Mocoa is a premier destination for those seeking adventure and discovery. Located in the southern reaches of Colombia's Putumayo jungle, Mocoa serves as a gateway to the Amazon. Here you can trek deep into the jungle, plunge into pristine waterfalls or pursue extreme sports—all of it is possible in Mocoa.

History

Alcaldia de Mocoa, or Mocoa, was founded in 1563 by captain Gonzalo H. de Avendaño under the orders of Pedro de Agred, who held the position of governor and captain general of the province of Popayán. The city was known at that time as San Miguel de Agreda de Mocoa. The city's economy was founded primarily on agriculture and trade. From 1991 onwards, Mocoa became the capital of the Putumayo department. In 2017, torrential rains caused catastrophic mudslides and landslides that devastated the Putumayo city.

Discover the top 10 tourist attractions in Mocoa

General Santander Park

Begin your visit with a stop at General Santander Park, one of the city's most renowned attractions. The park is bordered by impressive palm trees of African origin.

Fin del Mundo Waterfall

In Colombia, the "End of the World" is anything but apocalyptic. With its curious name, the Fin del Mundo waterfall captures the attention of visitors passing through Mocoa. A beautiful trek awaits you to reach the cascade. Fin del Mundo is hidden in the pristine Amazon rainforest in the village of San José del Pepino, 6 km from Mocoa towards Villa Garzón. In this corner of paradise, water springs from the mountainside at a height of 75 meters into the jungle.

Churumbelo Hill

El Churumbelo is a mountain range spanning 12,000 hectares near Mocoa. It is surrounded by rivers and dense vegetation. The history of this hill is marked by countless stories and myths. The Inga family tribe is said to have left various remains and marks of their civilization on the rocks. Take the opportunity to cool off at the Churumbelo waterfall. According to legend, a statue of solid gold in the shape of a child lies at the bottom of this cascade.

Hornoyaco Waterfall

Mocoa is encircled by rivers and waterfalls. The Hornoyaco waterfall lies to the east of Mocoa, near the Churumbelo mountain range. You should be well prepared as the hike is considerably longer than the trek to Fin del Mundo. After this rewarding walk, a swim in the natural pool will be your finest reward.

Amazon Experimental Center

Discover numerous emblematic Amazonian species at the Amazon Experimental Center (CEA) or Centro Educativo Amazonico. You will have the privilege of seeing ocelots, tapirs, toucans and the famous Arapaima, one of the largest freshwater fish in the Amazon.

Mandiyaco Canyon

Follow the Mandiyaco River on the route from Mocoa to Pitalito, in the department of Huila, to discover the impressive Mandiyaco canyon. Thousands of years of erosion have carved this rocky gorge.

Salto del Indio Waterfall

The route to Salto del Indio waterfall is just a half-hour drive south of Mocoa, near the small town of Villagarzon. You won't need to hike far into the jungle—it's the perfect itinerary for an impromptu dip.

Paway Natural Reserve

Originally, this natural reserve near the entrance to Fin del Mundo was devoted exclusively to butterfly breeding. Today, this small rescue center cares for numerous other animal species. Beyond butterflies, you'll see a multitude of birds, monkeys, turtles and more. Don't miss a visit to the mariposario (butterfly farm) for a glimpse into the fascinating world of butterflies.

Sleep in a treehouse

Sleeping in a cabin deep in the jungle has been your childhood dream? Now is the time to make it reality during your stay in Mocoa. A treehouse perched 25 meters high awaits you in the Paway natural reserve. To spend the night, it's best to confirm your reservation in advance. It's a truly unique experience.

Birdwatching

Mocoa and the Putumayo region offer several trails perfect for birdwatching. Whether you're a casual enthusiast or an experienced ornithologist, you'll appreciate the avian diversity of Colombia. Keep your eyes open—the Black Tinamou, Copper-throated Jacamar and Black-streaked Puffbird may make an appearance.

Practical Information

Several options are available to reach Mocoa:

By Air

Fly to Villagarzón airport, located approximately 17 kilometers away.

By Road

• Bogotá – Neiva – Pitalito – Mocoa (12 hours)
• Pasto – Sibundoy – Mocoa (5 hours)
• San Agustín – Mocoa (3.5 hours)

When to Visit?

In Mocoa, temperatures range between 19°C to 29°C throughout the year. The best time to travel to this part of Colombia is from early June through mid-September. The temperature is ideal for outdoor activities and rainfall is moderate during this period.