Hotel Rio Claro

If you’re looking for somewhere noisy, this isn’t it. It’s a nice spot to get away from the city and social media. Too bad there was no water when I went to take a shower.

It’s quiet, but the common areas are disorganized and there are gaps in the logistics and extra services. This hotel is part of the Río Claro Nature Reserve chain, yet the prices feel hard to justify given the hygiene and comfort. It also needs more maintenance and landscaping.

The Nature Reserve itself is beautiful, exotic, and a lovely place to be in nature with my family. Hotel El Refugio was a very different experience, and I wouldn’t recommend staying there. What we saw online didn’t match reality. We paid over $600,000 COP a night for two adults and one child, but the mattresses and pillows smelled bad, the bed frames were deteriorating, and so were the room’s table and chairs and the bathroom sink cabinet. The guadua wood paneling on the walls and ceiling was very damp and moldy. The restaurant had very basic food, with at most two meal options. Some staff were appalling in their manner and showed little cordiality or friendliness toward guests. I’d skip the hotels offered in the reservation and find somewhere in Doradal, then book a "day pass" in your reservation.

The hikes are impressive, and the caves are unforgettable. This place feels like the heart of Colombia, a paradise that stays with you. It’s simple, but just right for connecting with nature. The food is excellent and natural, without excess. There’s always energy to go out, explore, and enjoy it all. I left feeling recharged and grounded. Highly recommended.