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Parque Nacional Cueva de los Guacharos: Colombia's Oldest Natural Sanctuary

Discover Colombia's first national park: Explore hidden caves, hike through Andean forests, and witness unique wildlife in this natural sanctuary.

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Explore Colombia's first national park, a hidden gem in the East Andean forests. Discover unique limestone caves inhabited by the Guácharo (oilbird), hike through diverse ecosystems, and witness stunning landscapes at the beginning of the Amazon rainforest.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Cueva de los Guacharos

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Local tips

  • Hire a local guide, as it's required to explore the park's trails and caves safely.
  • Pack appropriately for varying weather conditions, including rain gear, warm layers, and sturdy hiking boots.
  • Bring all necessary camping equipment and supplies if planning to camp, as the nearest supplies are a 5-hour hike away.
  • Be prepared for challenging hikes and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Respect the park's regulations, including prohibitions on making fires, collecting flora or fauna, and making excessive noise.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Parque Nacional Cueva de los Guacharos using public transportation, start at the Pasto bus terminal. Take a bus heading towards La Unión. The bus ride will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, costing around 8,000 to 12,000 COP. Once you arrive in La Unión, you can find local taxis or shared vans that go to the park entrance. Make sure to ask the driver to take you to 'Cueva de los Guacharos.' The ride from La Unión to the park will take about 30 minutes and may cost around 15,000 COP.

  • Taxi

    If you prefer a more direct route, you can hire a taxi from Pasto to take you to Parque Nacional Cueva de los Guacharos. This option is more expensive, typically costing between 100,000 to 150,000 COP , but it provides a comfortable and convenient way to reach your destination. The journey will take approximately 1.5 hours, and the driver can drop you off at the park entrance.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Cueva de los Guacharos

Parque Nacional Cueva de los Guácharos, established in 1960, stands as Colombia's oldest national park, encompassing 9,000 hectares of the East Andean forests. The park is located on the western face of the Colombian Eastern Andean Range in the departments of Huila and Caquetá. This well-preserved natural park offers a fascinating encounter with nature, featuring cloud forest trails and limestone caves. The park's name, "Cave of the Oilbirds," is derived from the Guácharo birds (Steatornis caripensis) that dwell within its caves. These nocturnal birds navigate the darkness using echolocation, much like bats. Alexander von Humboldt first identified them in 1799. The park's rugged terrain features caves and canyons formed by the Magdalena and Caquetá Rivers, with some areas remaining unexplored. The park's elevation ranges from approximately 2,300 to 3,700 meters above sea level, leading to diverse climates and landscapes. Visitors can explore various trails, including the Camino de Los Gigantes, Black Oak, Rain of Crystals, and Waterfall of Colors. Cueva de los Guácharos is part of the Cinturón Andino Biosphere Reserve, declared by UNESCO in 1979. It is physically and functionally linked to other natural parks, such as Alto Fragua Indi Wasi National Natural Park and Serranía de los Churumbelos National Natural Park. The park is home to over 300 bird species and more than 60 species of mammals, including the Andean spectacled bear, the mountain tapir, and several species of monkey. Visitors should be aware that a guide is required to enter the park. Camping is permitted, but visitors must bring all necessary equipment, including food and cooking utensils.

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