Colombiafrank‘s Florencia Colombia Travel Guide

Updated on 03/15/2024

Dear readers
My name is Frank and I run a tour operator in Bogota, specializing in custom-made and Colombia luxury travel.

At the end of this guide you will find a list of many other helpful travel guides for Colombia.

Why visit Florencia?

Florencia is a destination that offers a wide variety of natural, cultural and historical attractions. It is the capital of the department of Caquetá and the most populous municipality in the Colombian Amazon. Known as the “Golden Gateway to the Colombian Amazon” due to its strategic location between the Eastern Cordillera and the Amazon Rainforest.

Florencia is ideal for visitors who want to discover the biodiversity, gastronomy and traditions of this part of the country. In addition, the city has a hotel and service infrastructure that facilitates the accommodation and transportation of tourists. In my opinion, Florencia is a city that surprises with its beauty, its people and its potential. It is a city worth visiting and enjoying.

Facts about Florencia

Florencia is a city in southern Colombia, bordering the Amazon. The city has an estimated 190,000 inhabitants and is located at an altitude of 242 meters above sea level. Florencia has a tropical rainy climate characterized by high humidity and an average temperature of 26°C all year round. The rainiest months are April, May, October and November.

Florencia was founded by Spanish settlers in 1902, although the region had been inhabited by indigenous people for centuries. Today the city is the capital of the department of Caquetá and an important economic and cultural center of the region. Agriculture and animal husbandry are the most important economic sectors in and around Florencia and provide work and income for many residents. The city is also home to some small manufacturing industries, such as B. the textile and furniture industry and food processing.

In recent years, Florencia’s tourism industry has grown thanks to the city’s natural attractions, such as the Amazon rainforest and the Caquetá River. Visitors to the region can enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching, and rafting, among others. Despite its economic and cultural importance, Florencia faces challenges related to poverty, inequality and violence that have hampered the city’s development. However, local authorities and community members are working to overcome these problems and create a brighter future for the city and its residents.

Tourist attractions in Florencia

Florencia is a city that offers a unique blend of landscapes, cultures and wildlife of the Amazon and Andes. Whether you are looking for adventure, history or nature, you will find something to suit your taste in Florencia. Some of the interesting places you can visit are:

Cajona Gorge

The Cajona Canyon is one of the most impressive natural attractions of the Las Dalias Natural Reserve, located in the municipality of La Montañita, in the department of Caquetá.

It is a rock formation bordering the La Cajona stream, creating a unique landscape rich in biodiversity. In this place, one can engage in eco-tourism and adventure activities such as hiking, caving, wildlife and plant observation and enjoying a 12-meter-high waterfall. To reach the Cajona Gorge from Florencia, take the road that leads to La Montañita and then follow the Los Morros path to the entrance of the reserve.

La Maloca del Huitoto

La Maloca del Huitoto is a place where you can learn about the culture and wisdom of this indigenous people of the Colombian Amazon. It is located in the village of El manantial.

To get there from Florencia you can take a bus or a taxi to the village of San Martin and from there walk about 20 minutes to the maloca (typical longhouse). There you can participate in their rituals, dances and festivals and mambear with them. You can also learn about their mythology and their view of the universe.

Caqueta Museum

The Caquetá Museum is a place dedicated to preserving and disseminating the history and culture of the Caquetá department. The museum has three halls:

Ethnic room where objects and collections of the indigenous groups living in Caquetá are exhibited.
Colonization room where objects and photographs related to the colonization and development of the department are exhibited.
Historical Memory Room, where historical and socio-cultural aspects of Caquetá and its communities are documented and disseminated.

The opening times are from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Appointments can be made for groups.

Cueva de los Guacharos National Natural Park

An incredible place that houses a great variety of flora and fauna as well as one of the largest caves in Colombia.

To reach the park from Florencia, take a bus or private car to the municipality of San José del Fragua, which is about 100 km (62 miles) away. There you can stay in one of the hotels or fincas that offer accommodation and meals. From San José del Fragua you have to drive along a dirt road to the village of Palestina, where the entrance to the park is located. The journey takes about two and a half hours and is best done by 4×4 or motorbike.

Entrance to the park costs 20,000 pesos per person for Colombians and 50,000 pesos (US$11) for foreigners. Children under 5 years are free. The opening times are daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In the park you can engage in various activities such as B. hiking, bird watching, caving and camping. You can also hire local guides to accompany you and explain the history and culture of the place.

Tourist activities in Florencia

Florencia is not only a place to see, but also a place to do. There are numerous activities to enjoy in and around the city such as:

Rafting on the Orteguaza River

The Orteguaza River is about 150 km (93 miles) long and runs through jungle and mountain landscapes. It offers rafting fans different levels of difficulty. Prices vary depending on the time of year, the number of people, and the length of the tour, but there are deals starting at 50,000 Colombian pesos per person. It is advisable to book in advance and bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen and closed-toe shoes.

Lunch with monkeys in La Calera Amazonica

Would you like to enjoy a delicious and healthy lunch surrounded by nature and monkeys? Then you should definitely go to La Calera Visit Amazónica, an ecological restaurant in the heart of the jungle.

Here you can taste typical dishes from the region, prepared with organic and local ingredients. You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with the local monkeys. La Calera Amazónica is the ideal place to escape from the stress of the city and connect with the biodiversity of our land.

The Marco Polo Ferry

A relaxing boat trip on the Caquetá River, admiring the scenery and spotting birds and turtles.

Toucans Viewpoint

The Mirador de los Tucanes in Caquetá is an ideal place for bird watching. From here you can admire the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest, such as the colorful toucans, parrots, hummingbirds and macaws. The viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the landscape and the opportunity to enjoy nature and silence.

Best time to visit Florencia

The best time to visit Florencia, Caquetá, is between December and March, when the weather is drier and sunnier. During this time, you can enjoy the natural beauties of the region.

Events in Florence

If you are interested in culture, you can visit the Amazon Folk Festival in June, a colorful event celebrating the diversity and richness of music and dance in the Amazon. If you like animals, you should visit the Festival of Horses and Cattle in October, an agricultural event that showcases the best horses and cattle in the region.

If you like music, in December you can visit the Festival Colono de Oro, a musical event that awards the best singers and composers of Caquetá folk music.

Nightlife in Florence

Here are some of the main places where nightlife happens in Florencia:

Punto clave bar

A popular bar offering live music, karaoke, cocktails and snacks in a cozy and friendly atmosphere.

Habana

Trendy nightclub with DJ, dancers and shows in a spacious and modern setting.

Typical food in Florencia

Next to La Calera Amazonica there are a few other places where you can get to know the gastronomy of the city:

Recuerdos de Ypacaraí: An elegant restaurant with international and South American cuisine in a cozy and romantic atmosphere. You can enjoy live music and a wide selection of wines and cocktails.
Enchilangos Tex Mex Food: A lively restaurant serving Mexican cuisine. Here you can try enchiladas, burritos, nachos and margaritas.
anforavid Healthy Bakery: A bakery that offers healthy and organic products such as bread, cakes, biscuits and muesli. Here you will also find vegan and gluten-free options.

Where to stay in Florencia?

Make your visit to Florence unforgettable from sunrise to sunset. Find your ideal hotel in our careful selection of accommodations.

The Best Hotels in Florencia.

How to get to Florencia

To get to Florencia there are two options:

Airplane

One way to get from Bogotá to Florencia is by plane. The flight time is about an hour and a half and the price varies depending on the season and the airline. Flights from El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá to Gustavo Artunduaga Airport Paredes in Florencia can be found on Satena, a Colombian airline that offers regional flights, or on EasyFly.

Bus

One of the ways to travel from Bogota to Florencia is by bus. The distance between the two cities is about 520 km (323 miles) and the journey takes between 9 and 11 hours. Some of the bus companies that serve this route are Coomotor, Flota La Macarena and Cootransfusa.

The easiest way to buy tickets is through Pinbus.

How to get around Florencia?

Florencia is a small town that is easy to get around on foot or by bike. You can rent bikes from some hotels and shops in town.

If you prefer to use public transport, you can take buses or taxis that run within the city and to surrounding towns. The bus fare is 2,000 COP and the taxi fare depends on the distance and time of day.

You can also rent a car or motorbike if you want more freedom and flexibility in getting around. You can find car and motorbike rentals at the airport or at some agencies in the city.

Another way to get around Florencia is by river. You can catch a ferry from Puerto Arango, a port on the Orteguaza River, to other destinations along the river and the Caquetá River. The ferries are used for both cargo and passengers.

Colombia Travel Guides

Here you will find travel guides for the most popular regions in Colombia, which we have put together during our extensive travels around the country.

Travel Guides to Colombia’s Small Towns

Here you will find travel guides for less popular destinations in Colombia. Some of these destinations are even real insider tips and not even known to the Colombians as travel destinations.

About Author

Frank

Hello! I'm Frank Spitzer, the founder and the heart behind Pelecanus, a specialized tour operator for Colombia travel. My journey in travel is vast and rich – I've explored over 60 countries, absorbing cultures, experiences, and stories along the way. Since 2017, I've been channeling this wealth of global experience into creating unforgettable travel experiences in Colombia. I'm recognized as a leading authority in Colombian tourism, with a deep-seated passion for sharing this beautiful country with the world. You can catch glimpses of my travel adventures and insights around Colombia on my YouTube channel. I'm also active on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, where I share the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Colombia. For professional networking, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. Join me on this incredible journey, and let's explore the wonders of Colombia together!

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