Mochiliante
Mochiliante
If you are looking for adventures and exploring unknown natural corners in Colombia, Las Gachas in Santander is a must-see destination. Known as the Quebrada Las Gachas, this natural paradise awaits you with unique wonders that you cannot miss
Las Gachas, is a stream with shallow natural pools, from pools of only a few centimeters to others more than 2 meters deep. La Quebrada Las Gachas are located in the municipality of Guadalupe, in the department of Santander, it is about 45 minutes walk from Guadalupe.
To get to Las Gachas you must follow these steps:
Arrival at Oiba: To visit Las Gachas, you must first arrive at the municipality of Oiba, in Santander.
Transport to Guadalupe: From Oiba, take public transportation to Guadalupe. The cost of the ticket is $8,000 COP, and departure times are at 6:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 10:30 a.m.
Walk from Guadalupe: Once in Guadalupe, there are two options:
Long route:
Walk approximately 45 minutes from the town; entry through this route is free.
Short route:
You can take a shorter route, 20 minutes walk, but you must ask the driver to drop you off at the stop known as “La Escuela El Tirano”. Entry through this route has a cost of $4,000 COP
If you plan to travel between today and September 30, 2025 , by booking through Booking with Mochiliante, you can get a 20% discount or more on your next getaway by clicking here
If you want to stay in Guatavita, we recommend doing so in Guadalupe and thus get to know a little about the day-to-day life of the inhabitants of this region and explore its streets. We recommend you stay at these hotels that we found for you:
El Portal de Don Luis: Enjoy the tranquility of Guadalupe at El Portal De Don Luis, with a garden, terrace and free wifi. The rooms have mountain views and a private patio. 24-hour reception available. Click here to book.
Casa Santo Domingo Guadalupe: The rooms of this accommodation have free wifi and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. In the hostel or pension, each room has bed linen and towels. Click here to book.
Las Gachas are known for their natural pools of crystal clear water, formed over thousands of years thanks to the erosion of the rocky soil mainly composed of sandstone rock. These pools, distributed along a stream, vary in size and depth, creating a unique landscape that seems out of this world.
Locally, Las Gachas have been used for generations as spaces for recreation, relaxation and even as "natural jacuzzis" for their ability to retain warm water under the sun. Over time, the tranquility of the place and its unique beauty have attracted travelers seeking close contact with nature.
Swim in the pools: Enjoy these natural pools with crystal clear waters. Some are up to two meters deep, so swim with caution.
Hiking: The path to Las Gachas is surrounded by green landscapes, perfect for exploring.
Photography: Every corner is worthy of a postcard. Bring your camera to capture the moments.
Explore the town: Guadalupe has a beautiful colonial church and charming streets.
Wear comfortable shoes: Wear comfortable shoes and use socks when you are in Las Gachas, the rocks are very slippery (we saw 3 people fall and ouch!) We really recommend that you use some old socks when walking in this place, otherwise it is better not to enter
Sunscreen and hat: The sun can be strong during the day.
Hydration: Carry enough water, especially if you are going to walk.
Respect the place: Do not leave trash and follow local indications to take care of this natural treasure.
Check the season: During the dry season, especially between early and mid-year, Las Gachas can experience very low water levels and even dry up. Keep this in mind when planning your visit to ensure an optimal experience
Lodging: If you plan to spend the night near Las Gachas, you can stay at the hotels in Guadalupe. Remember to book in advance, especially if you plan to travel over the weekend.
Cash: Carry cash to pay for the entrances to the different farms that manage the place, as well as for the different services
Are Las Gachas open all year round?
Yes, but it is better to visit them in dry season (from December to March or July to August) to avoid rains.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, but always under adult supervision, as some pools are deep.
Are there restaurants nearby?
In Guadalupe you will find restaurants with typical food. We recommend you try the pepitoria and the mute santandereano.
Prepare your backpack and start the adventure! We hope this guide is useful for your trip. Without further ado, we wish you an incredible trip full of memorable moments, Backpacker! (Mochiliante) 😉
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