If you are looking for a plan in a warm place close to Bogotá, the Prado Dam in Tolima is the ideal destination for you. This destination is only five hours away from Colombia’s capital, and the prices for accommodation and activities are quite affordable.
Discover below all the information you need to know before going to Prado. You might also be interested in: Playa Blanca at Lake Tota.
How to get to the Prado Dam, Tolima
You can reach the Prado Dam from municipalities such as Melgar and Girardot via inter-municipal buses. Below, we will cover how to get there from the main cities of Bogotá and Ibagué.
How to get to the Prado Dam from Bogotá
If you are traveling by bus, you can go to the Salitre or South transport terminals. The company that manages this route is called Transpurificación, and tickets cost approximately $50,000 COP. It is important to keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the season.
Once in the town of Prado, take a motorcycle taxi (“mototaxi”) to the dam. Usually, the price from the town to the Prado Dam is $3,000 COP per person.
If you are going by private car, leave Bogotá via Soacha. At the Chicoral bypass, turn towards the Flandes toll, which leads to the towns of Espinal, Guamo, Saldaña, and Purificación. From Purificación, the town of Prado is only 10 minutes away.
The overall journey takes approximately 5 hours.
How to get to the Prado Dam from Ibagué
If you go by bus, go to the Transport Terminal. The companies Transpurificación and Velotax offer the service, although both make stops in the towns along the way. The ticket price is $25,000 COP, though it may vary depending on the season.
Upon arriving in Prado, you must also take a mototaxi to the dam.
If you are going by private car, take the Ibagué – Armenia road to the Gualanday toll. From there, follow the path through the towns of Espinal, Guamo, Saldaña, and Purificación until you reach Prado.
The journey takes approximately two hours, and it may be a bit longer by inter-municipal bus due to the stops.
What to do at the Prado Dam
Practice Water Sports
Whether from the port or from one of the hotels, you can hire various water sports offered at the dam. You can ride the Banana boat, go skiing, wakeboarding, or ride a jet ski. Sport fishing is also possible.
Take a Boat Tour of the Dam
If you want to learn more about its history and visit interesting spots, we recommend taking a boat tour. There are different prices depending on how many places you visit. To help you calculate your expenses, here are the prices for 2023:
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Large Tour: Includes the port, retaining wall, Boquerón, fish farming area, islands, Enchanted Lagoon (Laguna Encantada), Mohán’s Cave, hotel zone, and the Waterfall of Love (Cascada del Amor). Total price: $390,000 COPfor 1 to 6 people. For more than 6, each additional person costs $50,000.
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Medium Tour: Includes the port, retaining wall, Boquerón, fish farming area, islands, hotel zone, and the Waterfall of Love. Total price: $280,000 COP for 1 to 6 people; additional person $30,000 COP.
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Small Tour: Port, retaining wall, hotel, and the Waterfall of Love. Price: $150,000 COP for 1 to 6 people; additional person $20,000 COP.
If you are looking for a tour at a good price with kindness and patience, we recommend contacting Jorge Luis Penagos at (+57) 3118507722.
In addition to cruising the waters, the boatman will take you to several points of interest:
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Mohán’s Cave: The path to this place is incredible because the surrounding mountains make you feel like you are in an Asian destination. Upon arriving at the cave, you will feel a sense of peace. It’s a great spot for photos.
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Guacharos Cave: Another cave you can visit. This one is slightly wider than Mohán’s Cave and is ideal for cooling off and taking pictures.
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Yacopi Labyrinth: A network of “water paths” amidst the mountains. Navigating these depends on the water level, so this attraction is not offered during dry seasons.
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Enchanted Lagoon (Laguna Encantada): This lagoon was created after the dam was filled. It is possible to swim here using a life jacket, as it can be quite deep. The entry fee to the lagoon is $2,000 COP.
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Treasure Cave (Cueva del Tesoro): A natural pool formed by the dam’s water. Although small, it is ideal for a dip to cool off from the intense heat. When the Waterfall of Love is dry, this cave often serves as its replacement on the tour.
Waterfall of Love (Cascada del Amor): This is one of the best plans. Upon arrival, you will find a refreshing waterfall falling in front of a semi-cave. In drier months, it is not accessible by boat, requiring a 20-minute walk depending on the boatman’s availability.
Hotels in Prado, Tolima
The dam has a wide hotel zone. It is estimated that up to 1,500 people can be accommodated across various options.
Cabins in Prado
You can find luxury cabin options, which are usually rented for groups. Prices range from $190,000 COP to $2,800,000 COP depending on services and capacity.
Casa de las Guacamayas
Located in front of the dam, offering direct contact with nature. It stands out for its service, cleanliness, and location. It is a great option for groups as they rent entire houses and cabins.
Cabaña en Prado Tolima
This is the most in-demand cabin; booking in advance is recommended. It has 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms (up to 12 people), two swimming pools, a gym, and a balcony with river views. It is pet-friendly.
Poincos Hotel
A more classic hotel option with premium amenities (pool, buffet breakfast, free parking). Ideal for those who prefer standard hotel infrastructure.
Hotel Isla del Sol
One of the most affordable options. It features pools, green spaces, a restaurant, and direct access to the dam. It offers single, double, and family rooms. The sunsets from its beach are beautiful.
