prime sights in Columbia is the Cueva del Esplendor, a singular pure landmark the place a waterfall cascades via a gap within the floor, into the darkish abyss of a cave.
Most individuals choose to go to Cueva del Esplendor both by jeep or mountain climbing, however for many who need a extra enjoyable and mild approach to see this pure surprise, then one of the best ways to go to is by horseback.
We opted to take a 6 hour horse trip to Cueva del Esplendor as a result of it appeared like an ideal approach to spend the day.
When our information recommended an choice to do the primary half of it in a jeep, we scoffed on the thought. Completely not! Horses all the way in which.
We by no means regretted the choice, till the following day when our aching limbs reminded us of what it’s like to sit down on horseback for six hours…
And right here’s why…
The place is Cueva del Esplendor?
Hidden amidst the majestic Colombian Andes lies the fascinating Cueva del Esplendor. This enchanting waterfall, nestled inside a cave, is positioned simply outdoors the charming pueblo of Jardin.
Jardín is positioned in a valley, which is surrounded by low mendacity mountains dotted with espresso and banana plantations.
To succeed in this pure surprise, you have to both hike alongside muddy mountain paths for 12 miles (which takes round 7 hours there and again) or get a elevate in a jeep for 45 minutes, adopted by a 30 minute stroll.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to trip on horseback from Jardin, which is how we visited Cueva del Esplendor.
The journey is nicely price it, and regardless of which methodology you select to get there, you’ll be glad you made the hassle to go.
How To Go to Cueva del Esplendor
The cave sits at 2,300 meters above sea stage inside la Cueva del Esplendor Pure Reserve.
There may be an entrance payment to go to the cave, even in case you go alone and hike, which pays for the care, upkeep, and operation of the park.
To ebook excursions or to prepare your entrance ticket, you must go to the Cave Workplace on the town. Right here you should purchase your entrance ticket, insurance coverage and a ranger for 20,000 COP. The worth of transport is extra.
The path to the cave is kind of wild and rugged and never simply marked, so we advocate going with a tour information so that you don’t get misplaced.
You can even ebook excursions with the official tour company in Jardin by contacting them on Whatsapp.
Our Expertise Using Horseback to Cueva del Esplendor
The trip as much as the waterfall was stunning and fairly presumably the spotlight of the whole Colombia journey.
The path climbed up above Jardín, a city positioned 4 hours south of Medellin, which offered us with a chicken’s eye view of the town.
Lush mountains, valleys, and forests surrounded us. It was as if we’d donned glassed painted with inexperienced.
The path was steep, rocky and muddy, and at any second we anticipated our horses to slide and stumble.
Slip and stumble they did, however in some way we managed to hold on.
We went up, larger and better traversing alongside the aspect of a mountain. Quickly we couldn’t see Jardin anymore.
What we noticed as an alternative have been espresso and banana plantations changed by rolling grazing farmlands dotted with the occasional farmhouses.
We lastly realized that is why folks raved a lot about Colombia. This was the panorama that we got here to see.
Plainly each flip introduced us to even a greater view.
After a 3 hour of largely uphill trip, we received off the horses and adopted our information on foot. We went down right into a slippery ditch coated with timber after which we heard it…
The thunderous sound of water that might solely imply one factor, we had made it to Cueva del Esplendor.
What’s Cueva del Esplendor?
Cueva del Esplendor is a fascinating waterfall nestled inside an imposing cave. The pure phenomenon was attributable to the highly effective influence of a waterfall above which carved a gap on the ceiling of the cave under, which now creates a window for the waterfall to stream via.
The water rushes in with such pressure that the entire cave was crammed with tiny water sprays.
The deafening sound of the waterfall echoed across the chamber. The sunshine streaming in from the opening mirrored off the water giving the scene an nearly surreal expertise.
I feel the image would communicate for itself.
We shortly received drenched from all of the water sprays and it was chilly contained in the cave. You may swim contained in the pool created by the waterfall, however it’s freezing, so not many individuals courageous it.
We determined it was too chilly to hold round for too lengthy, so after taking footage, our information signalled (it was so loud we couldn’t hear one another) that it was time to go again.
The trip again was barely worse than the way in which up as a result of our horses have been stumbling and sliding with the steep terrain.
There have been occasions after we have been tempted to get off the horses and stroll as an alternative as we have been so frightened of tumbling over and having the horses land on us.
Perhaps having 4 legs are usually not essentially higher, eh?
Suggestions for Visiting Cueva del Esplendor
Earlier than you go, listed here are some ideas we recommend for visiting Cueva del Esplendor:
- Put on sunscreen. You spend a number of time within the open solar on the journey to Cueva del Esplendor, so it would be best to defend your pores and skin from the tough rays.
- Put on pants, not shorts. In case you plan to trip horseback like us, this can assist defend your thighs from chaffing.
- Begin early. Plan to go to Cueva del Esplendor early within the morning to beat the crowds and benefit from the serenity of the cave and waterfall.
- Put on sturdy sneakers. Even in case you take the jeep and the brief hike, you will have sturdy, closed-toe sneakers. The hike to the cave might be difficult, so make certain to put on snug, sturdy sneakers to navigate via uneven terrain.
- Pack necessities. There aren’t any cafes or eating places, so deliver loads of water, snacks and necessities to maintain you going all through the day.
- Rent an area information. A information is just not solely helpful for instructions, but additionally to supply perception into the area’s historical past, level out hidden gems, and guarantee your security all through the journey.
- Respect nature. Be aware of the surroundings and go away no hint behind. Keep away from littering and observe any tips or restrictions set by native authorities.
- Stroll slowly and thoroughly within the cave. Be cautious of slippery surfaces and take care to keep away from potential falls.
- Plan for dangerous climate. Test the climate forecast earlier than your go to and are available ready with applicable clothes layers in case of sudden adjustments in temperature or rain showers.
Last Ideas
The morning after our horseback driving expertise to Cueva del Esplendor I used to be massaging the tender space on my internal thigh, after I heard Jack mutter beside me, “we’re by no means going to have children due to that horse trip, you understand?”
Yep, it was a bumpy trip!
Would we advocate a horseback journey to the Cueva del Esplendor then? Completely, in case you actually don’t wish to stroll and jeeps make you nauseous.
Actually, until you’re an skilled horse rider, or have groins manufactured from metal, we advocate that you just take the jeep.
In style Colombia Excursions
Extra Columbia Journey Suggestions
Want extra inspiration for a visit to Columbia? Listed here are another useful guides…
Have you ever skilled horse driving in stunning areas like this earlier than? Share your experiences within the feedback part under!
Supply: Breaking Travel News