Otún Quimbaya Fauna and Flora Sanctuary

Otún Quimbaya Fauna and Flora sanctuary is located in the central mountain range in the Andean Colombian region and is part of the Risaralda Department with a promethium high of 1800 - 2400 m.a.s.l. and a temperature of 16 °C

The sanctuary area is characterized by a representative vegetation of the wet Andean jungle. The fog frequently covers the summits and paths of the close The Nevados National Park, providing an enigmatic and mysterious character.

The Park has a large variety of bird species, butterflies and small mammals. The Topography is varied as well where is possible to observe crystalline rivers and palm trees.

The Otún Fauna and Flora Sanctuary are located in the center of the ancient Quimbaya territory. Nowadays is refugee of several species like the howler monkeys, jucumaris, danta de páramo, deer’s, eagle, hummingbird, turkeys and other bird species.

Its paths can be visited with professional guides whom will describe the ecology characteristics of the place. The main attractive area is the Otún Lagoon located at 4000 meters above sea level.

How to get there

- To get to Otún Flora and Fauna Sanctuary you have to travel 14 kilometers - 45 minutes by car from Pereira to the orient by Otún River Shore, in La Suiza path 20 minutes away from Corregimiento de la Florida.  This majestic place is categorized by the National Park System as Flora and Fauna Sanctuary: lodging, restaurant, event saloons and tours by beautiful paths are some of the services that offer to its visitors. 

- From Salento Municipality, antique bridle path (5 hours). From Otún Lagoon, PNN Nevados, La Pastora, El Cedral, to La Suiza (8 hours). From the highway between Armenia and Pereira, corregimiento El Manzano, bridle path (4 hours).

Other Park Characteristics is the presence of a Biological path by the Ucumarí regional park that connects the Sanctuary with the Nevados Natural National Park. It contains a Mountain Range profile among 1.800 and 5.800 meters above sea level and has visitor’s centers among 1.800 and 2.400 meters, and 3.800 meters.

What to Visit

- The area has 2 natural interpretation paths of 1.5 Kilometers.
- A waterfall three kilometers away
- Otún River
- Barbo River
- Fish Farm Station

Tourist attractive in the proximities

- Marsella Botanical Garden
- Verde Town of Colombia
- Ucumarí Regional Park (La Pastora)
- PNN Nevados (Otún Lagoon)
- Coffee National Park (Montenegro-Quindío)
- Cocora Valley Biological Reservoir (Salento-Quindío)
- Santa Rosa de Cabal Hotsprings

Recommendations

- The nearest Hospital is located in Pereira city
- It is a wet area and is highly recommended take boots, appropriate clothes and garbage bags.
- Remember please do not contaminate the water sources and respect the natural environment