Enjoying also means taking care: experience Cafam Melgar with purpose

Melgar is one of the favorite destinations for Colombian families looking to get away from their daily routines. It is close to Bogotá, warm weather is part of the appeal, and a single weekend is enough to return home feeling recharged.
This experience depends on something we rarely notice: taking care of the destination. Melgar con Sentido is an initiative by the Cafam Vacation Center that invites us to pause and reflect on this idea and discover how every visit can contribute to preserving the destination.

What we enjoy today, others will inherit tomorrow

Much of what makes Melgar appealing comes from its natural surroundings. Preserving them is a way of giving back for what we enjoy and ensuring that future generations can experience the same. This is not just the responsibility of those who manage a destination. Every visitor contributes through their choices, from how they use the facilities to how they interact with nature.

The municipality already has a starting point: in 2021, it became the first in the country to receive the Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification. Maintaining this achievement is everyone's responsibility, and it starts with everyday actions that anyone can take.

Being more mindful about water

Among swimming pools, water slides and showers, water is the main attraction in Melgar. It is so present that we rarely stop to think about it. Perhaps that is precisely the reminder we need: during vacation, when everything seems readily available, it is worth remembering that water is not an unlimited resource and that conserving it is a daily choice, even while on vacation.

Doing so does not require major sacrifices. Taking a short shower after leaving the pool, turning off the faucet while soaping up or brushing our teeth, and notifying staff if we notice a leak are all actions that take just seconds. When repeated by everyone visiting Melgar over a weekend, they make a significant difference.

When the whole family gets involved, caring for the environment becomes a shared commitment. Adults set an example, children follow their lead and everyone returns home with a new habit.

What we all use, we all take care of

A vacation center operates like a small shared community throughout the day: walking trails, green spaces, restrooms, restaurants and recreational facilities are all used by many families. Keeping them in good condition depends on what each visitor does.

Leaving each area as clean as we found it, disposing of waste properly, and following the rules of each attraction are small actions that make a difference. The same applies to wildlife: the Vacation Center's Biopark is home to approximately 350 animals rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking, and its work was recognized with the Cortolima Environmental Merit Medal in 2019. Observing these animals without touching or feeding them is a simple way to protect their well-being.

Children learn from what they see. Watching an adult pick up a container or water a plant teaches them that having fun and taking care of the environment can go hand in hand.

Taking care of yourself is also part of the plan

Periods of high temperatures call for extra attention. Spending the day in the sun, swimming pools, and recreational areas is what makes this experience special, and a few precautions can help everyone stay well throughout the day.

The recommendations from the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health agree on the following key points:

•Stay hydrated, especially by drinking water, without waiting until you feel thirsty. Fresh foods, such as fruits and vegetables, also help keep your body hydrated.

•Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, protect yourself with a hat and sunscreen, and reapply sunscreen every time you get out of the water.

•Avoid prolonged sun exposure between midday and the afternoon, and take breaks in the shade or in cool areas.

•Drink alcohol in moderation, as it contributes to fluid loss and raises body temperature.

•Pay special attention to those who are more sensitive to heat: children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions.

•If someone experiences dizziness, a severe headache, red and dry skin or confusion, find some shade, help them cool down, and seek medical attention immediately.

Small actions, big impact

Taking care of a destination does not require major changes. These simple ideas can be part of any vacation plan:

1. Always keep a reusable water bottle handy so you can refill it throughout the day.
2. Take short showers and turn off the faucet while soaping up.
3. Leave every space as clean as you found it.
4. Stay hydrated and rest in the shade before you start feeling tired.
5. Encourage your family to adopt these habits together so they become part of everyday life at home.

Experience Melgar con Sentido with Cafam

The Cafam Melgar Vacation Center welcomes families, couples and groups of friends looking to relax and enjoy the water park, Biopark, green spaces and dining options throughout the complex. Visitors can come for a few hours with a day pass or stay for several nights at one of our hotels. In either case, Cafam members enjoy preferred rates.

Plan your next getaway with Cafam

and experience Melgar con Sentido: enjoy your vacation, take care of your well-being, and help us preserve this destination for future generations.

Preguntas frecuentes
What is Melgar con Sentido?

It is a campaign by the Cafam Melgar Vacation Center that encourages visitors to enjoy the destination responsibly by conserving water, taking care of shared spaces, and looking after their own well-being during their stay.

How can I conserve water during my visit?

Take short showers, turn off faucets while soaping up, report leaks immediately and use restrooms and sinks responsibly.

Can people who are not Cafam members visit Cafam Melgar?

Yes. The Vacation Center is open to all visitors. Cafam members enjoy preferred rates.