Otún Quimbaya Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, Flora and fauna sanctuary in Pereira, Colombia
Otún Quimbaya Fauna and Flora Sanctuary is a protected nature reserve in Pereira, located on the western slopes of Colombia's Central Cordillera between 1750 and 2276 meters (5741 and 7467 feet) above sea level. The area safeguards dense cloud forest, wetlands, and riverside landscapes along the Otún River, where several walking paths wind through the different altitude zones.
The area was designated as a sanctuary to preserve water sources for Pereira and to create an ecological corridor between the lower slopes and Los Nevados National Park. This connection allows animals such as spectacled bears and mountain tapirs to move between different elevation zones.
The reserve teaches visitors about Andean ecosystem protection through three marked paths: El Humedal, Bejucos, and El Río, each showing a different approach to conservation. Local guides explain the relationships between mountain forests and lowland communities that depend on the clean river water flowing down from these slopes.
Visitors must book ahead because the number of people on the trails is limited to reduce disturbance to wildlife. Guided walks start in the morning when chances of seeing birds and mammals are highest, and the cool climate requires layers and waterproof clothing.
The grounds shelter more than 300 bird species, including the rare Andean cock-of-the-rock, whose loud call echoes through the forest in the early morning hours. The orchid diversity in the mist reaches an unusually high concentration here, with dozens of species growing on single trees.
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