Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary

About the Park

Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary protects 489 hectares of sub-Andean cloud forest in Pereira's upper Otún River basin. The sanctuary is open for day visits on El Humedal, Bejucos, and El Río, but travelers should confirm capacity and dates before paying, clarify the required park-staff or authorized-guide accompaniment for their group, and arrange insurance, registration, and induction before entering.

Access from Pereira

Travel east from Pereira through La Florida to La Suiza, approximately 15.6 kilometres and about 40 minutes by private vehicle. The official page also lists bus escalera services from Plaza Cívica Ciudad Victoria; verify the current departure and return times before relying on public transport, and avoid the poor El Manzano shortcut suggested by some navigation apps when approaching from Quindío.

Before paying

Ask the sanctuary to confirm capacity, date, admission, reservation status, and whether your party needs an authorized guide or interpreter. Official guidance says trail visits are accompanied by park personnel and groups over 12 must hire an approved guide or interpreter. Arrange visitor accident insurance, register on arrival, and attend the mandatory induction.

Day-use conditions

Choose El Humedal, Bejucos, or El Río and prepare for year-round humidity, rain, mud, and insects. Wear closed boots and a rain layer, bring repellent plus all food and drinking water in reusable containers, and do not bring pets. The sanctuary currently offers no visitor lodging, restaurant, or potable-water sales.

Wildlife

Species recorded by official park sources include:

Conservation Highlights

• Sub-Andean cloud forest between roughly 1,750 and 2,276 metres above sea level
• Upper Otún River watershed protection within a connected Coffee Region conservation corridor
• More than 60 mammal species, 307 bird species, 200 butterfly species, and over 15 amphibian and reptile species recorded
• Habitat for the threatened coffee wax palm and black cinnamon tree

How to Get There

Travel east from Pereira through La Florida to La Suiza, approximately 15.6 kilometres and about 40 minutes by private vehicle. The official page also lists bus escalera services from Plaza Cívica Ciudad Victoria; verify the current departure and return times before relying on public transport, and avoid the poor El Manzano shortcut suggested by some navigation apps when approaching from Quindío.

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