Las Orquídeas National Natural Park, National natural park in Antioquia, Colombia.
Las Orquídeas National Natural Park covers forest land across three elevation zones, ranging from 300 to 3,400 meters above sea level with distinct climate patterns. These height variations create four separate ecosystems, each supporting different plant and animal communities throughout the protected area.
The park gained protection in 1974 to preserve its role as a biological corridor linking species between North and South America. This designation reflected the region's importance as a migration route for animals and plants moving between the continents.
The Embera-Katío communities continue to live and work within their ancestral territories in the park. Their way of life remains visible through the land use patterns and settlement areas they maintain across the protected region.
Rain falls heavily and frequently, with average annual rainfall between 3,000 and 4,000 millimeters, making waterproof clothing essential for any visit. Expect wet conditions and muddy trails, especially in the higher elevation zones where moisture accumulates.
A rare orchid species, Cyrtochilum betancurii, grows in the park's cloud forests and was named after a local researcher. This plant thrives only in the middle elevation zones, demonstrating the ecological value of these specific height ranges.
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