Where is Balneario Chicuco located?
Balneario Chicuco is located on the road from the town center of Ginebra to the Costa Rica corregimiento, in the area popularly known as Puente Rojo and the Los Lulos village.
On map platforms and in its own business listing, it’s registered under Ginebra. However, in the historical village boundaries, the Puente Rojo and Los Lulos properties border directly with Guacarí. For anyone traveling to enjoy the river, this territorial detail doesn’t change the route, since access is via the same rural road corridor.
How to get there from Cali, Buga, and Ginebra
The trip to the swimming spot is made by private vehicle, taxi, or intercity transport along the road network of the Cauca River valley, taking the turnoff to Ginebra and following the route toward Costa Rica.
| Starting point | Estimated distance | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Ginebra (main park) | 7.8 km | 13 to 15 min |
| Guacarí (town center) | 13.7 km | 20 to 25 min |
| Guadalajara de Buga | 24.4 km | 30 to 35 min |
| Cali (from the north) | 60.0 km | 65 to 75 min |
Recommended route from Cali: Head out via the straight road to Palmira or the Panorama road toward El Cerrito, continue to the Ginebra junction, and take the rural road leading to the Puente Rojo area.
From Buga: Take the dual carriageway south toward Guacarí, connect with the road to Ginebra, and continue toward the Los Lulos village.
Parking: The venue has a guarded parking area for cars and motorcycles, which charges a separate fee from the day-pass.
Hours, contact, and verified rates
According to the venue’s official information, it operates continuously every day of the week. For direct inquiries, group reservations, or checking wood-stove availability, they have a WhatsApp line at +57 313 721 7124.
| Item | Verified detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General hours | Monday to Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | Open continuously all week |
| Phone / WhatsApp | +57 313 721 7124 | Direct customer service line |
| Admission / day pass | Approximately $10,000 COP per person | Access fee for facilities and river |
| Typical lunch | Starting around $25,000 COP | Dishes at the countryside restaurant |
| Google rating | 4.1 / 5 (353 reviews) | Verified business profile |
| Additional services | Restaurant, wood stoves, camping | Paid parking available |
Prices and food: General admission runs around $10,000 COP per visitor. On-site there’s a traditional restaurant serving typical Valle del Cauca dishes, with options starting at $25,000 COP. Those who want to prepare their own lunch can use the wood-fired stoves set up in the countryside area.
Facilities and things to do in Chicuco
Chicuco combines a foothill river setting with recreational infrastructure designed for families and groups of friends:
- River pools and swimming holes: Crystal-clear, cool waters with a rounded-stone bottom and shallow areas suitable for swimming.
- Swimming pools: Running-water pool areas for both adults and children that complement the river experience.
- Wood-fired stoves: Set up for preparing family sancochos and grilled meats during the day out.
- Kiosk and restaurant: Selling typical lunches, refreshing drinks, snacks, and local treats.
- Green spaces and rest areas: Spaces with natural shade from bamboo groves and native trees, children’s areas, and space to camp with prior arrangement.
When to go to avoid crowds
Sundays and holidays see the largest crowds, peaking between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. If you’re looking for a quiet outing with open space at the swimming holes, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays offer the most calm. On weekends, arriving before 10:00 a.m. lets you pick the best shaded spots and stoves.
The busiest seasons are the early-year holidays in January, Holy Week in April, and the mid-year break in July.
Frequently asked questions about Balneario Chicuco
Where exactly is Chicuco located?
It’s located in the rural Puente Rojo area, on the paved and gravel road connecting Ginebra to the Costa Rica corregimiento, in the Los Lulos village, Valle del Cauca.
How much does admission to the swimming spot cost?
General admission costs approximately $10,000 COP per person. Restaurant purchases and vehicle parking are charged separately.
What hours does the venue operate?
It’s open Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., operating all week.
Can you bring food or cook on-site?
Yes, the facilities have wood-fired stoves available for visitors who enjoy preparing their own countryside lunch, in addition to the on-site restaurant service.
Where can I find more swimming-spot options in the department?
You can check our full guide to swimming pools and river spots in Valle del Cauca to discover other notable water parks and natural swimming holes.
