The sun sets over Colombia’s Mavecure Mountains, casting a warm glow on the three towering rock formations rising from the Amazon jungle. These are the Cerros de Mavecure, massive buttes made of sandstone, shale, and quartz, reaching 2,000 feet above the flat jungle floor.
In the morning, sounds of howler monkeys and parrots create nature’s alarm. Located in eastern Colombia, close to Venezuela, Mavecure offers a breathtaking landscape. Our hike reveals these majestic formations, significant to the Puinave and Curipaco Indigenous groups, who climb to leave offerings to the spirits.
Marcela Sánchez, an engineer from Cali, describes the scene as divine. Climbing the smallest peak under intense heat requires effort, aided by guide ropes and ladders. The sweat is worth it. The view from the top rivals renowned sites like Machu Picchu, demonstrating Colombia’s tourism potential. The country boasts Caribbean beaches and Andean mountains, attracting bird watchers with its diverse avian species.
Once avoided due to guerrilla conflict and drug violence, Colombia experiences increasing tourism following a 2016 peace treaty. In early 2025, a record 3.1 million international tourists visited. Tourism supports the local economy, as stated by Delio Agapito, mayor of Remanso, near Mavecure. Residents have shifted from polluting gold mining to guiding tourists and selling crafts.
Fabio Pérez exemplifies this change, transitioning from gold mining to running a hostel and apiary. “Tourism improved our quality of life,” Pérez shares. However, Mavecure receives few visitors compared to other Colombian destinations due to accessibility issues. With only river connections and limited flights, tourists stay in rustic accommodations.
Tourism here remains small-scale, says Fernando Carrillo of Aroma Verde Foundation, promoting sustainable tourism. As we climb, advice from our guide, Ignacio Rodriguez, includes avoiding thorny branches and watching for snakes. The dry season offers a safe climb, leading us to meet other hikers. One guide introduces us to edible rainforest ants, offering a citrusy taste.
The summit offers a panoramic view of the jungle and Inírida River. Catalina Laverde, climbing with friends, considers it a dream realized. Sebastian Rivera, tasting ants along the way, enjoys the solitude. Though efforts aim to boost tourism, Mavecure remains a serene adventure. “Here, it’s not a five-star resort, but offers natural wonders,” Rivera concludes.