Since Colombia’s historic peace agreement in 2016, we are now able to welcome tourists to explore and enjoy the wonders of Serrania de las Quinchas.  For decades this area was a no-go area, due to armed conflict.  First was the ‘Green War’, a regional conflict between local power groups over emeralds found in the region. Then after the Green War ended in 1990, the area became a stronghold of paramilitary groups in Colombia’s national conflict, who moved into the area and violently displaced local people from their land. The paramilitary groups held control in the area during the late 1990’s until 2006 and during this time large areas of our forests were cleared for cattle and coca production (the plant used to make cocaine), which were used by them for financial gain.  

Now we have peace, our communities are united and working together to build a sustainable future in harmony with each other and nature.  Part of the plans are through the development of sustainable agriculture, like avocado and cocoa that can be done in harmony with the forest. The other crucial part of our plan is ecotourism where both people and nature benefit from tourism. As well as the chance to experience the exceptional nature around us, we also want to share with our guests our way of life. To give them a chance to share in our culture, enjoy a new environment and experience another way of living. 

In 2020 we received training from expert biologists including top scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew well as specialists in hospitality and tourism to complement our own cultural and social knowledge of the area to ensure we offer the best possible experience to each of our guests.