EcoTours

Serranía de las Quinchas

We are the guardians of the exceptional forests that surround us and the wildlife within them, but it is not an easy task.  Despite their global conservation importance, the forests of Serranía de las Quinchas are coming under growing pressure from loggers, agriculture and mining.  By giving nature an economic value and creating a sustainable form of income for our communities, we passionately believe ecotourism has a key role to play to help protect these forests for us, our children and generations to come.

By staying as our guest, your visit will enrich you with a wealth of natural and cultural experiences.  It will also directly contribute to our communities and support us as we work in a united effort to protect our forests, bring peace and stability to our communities and improve our living conditions.

Our Activities

There are a host of activities you can enjoy during your time with us.  Here are some of our favourites:

  • Walk the gently undulating pathway along the mountain ridge to the Cave of the Skull, through forests alive with birdsong and the chance to see the endemic white mantled barbet and howler monkeys.
  • Identify exceptional and beautiful birdlife that will thrill novice and experienced birders alike, with 368 bird species, some found nowhere else on earth and 29 species of hummingbirds.
  • Get up close to some of the rare butterfly species that fill our forests with a guided visit to one of the butterfly farms found in the village of Las Quinchas.
  • Hear first-hand from our farming families about their initiatives to farm cocoa and avocado sustainably. Learn from them how to milk a cow or prepare your own sugar cane from cutting the cane to producing the unrefined sugar.
  • Swim in our crystalline rivers and springs. Surrounded by lush forests filled with butterflies and birds, your swim will be a short but glorious one as the water is cool but the surroundings are spectacular!
  • Walk the trail of the orchids in the villages of la Quinchas, el Generales and Altazor highlighting the spectacular plant life found in our forests.
  • Experience the majesty of our regions many waterfalls surrounded by verdant forest, such as La Cobre and Arcoiris
  • Share our celebrations and religious festivals, the most notable of which are those dedicated to the Virgin Mary, celebrated at the statue of the Virgin Mary at Pizarra.
  • Try your hand at the traditional Colombia throwing game of Tejo and Minitejo, developed in our region over 450 years ago by indigenous warriors and involves throwing a ball at an explosive target (described as ‘explosive lawn darts’!).
  • Hear the myths and legends from our region, and the important role minerals from the earth and our mountains have played in our history and development.
  • Soak up some truly spectacular mountain scenery with jagged peaks and mountains cloaked in lush green forests. Time it right and you will be treated to some spectacular sunrises or sunsets too.