Raudal del Jirijirimo

Deep in the Colombian Amazon jungle, the Apaporis river, runs smoothly until it finds some rocks that lead it through a gorge where the waterfall of the “Raudal del Jirijirimo” (which in indigenous language means 'the bed of the anaconda') is formed. Getting there is complex. It is a long trip that includes a plane trip from Bogotá to Mitú, then a charter flight in a small plane to the indigenous community of Buenos Aires, and then a trip of several hours on the Apaporis River. Until some decades ago, the Raudal has been one of the best-preserved corners of Colombia, admired by adventurers and expeditionaries. The difficult access and the expensive trip means that few can venture there. Furthermore, the constant tension between the indigenous communities that dispute the territory and that are in constant confrontation for different interests make the adventure a lot more complicated. On one hand, the community of Buenos Aires encourages tourism seeking economic satisfaction and the immediate accumulation of money, on the other hand, the community of Jirijirimo disagrees with tourism, arguing that the stream is within its territory. On top of all this, the presence of the governmental institution “Parques Nacionales” in the area also promotes conflict between local communities.

The place itself is unforgettable and perhaps one of the most authentic, raw and untouched places I have ever seen.