Mocoa, Putumayo: Waterfalls, Things to Do & How to Get There
Traveling to Mocoa and Putumayo to discover their natural attractions is a fascinating experience.
The Putumayo department, and its capital Mocoa in particular, is a destination that welcomes more travelers every day.
Off the traditional tourist circuits, Putumayo is the kind of destination recommended by word of mouth — an ideal place for adventure lovers and for anyone who wants to discover new landscapes. Mocoa is a perfect base for exploring the Colombian Amazon.
Tourism in Putumayo
The Putumayo department sits in southwestern Colombia, in the Amazon region. Because of its topography it is divided into three zones — Upper, Middle and Lower Putumayo — starting at altitudes of 3,800 m and descending to the Amazon lowlands. Its capital is Mocoa, which is also its most visited destination.
Mocoa is the gateway to the Putumayo region and an ideal place to base yourself and explore the surroundings. With a population of around 50,000, it is a lively, thriving city that has all the infrastructure travelers need to enjoy their trip: hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, health centers and a variety of shops.
How to get to Mocoa
By air: the airports of Villagarzón (17 km) and Puerto Asís (88 km). Airline: Satena.
By land:
- From Bogotá – Neiva – Pitalito – Mocoa (11 hours).
- From Cali – Popayán – La Plata – Pitalito – Mocoa.
- From Pasto – Sibundoy – Mocoa (5 hours).
- From Quito – Lago Agrio (250 km, 4 hours) – San Miguel – Villagarzón – Mocoa.
- From San Agustín – Mocoa (3.5 hours).
Distances from Mocoa: Puerto Asís 88 km; Pitalito 134 km; Pasto 104 km; Neiva 312 km; Bogotá 611 km; Medellín 917 km; San Miguel international bridge 187 km; Nueva Loja, Ecuador 213 km.
Bus companies to Mocoa
Expreso Bolivariano
Phone: +57 1 4249090
Website: bolivariano.com.co
Transipiales
WhatsApp: +57 317 4410917
Website: transipialesvirtual.com
Things to see in Mocoa
Hornoyaco Waterfall
The Hornoyaco waterfall is about 55 meters tall, with very clean water. Near it stands a maloka belonging to Taita Pasos, who is highly respected for his yagé (ayahuasca) ceremonies.
Fin del Mundo (End of the World) Waterfalls
A series of emerald-green waterfalls ending in a large main fall 70 meters high, which also forms a viewpoint overlooking Mocoa and part of the Churumbelo mountain range.
Paway Butterfly House
The Paway butterfly house is about 500 meters from the Dantayaco tourist lodge, on the bank of the Pepino River. Alongside it is an animal shelter with several species placed in its care, such as macaws, parrots and monkeys. You can also visit a cabin built on a ceiba tree 25 meters up, and walk the ecological trails.
Amazon Experimental Center (CEA)
A fauna and flora reserve and Amazon research center, led by Corpoamazonia and linked to the Cali Zoo. There you can see Amazonian wildlife and plants. One area holds animals that were seized or handed over to the authorities and are being readied to return to the wild. It has an environmental classroom and is popular with students on educational field trips. Website: amazoniaesenciadevida.com.co
Licamancha Caves
The Licamancha caves are in the Cauca department, but they are very popular with visitors to Mocoa thanks to their easy access. You drive to a point and then walk 6 km, or take a boat, to reach the caves. They have an explored depth of about 700 meters, with water and bats inside.
Ojo de Dios
The Ojo de Dios ("Eye of God") waterfall is notable for passing through an oval opening in the rock; it is about 35 meters high.
Mandiyaco Canyon
The Mandiyaco canyon is a geological feature 441 meters long. It is surrounded by lush vegetation that is home to a wide variety of birds.
Visitor services
Hotels: Dantayaco tourist lodge.
Excursions: Ecoturismo. Tel: 3124134102 — 3204773530.
Website: ecoturismoputumayo.com
Map of Mocoa, Putumayo
Frequently asked questions about Mocoa
It is the capital of Putumayo, in southwestern Colombia, in the Amazon region. It is the gateway to Putumayo, surrounded by jungle, rivers and waterfalls.
By air to the nearby airports of Villagarzón (17 km) or Puerto Asís (88 km) with Satena; by land, from Bogotá via Neiva–Pitalito (about 11 h) or from Cali via Popayán–Pitalito.
Visit the Fin del Mundo waterfall, the Hornoyaco falls, the butterfly house, the caves, the river swimming spots and the Ojo de Dios — a mix of nature and adventure.
For the waterfalls and jungle trails it is best to go with local guides, because of the terrain and the hikes; there are agencies in town that organize the trips.
Warm and humid, with the frequent rains typical of the Andean Amazon; bring a raincoat, walking shoes and insect repellent.
It can be visited all year; it is best to choose drier days for the waterfalls and to check the state of the roads before traveling overland.