Sometimes you come across places or activities that you would never ever come across in good old Europe. Well, San Cipriano (map) is one of those. Whoever found out about this jungle town, must have been quite the treasure seeker. Because this place is definitely off the beaten track.
Somewhere between Cali and Buenaventura, you get dropped off on the side of the road, and you’ll be like… where the hell am I? People looking at you like they’ve never ever seen a tourist in their life (which is definitely not true, part of the whole experience I guess). No sign of San Cipriano whatsoever, and the thought of how am I coming back to Cali crosses your mind pretty much the same moment you get out of the bus. Adventurous it is!
Hold onto your butts!
Once you start walking, this crazy busy, music everywhere, little main street (still no tourists) pops up out of nowhere. And there it is…. The moto-train! Although “train” might be a bit overrated. Basically, it’s a motorcycle build upon a piece of wood that will cruise you through the jungle on an old train rail. Quite creative, right? Jump on and hold on tight, and within 20 minutes you’ll be in San Cipriano. Once again in the absolute middle of nowhere and bloody humid, but this town build upon the river banks has some proper tubing waiting for you.
San Cipriano adventure
Get your tube from one of the many packed restaurant shacks, float down that river and finish off with an ice-cold Costeña beer and a big plate of the best local river prawns dish you can think of. When you’ve had you’re adventure fix, take the moto train back and this strange little jungle town suddenly all seemed like a dream. You gotta love Colombia!
Love,
Marthe
Photos by: M. Barends, J. Roeland ©
San Cipriano Is Awesome! You gatta go and try…I hightly recommend it