Las Hermosas National Natural Park

Las Hermosas National Natural Park is a protected area in the Central Andes with ecosystems ranging from mountain forests to alpine grasslands across different elevations. The landscape changes dramatically as you move higher, with vegetation adapted to cooler and harsher conditions.

The park was established in 1977 to protect the water sources and wildlife of the mountain range. This designation helped safeguard the area from development that could have damaged its ecosystems.

The Pijao people have lived in these mountains for centuries, and their presence shapes how the land is understood and used today. You can see this connection reflected in local knowledge about the terrain and in the routes that communities still follow through the park.

Getting to the park involves several hours of hiking from nearby towns, so planning to start early is wise. You need sturdy hiking boots and rain gear, as the terrain is steep and weather changes quickly at higher elevations.

More than 300 glacial lakes dot the landscape, feeding water into two of the country's most important river systems. This network of lakes serves as a natural reservoir that sustains water supply across the broader region.