Serranía de Los Churumbelos Auka-Wasi Flora and Fauna Sanctuary Adventures

Located in the Putumayo Department of southern Colombia, the Serranía de Los Churumbelos Auka-Wasi Flora and Fauna Sanctuary encompasses a remote mountainous region where the eastern Andes transition into the Amazon Basin. This sanctuary covers a biologically unique area, hosting an unparalleled diversity of flora and fauna, including numerous endemic and endangered species. The sanctuary features cloud forests, montane forests, and lower-elevation tropical rainforests, creating a mosaic of habitats rich in biodiversity. Its steep slopes and deep river valleys support hundreds of bird species, amphibians, mammals, and plants, some new to science and described only recently. The region is a crucial corridor connecting Andean and Amazonian ecosystems and is important for hydrological services in the region. Established in 2007 to protect this critical biological hotspot from deforestation and habitat loss, the sanctuary is largely undeveloped for tourism, offering rare opportunities for scientific research, birdwatching, and exploration by experienced ecotourists. Visitors are drawn by the chance to encounter rare species such as the Band-tailed Guan and the vulnerable Near Threatened Spectacled Bear. Although infrastructure is minimal, the sanctuary’s wild landscapes include remarkable waterfalls, indigenous cultural sites, and dense forest trails. The area’s rugged topography and limited access ensure a sense of wilderness and solitude, making it ideal for intrepid visitors seeking deep rainforest immersion and biodiversity discovery.