Let’s call it a ‘different kind’ of swimming pool. The Pescaderitos near Curiti aren’t even meant to swim. It’s basically a stream running down over big chunks of rock, interrupted by some water holes where you can actually stand and maybe swim a couple of yards. And… it’s surprisingly fun!
That probably has everything to do with that it is a small adventure to walk around here. And it’s a non-assuming place: this one isn’t a tourist trap, this is where the locals have a swim.
The journey probably starts in San Gil, where minivans from the Terminalito in the city center take you to Curiti in 20-30 minutes. You can pay at the bus driver, who will kick you out on the beautiful main square of Curiti. It is actually a surprisingly pleasant colonial village. Bigger and busier than its famous neighbor Barichara. But also much less touristy.
The easy way is to take one of the tuk-tuks to take you to your final destination. But why not follow the road by foot through this nice town? When you follow the way that flows eastwards outside Curiti, it will take you around 45 minutes to make it to the Pescaderitos.
If you stay on the right side of the water, you pass a new bridge and will see the big rock plateaus slowly appear. You can climb higher and higher for around fiteen minutes, or make a left turn towards one of the five swimming holes. The ones that are higher up the hill are the better ones, but are also more dangerous: don’t dive from the 3rd pescaderito onwards.
The alternative is to take a left turn at the first opportunity and cross a small wooden bridge (or the new bridge fifty meres further). This brings you to a restaurant, and a new chaning room facility a bit further. From here it is easier to access the lowest pescaderitos. Be careful though, it’s slipper when wet…
If you are looking for a nice relaxed day from San Gil, this one is definitely a good idea. You ca swim, eat and walk… and still not be exhausted. Enjoy!
