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Getting to Cueva de la Tronera is an adventure in itself. From Barbosa, only a few buses run each day (6am, 8am, 10:30am, and 2pm), so plan to arrive the night before.
The journey sets the tone for what’s to come, remote, wild, and full of anticipation.
Our adventure began at 8 am. We met Edwin, the owner and main guide, and Neycer, the second guide. We rode a motorbike loaded with equipment to the starting point of the trail.
The path is in the middle of the countryside, so green and beautiful. By 9:15, we gathered in front of the walking trail, waiting for the rest of the group. While we waited, I flew my drone to capture the lush green fields and towering rocks around us.
Four people joined us: three tourists like me and their guide. They came from a nearby city and added to our group. Soon, we set off on a 1 km walk through the countryside. The path wound between emerald fields and impressive rock formations.
Edwin stopped various times along the way to share his knowledge about the local rocks, trees, and even the bees that call this place home. This was also a perfect moment to catch our breath.
As I was at Edwin’s shop, I had the chance to get some proper boots, because the field is so muddy sometimes your feet disappear under the mud. That wasn’t the case for the others, and I think they threw away their shoes after that.
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At the entrance to the cave, known as “El Corazón del Mundo”, it really does look like a heart from above, and it’s truly impressive and beautiful.
You can’t see it directly when you arrive at the spot; it’s only once you’re equipped and ready to go down that you see the huge hole and its shape. Edwin and Neycer prepared our gear with care. Neycer went down first to secure the path, while Edwin stayed above to help each of us descend.
We went one by one, equipped with gloves and harnesses. The first 50 meters allowed us to rappel ourselves, using the wall for support and letting the rope slide through our hands. It felt daring and exciting.
After that, we couldn’t touch the wall anymore. Edwin took control, slowly lowering us down from above. Both parts of the descent were thrilling, with the massive heart-shaped opening looming overhead.
For me, that was a rush of adrenaline! A big, big rush. Seeing this huge height beneath me was so impressive and scary, knowing the only thing holding me was a rope and I had to trust Edwin all the way. I’m not used to this kind of activity, so this first time was a big rush of emotions, good emotions. At the end, this is some kind of extreme sport, and I love that!
The rappel lasted something like 10 minutes, but it can feel much longer!
If you prefer beautiful landscapes and listening instead of reading, I’ve also made a YouTube video about this place. Hit play, relax, and let me show you what it really looks like on the ground.
Once all of us reached the bottom, we walked through the cave toward another exit. The underground world was cool and mysterious, with echoes bouncing off the walls. There is a whole ecosystem in this cave, with birds living here.
You constantly hear birds screaming, and it creates a weird ambiance that feels like you’re surrounded by thousands of animals, the sounds, amplified by echoes, don’t even seem like birds, and you don’t see them because the cave is quite dark. After exploring, we climbed out and walked another kilometer back to the rappel site.
The cave is also quite fresh, so think about bringing a sweater down there.
Back at the entrance, we reunited with Edwin and continued our journey by motorbike. The entire experience lasted until about 1:30 pm, leaving us with memories to last a lifetime.
Whenever I want to book a hotel, I always check both Booking.com and Agoda first, since they usually have the same options but sometimes one has a better price than the other, so it’s worth comparing both, but if I’m looking for something cheaper and I also want to meet other travelers, I go with Hostelworld instead.
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I did the rappelling experience at Caverna la Tronera, also called “El Corazón del Mundo.” The whole adventure was incredible.
I think this experience was one of the best I’ve done in Colombia with the scuba diving in Taganga and the research of emeralds in the green valley of bocaya.
The walk through the countryside set the mood, with Edwin sharing fascinating facts about the landscape. Reaching the heart-shaped hole, I felt a rush of excitement.
Rappelling down was both challenging and rewarding. The first part let me take control, while the second required full trust in Edwin’s guidance. The scale of the hole, shaped like a heart, was truly impressive.
Inside the cave, we found our way to a natural exit before heading back through the fields. Neycer, always ready to help, made sure everyone felt safe. Both guides were friendly, professional, and clearly passionate about their work.
You can only do this tour with Edwin and Neycer. Their daily experience and attention to safety make this adventure special. If you’re looking for a unique, adrenaline-filled day, this is it approved by HorizonHugo!
Colombia is full of hidden gem like this one, so don’t miss them !
When I’m planning my trip, I always check flights on Skyscanner first, since it lets me compare prices and find the best deal, and most of the time I also go on Trip.com afterward, which is another great price comparison tool for flights and hotels.
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