Parque Regional Natural Ucumarí
An Andean cloud forest corridor east of Pereira, Parque Regional Natural Ucumarí is home to the spectacled bear, hundreds of bird species, and the Otún River, the city's water source.
Parque Regional Natural Ucumarí stretches across the Risaralda department, east of Pereira, in the heart of Colombie's central mountain range. This corridor of Andean forest and cloud forest links the city to the Reserva Natural Otún Quimbaya and Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados. It is one of the rare spaces where the spectacled bear, mountain tapir, and Andean condor coexist within the same protected territory.
Quick reference
- Access: from Pereira, reach El Cedral then La Pastora by road and trail; a 4×4 vehicle or hiking from the starting point is recommended.
- Recommended duration: minimum 2 days to explore the main trails and observe wildlife at dawn.
- What to wear: waterproof clothing, hiking boots, warm layers — fog and rain are frequent year-round.
- Entrance: access is regulated; check with CARDER (Risaralda's environmental authority) for permits and capacity.
What you'll see
The park spans several vegetation zones, from humid sub-Andean forest to high-altitude páramos. The Otún and Barbo rivers run through the territory, creating gorges and waterfalls. The canopy shelters hundreds of bird species, including the keeled-billed toucan and numerous endemic hummingbirds. Orchids and bromeliads carpet the trunks at every trail turn.
History and context
The park was created to protect the Otún River watershed, Pereira's drinking water source. CARDER has managed it since the 1980s. Today it forms a continuous biological corridor with Reserva Otún Quimbaya and Los Nevados, allowing species to move between altitude zones. Local communities participate in monitoring and ecotourism.
Highlights of your visit
La Pastora and its marked trails
La Pastora concentrates the main hiking trails. The spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) can be spotted with patience, especially at dawn. Local guides know the animal's usual passage zones.
Reserva Natural Otún Quimbaya
Nestled within the park, this reserve managed by Fundación Ecológica Las Mellizas offers rustic lodging and guided birdwatching trips. It is one of the best birdwatching sites in the coffee region.
The Otún River
Along the river, trails skirt rapids and natural pools. The water descends from Los Nevados glaciers; the clarity and coolness are striking even in the dry season.
Photography tips
Light is best in early morning, before fog rises. Hummingbirds can be photographed among bromeliad flowers between 7 and 9 a.m. Protect your equipment with waterproof covers: humidity is constant. Avoid flash near nocturnal or twilight-active animals.
Location and access
The park lies about 14 km east of Pereira's city center. The paved road ends at El Cedral; beyond, the track requires a 4×4 or hiking approach. Local agencies in Pereira organize transfers and guided stays. Wheelchair accessibility is very limited due to mountainous terrain and unimproved trails.
Nearby
- Reserva Natural Otún Quimbaya — nestled within the park, ideal for birdwatching and nights in an ecological lodge.
- Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados — the natural corridor continues toward the snow-capped volcanoes of the central range.
- Pereira — Risaralda's capital, the logistical starting point with hotels, restaurants, and hiking agencies.
- Salento — a coffee region village, less than an hour away, with access to the Cocora Valley and its towering wax palms.
Frequently asked questions
The least rainy months are December–January and July–August, but the park receives rainfall year-round. Always plan for complete waterproof gear.
Access is regulated by CARDER. It's advisable to contact this authority or a local Pereira agency before departing to verify entry conditions and daily capacity.
Reserva Natural Otún Quimbaya, within the park, offers lodge accommodations. Spots are limited; book in advance with Fundación Ecológica Las Mellizas.
Spectacled bears are present in the park, but sightings remain rare and not guaranteed. Dawn-guided trips in the La Pastora sector offer the best chances.
Some marked trails are accessible on your own, but a local guide is strongly recommended for wildlife observation, safety in mountainous terrain, and knowledge of regulated zones.
Yes. Pereira serves as a base for both destinations. Ucumarí is best visited over two days; Salento and Cocora can be added in an extra day from Pereira or Armenia.
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