Quebrada Valencia from Palomino: Waterfalls & Natural Pools (2026)
- Aloha Palomino
- Jul 26
- 3 min read
If you're looking for the perfect day activity near Palomino — and you don't want to book a tour — Quebrada Valencia is it. You don't need to contract anything or join a group. You just take the bus and go. I'm Paola, and this is one of the easiest and most rewarding half-day trips I recommend to our guests at Casa Aloha.
The perfect day trip — no tour needed
This is what makes Quebrada Valencia so good: it's completely doable on your own. No agency, no reservation, no guide required. Take the local bus, pay a small entrance fee at the gate, and walk in. It's the ideal plan for a free day when you want nature without the planning.
How far is Quebrada Valencia from Palomino?
Very close — only 20 minutes by bus. It's one of the simplest outings you can do from Palomino, perfect for a morning or half-day trip.
How to get to Quebrada Valencia from Palomino, step by step
It couldn't be easier. Take bus on the main highway heading toward Santa Marta and tell the driver you're going to Quebrada Valencia — he'll stop for you right on the road at the entrance.
At the entrance you'll find a small shop and then a ticket point, where you pay a small entrance fee (around COP 5,000). From there, the walk begins.
The walk and the natural pools
The trail is a beautiful 20-minute walk under the shade of tall trees, following the stream up into the jungle. At the end you reach the waterfalls and a series of natural pools where you can swim and cool off — the reward at the top.
It's a gentle, gorgeous walk and one of the most refreshing things you can do near Palomino on a hot day.
Local tips
Wear sneakers or shoes with good grip — the path can be slippery near the water. Bring something to drink and a snack, but always take your trash back out with you; Quebrada Valencia is a natural area and keeping it clean is part of enjoying it. Go in the morning to have the pools more to yourself, and bring cash for the entrance and the shop.
Where to stay near Quebrada Valencia: Palomino
Because it's only 20 minutes away, Quebrada Valencia is an easy morning trip from Palomino — you can be back by lunch. At Casa Aloha, our guests love doing a natural outing like this and then coming back to a quiet room, a private desk and Starlink Wi-Fi to relax or get some work done.
Only 3 rooms, 6 guests max. Not a hostel — a calm home base in Palomino.
→ Book direct on WhatsApp or check room availability.
Frequently asked questions about Quebrada Valencia
Do you need a tour to visit Quebrada Valencia?
No. Quebrada Valencia is completely doable on your own — no tour, guide or reservation needed. Just take the bus from Palomino, pay the entrance fee at the gate, and walk in.
How do I get to Quebrada Valencia from Palomino?
Take any bus on the main highway heading toward Santa Marta and tell the driver you're going to Quebrada Valencia. He'll drop you right at the entrance on the road. The ride takes about 20 minutes.
How much does Quebrada Valencia cost?
There's a small entrance fee of around COP 5,000, paid at the gate. Bring cash, as there's no card payment.
How long is the walk to the waterfalls?
The trail is a gentle 20-minute walk through the jungle, following the stream up to the waterfalls and natural pools.
Can you swim in Quebrada Valencia?
Yes. At the end of the trail there are waterfalls and natural pools where you can swim and cool off — the reward after the walk.
What should I bring to Quebrada Valencia?
Wear sneakers with good grip (the path gets slippery near the water), and bring water, mosquito repellent NOPIKEX, a snack and cash. Take all your trash back out with you.
What's the best time to visit Quebrada Valencia?
All day you can go to Quebrada Valencia, but go back until the sun is down.
