EXPLORE EASTERN ANTIOQUIA
Cannúa is located in the municipality of Marinilla, in the Eastern part of the Department of Antioquia. We are close to a number of colorful and historic pueblos that we encourage you to visit to get a taste of local life and culture.
Guatape
Guatapé is a quaint town full of vibrant colors and crafts. You’ll take a motorboat for an hour around the town’s lake system to see the impressive country homes that line it and hear the dark story of the region. Afterwards, enjoy lunch and then head out to explore the pueblo’s beautiful streets and alleys, learn about the re-construction of the pueblo and the stories of its “zocalo” friezes as well about the importance of the nearby hydro-electric dam system. Then arrive at “La Piedra”, a 70 million-year- old 200-meter rock with two-thirds of its height planted underground. Climb the 649 steps to the top and enjoy a refreshment while looking over the entire surrounding lake system.
Highlights:
- Private boat ride around the lakes
- Exploration of a beautiful and colorful villae with and uplifting story
- Climb the world’s 3rd largest monolith
Duration: 5 – 8 hours; Available all Days, must reserve 1 day in advance.
LOMA LINDA FLOWER FARM AND SILLETERO VISIT
The vast majority of flowers that are purchased in the United States for Valentine’s Day are grown right here in Colombia and you’ll visit an enormous flower farm to learn about flower production and cultivation processes of export-quality flowers. Meet the workers of the farm and learn about their lives before dining on a fresh, local and regional lunch. After lunch on the farm visit the house of a family that has been participating for 42 years in Medellín’s world famous Flower Festival as “silleteros”. You’ll see how the family cultivates various flowers in their home and how they create ornate and beautiful displays for the yearly festival. The family has won various awards and shown their displays across the country.
Highlights:
- Private visit to a farm producing flowers for exportation.
- Meet the farmers and see what life is like on the farm.
- Unique visit to the home of silleteros – a highly cultural experience!
Duration: 6-8 hours; Available all Days, must reserve 2 days in advance.
MEDELLIN COMUNA 1, MARINILLA AND EL ENSUEÑO GUITAR FACTORY
Explore local life in nearby Marinilla, a typical Antioquian pueblo not yet discovered by tourists. Marinilla is known as the “Sparta of Colombia” for
the enthusiasm and valor of soldiers from the area during the war for independence from Spain. During this guided historical and cultural tour
you will see the 2,760 crosses in the Museum of the Crosses, try the fresh breads the city is known for, and have a cup of typical Colombia coffee in
the central plaza.
Marinilla is also home to one of Colombia’s most famous and best guitar factories. Gain exclusive access to the factory to learn about the importance
of music in Marinilla, the production of guitars, and the story of the family
that after decades, still runs the factory.
Highlights:
- See a traditional Antioquian pueblo with lots of history.
- Learn about and see the most famous guitars in Colombia being made
Duration: 6-8 hours; Available all Days, must reserve 2 days in advance
EL CARMEN DE VIBORAL
The nearby town of El Carmen is famous across Colombia for its tradition of producing high-quality, handmade and hand-painted ceramic wear. The tradition has been passed down for generations, and on this trip you’ll head to a small factory started by a group of young friends who noticed the tradition disappearing with their generation. Now, the friends make everything from scratch, and you’ll have a hand in making keeping the tradition alive!
Highlights:
- See Colombia’s most famous ceramics made from start to finish.
- Lend a hand in making the ceramics.
- Hear the interesting history of this tradition from the founders of
the factory.
Duration: 4-5 hours; Available all Days, must reserve 2 days in advance
PARAGLIDING
Are you ready to soar over the Andes? Take flight over the beautiful Corcorná valley with an experienced paragliding guide. Fly by a beautiful waterfall and over the fields and trees before landing in the pueblo of Corcorná. Enjoy a stroll through the town plaza and then transport back to Cannúa.
Highlights:
- Fly over the incredible Corcorná Valley
Duration: 4-5 hours; Available all Days, must reserve 2 days in advance
TURTLE LIBERATION AND RIVER DAY
Head in the early morning to the tiny village of Estación Corcorna. One of the local women has started a foundation to reproduce and liberate a species of endangered turtle endemic to the area You’ll hear about her story and learn about the turtles before heading back to the river to liberate your own turtle. As the traditional liberation ceremony winds down, you’ll move further upriver to a protected cove for a beautiful lunch set on the bank of the river.
Once you’ve had your fill, continue on as wild toucan fly by, and if you are careful, you’ll spot a three-toed sloth hanging in the trees. Finally, arrive to a beautiful waterfall where you have time to cool down by swimming in the river. You’ll be given an inner tube as you float for one hour back down stream before the boat greets you to head back toward Cannúa
Highlights:
- Liberate an endangered turtle.
- Spend a day on the beautiful Rio Corcorna Sur.
- See wild animals like howler monkeys, toucans, and macaws.
Duration: 8-10 hours; Available all Days, must reserve 2 days in advance; leaves at 7:00 a.m.
CAVING
After breakfast you’ll head out on a long drive to a system of hidden caves. Here, put on a helmet, a head lamp and get ready to explore hidden rivers and smooth walls of the caves, which run through a mountain principally formed by marble. You’ll learn about the bird species that live inside and how the caves support the local ecosystem. Inside, you’ll walk, jump and swim through a totally unique environment. Afterwards you’ll be treated to a beautiful open-air lunch before heading back to Cannúa.
Highlights:
- Spelunking in a marble cave with beautiful scenery.
- Learn about the bird species that lives in the caves.
- Scenic lunch.
Duration: 6 hours; Available all Days, must reserve 2 days in advance
