A hidden paradise in the middle of the Colombian mountains: Anyone looking for the country’s untouched, water-rich wilderness will find a true natural wonder in the Oriente Antioqueño, at around 1,000 meters above sea level. The region around San Carlos boasts extreme biodiversity and lush landscapes with abundant water at every turn – a paradise that scores points with the pleasantly warm climate of the mid-altitudes.

Right here, in the middle of the forest overlooking the river, lies the boutique hotel Montés Samaná. It is an idyllic sanctuary for anyone seeking the perfect balance of untouched beauty, authentic adventure, and deep tranquility. The operators follow a strictly sustainable concept, where protecting the environment and the sensitive ecosystem is always the top priority.

The lodge’s freestanding cabañas are the heart of the property: they can be opened almost completely upon request, causing the boundary between indoors and outdoors to vanish, leaving you fully connected with the forest. Each cabaña also features a private deck – the perfect spot to watch the river, unwind, and above all, observe countless colorful birds directly in the treetops.

Nature Experience Meets Contemporary History: The Versatile 4-Day Package

To fully immerse ourselves in this region, we offer a carefully curated package spanning 4 days and 3 nights. The days offer a perfect blend of authentic adventures in nature and deep cultural insights:

• Eye-opening cultural experience at the Museo de la Memoria: In the charming small town of San Carlos, we visit this moving museum. It offers an up-close insight into the history of the Colombian conflict and impressively shows how it shaped the region. A deeply touching experience that gets under your skin, while highlighting how strong, resilient, and full of hope the community is today.

• Traditional mule rides: On these sure-footed animals, we travel through varied terrain, past dense forests and open pastures.

• Gentle river rafting: On a calm section of the Río Samaná, we glide leisurely through a spectacular canyon landscape.

• Nature and bird watching: Guided hikes sharpen our eyes for the exotic flora and fauna.

This package is ideal for nature lovers, active explorers who don’t mind getting a little dirty, and especially for families, as everyone from young to old will find something to enjoy. Proper nourishment is provided by the included full board, featuring truly delicious, healthy food freshly prepared from local ingredients.

Good to know for your journey

The drive from Rionegro Airport (MDE) to San Carlos takes about 2.5 hours (from Medellín approx. 3.5 hours). The final stretch from the municipality of San Carlos to the hotel takes about another hour and leads mostly over an unpaved road. This seclusion ensures that the lodge remains an exclusive retreat, untouched by mass tourism.

The Package at a Glance:

• 3 nights in cabañas at Hotel Montés Samaná

• Full board

• All private transfers from/to Rionegro Airport or Medellín

• A diverse program of activities as mentioned above