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Colombia🇨🇴 | national parksCueva de los Guácharos National ParkOilbird cave, Suaza River, station stay, cloud forest | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Cueva de los Guácharos
👌 Worth visitingnational park ranked #16
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Oilbirds, the guácharos, roost in the cave near the Suaza River, and you hear their clicking and shrieks before your eyes adjust. The park sits in Colombia’s southwest, where Huila meets Caquetá. Skip rushing it in a day, since the road in is rough and the cave visit is short. Stay overnight at the station instead. A cook there told me, “the birds leave at dusk, so come early,” and I’d follow that. Trails are muddy, the cloud forest is dense, crowds are thin. Beyond the cave mouth, a creek runs over pale limestone.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #16 national park in ColombiaWhat sets this place apart

Cueva de los Guácharos National Park suits backpackers who want a remote, self-paced stay in cloud forest rather than a quick tour. The main draw is the oilbird colony, one of the few places in Colombia where you can see these nocturnal fruit-eating birds roosting. Trails start right at the station, so you can walk without a guide for much of it, though the cave itself needs a ranger. The wet Andean-Amazon transition forest brings tree ferns, orchids and loud birdlife. Because access is slow, you get quiet mornings and forest that feels untouched, a real contrast to the busier Huila stops like San Agustín.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Cueva de los Guácharos

  1. Cueva de los Guácharos: the namesake cave, where oilbirds roost and navigate by echolocation. A ranger leads you in along the stream, and the clicking is loud.
  2. Oilbird dusk exit: at evening the birds stream out to feed on palm fruit, a sound and sight worth waiting for near the cave mouth.
  3. Cloud forest trails: moss-draped trunks, tree ferns and epiphytes crowd the paths near the visitor station.
  4. Río Suaza: the river emerges from the cave system and cuts through the park, with clear pools and loud rapids.
  5. Birdwatching near the station: Andean cock-of-the-rock and many tanagers are the sought-after species in the early morning.
  6. Cueva de los Tucanes: a smaller cave reached on a longer walk, quieter and less visited.
  7. Spectacled bear country: you are unlikely to see one, but tracks and claw-marked trees
… read more 👉
  1. Cueva de los Guácharos: the namesake cave, where oilbirds roost and navigate by echolocation. A ranger leads you in along the stream, and the clicking is loud.
  2. Oilbird dusk exit: at evening the birds stream out to feed on palm fruit, a sound and sight worth waiting for near the cave mouth.
  3. Cloud forest trails: moss-draped trunks, tree ferns and epiphytes crowd the paths near the visitor station.
  4. Río Suaza: the river emerges from the cave system and cuts through the park, with clear pools and loud rapids.
  5. Birdwatching near the station: Andean cock-of-the-rock and many tanagers are the sought-after species in the early morning.
  6. Cueva de los Tucanes: a smaller cave reached on a longer walk, quieter and less visited.
  7. Spectacled bear country: you are unlikely to see one, but tracks and claw-marked trees hint at them in the higher forest.
The oilbird cave and the dusk exit pair naturally in one day, since you tour the cave in the afternoon and wait for the birds to leave.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Cueva de los Guácharos National Park

Horseback Riding Tour and visit to Tablón, Chaquira, Pelota and Purutal

Horseback Riding Tour and visit to Tablón, Chaquira, Pelota and Purutal

4.9(12) 4h
From €96
per personViator
Private Guided Tour in The Archaeological Park

Private Guided Tour in The Archaeological Park

5.0(6)
From €78
per personViator
Private Tour in an Authentic, Ecological Local Coffee Finca.

Private Tour in an Authentic, Ecological Local Coffee Finca.

5.0(6)
From €38
per personViator
Private Jeep Tour to the Surroundings of San Agustín

Private Jeep Tour to the Surroundings of San Agustín

4.8(5)
From €108
per personViator
Mountain bike route through San Agustín and its surroundings

Mountain bike route through San Agustín and its surroundings

3.7(6) 4h 30m
From €18.15
per personViator
Magdalena Strait Route

Magdalena Strait Route

4.3(3)
From €18.15
per personViator
Private Experience at the Gate of the Colombian Massif

Private Experience at the Gate of the Colombian Massif

5.0(2) 12h
From €90
per personViator
Private Guided Rafting on Magdalena River

Private Guided Rafting on Magdalena River

5.0(2)
From €98
per personViator
Hidden waterfall route

Hidden waterfall route

5.0(1)
From €18.15
per personViator
2D/1N Private Culture & Archaeological Tour in San Agustin

2D/1N Private Culture & Archaeological Tour in San Agustin

5.0(1) 48h
From €334
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

  • Drier Months (December to February): Your best odds for firm trails and open skies. Highs reach 20 to 22°C (68 to 72°F), nights drop to 10 to 12°C (50 to 54°F), and Colombian holidays bring the most visitors and tight beds.
  • Rainy Peaks (April to June, October to November): Downpours are frequent, trails turn to slick clay, and river levels rise. Expect 18 to 20°C (64 to 68°F) by day, with fewer people and easy lodging.
  • July to August: Lighter rain and a second domestic holiday bump, with moderate crowds.
Daylight stays close to 12 hours all year, so plan to be back from the cave before dusk. Book ahead for long weekends (puentes), since lodging inside the park is limited.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: good for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
when-to-go

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🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

The only option inside the park is its camping zone, with space for 10 tents, two bathrooms with showers and a shared cooking area. Bring your own tent and gear, and reserve ahead through Parques Nacionales. Outside the park, the nearest base is San Agustín, about 3 to 4 hours away by road, with many hostels from US$8 to 15 for a dorm. The closer village of Palestina, in Huila, has simple guesthouses for US$10 to 20. Reaching the park from there takes a rough ride on dirt roads, so arrive in daylight.
Best hostels in Colombia


Best quality hotels in Colombia

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)Typical daily expenses

Expect to spend about US$50 per day for a backpacking visit to Cueva de los Guácharos National Park, mostly on lodging and food.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$6 to 12Lower for Colombian residents; foreigners pay more, in pesos.
Accommodation (high season)US$12 to 20Camping zone in the park; bring your own tent.
Local transportUS$6 to 10Shared jeeps or colectivos over rough roads from nearby villages.
Food and suppliesUS$10 to 15Simple set meals on site; bring snacks, as shops are limited.
Guide and cave visitUS$3 to 8Guides are required for the cave trail.
Total Daily BudgetUS$37 to 65Roughly US$50 midrange for one day.


source: parquesnacionales.gov.co
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsWhere to hike in Cueva de los Guácharos: trails for every level

Cueva de los Guácharos National Park has a compact trail network around the Palestina station, mostly short, muddy forest walks with some steep stairs and stream crossings.
  • Sendero Cueva de los Guácharos: about 1 to 2 hours return, easy to moderate. Follows the river through forest to the cave mouth; a ranger accompanies you inside.
  • Sendero Cueva de los Tucanes: roughly 3 to 4 hours return, moderate. Longer forest walk with slippery sections and a quieter cave.
  • Sendero Río Suaza: short riverside walk, easy, good for birds and pools.
Expect rain at any time, so bring waterproof boots and a poncho. … read more 👉
Cueva de los Guácharos National Park has a compact trail network around the Palestina station, mostly short, muddy forest walks with some steep stairs and stream crossings.
  • Sendero Cueva de los Guácharos: about 1 to 2 hours return, easy to moderate. Follows the river through forest to the cave mouth; a ranger accompanies you inside.
  • Sendero Cueva de los Tucanes: roughly 3 to 4 hours return, moderate. Longer forest walk with slippery sections and a quieter cave.
  • Sendero Río Suaza: short riverside walk, easy, good for birds and pools.
Expect rain at any time, so bring waterproof boots and a poncho. Wildlife includes oilbirds, cock-of-the-rock, monkeys and occasionally bears. Reaching the park means taking transport to the Palestina area in Huila, then a rough road onward, often by jeep or on foot for the last stretch. Visitor numbers are low, a few dozen on busy holiday weekends. There is an entrance fee, around US$5 to 10, with higher rates for foreigners. Register at the station, and arrange the ranger-led cave visit there.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

The main hazards here are mud and rain, not people. Trails inside the park are slippery clay and wet roots, so wear boots with real tread and move slowly, especially around the cave entrance where footing is uneven. Bring a headlamp and a rain jacket, since showers arrive fast at this altitude. Guides lead cave visits, and following their lead matters: keep lights low and voices quiet around the oilbirds (guácharos) so you don’t disturb them. Mobile coverage is poor, so tell the rangers your plans. Dirt access roads can become impassable after heavy rain, so leave a buffer day.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Two days and one night is the practical minimum for Cueva de los Guácharos National Park, since access roads are slow. The cave trail and an oilbird visit take half a day, and a second day lets you walk forest trails toward the river. Add a third day if you want longer hikes or rain delays you.
Yes, though it takes planning. Reach Cueva de los Guácharos National Park by bus to Pitalito, then take a colectivo or jeep to Palestina, and continue on the rough road to the park, roughly 1 to 2 hours. Services are infrequent, so confirm your return ride and leave in daylight.
Yes. Cueva de los Guácharos National Park charges an entrance fee of roughly US$6 to 12 for foreign visitors, paid in pesos, with lower rates for Colombians. Lodging and camping should be reserved ahead through Parques Nacionales, and cave visits are done with a guide. Check current access status before traveling, as conditions can change.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Colombian national parks near Cueva de los Guácharos

Explore more nearby:


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We 💚 feedbackSumming up the experience

Cueva de los Guácharos National Park pairs well with San Agustín and its archaeological sites, a few hours by road, so I would do the cave and the dusk bird exit first, then ride on to the statues. Bring rain gear and plan at least one overnight.

✈️ When did I visit Colombia?
Did a good 3-week trip around Colombia in August 2014.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Colombia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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