
Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 111 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas worth booking?
Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas is a 8-hour experience in Medellín, Colombia, from $235 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 111 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (111)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $235 per person
Our Intermediate Rafting trip takes you to the Rio Calderas, located just 2 hours east of Medellin. We pick you up at our offices or at your own doorstep, and everything is included for the day. You don't need any previous experiences, but even the most experienced rafters will have fun on this river! The trips starts with a coffee and a short 4*4 ride to the river, and a safety talk. Then, we head down stream! Enjoy over 3 hours of great whitewater ( class 3/4) and enjoy the stunning ambiance of the jungle! Our guides will also fill you in on the history of the region, and lead you to discover many fun facts about the fauna and flora of the area! We will stop halfway for a great lunch on a pristine beach, when you will also get to relax and swim! At the end of the trip, our professional drivers and comfy vans will take you back to Medellin, and a few days after your trip, you will even get an email with your free photos of the day ;) Let's get out of the city for a day!
What you get
About this experience
Our Intermediate Rafting trip takes you to the Rio Calderas, located just 2 hours east of Medellin. We pick you up at our offices or at your own doorstep, and everything is included for the day. You don't need any previous experiences, but even the most experienced rafters will have fun on this river! The trips starts with a coffee and a short 4*4 ride to the river, and a safety talk. Then, we head down stream! Enjoy over 3 hours of great whitewater ( class 3/4) and enjoy the stunning ambiance of the jungle! Our guides will also fill you in on the history of the region, and lead you to discover many fun facts about the fauna and flora of the area! We will stop halfway for a great lunch on a pristine beach, when you will also get to relax and swim! At the end of the trip, our professional drivers and comfy vans will take you back to Medellin, and a few days after your trip, you will even get an email with your free photos of the day ;) Let's get out of the city for a day!
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- We are the only Certified rafting operation for this River!
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- Insurance is included!
- Enjoy our Internationally certified gears and guides. Safety is our primarily concern
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Medellín
Hostal Masaya. A una cuadra del Parque del Poblado.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Hostal Masaya. A una cuadra del Parque del Poblado.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Expedition Colombia
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 111 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
111 verified traveler reviews for Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A Must‑Do Rafting Trip
Had an incredible time on this rafting trip. Traveling through the tropical rainforest made the entire experience feel unforgettable, and the Class III–IV rapids were the perfect mix of excitement and challenge. The guides were extremely knowledgeable, safety‑focused, and fun to be around, which made the adventure even better. I highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a thrilling and scenic outdoor experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! 😊 We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a great time rafting with us and that the combination of tropical rainforest, Class III–IV rapids, and incredible scenery made the adventure unforgettable. It means a lot to know that you felt safe and comfortable with our guides. We’re passionate about sharing Colombia’s rivers and natural landscapes while creating experiences that are both exciting and memorable. 🌿🛶 Stay connected with us and keep exploring: 📸 IG: @expedition.colombia 👥 FB: Expedition Colombia Travel 🌐 WEB: expeditioncolombia.com Thank you again for joining us, and we hope to see you on the river again soon! 🌊🇨🇴
via Tripadvisor
Once in a lifetime experience!!
What an amazing, once in a lifetime experience!! My husband, 22 year old son, and myself spent a day whitewater rafting on class 3 and 4 rapids and it was incredible! This was our first time rafting, and the rapids were a bit intense, but thanks to our amazing guide Didi, and excellent equipment, we were well prepared for safety, fun, and cooperation as a boat! The scenery was beautiful, and the pickup and drop off options to our airbnbs were very convenient. Add a great lunch at the end and it was a truly incredible day! We will definitely do it again! We absolutely recommend this experience for anyone looking for a little adventure!
Response from the operator: Dear Hara, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 💙 It means a lot to us that you chose to share this adventure with your family. We're thrilled to know your day became such a special memory, and we'd love to welcome you back to Colombia for another unforgettable experience. There are many more rivers and adventures waiting for you!✨ Safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon! Expedition Colombia team 🩵
via Tripadvisor
"Looking for an adventure outside of the city, this is it! The Rio Calderas provides the perfect mix of thril
If you are looking for an adventure outside of the city, this is it! The Rio Calderas river rafting provides the perfect mix of thrilling Class III and IV rapids and breathtaking canyon scenery. Our guides were internationally certified, making us feel completely safe the entire time while still ensuring we had a blast on the water. Starting with a delicious traditional Colombian lunch on a secluded jungle beach was a magical experience. The seamless private transportation from Medellín made the whole day completely stress-free. Highly recommend this to anyone seeking some serious white-water action!
Response from the operator: Dear Karinna, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to hear you enjoyed the adventure, the river, and the beautiful canyon scenery. It means a lot to know that you felt safe and well taken care of by our guides while having an unforgettable day. Thank you for choosing to adventure with us. It was a pleasure to have you, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Colombia soon. Our doors will always be open for your next experience! Best, Expedition Colombia team 💙💙💙
via Viator
See the wilds of Medellin!
We took several tours while we were in Medellin and this one stands out as one of the best! The rapids are exhilarating and the guides are experienced and fantastic! The rapids are class 3-4 and more than enough for an exciting time on the rafts. We had 6 in our party and everyone agreed that it was such a fun experience. Steven was our guide along with Jonathan and Daniel in the kayaks for support. If you want some videos, opt for the GoPro package. The videos come out great! You will meet at the Hotel Masaya in El Pablado and take an air-conditioned van (2 hours) to the river. They serve you a great traditional lunch wrapped in a banana leaf before you take about a 10-minute hike through the jungle to the put-in. The rapids get progressively more challenging as you go down the river, which is great because it gives you time to get used to the water and the guide's commands. They will also let you practice rescue techniques in the calmer areas, which helps you feel more comfortable. The Rio Calderas is a beautiful river with huge boulders and amazing scenery. You may even get lucky and see some gold miners on the river! You will want to bring some bug spray, sunscreen, and a dry set of clothes as the van has cloth seats and they don't want to get them wet. You can safely leave your items in the 4x4 that they take you to the rive in. They will give you helmets and life jackets. You will probably want to bring water shoes as well (not flip flops), since the hike to the put-in is a little difficult. The water temp is great once you get in. Be prepared to get completely soaked! There are some pretty good drops in the rapids and you will be asked to paddle quite a bit to give the guide some control over the boat. This is a physical activity, and not a passive tour. Grab some arrepas from the restaurant after the trip, they're delicious! We would definitely recommend this tour and will take it again on our next trip to Medellin! Cheers
Response from the operator: Dear John, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed review of your experience with us! We are thrilled to know that rafting on the Río Calderas was one of the highlights of your trip to Medellín and that you enjoyed the adventure, the scenery, the traditional lunch, and the work of our guides. We will be sure to share your kind words with Estiven, Jonathan, and Daniel, they will be delighted to hear them. It was a pleasure having your group with us, and we truly appreciate your recommendation. Reviews like yours inspire us to continue creating memorable experiences for our travelers. We will be waiting for you with open arms on your next visit to Colombia. Until then, we wish you many more great adventures! Warm regards, Expedition Colombia Team 💙
via Viator
It was an amazing...
It was an amazing experience. The guides were very professional and friendly. They were very clear with the safety and overall instructions.
Response from the operator: Hi Oliver! Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re really happy to hear you enjoyed the experience. Our team always strives to create a safe, welcoming, and memorable adventure for every traveler. Don't forget to tag or follow us on social media, and we'll follow you back! 🌱 Instagram: @Expedition.colombia 🌱 Facebook: @expeditioncolombiatravel Thanks again, and please tell all your friends! We look forward to seeing you again soon! Best, Expedition Colombia Team 🚣🏽♀️
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 39
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Medellín.
How much does Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas cost?
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Prices start at $235 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Medellín usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Medellín is not rushed.
Is Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 111 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Medellín, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas?
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Around 39 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Medellín can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Medellín and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Medellín within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Medellín?
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On Outty we rank every Medellín experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Guatapé Tour: Piedra del Peñol with Boat Tour, Breakfast, Lunch, Half Day Bike Tour in Medellin - Local snack, Coffee or Beer, Guided Tour of Comuna 13 Medellín with Snacks Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Medellín?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Medellín?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas?
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Included: Private transportation; We are the only Certified rafting operation for this River!; In-vehicle air conditioning; Lunch; and Insurance is included!. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas?
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Hostal Masaya. A una cuadra del Parque del Poblado. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas offered in?
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It is offered in English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Medellin Rafting day-trip, Rio Calderas?
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Across 111 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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