Tourism in Vaupés

The department of Vaupés is one of the most remote and authentic destinations in the Colombian Amazon. Mitú, its capital, is a city nestled in the jungle where the Vaupés River with its impressive rapids defines the landscape and rhythm of life. Vaupés is home to more than 25 indigenous groups —the greatest ethnic diversity of any department in Colombia— and its malocas, rituals and traditional knowledge of the jungle are the main cultural attraction. It is a destination for experienced travelers seeking the authentic, the remote and the little-explored.

MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF VAUPÉS

The most visited and unmissable destinations and experiences in Vaupés:

Attraction	Type	Description
Vaupés River Rapids	Nature / Adventure	The rapids of the Vaupés are natural obstacles of enormous beauty. Kayaking with local guides.
Indigenous Malocas — Community Tourism	Indigenous culture	Visit to malocas (communal houses) with rituals, music, ancestral medicine and crafts.
Cerro Yuruparí	Nature / Myth	Sacred hill of the Desana culture. At its base arise the rituals of yuruparí, forbidden to women.
Sport Fishing in Vaupés	Adventure	Tucunaré (pavón), payara, arawana. The rivers of Vaupés hold Amazonian sport fishing records.

ECOTOURISM AND NATURE IN VAUPÉS

Vaupés is part of the Guiana Shield, with rock outcrops 1.7 billion years old. The Nukak National Natural Reserve (shared with Guaviare) protects virgin indigenous territory. The blackwater rivers of Vaupés are unique: the black color from tannins creates an acidic environment that limits malaria and mosquitoes.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE OF VAUPÉS

Vaupés has the greatest linguistic diversity in Colombia: more than 25 active indigenous languages. The rule of linguistic exogamy —one must marry someone from a different language group— has created unique multilingual communities in the world. Chiquichiqui fiber crafts and pottery are unique to each indigenous group.

TYPICAL GASTRONOMY OF VAUPÉS

Amazonian fish in multiple preparations (roasted in plantain leaf, in yucca broth, fried), casabe, mañoco, jungle fruits (copoazú, arazá, wild pineapple), yucca and fruit chicha. Mojojoy (palm larva) is consumed as protein by the communities.

HOW TO GET THERE

Only by air: Satena flies Bogotá–Mitú (2 h). No road access. Access to communities is exclusively by boat from Mitú.

Also check the climate of Vaupés and the list of municipalities of Vaupés to plan your visit.