Las Orquídeas National Natural Park (officially, Parque Nacional Natural Las Orquideas) is a protected natural area on the western slopes of the Andes mountains in the Antioquia region of Colombia. The park is named for the abundance of orchids and related flowering plants that thrive in its hilly forests.
Understand
[edit]The park covers an area of 28,700 hectares.
History
[edit]The park was established as part of the Colombian national parks system in 1974.
The park was historically occupied by the Embera Katio indigenous culture.
Landscape
[edit]The park is mountainous with steep cliffs, forested mountains slopes, and areas of paramo grassland, sometimes described as moors, at higher elevations. Elevations within the park range from 300 to 3,450 meters.
Flora and fauna
[edit]The park gets its name from the beautiful flowers found in its forests. Among the types of orchids that grow here naturally are Cattleya, Elleanthus, Restrepia, Lepanthes, Masdevallia, Maxillaria, Pleurothalis, Oncidium, Odontoglossum, Pescatorea, and Trigonidium.
Mammals in the park include the spectacled bear, puma, several types of peccary, guanacos, river nutria, and several types of monkey. There are more than 400 species of bird in the park including the dusky starfrontlet (which Colombians call the Inca of the Sun).
Climate
[edit]The air is generally humid and rainfalls within the park range from 2,500 mm at the highest elevations to more than 4,000 mm at lower elevations. Temperatures vary widely by elevation and the park records some of the lowest temperatures in the region. Temperatures in the humid tropical lowland forests average about 24 degrees Celsius while temperatures in the highlands are more likely to range from about 14 to 18 Celsius. April to November is the wet season.
Get in
[edit]The nearest city with a large commercial airport is Medellin. The closest town to the park is Santa Fe de Antioquia. To get from Medellin to Santa Fe, use a Sotra Urabe bus. Buses leave hourly from Medellin's Terminal Norte for the 90-minute ride in modern, air-conditioned buses. The fare is about US$10 (14,000 COP in July 2025).
Once in Santa Fe, you may be able to arrange a guided tour, which is a good idea since the park has little infrastructure. You may also be able to find a taxi to take you to the park entrance (about a 1-hour ride).
Fees and permits
[edit]Get around
[edit]Hike.
See
[edit]Do
[edit]- Hiking - a trail leads to the top of Cerro Morro Pelado, the highest point in the park
- Fishing - several rivers and streams flow through the park
Buy, eat and sleep
[edit]There are no stores within the park. Buy whatever you need before going to the park and remember to pack out any trash.
Sleep
[edit]Lodging
[edit]The nearest lodging is in Santa Fe de Antioquia. Lodging may also be available in some of the other towns that border the park.
Camping
[edit]Backcountry
[edit]Backcountry camping is allowed. Register at the ranger station.