Selva de Florencia National Park colombia| National Paks

Selva de Florencia colombia Overview

Selva de Florencia National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Selva de Florencia, is located in the Caldas Department of Colombia. This protected area covers approximately 39 square miles (100 square kilometers) and is part of the Colombian Andes, specifically within the Central Cordillera.

The park’s landscape is characterized by steep mountains, deep valleys, and dense cloud forests that remain humid year-round. Rivers such as the San Bartolomé and the Risaralda carve through the terrain, feeding into larger watersheds that support surrounding communities. The park’s lush vegetation consists of towering Andean trees, ferns, bromeliads, and orchids, creating an ecosystem rich in biodiversity.

This national park is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, some of which are endemic to the region. Among the most notable mammals are the spectacled bear, the mountain tapir, and the oncilla, a small wild cat.

The dense forests provide habitat for a diverse range of bird species, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching. Species such as the multicolored tanager, the Andean cock-of-the-rock, and the torrent duck can be spotted within the park’s canopy and rivers. Reptiles, amphibians, and a variety of insects also thrive in this environment, contributing to the park’s ecological significance.

Visitors are drawn to Selva de Florencia National Park for its pristine cloud forest and the opportunity to explore its remote, unspoiled landscapes. The park is not as heavily visited as other Colombian national parks, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking solitude.

Hiking trails wind through the forest, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. Guided tours allow visitors to learn about the park’s flora and fauna while ensuring minimal impact on the environment.

Birdwatching is particularly popular, as the park hosts numerous rare and endemic species. Additionally, small waterfalls and rivers provide picturesque spots for relaxation and photography.

Conservation efforts within the park focus on preserving its unique biodiversity and protecting its watersheds. The park faces challenges such as illegal deforestation, hunting, and encroachment from agricultural activities.

However, efforts by conservation organizations and local communities aim to mitigate these threats through environmental education and sustainable land-use practices. Reforestation initiatives and monitoring programs help ensure the continued protection of this fragile ecosystem.

The success of these conservation strategies has allowed the park to maintain its ecological integrity, supporting both the wildlife and the human communities that rely on its natural resources.

Park Map

Selva de Florencia National Park colombia Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Selva de Florencia National Park, located in the Central Andes of Colombia, is a stunning protected area covering approximately 10,019 hectares. It is known for its dense cloud forests, steep mountains, and rich biodiversity.

The park plays a vital role in water conservation, supplying freshwater to surrounding communities and serving as a refuge for many endangered and endemic species. Its diverse ecosystems range from lowland tropical forests to high-altitude montane forests, making it an important conservation area in Colombia.

Spectacled Bear
The only bear species in South America, the spectacled bear is a key species in the park’s cloud forests. It plays an important role in seed dispersal, helping maintain the health of the ecosystem.

Puma
This elusive predator roams the park’s forests, preying on deer, rodents, and other small mammals. It plays a crucial role in maintaining balance within the food chain.

Andean Tapir
Also known as the mountain tapir, this endangered herbivore thrives in the park’s high-altitude forests, feeding on vegetation and helping with seed dispersal.

Northern Pudu
One of the world’s smallest deer species, the northern pudu is a shy and elusive forest-dweller that feeds on leaves, fruits, and fungi in the park’s dense vegetation.

Colombian Weasel
One of the rarest mammals in South America, the Colombian weasel is a small but highly efficient predator that hunts rodents and amphibians in the park’s humid forests.

Andean Fox
A resourceful predator, the Andean fox is found in both the cloud forests and páramo regions of the park, preying on small mammals, birds, and insects.

Neotropical Otter
This semi-aquatic mammal is occasionally spotted in the park’s rivers and streams, where it hunts fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.

Giant Anteater
Equipped with powerful claws and a long, sticky tongue, the giant anteater specializes in consuming ants and termites, playing a crucial role in insect population control.

Lowland Paca
A nocturnal rodent, the lowland paca forages for fallen fruits and roots along the forest floor. It is an important prey species for larger carnivores.

Andean Frog
Several species of Andean frogs inhabit Selva de Florencia, many of which are endemic to Colombia. These amphibians are essential indicators of the park’s environmental health.

Birds

Selva de Florencia National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, featuring a diverse range of cloud forest, montane, and páramo bird species.

Multicolored Tanager
One of the most vibrant birds in the park, the multicolored tanager displays a brilliant combination of red, blue, green, and yellow plumage. It is highly sought after by birdwatchers.

Golden-plumed Parakeet
An endangered species, this bright green parakeet is found in the park’s cloud forests, where it feeds on fruits and nectar.

Andean Condor
One of the largest flying birds in the world, the Andean condor soars over the park’s cliffs and valleys, scavenging for carrion and playing 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 regulate prey populations.

Masked Trogon
With its stunning red and green plumage, the masked trogon is one of the most visually striking birds in the park. It thrives in the cloud forests, feeding on insects and small fruits.

White-capped Tanager
A large and rare tanager species, the white-capped tanager is often seen in flocks foraging for insects and fruit in the park’s high-altitude forests.

Sword-billed Hummingbird
This fascinating hummingbird has an extremely long bill, which it uses to feed on nectar from deep flowers, making it an essential pollinator.

Andean Guan
A large, turkey-like bird, the Andean guan forages for fruits and leaves in the cloud forests. It is a vital seed disperser that helps maintain plant diversity.

Rufous-bellied Nighthawk
A nocturnal species, the rufous-bellied nighthawk is often seen gliding over the cloud forests at dusk, hunting for insects.

Tawny Antpitta
A ground-dwelling bird commonly seen in the park’s páramo and montane forests, the tawny antpitta forages for insects and small invertebrates among the vegetation.

Selva de Florencia National Park’s rich cloud forests, high-altitude ecosystems, and pristine water sources make it one of Colombia’s most ecologically significant protected areas. Whether for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, or conservationists, the park offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the biodiversity and natural beauty of the Andean cloud forests.