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Parque Nacional Cueva de los Guacharos: A Natural Colombian Treasure

Explore Colombia's first national park: a haven of cloud forests, unique caves, and the fascinating oilbirds in the heart of the Andes-Amazon transition.

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Discover Colombia's oldest national park, a sanctuary of cloud forests, rugged terrain, and the fascinating Cueva de los Guacharos (Oilbird Cave). Explore diverse ecosystems, spot unique wildlife, and delve into the geological wonders of this protected area.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Cueva de los Guacharos

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Local tips

  • Hire a local guide for your visit, as it's often required and enhances your exploration of the park's trails and caves.
  • Pack appropriate gear, including water-resistant boots, a rain jacket, a flashlight, and warm layers, as the weather can be unpredictable.
  • Bring all necessary camping equipment and food if you plan to camp, as supplies are not readily available within the park.
  • Be prepared for challenging hikes and varying elevations, as the park's terrain is rugged and mountainous.
  • Respect the park's regulations by avoiding touching cave formations, making excessive noise, or collecting flora and fauna.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Pitalito, take a bus to La Palestina (approx. 40 minutes, 4,000 COP). From La Palestina, take a 'jacket' (another form of transport) to Vereda La Mensura (approx. 1 hour, 5,000 COP). From La Mensura, hike approximately 4-5 hours to the Los Cedros sector, where the park is located.

  • Car

    From Pasto, take the Pan-American Highway (Ruta 25) south. After 50km, turn off towards La Unión and continue for 20km. In La Unión, follow road signs to Parque Nacional Cueva de los Guacharos. The last segment is a gravel road. Note: Driving from Pasto to the park entrance via taxi will cost between 100,000 to 150,000 COP and will take approximately 1.5 hours.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Cueva de los Guacharos

Parque Nacional Cueva de los Guacharos, established in 1960, stands as Colombia's first national park and a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. Spanning 9,000 hectares, the park encompasses a diverse range of habitats, from cloud forests to sub-paramo and paramo ecosystems, with elevations ranging from 1,800 to 3,000 meters above sea level. The park is located on the western face of the Colombian Eastern Andean Range, within the departments of Huila and Caquetá. The park's name, "Cueva de los Guacharos," translates to "Cave of the Oilbirds," paying homage to the large colonies of nocturnal oilbirds (guácharos) that inhabit its caves. These unique birds navigate the darkness using echolocation, much like bats. The park's caves are geological marvels, adorned with stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. The rugged terrain features numerous caves and canyons formed by the Magdalena and Caquetá rivers, with some areas remaining unexplored. Visitors to the park can engage in various ecotourism activities, including wildlife observation, bird watching, and hiking. Several trails lead to the park's special and beautiful places, such as caves, waterfalls, and natural bridges. Recommended trails include Camino de Los Gigantes, Black Oak, Rain of Crystals, and Waterfall of Colors. The park is also linked to other protected areas, forming a complex of Andean-Amazon transition ecosystems with great biodiversity. The park was visited in 1799 by Alexander von Humboldt, who discovered the oilbirds. Before its establishment as a national park, the area was inhabited by indigenous communities who considered the caves sacred. Today, the park plays a vital role in conserving Colombia's diverse ecosystems and species.

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