Farallones de Cali National Park

Farallones de Cali Overview

Farallones de Cali National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Natural Farallones de Cali, is a vast protected area in western Colombia, covering approximately 580 square miles (1,500 square kilometers). Located in the Valle del Cauca Department, it is situated in the western Andes, just outside the city of Cali.

The park’s name comes from the striking Farallones de Cali mountain range, which rises dramatically from the landscape, forming a rugged and diverse terrain. The park extends from the tropical lowlands to high-altitude cloud forests, creating a range of ecosystems that support rich biodiversity.

The landscape of the park is characterized by steep mountain slopes, deep river valleys, and dense forests. The Farallones de Cali mountains, which reach elevations of over 13,000 feet (4,000 meters), are among the most prominent features, with jagged peaks and mist-covered summits.

Numerous rivers, such as the Pance, Anchicayá, and Cali rivers, originate within the park, supplying water to the surrounding regions. The park’s varied elevation leads to different vegetation zones, from humid tropical forests at lower altitudes to cloud forests and páramo ecosystems at higher elevations. Towering trees, moss-covered rocks, and a dense understory make up much of the forested areas, while orchids and bromeliads thrive in the misty upper regions.

The park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including some of Colombia’s most iconic species. Large mammals such as the spectacled bear, puma, and ocelot roam the dense forests, while smaller creatures like anteaters and armadillos are also present. The birdlife is especially remarkable, with over 540 recorded species.

Visitors might spot colorful Andean cock-of-the-rock, mountain tanagers, and toucans. The park is also a crucial habitat for rare and endangered birds, including the multicolored tanager and the Cauca guan. Reptiles and amphibians, such as poison dart frogs and various snake species, add to the park’s ecological richness.

Popular attractions in the park include the Pance River, a well-known spot for swimming and picnicking, as well as hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints and waterfalls. The Anchicayá River basin is another area of interest, particularly for birdwatchers looking to observe rare species in their natural habitat.

The rugged mountains provide opportunities for adventure seekers, with challenging trekking routes and rewarding panoramic views. Cloud forest trails offer an immersive experience in the park’s diverse flora and fauna, while the páramo regions present a unique high-altitude environment rarely found elsewhere.

Visitors can explore the park in several ways, including guided hikes, birdwatching tours, and river excursions. The Pance sector, close to Cali, is a popular entry point, where visitors can enjoy nature walks and refreshing swims in the clear waters of the Pance River.

More adventurous travelers may embark on multi-day treks into the remote areas of the park, where the pristine landscapes and secluded wilderness offer a true escape into nature. Birdwatching is a major draw, as the park is one of the best places in Colombia to observe rare and endemic species.

Conservation efforts in the park focus on protecting its unique ecosystems from threats such as deforestation, illegal hunting, and habitat degradation. The park’s management works with local communities to promote sustainable tourism and environmental education.

Conservation programs have helped protect key species like the spectacled bear, while ongoing research initiatives aim to monitor and preserve the park’s biodiversity. Despite challenges, the park remains a crucial stronghold for Colombia’s wildlife and an important refuge for many threatened species.

Park Map

Farallones de Cali National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Farallones de Cali National Park, located in the Western Andes of Colombia, is a stunning protected area known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, cloud forests, and páramo ecosystems. Covering over 196,000 hectares, the park is home to the towering Farallones de Cali, a series of rugged peaks that create a unique habitat for a vast diversity of species. Due to its range of altitudes, from tropical rainforests to high-altitude páramo, the park supports some of Colombia’s most remarkable wildlife.

Popular Wildlife in Farallones de Cali National Park

Spectacled Bear
The only bear species in South America, the spectacled bear inhabits the park’s cloud forests and high-altitude páramo. It is a shy and elusive species that plays a vital role in seed dispersal.

Puma
A highly adaptable predator, the puma roams the park’s dense forests and rugged mountains. It hunts deer, rodents, and other small mammals, maintaining ecological balance.

Andean Tapir
This endangered species, also known as the mountain tapir, is an essential herbivore in the high-altitude forests of Farallones. It helps maintain plant diversity by dispersing seeds.

Lowland Paca
A nocturnal rodent that prefers dense vegetation, the lowland paca feeds on fruits and leaves. It is an important prey species for large carnivores like jaguars and pumas.

Ocelot
This small and elusive wild cat hunts in the park’s dense forests, preying on rodents, birds, and reptiles. It is known for its strikingly patterned coat.

Neotropical Otter
This semi-aquatic mammal inhabits the park’s rivers and streams, hunting for fish, amphibians, and crustaceans. Its presence is an indicator of clean and healthy water ecosystems.

Andean Fox
A resourceful predator, the Andean fox is found throughout the park, feeding on small mammals, birds, and insects. It is commonly seen in the páramo and montane forests.

Mountain Coati
A relative of the raccoon, the mountain coati is an agile climber that forages for fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. It is often seen moving through the forest canopy.

Northern Pudu
One of the world’s smallest deer species, the northern pudu is a shy, forest-dwelling herbivore that feeds on leaves, fruits, and fungi in the montane forests of the park.

Andean Frog
Several species of Andean frogs inhabit the park’s cloud forests, including many that are endemic to Colombia. These amphibians thrive in the cool, moist conditions.

Birds

Farallones de Cali National Park is an incredible birdwatching destination, home to many endemic and high-altitude species.

Multicolored Tanager
One of the most vibrant birds in the park, the multicolored tanager features bright blue, red, green, and yellow plumage. It is a highly sought-after species for birdwatchers.

Andean Condor
A symbol of the Andes, the Andean condor soars above the park’s cliffs and valleys. This large scavenger plays a vital role in the ecosystem.

Black-and-chestnut Eagle
A powerful bird of prey, the black-and-chestnut eagle hunts small mammals and birds in the park’s forests, helping control prey populations.

Golden-headed Quetzal
A close relative of the resplendent quetzal, this bird has iridescent green feathers and a golden head. It thrives in the park’s high-altitude forests.

Masked Trogon
With its stunning red and green plumage, the masked trogon is commonly seen in the park’s cloud forests, where it feeds on insects and small fruits.

Sword-billed Hummingbird
This fascinating hummingbird has an extremely long bill, which it uses to feed on nectar from deep flowers. It is an essential pollinator in the park’s montane forests.

Tanager Finch
A rare and beautiful species, the tanager finch is typically found in the cloud forests. Its striking colors and melodic song make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

Toucan Barbet
A striking bird with a black, red, and yellow body, the toucan barbet is an important seed disperser in the park’s forests.

White-capped Dipper
Often found along fast-flowing streams, this unique bird hunts aquatic insects by diving into the water.

Buffy Helmetcrest
An endangered hummingbird species, the buffy helmetcrest is found exclusively in páramo ecosystems. It has adapted to feeding on high-altitude flowers, making it a key pollinator in this fragile environment.

Farallones de Cali National Park’s mix of soaring peaks, lush cloud forests, and páramo landscapes make it one of Colombia’s most ecologically significant protected areas. Its combination of rare wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and excellent birdwatching opportunities make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and conservationists.