Guanentá Alto Río Fonce

The protected area serves as habitat for numerous endangered and endemic species, including the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque). Various species of hummingbirds, tanagers, and other Andean birds can be found here. The sanctuary also supports populations of white-tailed deer, pumas, and several endangered amphibian species.

The sanctuary protects extensive cloud forest vegetation and páramo ecosystems. Notable plant species include various orchids, bromeliads, and endemic oak trees. The area harbors significant stands of Andean wax palms (Ceroxylon quindiuense), Colombia's national tree. Multiple vegetation zones exist as elevation changes, from lower montane forests to high-altitude páramo plants.

The sanctuary features dramatic Andean topography characterized by steep mountain slopes, deep valleys, and exposed rock formations. Located in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, the area's geology consists primarily of sedimentary rocks, with elevations ranging from approximately 1,700 to 4,000 meters above sea level. Natural erosion processes have created distinctive landscape features.

The Guanentá Alto Río Fonce Sanctuary experiences a cool, humid climate typical of Andean cloud forests. Average temperatures range between 12-18°C (54-64°F), with frequent mists and rainfall throughout the year. The area receives significant precipitation that helps maintain its rich ecosystem, with slightly drier conditions from December to February.

This protected area was established in 1993 to preserve a crucial portion of Colombia's Eastern Cordillera. The sanctuary takes its name from the indigenous Guane people who historically inhabited the region and the Río Fonce that flows through it. Traditional land use in surrounding areas has included sustainable agriculture and cattle ranching.

Key attractions include the dramatic Río Fonce valley, extensive hiking trails offering panoramic mountain views, and opportunities for bird watching. The sanctuary contains important water sources that supply local communities. Its location within the Eastern Cordillera biological corridor makes it vital for species migration and genetic exchange between different Andean ecosystems.