Santuario de Flora y Fauna Otún Quimbaya Adventures

Santuario de Flora y Fauna Otún Quimbaya, established in 1987, is located in the Andean region of the Caldas department in Colombia. Spanning approximately 15,800 acres (6,400 hectares) of protected cloud forest and paramo ecosystems, this sanctuary is an ecological haven where conservation of native flora and fauna is paramount. The sanctuary serves as a crucial watershed for the Otún River, which provides drinking water to the nearby city of Pereira and agricultural lands. The sanctuary’s terrain includes steep mountain slopes, mist-covered forests, and páramo habitats, creating diverse microclimates that nurture a vast range of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic or threatened. Among its most notable inhabitants are the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), Andean tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), and various rare bird species such as the yellow-eared parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis). Visitors are drawn to Otún Quimbaya for wildlife observation, birdwatching, hiking along well-maintained trails, and immersion in serene natural landscapes. The sanctuary plays a vital role in scientific research and environmental education due to its biodiversity and ecosystem services. Access points provide opportunities for guided tours that promote ecological awareness. The sanctuary’s conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration, species monitoring, and community engagement to safeguard this key part of Colombia’s natural heritage.