In the process of recovering from war, the people of Caquetá have been literally discovering their tourist potential: places that were previously inaccessible, such as Monte Frío, Los Patos, Portales del Fragua, and even their entryway to Caño Cristales, are now welcoming those who wish to immerse themselves in their greatest wealth—water. Caquetá rests at the foothills of the Eastern Andes and marks the transition from the Andean region to the Amazon, resulting in numerous crystalline rivers that traverse it, nourishing its jungles and its people. And if the land is filled with water, the sky is teeming with birds. In Florencia, the capital, alone, 950 species have been recorded, which accounts for half of the documented species in the entire country. Amidst scarlet macaws, toucans, pavas, and andean cock-of-the-rocks, you’ll encounter its resilient and diverse people, descendants of settlers who came seeking land or during the rubber era. An illustration of the blend of cultures that have shaped the Caquetá identity are the dances celebrated here: the Rubber Dance in El Doncello, the Campesino Dance, and the Sanjuanero Caqueteño, similar to the one danced in Huila, every Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s Day.

As expected, the artisans you’ll meet here draw much of their inspiration from water. They collect woods from the riverbanks, which waters clean and deliver them to the skilled hands that will transform them into carved pieces. From their jungles, they gather vines nourished by the water, and in their rivers, they find fish caught with their artisanal nets. Moreover, inspired by their abundant nature, they weave their symbols into beadwork. As you absorb the knowledge of these artisans, indulge in the delights of Caquetá: its cheeses with a designation of origin (unique due to the Amazonian pastures where their cows graze), kumis, curd, rice pudding, a hearty chicken stew, dishes made from fresh fish from their rivers, and a variety of Amazonian fruits like copoazú and arazá.