Rain induced landslides are common problem one on the slopes in the tropics and for it evaluation, is necessary the characterization of hydraulic properties of soils. In this paper are presented the results of field and laboratory trials for measuring the hydraulic capacity of soils from east of the city of Medellin. These consisted in infiltration tests double ring for each geological formation of interest and suction tests with filter paper in the laboratory to estimate the retention curve. Soils found correspond to slope deposits kind of sludge flow and/or debris and residual soils of the formation Dunita from Medellin. Additionally, retention curves were developed and adjustment of these data to theoretical curves presented in the literature was evaluated, obtaining the best fit with van Genuchten. © 2016 International Society for Rock Mechanics. All rights reserved.