Immersion in the three Colombian mountain ranges in 2024!
By Jéssica Amortegui
THE CLASSIC OF THE ANDES AND THE “TRES CORDILLERAS”
16 days of exploration through the mountain ranges of Colombia that make up the great Andes Mountains! From January 29th to February 13th, 2024, get ready to immerse yourself in an epic journey.
The imposing Andes Mountains, which traverses seven South American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and part of Venezuela), offers us the opportunity to admire its impressive geological formations in our country. Upon entering Colombia, this mountain range divides into three main branches: western, central, and eastern. Each of these slopes exhibits its own characteristics and elevations, ranging from 3000 to 5000 meters above sea level. This geographical phenomenon distinguishes us in South America, granting us a unique singularity in the region that not only shapes our landscape but also harbors unparalleled geographical, cultural, and biological richness, being the very essence of Colombia.
During these 16 days, you’ll have the opportunity to visit some Natural National Parks such as: Chingaza National Natural Park, Nevado del Ruiz , and Nevado del Tolima, which are part of Los Nevados National Natural Park, and Tatamá National Natural Park.
And this is just a glimpse of the immersion that the páramo offers!
These protected areas host an emblematic ecosystem: the páramo, a diverse landscape composed of grasslands, peatlands, shrubs, marshes, and lagoons, accompanied by Andean and high-Andean forests.
Our páramos are fundamental and vital ecosystems due to their role in regulating the hydrological cycle, crucial for supplying water for human consumption and the economic development of over 70% of Colombian inhabitants. These areas, besides maintaining an excellent state of conservation, serve as the intact natural refuge for a wide variety of plant and animal species.
It’s important to highlight that Colombia hosts the world’s largest páramo, known as Sumapaz, and possesses the greatest diversity of frailejones species (Espeletia genus), which are key plants in páramo ecosystems. There’s evidence of up to 98 identified species to date, and it’s estimated that even more species could be discovered.
Lastly, we have the Otún Quimbaya Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, a protected area nestled within a mosaic of conservation figures in the upper basin of the Otún River. It represents a sample of sub-Andean jungle in very good conservation condition.
Besides the National Parks, you’ll be able to visit reserves and farms such as La Romera Reserve, Yellow Parrot Reserve, Cock of the Rock Lek Reserve, La Bambusa Farm, El Bosque Farm, Montezuma Reserve, and Mana Dulce Reserve. These are places where hosts, passionate about nature, share their knowledge and open their doors not only to preserve biodiversity but also to invite you to discover the richness of local culture.
Intercultural exchange awaits at every step, allowing you to immerse yourself in local traditions and, of course, in the exquisite cuisine that reflects the unique identity of the region. Meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients serve as a window into the history and heart of the community. Throughout this journey across the Colombian Andes, a variety of birds gather, including Hummingbirds, Antpittas, Tapaculos, Tanagers, Fruiteaters, and more than 450 species waiting to be discovered.
Some of these highlight birds are:
Tatama Tapaculo, Antioquia Wren, Apical Flycatcher, Black Inca, Black-and-gold Tanager, Brown-banded Antpitta, Brown-breasted Parakeet, Buffy Helmetcrest, Cauca Guan, Chestnut Wood-Quail, Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer, Colombian Chachalaca, Crested Ant-Tanager, Dusky Starfrontlet, Fuerte´s Parrot, Golden-plumed Parakeet, Gold-ringed Tanager, Green-bearded Helmetcrest, Greyish Piculet, Mask Saltator, Multicolored Tanager, Munchique Wood-Wren, Parker´s Antbird, Red-bellied Grackle, Rufous-fronted Parakeet, Silvery-throated Spinetail, Stile´s Tapaculo, Tolima Blossomcrown Velvet-fronted Euphonia, Tolima Dove, Yellow headed Brush-Finch, Yellow-eared Parrot, Yellow-headed Manakin.
Colombia, a blend of colors, aromas, and smiles, welcomes you with open arms. This journey offers you a unique connection with the country’s three mountain ranges.
So, why not consider Colombia as your destination to receive next year?
Start off 2024 immersed in our vibrant musical joy, the welcoming warmth of our people, and all the diversity that defines us. Let all your senses connect with the richness and authenticity of our Colombia.
Find more information at the following link:
https://www.manakinnaturetours.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/1.-ITINERARY-CLASSIC-ANDES-CHOCO.pdf
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