River Safari and Turtle Release
About this adventure
Estación Cocorná is a village in Puerto Triunfo, eastern Antioquia, about 4–5 hours from Medellín. It's known for its friendly people, its river and the beautiful forests around it, plus a huge variety of plants and animals that make it a magical place to connect with nature.
It's a model of ecotourism: local people have joined conservation projects, leaving behind practices that harm the planet. Its main attraction, and what has transformed this small village, is the River Turtle Conservation Center, led by Isabel Romero, a determined woman who loves life and dotes on her "darlings": the Magdalena river turtles (Podocnemis lewyana).
On this trip you'll ride a "moto balinera" rail cart, spend time with the community and spot birds, howler monkeys, frogs, hippos and more. We'll also explore the Cocorná river, El Oro waterfall, native forest and a natural pool.
The highlight is taking part in a conservation activity yourself: it starts with an educational talk by Chava, our host, and ends at the Cocorná river releasing many baby turtles into their natural habitat.
Hot, humid climate. Temperature: 23 °C to 30 °C. Altitude: 150 m.
Hike difficulty: 2 (on a 1 to 5 scale). Sunday's walk to El Oro waterfall is about 20 minutes through native forest.
Itinerary
- Saturday · 5:00 a.m. meet at Estadio metro station and drive to Estación Cocorná (4–5 hours)
- River safari along the Cocorná to the Magdalena: monkeys and hippo spotting
- "Moto balinera" rail-cart ride and time with the community
- Talk by Chava at the turtle sanctuary and baby-turtle release in the Cocorná river
- Sunday · Boat transfer and 20-minute walk through native forest to El Oro waterfall
- Sunday · Return to Medellín
✓ What is included
- Round-trip transport from Medellín
- River safari from the Cocorná to the Magdalena, with monkey and hippo spotting
- Local guide
- Club de los Perdidos crew
- 1 night in a shared air-conditioned room
- Meals (2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast)
- Drinking water
- Adventure travel insurance
- Visit and talk at the turtle sanctuary
- Boat transfer for the El Oro waterfall route
- Turtle release (number depends on availability)
— What is NOT included
- Meals on the road
- Expenses not listed
→ Requirements and gear
- Water shoes
- Toiletries (towel, soap, toothpaste)
- Sportswear, a long-sleeve shirt for sun and insects, spare sneakers and extra clothes (trekking or rubber boots recommended)
- Swimwear and a towel
- Sunscreen and a cap or hat
- Insect repellent (we recommend Nopikex soap mixed with Menticol)
- A reusable water bottle
- A small blanket for the bus and in case the A/C gets cold at night
- Cash
- Be on time at the departure point
