San José del Guaviare: The Amazonian Gateway and Its Ancestral Treasure, Cerro Azul
One of Colombia’s most fascinating emerging destinations: lush nature, community-based tourism, and ancient rock art.
San José del Guaviare lies at the crossroads between the plains and the Amazon. This destination represents a purposeful form of tourism, where the jungle, local communities, and exceptional archaeological heritage converge to offer an authentic and transformative experience.
Cerro Azul Rock Paintings – World Heritage and Living Archaeology
Located in the Serranía de la Lindosa, about 50 km from San José, Cerro Azul – also known as Cerro Pinturas – holds ochre rock art panels dating back 12,000 years or more.
Part of the Chiribiquete National Natural Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s considered the archaeological equivalent of the “Sistine Chapel” of Amazonian rock art.
The murals span over 100 meters in length and 20 meters in height, with thousands of pictograms: human figures, animals like deer, tapirs, jaguars, and geometric or ritual symbols.
Ochre pigments, extracted from the rock itself, were applied with precision. The overlapping layers show that many generations contributed to this visual legacy.
The site has been protected as an Archaeological Area by ICANH since 2018, alongside other areas in La Lindosa.
Community Tourism: Guardians of the Rock Art
Since 2018, the Fantasías de Cerro Azul Association has led sustainable tourism efforts—guiding, lodging, gastronomy, and conservation—run by farmers, Indigenous people, and ex-combatants in peace reintegration.
The group has around 43 active members, trained in heritage interpretation, first aid, and tourism services. Their goal: to strengthen local opportunities while protecting their heritage.
This model has welcomed over 45,000 visitors, generating a strong economic alternative through ecological conservation, jaguar protection, and environmental education.
Beyond the Rock Art: Nature and Biodiversity
Puerta de Orión: a natural rock formation, perfect for stargazing on clear nights.
Natural pools, tunnels, and lagoons, like Laguna Negra and the crystal-clear pools—ideal for a jungle refresh.
Pink river dolphins in Laguna Damas de Nare: an awe-inspiring Amazon basin experience.
Travel Tips for San José del Guaviare
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get there | Flight from Bogotá to San José del Guaviare + 4×4 or boat transport to Cerro Azul (~50 km). |
| Best season | Year-round; bring proper clothing and footwear for rain and humid terrain. |
| Guides and lodging | Book with Fantasías de Cerro Azul: they offer guided tours, eco-lodges, and Amazonian cuisine. |
| Conservation rules | Guides instruct visitors: dry off sweat before approaching murals, and avoid chemicals near the paintings. |
| Safety | The area is now safe thanks to community presence and demobilized ex-combatants. |
Tierra Querida recommends:
Witnessing the sunrise among the rocks, surrounded by tropical birds.
Admiring the ancient rock art panels of Cerro Pinturas.
Exploring Puerta de Orión and swimming in the natural pools.
Swimming with pink dolphins at Laguna Damas de Nare.
Staying in community-run cabins and tasting Amazonian dishes (cassava bread, local fish, exotic fruits).
For all these reasons…
San José del Guaviare and Cerro Azul are far more than a travel destination—they are a journey into the heart of the Amazon, where ancestral culture, recent history, and natural legacy converge.
Perfect for a Tierra Querida feature with a strong visual, cultural, and purposeful focus.
